Since the time of the Roman Empire, Auctions have been recognized as the fastest way to reach the fairest and ‘best’ price for any item. During the 17th century, catalogued auctions became common in France and elsewhere on the Continent, and today internet technology has made worldwide, real-time bidder participation possible. Our auctions reach a market that is 13,000,000+ bidders strong with LiveAuctioneers, and our existing customer base stretches across 37 countries with strong international antiquities interest. Simply put, we are one of the best options for bringing Prehistoric Collectibles and collectibles of any kind to market! As of January 2019 we had held more LiveAuctioneers.com Auctions than any other auctioneer or auction house in the State of Kentucky!! With the transparency the auction format provides, there can be no question about the results – this may be especially important in the case of an estate or private individual.
Consignment with The Artifact Company is a relatively painless process. Whether you are considering selling just a few pieces or an entire collection, over the years we’ve managed to streamline the process to make it as painless as possible…all while answering all of the concerns many people have about the process. We have a sample consignment contract available for preview at the bottom of this page. Call us at 1-800-466-3836 with questions or to start the process with our guidance.
The Consignment Process
Step 1. Identify items and document the consignment.
This is different than cataloging that takes place here at our offices. If you are preparing to send items in, please include a list with any additional information such as provenance of find, previous ownership, etc that would be useful to potential bidders. General photographs of the items will be helpful to identify all items consigns should any confusion arise about the state of the consignment. As a rule, whenever we pick items up for a consignment we photo-document every piece for potential reference.
Step 2. Review the contract terms and make necessary adjustments.
Let’s face it, no two consignments are ever alike, and taking a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach is usually not the best way to approach an auction. Except where legally prohibited, we regularly negotiate terms that differ from the wording in the contract specifically as it relates to commissions, terms of reserve or return, any unique situations that may be mutually beneficial. Remember, we work primarily for you as your agent! We both benefit from the auction process by making decisions that will best facilitate a positive experience. Don’t be scared by the wording of a contract, the vast majority of the time the only questions you should be concerned with is ‘How much is this going to cost me?’ and ‘How quickly can that happen?’ We do allow reasonable reserves to be placed on items such that your best items are protected. In some cases, the Auction format is not the best location for a piece, and in those cases we may suggest our retail brokerage.
Step 3. Get the Consignment to Us.
We can come to you in some cases as long as you are within 500 miles of our offices. We have met folks halfway in some instances to collect items for auction. We have great luck with simple direct shipment of items via the US Postal service as well.
Step 4. We Catalog, Photograph, and List your Items in an Auction
We undertake all of the work of describing, identifying, valuing, photography and editing, publishing and promoting the auction. Depending on your consignment, we may not list everything in the first possible sale.
Step 5. Tell your friends about the upcoming auction!
This is one of the most overlooked options by consignors. Many people forget to tell their collecting buddies and friends that their items are coming up for sale.. While we have a large audience already at each and every one of our sales, don’t leave out those potential buyers that only YOU know about!
Step 6. Consignment Settlement
In the majority of consignments, after an auction – typically on the 30th day due to authenticity guarantees, we issue a complete accounting of the results of the auction and how any commissions have been calculated, along with a check. Simple.