Home >> Collecting >> Other Collecting

How to Locate Auction Houses

Auction houses are becoming more difficult to find today because of the use of online auction sites. Items that may be valuable to an auction house clientele may not bring the same price online. Finding auction houses is a simple process, but finding the auction house that suits your needs and goals will take more work. Asking the right questions to any auction house will help guarantee the best auctioning experience.

Instructions

- 1
  Search online for local auction houses. In a search engine, type in the term auction house, a plus sign, and enter your zip code. The results should bring up auction houses and auctioneers in your area. Some websites will find auctions in your area based on your zip code and how many miles you are willing to travel.
- 2
  Research the sites. Many auctioneers do not maintain an auction house. They sell real estate for banks, individuals, businesses and estates. The auction is conducted on the site of the property, not at the auctioneer's location. Auction houses will have auctions listed at their own business location. Many of these auction houses will have some kind of catalog that can be viewed online.
- 3
  Contact the auction houses and find out information. Discuss with them the items that you would like to sell. Auction houses will not sell everything offered. They may request that you bring the item in for review. If they are not interested but think you have an auction-ready piece they may refer you to another auction house that specializes in your item.
- 4
  Discuss costs. Both seller and buyer's fees may be associated with an auctioned item. This will eat into any proceeds from the seller. Discuss when your item may come up for auction and if it will be in catalogs or viewable on the auction house website.

Other Collecting