Auction Houses Charge if reserve price is not met

RFW

Tim_Richmond wrote: »

I was quoted by an Auction house in Surrey the following charges. 15% commission up £1000 then 10% therafter. Loss and damage warranty 1.5%. Marketing and Internet listings £10 an item (sold or unsold). Catalogue Illustration £10 an item (sold or unsold).A reserve price must be deemed as reasonable by the auction house and agreed by both parties. Do these fees all seem about average.

It depends what you're selling and the auction house. If you sell an item for £100 you'll barely get £50 back for it. The internet and catalogue charges seem ridiculous, that should be what the commission is for. Whether they're a good saleroom is for you to find out or decide. £20 per item whether it sells or not is not a bad little earner.

hollydays

I put a painting in the same auction house that had sold it for £70-didn't even get a bid this time.in 5 years artists can become less popular , it's usually up to the auction house whether it gets put in the fine art sale or otherwise.prices on paintings are notoriously fickle.