FAQ Page

For Frequently Asked Questions regarding "Buying at Auction"
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CONSIGNING WITH MCMASTERS HARRIS AUCTION CO.

Q: Do the items I want to sell match your market?

A: For twenty years we have specialized in the sale of antique and vintage dolls, toys and related items. We like to say we always have a market for quality dolls from the 1850s through the 1950s. Digital photos and/or a list of your items will help us determine if the match is right.

Q: Do you sell collectibles other than dolls?

A: Yes. Let us know what it is that you have in mind; we might very well sell all of your collections ourselves or point you in the right direction with professional referrals.

Q: Will I have to make a list or take photos?

A: That is the best way for us to evaluate how well your items will sell at auction. A simple first step would be to fill out our quick and easy online consignment form. Digital photos emailed to our consignment department are of course, another way to start the process.

Q: When will you become responsible for my items?

A: We are fully insured and become responsible for the care and safety of your items as soon as we take possession.

Q: How will I get my items to you?

A: This may depend on the size, location and value of the collection and time considerations. In some cases we might travel to your location to pick up a collection; at other times we might offer guidelines on how to ship or deliver your items to us.

Q: How will you account for the items consigned?

A: It is helpful for you to take group photos or make a simple list of your items. Once the items are in our possession, we will inspect them and create a comprehensive inventory, a copy of which will be sent to you before the items sell.

Q: How will my items be marketed?

A: Aggressively and extensively; we promote your treasures as if they were our own. Our auction market exposure is worldwide via our two global bidding systems, our own MHarrisLive and LiveAuctioneers. Print media are used to inform and attract our loyal worldwide customer base. We also place ads in national trade publications.

Q: How will my items be sold?

A: While Live Internet bidding is fast becoming mainstay, we hold traditional live gallery auctions in Ohio, Kansas City, and other major cities across the country. We offer live Internet bidding through MHarrisLive, our own online bidding system, as well as through eBay Live.

Our live gallery auctions also feature phone and absentee bidding.

In addition, we sell select items on eBay’s website through our Seller ID adopt_a_doll. We do the research to determine which method will best achieve the highest bottom line for you.

Q: What is your policy on reserves?

A: You can always request a reserve on any of your high value items. However, it has been our experience that items sold without reserve create more interest, and therefore tend to receive more bids.

Q: What commission do you charge?

A: Commissions can vary and each collection is evaluated on its own merit. If the items are shipped to us or delivered to us the majority of collections receive the following competitive schedule:

• Items that sell for less than $1,000, we charge 25% commission
• Items that sell for $1,000-$10,000, we charge 20% commission
• Items that sell for over $10,000, we charge 15% commission

B: Commission charge for core eBay amounts to a 50-50% split with our company doing the work, paying the eBay listing fees, final value fees, and PayPal fees. Usually your bottom line, the amount you end up with, will be greater that if we sold your lesser items in a “gallery only” setting.

Q: How long will it take to sell my items?

A: Typically we will sell your items within 6 months. Usually, once consigned, your items will be placed into the next appropriate live gallery and live Internet auction. Should you need even faster turn around we can accomplish that by either purchasing the collection outright or sell them through our daily eBay auctions.

Q: Do you have a special account set up for my auction proceeds?

A: Yes. As mandated by Ohio State law, all consignor proceeds are placed into a trust account which is separate from our regular operating account.

Q: How soon will my money become available to me?

A: We hold auctions frequently and pay within 30 days of the receipt of proceeds from the sale of your item.

Q: Do you ever purchase items as opposed to taking them on consignment?

A: Absolutely! Contact our president and auctioneer as well as consignment/purchase manager, Mark Harris, to talk about the pros and cons of this or any other question or concern you might have. Call 1-800-842-3526 or email Mark at mark@mcmastersharris.com.

For A Consignment form click here.