Consignment

Eldred’s charges a commission based on a percentage of the hammer price for each lot sold. Commissions vary and are based on the total dollar amount of the consignment. An Eldred’s sales professional will provide a written contract with a schedule of all commissions and fees at the time of consignment.   In addition to the commission, there is a 1.5% insurance fee based on the low estimate of an item. There are normally no additional charges for transportation, storage, photography, minor repairs, cleaning, sales preparation, cataloging, record keeping, and promotion. 

Because prices realized at auction reflect most accurately an item's current market value, auctions have progressively become the most preferred and reliable means of liquidating property.

Eldred's conducts specialized auctions throughout the year. Our auction expertise covers many areas of fine art, antiques, and decorative arts including Americana, Marine art, American and European decorative arts and paintings, Asian Art, Oriental rugs, decoys, antique tools, and collectibles.

At Eldred's we promote our sales vigorously so that your consignments attract the interest and consideration of the many collectors and dealers who attend our auctions. We advertise regularly in the major antique trade journals, magazines and regional newspapers.

We exhibit your fine art and antiques prior to the auction in our galleries, creating a tasteful setting with attention to detail. We prepare quality illustrated catalogs for all of our major sales. In addition, our computerized mailing list, e-mail newsletter and website provide potential buyers with highlights of sales well in advance of each auction.

Auctions provide a safe, effective means of selling your valuables. Prices realized at auctions reflect most accurately an item's current market value. Not only is selling at auction a profitable option, it is also an uncomplicated process involving six basic steps.

1. Evaluation of Items: One of our appraisers will work with you to determine whether items are appropriate for sale at auction. Evaluations are normally made at our gallery but can often be made at your home or through photographs.
2. Consignment Agreement: Our low commission rate covers transportation, storage, photography, minor repairs, sale preparation, cataloging, record keeping, and promotion. Insurance is charged at a rate of 1% based on the low end of the estimate of the item.
3. Appropriate Auction: We will place your consigned items into the most appropriate auction in a timely, efficient manner, followed by proper promotion through our printed catalogs, brochures and advertising.
4. Exhibition of Consignments: We strive to design our exhibit gallery in a tasteful manner to ensure optimum exposure to interested buyers. For potential buyers unable to attend the auction, we provide absentee and telephone bidding, affording your consignments even more valuable exposure. All of our auctions are held simultaneously online at www.invaluable.com.
5. Sale of consignments: Items are sold through our professionally conducted, well-attended auctions.
6. Payment: Auction proceeds and a thorough reporting of sales results are mailed to consignors within 30 days after auctioneer's receipt of payment from the buyer.

Click here to review the terms of our Consignment Contract

AN IMPORTANT NOTE TO EXECUTORS

Eldred's provides complete estate appraisal and liquidation services of personal property. We will arrange removal and disposal of all items through auctions, or, if deemed appropriate, through another effective means. Eldred's will work with executors to provide appropriate documentation for accounting and tax purposes.

If you would like to consign items with Eldred's, please contact us by e-mail, or call us at 508-385-3116.

Last updated: April 5, 2019