How to Sell at Auction: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Selling at auction is one of the best ways to achieve fair market value for antiques, collectables, jewellery, and specialist items. This guide explains the entire process, from initial valuation to receiving your payment.
Step 1: Get a Free Valuation
The first step is to find out what your items are worth. At Clumber Auction House, we offer free valuations with no obligation to sell. You can:
- Bring items to our saleroom in Dinnington, Sheffield
- Email photographs to info@clumberauctionhouse.com
- Arrange a free home visit for larger collections
Step 2: Consign Your Items
If you decide to sell, you will complete a consignment form. This documents the items being entered into the auction and confirms the agreed commission rate and any reserve prices.
What is a Reserve Price?
A reserve is the minimum price you are willing to accept. If bidding does not reach the reserve, the item is “bought in” (unsold). Your auctioneer will advise on setting realistic reserves to maximise your chances of a sale.
Step 3: Cataloguing and Photography
Our team photographs and describes each lot for the auction catalogue. Items are listed online ahead of the sale, giving potential buyers time to research and plan their bidding. Good descriptions and photographs attract more interest and higher prices.
Step 4: The Auction
On sale day, your items are presented to a room full of bidders — plus online bidders from across the UK and beyond. Our experienced auctioneers create excitement and competition to achieve the best possible prices.
Step 5: Payment
After the auction, you will receive a settlement statement detailing each lot sold, the hammer price, and the commission deducted. Payment is typically made within 15–21 working days after the sale.
Understanding Auction Commission Rates
Auction houses charge commission to the seller (and separately to the buyer via the buyer’s premium). At Clumber Auction House:
- Seller’s commission: 15% + VAT of the hammer price
- No lotting fees — We do not charge per-lot entry fees
- No unsold fees — If your item does not sell, there is no charge
- Insurance: Items are covered by our insurance whilst in our care
Example: If your item sells for £200 hammer price, you would receive £200 minus £36 (15% + VAT commission) = £164.
What Sells Well at Auction?
Almost anything can be sold at auction, but items that consistently perform well include:
- Gold, silver, and precious jewellery
- Antique furniture (Georgian, Victorian, mid-century)
- Art — original paintings, signed prints, sculptures
- Coins, medals, and banknotes
- Militaria — uniforms, medals, weapons, ephemera
- Vintage toys — Dinky, Corgi, Hornby, Lego
- Comics — especially Silver Age Marvel and DC
- Quality tools and industrial equipment
Start Selling Today
Submit your items online or contact us to arrange a free valuation. Call 01909 560 005 or email info@clumberauctionhouse.com.