CONSIGNMENT GUIDE

Wondering how to sell your art on consignment? Are you looking to sell a piece of art that no longer fits into your collection? Did you receive an inheritance of valuable antiques that you no longer have a desire or room for in your current situation? We can help you appraise the items and get them listed for consignment.

Potential consigners/clients are encouraged to send photos to: [email protected] 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.

Delve into the bounty in our store and find something you adore:
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CONFIDENTLY CONSIGNING HEIRLOOMS

Why should you consider consigning your items to Sarasota Estate Auction?

Dedicated to Our Customers

We at Sarasota Estate Auction are dedicated to delivering an outstanding experience to every customer. We are a full service auction company, meaning that we guide consignors through the entire process, from valuation and pick up through the actual auction.

Experience Matters

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. 

Persistence Pays

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.

Research Propels Price

Our thoroughness and attention to detail in researching each object helps us develop engaging and comprehensive catalog descriptions. This then helps us identify potential buyers. We are skilled at identifying artists/makers, history, and provenance.

Adding Value Through Marketing

We ensure that each item is presented to a broad group of prospective bidders so that it can achieve its highest possible sale price. Our marketing program includes extensive communications with potential buyers via social media, direct mail, email, and advertising.

Our Worldwide Clientele

Our bidder database contains collectors, dealers, and museums from around the world. We make it as easy as possible for people to place a bid, wherever they are—by phone, absentee, internet, or live in the auction gallery.

The Auction Advantage

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.

Caring About Preservation

We love the antique and art world, and we are happy to advise clients about caring for art and antiques, regardless of whether these items are being consigned to auction. Additionally, our desire is to sell fine art and antiques to people who are concerned about conserving these items for future generations.

Giving Back to the Community

We support not-for-profit organizations that enrich the quality of life in local communities by assisting with fundraising programs, such as appraisal fairs, auctions, or selling donated items at a reduced commission rate.

 

Consignment to Auction: A Step by Step Guide

At Sarasota Estate Auction, we offer a full service approach that guides and supports consignors throughout the auction process. From the moment an item is consigned to our gallery, it is methodically handled with the goal of generating the highest possible return to the consignor.

1. Evaluating Items

The first step in the consignment process is an assessment of your item(s) by our professional appraisers. Assessments can be obtained one of three ways:

  • Setting up a “house call” or walkthrough of your home if you have a large number of items and/or oversized furniture

  • Sending a photo inquiry to us by email ([email protected])

  • At appraisal events that we periodically conduct for not-for-profit organizations

At this evaluation, we will tell you the “fair market value” or auction sales estimate for your item based on recent sales of comparable items. Based on this result, the appraiser may discuss with you whether the item is suitable to auction and if our services are the right match for your specific needs.

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 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.

3. Preparation of Items for Auction

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.

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 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.

5. On-site Exposure

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.

6. The Auction

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:

  • Bidding live from the auction gallery floor

  • Placing absentee bids in advance of the auction

  • Bidding live on the telephone

  • Bidding live on the internet

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

7. Post Auction Communication

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.

The Sarasota Estate Auction Advantage

Experience: Our team of appraisers and auction professionals combine for over 50 years of experience in handling fine art and antiques.

Persistence: We work hard to ensure that your item is fully researched, described, and represented to maximize its appeal to potential buyers.

Worldwide Exposure: As a result of our extensive advertising, direct marketing, internet exposure, and publicity, your item will be viewed by an international audience.

Strategic Marketing: We maintain communication with our large base of specialized private collectors and dealers to ensure that potential buyers receive the information about your item.

Competitive Format: The auction format requires multiple bidders to compete, which allows your item to reach its top market value.

Flexibility: We make it easy for people to bid for your item, whether in-person, absentee, on the telephone, or via the internet.