selling an antique

wheresmydoshat

I have been asked to sell an antique which has been valued at around £7,000 by an auction house recently.

The seller had planned to sell through this auction house, but they have asked for a very large sum just to collect the item (it is very heavy).

Now I realise that ebay is not the best place to sell this, but the only other option would be to do the collection myself and charge less than the auction house. This of course comes with its own risks.

I don't want to miss out on a potential earner, so any advice would be appreciated.

cyberbob

Personally I would have another look into auction houses. Have a look at more than one. They are more likely to get the sort of buyers and interest that an item like that would require

Norma_Desmond

I've bought and sold antiques at auction for years and I've never come across any auction house that charges for 'pick up'.
It must be a *good* piece if it's valued at £7,000 - have you thought of contacting any of the big auction houses ie Sothebys, Christies or Bonhams?
All have specialist sales and will value/collect your item for free if they want to include it in one of their sales.
Just watch out for their commission charges tho' - not cheap!

cyberbob

Norma_Desmond wrote: »

Just watch out for their commission charges tho' - not cheap!

FVF for auction houses normally average around 15%

wheresmydoshat

thanks for info.

i have done the right thing and advised them to try again, as although i would like the business i do not feel i can help in this instance and would rather the clients trust in me remain intact.

Saffronsmum

Hi, my husband works at an auction house, if an item is given a high valuation i think they will pick up for free (depending on distance).

You could try and find a dealer/expert/collector to buy it off you, some will come to your house to look/buy.