questions to ask when consigning to auction houses?

[sports-rings]

I will be bringing a couple of high value items to the National and for the first time I will be consigning items to auction houses.

I have done some research on prices realized and have narrowed my choices to 3 or 4 companies. While I feel Robert Edward Auctions is the best fit for my baseball items, I want to consign some football and basketball memorabilia during my visit to the National so my choice will not involve REA who I believe does not set up at the show anyway.

The 3 or 4 companies, they all have solid reputations. I have come up with one important question to ask: Once I turn an item over, is the auction house insured for any and all losses due to anything from theft, fire, employee theft, losing an item in transport back to their headquarters and even loss of an item in shipping to the auction winner? I believe I will ask for a copy of their insurance declaration page or proof of insurance letter.

What other questions should I be asking? Any help and guidance would be appreciated.

[drc]

I would imagine they're insured for loss,damage, etc, but you can ask.

[ruth-gehrig]

I was told they were as well however I didn't look at a copy of their insurance papers which would be a smart thing to do prior to signing on the dotted line. I would also ask if for some reason your agreed upon reserve price wasn't met who pays for return shipping back to you? I don't know how valuable or significant the items are but I would tell each auction house you are considering consigning to competitors and get the commission rate as LOW AS POSSIBLE. See what they can do for ya. Good Luck!:)