Potential consigners/clients are encouraged to send photos to: Sarasotaestateauction@gmail.com or text the photos to (941) 586-1669. Our trained staff will determine which property will perform best on our global platforms. Factors such as current values, size, condition, recent trends and quality are considered in the evaluation process.
Are you looking for a special piece to add to your current collection? Whether you are an individual collector or a professional interior designer, come check out all the great pieces available in our store.
Sarasota is well known for its art scene. We at Sarasota Estate Auction are proud to be a part of enjoying and preserving pieces of fine art from all over the world right here in Sarasota, Florida. Andrew Ford, the owner of Sarasota Estate Auction, Sarasota Trading Company, and Ford Art and Antiques, and his team have created a name for themselves by becoming known as Florida’s leading destination for Fine Art, Sculptures, Asian Art, Furniture, Objets d’art, and other antiques.
Andrew Ford has been in the art business in Sarasota since 1995. He and his team are friendly, extremely experienced, highly trained, and ready to help you find or sell that one of a kind piece of artwork. Sarasota Estate Auction offers verbal appraisals onsite, and we are always buying.
We have a fine collection of both American and Continental art, along with a large collection of Oriental porcelains and Oriental bronzes. These Asian art pieces in particular can make a dramatic addition to your décor and offer excellent opportunities for collectors at all levels to acquire fine art.
Our antiques and fine arts experts have years of experience in discovering fine art and antique treasures. As a result, we can determine what items are worth, and we stay on top of the constant shifts in demand in the current volatile marketplace.
We have a trusted in-house staff of researchers prepared to handle everything from a single item to a large estate. Our multi-thousand square foot warehouse is available to store large estates until our next auction.
Our commitment to our consigners is unmatched in the industry. Sarasota Estate Auction has a fiduciary responsibility to get our consigners/clients the very most for their estate treasures/property. We strive to make the consignment process seamless and transparent while upholding the highest ethical standards in the industry. Many repeat consigners have been with our auction house for years. Our professional staff looks forward to working with you in our next available auction.
We search very thoroughly for important treasures that may have otherwise been overlooked. Many of our home appraisal visits have led to important, surprising discoveries.
Selling items by auction provides exposure to many potential buyers, and generates competitive bidding, so that your items reach an ultimate selling price. This real-time sense of urgency created by competition, can sometimes drive prices even higher than our pre-sale estimates.
Our well attended auctions are held live, in our gallery at 522 South Pineapple Avenue, downtown Sarasota, in concert with our multiple global online/virtual platforms. Our live public consists of antique dealers of the trade, collectors, institutional buyers, decorators, and designers along with private homeowners. Extensive advertising in trade journals, online banners, mass email blasts, social media, and newspaper ads allow SEA to connect buyers and sellers to international/national bidders.
Once you have decided to consign your item for auction, you will receive our consignment agreement to review and sign. This agreement will provide you with 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 us. When we take possession, we will complete a Consignment Inventory Sheet. For your records, you will receive a copy of each of these documents.
We meticulously handle each item to ensure it has maximum visibility and appeal in the auction catalog and at the auction itself.
Research: We draw upon the knowledge of our appraisers, staff researchers, expert contacts, and extensive other resources to develop a detailed description of your item.
Timing: We will place your item in the auction that will provide the best potential sale for that type of merchandise.
Photography: Your item is professionally photographed, and these photographs will 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 at the upcoming auction.
To ensure that your item is viewed by the largest possible number of potential bidders, each upcoming auction receives extensive marketing nationally and even internationally.
Mailing List: Auction fliers and catalogs are sent to private buyers, dealers, and museums from our database. Additionally, auction fliers are distributed to local shops and galleries.
Direct marketing: Our database includes information about the specific interests of thousands of private collectors, museums, and dealers around the world. This gives us the ability to match items in upcoming auctions with likely bidders in order to increase sales results.
Advertising: To highlight our upcoming auctions, we place advertising in national and international arts and antiques trade publications.
Press Releases: A press release is sent to major trade press and newspapers in advance of each auction. Editorial coverage supports awareness and excitement about each upcoming sale.
Internet Posting: All auction listings are uploaded to the internet before the sale to broaden exposure of your item to millions of people worldwide.
We are open to the public for previews of the items prior to the auction. Items to be sold at the auction are available for in-depth examination by potential buyers. Our auction house is basically a museum of antique and fine art treasures.
Your item will be carefully positioned within this display to maximize its visibility and appeal for potential buyers. People can also contact us by telephone or email to ask questions or request further information about auction items.
Sarasota Estate Auction differs from other auction houses in that our auctioneers 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 become bidders) to the auction. Bidders can participate in the auction by:
This means that thousands of people around the world are viewing and able to bid in each of our sales. At the auction, we also provide delicious catering and comfortable seating, and attendance at each sale is free and open to the public. You are welcome to view the auction live at our Sarasota store or on the internet at: Invaluable, Live Auctioneers, Bid Square, The Saleroom, or ePaiLive
All auction results are posted through Live Auctioneers 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 signed 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.