Selling
Selling with Shaw's Auction House is super easy and stress-free! We will keep you informed every step of the way, from when your items arrive to when you get paid.
The process
Valuations
Home valuations – If you have a big collection or lots of items you wish to sell, Shaw’s Auction House offers free home visits! Our valuers will come to you and give advice on what items should go to auction. Please contact us via email or phone to book an appointment.
Bring the items to us – You can also come visit us at our place in Blackburn, Lancashire. Bring your items and we’ll give you a valuation and chat about which auction they’re best suited for. Just make sure to book an appointment so we can give you the best experience and valuation possible!
Consign your items
Once valuation is complete it is time to consign your items. This is the part of the process where you submit your items to us for storage, photographing and committing them to the catalogue, ready to be sold.
If you’ve already had your items valued at our Auction House, you can store them with us from then until auction day, with no additional storage cost and with insurance protection. This can be a safe and convenient option.
If you’ve had an online valuation and want to drop off your items at the Auction House, just give us a shout and we’ll set up an appointment for you!
If you have bigger items or furniture, we’ve got you covered. We partner with private couriers who can pick up your items from anywhere in the country (this may incur additional cost dependent on circumstance).
When the items have arrived with us you will receive a receipt to sign with our full terms & conditions.
For each sale that your items are entered into you will receive a pre-sale advice letter with information on estimates, reserves and lot number.
Once the items are left in our care, the whole service is fully insured whilst they are with us.
Research of Items
Once our valuers assesses the items, they’ll organise them into lots to get the best results for our vendors. We’ll then catalogue them into our auction software. If we receive items we’re not familiar with, we’ll happily research them to provide a detailed description to ensure proper advertising.
Advice before the auction day
If we have your email address, we’ll send you a pre-sale advice email before the auction. It will include your lot numbers, descriptions, and estimates. Make sure to review them carefully, and if you have any questions or concerns, reach out to us before the catalogue is released.
Catalogue
Auction Day
Your items will be up for auction as mentioned in your advice statement. Each auction will be thoroughly advertised before auction day to antique dealers and collectors through a number of marketing channels.
After the Auction
Post sale advice
Approximately 1-2 days after the auction, you will receive a Post-Sale Advice email which states the realised prices your lots made or if they were unsold.
Please note, the prices shown on the Post-Sale advice email are all subject to the purchaser completing the transaction.
2/3 weeks after the auction, you will then receive an Auction Statement with a final total of goods sold after our charges.
Payment
Payment will be made then be made via Bank Transfer unless otherwise agreed within 2-4 weeks of the date of the auction.
Unsold Lots
If any of your lots didn’t sell, you have two options. We can either include them in the next suitable auction or you can choose to collect them yourself. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance with the selling process.
Sellers Commission Explained
At Shaw’s Auction House, we believe our sellers’ commission offers great value. We work hard to get the best results for our vendors. Auctions are honest and transparent, and our business depends on charging a commission. Rest assured, we have every intention of achieving the highest price possible for your items. It’s in our best interest too!
VAT
VAT at the current rate of 20% will be added to all commissions, premiums and charges.
Vendors Commission
We charge 15% + VAT Sellers’ Commission on the hammer price of the item (18% inc. VAT).
Entry Fee
We charge a £1 + VAT lotting fee. There are no other hidden charges such as photography fees, insurance fees, storage fees or any other form of fee as some auction houses do. We strive to provide a high value service for our vendors as we appreciate your custom.
If you decide to consign with us, we’ll make sure your lots are in great condition to get the best results possible.Our service is hassle-free, fully insured, and we take pride in providing a personalised experience. From start to finish, we’ll take care of everything until your items are sold.
If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out.
Charities
We are proud to offer heavily discounted commission rates for charities and free valuations.
This service is offered to registered charities for items included in our Antiques & Collectables auctions only. Please ensure that your Registered Charity Number can be provided at the point of booking.
