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Consigning Heirlooms with Confidence
Consignment to Auction.....A Step by Step Guide
At Thomaston Place Auction Galleries, we offer a full service approach to guide
and support consignors throughout the auction process. From the moment an item
is consigned to our gallery through payment of sale proceeds, it is methodically
handled with a goal of generating the highest possible return to the consignor.
1. Evaluating Your Items
The first step in the consignment process is an assessment of your item(s) by
our professional appraisers; Kaja Veilleux or John D. Bottero. These
assessments can be obtained:
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By setting up a "house call" or walk through of your home if you have a large
number of items and/or oversized furniture;
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By visiting our Gallery on any Free Appraisal Day (every Tuesday between
10:00 a.m. and noon, or between 1:30 and 4:00 p.m.);
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By sending a photo inquiry to us by mail (to P.O. Box 300, Thomaston, ME
04861) or email (appraisal@kajav.com); or
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At appraisal events we periodically conduct for not-for-profit
organizations.
The result of this evaluation is a "e;fair market value"e; or auction sales
estimate for your item based on recent sales of comparable items. Based on this
result, you and the appraiser may discuss whether it is suitable for auction and
if our services are the right match for your specific needs.
2. The Consignment Agreement
Once you have decided to consign your item for auction, you will receive our
consignment agreement to review and sign. This agreement provides a detailed
description of the terms included in our handling of your treasured property.
In most
cases, we can arrange to have your item brought or shipped to the Gallery. When
we take possession, we will complete a Consignment Inventory Sheet. You will
receive a copy of each of these documents for your records
3. Preparation of Items for Auction
We meticulously handle each item to ensure it has maximum visibility and appeal
in the auction catalog and on the Gallery floor.
Research:
We draw upon the knowledge of our appraisers, staff researcher, plus our
extensive reference library, expert contacts, and resources, to develop a
detailed description of your item.
Timing:
We will place your item in the auction that will provide the best sales
potential for that type of merchandise.
Photography:
Your item is professionally photographed in our state of the art studio. These
photographs highlight details that will build interest and instill confidence
among prospective bidders.
Catalogs & Fliers:
We produce high quality, color catalogs and fliers to build interest and provide
information on the items that will be offered at the upcoming auction.
4.
Marketing for Worldwide Visibility
To ensure that your item is viewed by the largest possible number of potential
bidders, each upcoming auction receives extensive national and international
marketing.
Mailing List:
Auction fliers and catalogs are sent to private buyers, museums and dealers from
our data base. Additionally, auction fliers are distributed to local shops and
galleries.
Direct marketing:
Our data base includes specific interests of tens of thousands of private
collectors, museums, and dealers around the world. This gives us the ability to
match items in upcoming auctions with likely bidders in order to increase sales
results.
Advertising:
We place advertising in national and international arts and antiques trade
publications highlighting our upcoming sales.
Press Releases:
A press release is sent to major trade press and newspapers in advance of each
auction. Editorial coverage further supports awareness and excitement about
each upcoming sale.
Internet Posting:
All auction listings are uploaded to the internet at least two weeks before the
sale to broaden exposure of your item to millions of people worldwide.
5. The Preview
Our Gallery is open for previews to the public 5 to 7 days prior to the
auction. At this time, all items to be sold at the auction are available for
in-depth examination by potential buyers. Our preview displays transform our
Gallery into a museum of antique and fine art treasure s.
Your item will be carefully positioned within this display to maximize its
visibility and appeal on the Gallery floor.
During the preview, people can also contact us by telephone or email to ask
questions or request further information about auction items.
6. The Auction
Thomaston Place differs from other auction houses in that Kaja and John provide
useful information about each item as it comes to the podium for sale. This
adds interest to each auction and attracts many additional live spectators (who
become bidders) to the Gallery.
 Bidders can participate in the auction by:
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Bidding live from the auction gallery floor;
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By placing absentee bids in advance of the auction;
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Bidding live on the telephone;
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Or, by bidding live on the internet.
This means that thousands of people around the world are viewing and able to bid
in each of our sales. We also provide delicious catering and comfortable
seating, and attendance at each sale is free and open to the public. You are
welcome to view the auction live in the Gallery or on the internet at
www.ebayliveauctions.com.
Photo by Mark Sisco, Maine Antiques Digest
7. Post Auction Communication
All auction results are posted at our website (www.thomastonauction.com) within
24 hours after the sale ends.A report of items sold will be mailed to you within 2 weeks after the auction.
A check for your auction proceeds (minus commission and any other pre-agreed
costs) will be sent as per the terms of the agreement. If your item fails to
sell, you will have the option of reclaiming it or allowing us to retain it for
a future auction
The Thomaston Place
Auction Advantage
Experience -
Our team of appraisers and auction professionals share over 50 years of
experience in handling antiques and fine art.
Persistence -
We work hard to ensure your item is fully researched, described and represented
to maximize its appeal to potential buyers.
Worldwide Exposure -
Your item will be viewed by an international audience as a result of our
extensive advertising, direct marketing, internet, and publicity.
Strategic Marketing -
We communicate with our large base of specialized private collectors and dealers
to ensure that potential buyers have information about your item.
Competitive Format
- The auction format requires multiple bidders to compete, allowing your item to
reach its top market value.
Flexibility -
We make it easy for people to bid for your item - in person, absentee, on the
telephone, or via the internet.
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