How to Consign Autographs to an Auction House
Form a list of item(s) you plan to submit to an auction house or auction company., Add details to your list with as much pertinent information as possible., Include a biographical description if the autograph is by a notable person that is not...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Form a list of item(s) you plan to submit to an auction house or auction company.
For example, descriptions of autographed manuscripts and documents need to include type of autograph e.g. typed letter signed, handwritten letter signed, size, date, and condition.
Descriptions of books containing autographs need to include information about the book e.g is it a first edition? and condition of accompanying dust jacket.
Potential buyers also need to know details of any inscription that accompanies an autograph on a book or photograph. ,, This number is the least amount of payment you are willing to accept on the sale of your item.
Setting the bottom limit protects you from having your item sold at an unreasonably low price or at a significant loss. , Check autograph collecting publications, such as "Autograph Collector"
that list advertisers from autograph auction companies, and websites like Roger Epperson's Autograph Alert Truth for reviews of autograph auction houses. , For example, some auction houses specialize in autographs from famous sports personalities, others may specialize in notable personalities who have autographed stocks and bonds. , Public records show that "Remember When Auctions" and "RRAuctions" have been involved in lawsuits related to autograph fraud.
The Universal Autograph Collectors Club has issued warnings on at least one autograph auction company from New Hampshire. , Autograph auction houses usually supply their terms on request.
Often, this information is downloadable from their website. , Unless you are a professional autograph dealer, the auction company should take responsibility for proper evaluation of your autographs, and also provide guarantees of authenticity to their customers. , Is the auctioneer properly licensed in states that require licensing? Is the auctioneer a full-time autograph dealer or a front for an autograph dealer? , Be prepared to send them copies of your autographs. , This includes commissions, production costs, catalog photos, mailing and packaging, applicable taxes, and interest on cash advances.
Get all of their fees in writing before proceeding further. ,, -
Step 2: Add details to your list with as much pertinent information as possible.
-
Step 3: Include a biographical description if the autograph is by a notable person that is not immediately recognizable.
-
Step 4: Add a net reserve for each item on your list.
-
Step 5: Avoid auction houses that have consistently low customer rankings or a high number of complaints.
-
Step 6: Form a list of potentially suitable auction houses.
-
Step 7: Review public legal records to become aware of auction houses that have been subject to litigation because of autograph fraud.
-
Step 8: Review the terms of consignment for the autograph auction.
-
Step 9: Some autograph auction companies require that you guarantee your consignment and indemnify the auction company from any form of buyer remorse.
-
Step 10: Look over the background of the auctioneer.
-
Step 11: Submit your list to several autograph auction houses.
-
Step 12: Obtain proposed fees for everything the autograph auction company charges.
-
Step 13: Remember
-
Step 14: the autograph auction business is highly competitive and you are in a position to negotiate favorable terms
-
Step 15: especially if your autographed material is in high demand.
-
Step 16: Select the auction company that passes your background check
-
Step 17: gives you a reasonable deal
-
Step 18: and one that you feel comfortable working with.
Detailed Guide
For example, descriptions of autographed manuscripts and documents need to include type of autograph e.g. typed letter signed, handwritten letter signed, size, date, and condition.
Descriptions of books containing autographs need to include information about the book e.g is it a first edition? and condition of accompanying dust jacket.
Potential buyers also need to know details of any inscription that accompanies an autograph on a book or photograph. ,, This number is the least amount of payment you are willing to accept on the sale of your item.
Setting the bottom limit protects you from having your item sold at an unreasonably low price or at a significant loss. , Check autograph collecting publications, such as "Autograph Collector"
that list advertisers from autograph auction companies, and websites like Roger Epperson's Autograph Alert Truth for reviews of autograph auction houses. , For example, some auction houses specialize in autographs from famous sports personalities, others may specialize in notable personalities who have autographed stocks and bonds. , Public records show that "Remember When Auctions" and "RRAuctions" have been involved in lawsuits related to autograph fraud.
The Universal Autograph Collectors Club has issued warnings on at least one autograph auction company from New Hampshire. , Autograph auction houses usually supply their terms on request.
Often, this information is downloadable from their website. , Unless you are a professional autograph dealer, the auction company should take responsibility for proper evaluation of your autographs, and also provide guarantees of authenticity to their customers. , Is the auctioneer properly licensed in states that require licensing? Is the auctioneer a full-time autograph dealer or a front for an autograph dealer? , Be prepared to send them copies of your autographs. , This includes commissions, production costs, catalog photos, mailing and packaging, applicable taxes, and interest on cash advances.
Get all of their fees in writing before proceeding further. ,,
About the Author
Theresa Fisher
Experienced content creator specializing in pet care guides and tutorials.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: