How to Consign Autographs to an Auction House - By: David Thoreau

Listing
Form a list of item(s) you plan to submit to an auction house or auction company.

Details
Add details to your list with as much pertinent information as possible. For example, descriptions of autographed manuscripts and documents need to include type of autograph e.g. typed letter signed, handwritten letter signed, size, date, and condition. Descriptions of books containing autographs need to include information about the book e.g. is it a first edition? and condition of accompanying dust jacket. Potential buyers also need to know details of any inscription that accompanies an autograph on a book or photograph.

Add unusual details
Include a biographical description if the autograph is by a notable person that is not immediately recognizable.

Importance of net reserves
Add a net reserve for each item on your list. This number is the least amount of payment you are willing to accept on the sale of your item. Setting the bottom limit protects you from having your item sold at an unreasonably low price or at a significant loss.

Finding Autograph Auction Houses
Autograph collecting publications such as "Autograph Collector" have advertisers from autograph auction companies, and websites such as autographalert.com has a review of autograph auction houses. It is advisable to avoid auction houses that have consistently low customer rankings or a high number of complaints.

Approriate auction houses
Form a list of potentially suitable auction houses. For example, some auction houses specialize in autographs from famous sports personalities, others may specialize in notable personalities who have autographed stocks and bonds.

Public legal records
Review public legal records to become aware of auction houses that have been subject to litigation because of autograph fraud. Public records disclose several auctioneers who have been involved in lawsuits related to autograph fraud. The Universal Autograph Collectors Club issues warnings to alert collectors about certain dealers.

Terms of consignment
Review the terms of consignment for the autograph auction. Autograph auction houses usually supply their terms on request. Often, this information is downloadable from their website.

Guarantor of authenticity
Some autograph auction companies may require that you guarantee the authenticity of the autograph you submit for consignment and indemnify the auction company from any form of buyer remorse. Unless you are a professional autograph dealer, the auction company should take responsibility for proper evaluation of your autographs, and also provide guarantees of authenticity to their customers.

Due diligence
Look over the background of the auctioneer. Is the auctioneer properly licensed in states that require licensing? Is the auctioneer a full-time autograph dealer or a front for an autograph dealer?

Submission of your list
Submit your list to several autograph auction companies. Be prepared to send them copies of your autographs.

Know all the costs
Obtain proposed fees for everything the autograph auction company charges. This includes commissions, production costs, catalog photos, mailing and packaging, applicable taxes, and interest on cash advances. Get all of their fees in writing before proceeding further.

Negotiation
Remember, the autograph auction business is highly competitive and you are in a position to negotiate favorable terms, especially if your autographed material is in high demand.

Final selection
Select the auction company that passes your background check, gives you a reasonable deal, and one that you feel comfortable working with. Knowing how to consign autographs to an auction house can be an interesting and rewarding experience when carefully planned.

Knowing how to consign autographs to an auction house can be important when selling valuable autographs. Here are the critical steps you need to know.

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