Consignment Process - Thomaston Auction
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New England’s Trusted Auction & Appraisal Professionals.
OFFICE LOCATION
51 Atlantic Hwy
Thomaston, ME 04861
207-354-8141 • 800-924-1032
info@thomastonauction.com
CONSIGNMENT

Consignment Process

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. These assessments can be obtained:

  • By setting up a "house call" or walk through of your home if you have a large number of items and/or oversized furniture;
  • 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.);
  • By sending a photo inquiry to us by email to appraisal@thomastonauction.com; or
  • At appraisal events, we periodically conduct for not-for-profit organizations.

The result of this evaluation will provide an auction estimate range 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.

Appraisals
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 provide a receipt for the items in our possession 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 we believe will provide the best sales potential for that type of merchandise.

Photography: Your item will be 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 in 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 database. Additionally, auction fliers are distributed to local shops and galleries.

Direct marketing: Our database includes specific interests of tens of thousands of private collectors, museums, and dealers around the world and is updated regularly to include new buyers building collections. 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: Press Releases are sent to many 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 the exposure of your item to millions of people worldwide. Each online listing is searchable and potential buyers will be notified when key items they are interested in are made available. 

Consignment to Auction
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 treasures. Your item will be carefully positioned within this display to maximize its visibility and appeal on the Gallery floor.

Potential buyers that can not attend the preview to view items in person can also contact us by telephone or email to ask questions or request further information about items they are interested in.

Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
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 may become bidders) to the Gallery. Bidders can participate in the auction by:

  • Bidding live from the auction gallery floor;
  • By placing absentee bids in advance of the auction;
  • Bidding live on the telephone;
  • Or, by bidding live online.

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 also welcome to view the auction online at Thomaston Live, Invaluable, or Live Auctioneers.

The Auction
Photo by Mark Sisco, Maine Antiques Digest
7. Post Auction Communication

All auction results are posted on 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.

Learn more About Us.

Post Auction Communication
Kaja Veilleux, ME AUC902
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