Interested in consigning an item or your collection with Fleischer’s Auctions? Please direct all inquiries to info@fleischersauctions.com.
CONSIGNOR FAQ
Why should I consign?
As a specialty auction firm, Fleischer’s Auctions has the ability to dedicate ample time and resources to market your items(s), or your collection, in a manner that befits its value and significance. Our foremost commitment is to our consignors, and it is an honor to represent your interests throughout the process.
Fleischer’s Auctions has established a reputation of delivering impressive results for our consignors while maintaining competitive consignment rates. Unlike many major auction companies, Fleischer’s Auctions operates on three distinct online platforms, allowing a global audience to participate in absentee and live bidding.
Having cultivated strong relationships with discerning buyers and the nation’s leading institutions, we have been afforded the privilege of handling items acquired by, or entrusted to, the Library of Congress, the Library of the Supreme Court, the International African American Museum, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, among many others. Consignors benefit from these relationships and a proven track record of success.
How soon will I be paid following an auction?
Though our consignor agreement guarantees that proceeds will be issued within 60 days following a sale, we typically pay consignors within 7-28 days. The exact date you receive your proceeds is dependent on how quickly your item(s) are paid for, shipped, and received. We require that buyers pay, or make arrangements to pay, within 72 of receiving their invoice.
What if a buyer does not pay for an item I’ve consigned?
Though rare, non-payment does unfortunately occur. Fleischer’s Auctions will notify you that your item has not been paid for within 21 days following the auction and allow you to decide between several options: to have the item returned, offer it to the underbidder of the lot, or include it in a future sale.
Can you send me my proceeds via PayPal?
We can no longer issue proceeds using PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo. Unless otherwise arranged, all proceeds will be issued in the form of a cashier’s check from Fleischer’s Auctions’ trust account and sent via certified/tracked mail.
Why does my item(s) have different bid amounts on different online bidding platforms before a sale? I see on LiveAuctioneers my item is at x amount, and on your website it’s y amount?
This is the most frequent question we receive from consignors who are not familiar with the online bidding marketplace. Fleischer’s Auctions currently lists its auction catalogs on three different online bidding platforms: LiveAuctioneers, Invaluable/AuctionZip, and the Fleischer’s Auctions website. These platforms allow bidders to place absentee bids before a sale and bid live during the sale itself. They are not linked to one another. Consequently, the “high bid” of any given item in the lead-up to a sale is likely unique to each platform. Bids are consolidated manually by the auctioneer during the auction and the true high bid is determined.
To give a sense of how this looks during an auction: three different Fleischer’s Auctions’ employees use computers to follow each lot in the sale, each tracking a different online platform. At the start of any given lot, the auctioneer starts the bidding at the true high bid placed.
Is it possible that before the sale someone with the absentee “high bid” on one platform won’t be aware that they have been outbid by someone using a different platform?
Yes, though many bidders are aware that our catalogs are listed on various platforms and that it’s possible their absentee bid is not the true high bid. We encourage serious parties to bid live during the sale, either online or over the phone, to ensure their bid is successful.
What if bidders using different online platforms have placed the same bid amount, either before or during the sale?
In the event of a tie online “high bid,” the auctioneer will exercise their discretion to determine the true high bid by acknowledging the bid they observed first. This scenario is the same as when two bidders physically present at an auction simultaneously raise their paddles to indicate their desire to bid the same amount.
In certain instances, tie online high bids can lead to a scenario in which the bid amount of an online bidder is the same as the sold price of a lot, but the auctioneer did not acknowledge that bidder as the holder of the high bid. This often causes confusion. Once again, all bidders are encouraged to participate live to avoid this occurrence.
Why not just list your catalog on one bidding platform?
Many bidders are loyal to a single bidding platform. Listing our lots on multiple platforms allows us to register thousands of bidders who would not have found us otherwise.
Why won’t you take my item(s) on consignment?
We are constantly evaluating the market in order to maximize returns for our clients. We strive to advise our clients how best to handle their material, and sometimes that is advising them that now is not the best time to sell.
Additionally, accepting consignments with a value of less than $250 is becoming less feasible with respect to our operating expenses. The opportunity cost of such items’ inclusion in a sale has become significant.
Can I place a reserve price on my item, i.e. the lowest price I’m willing to allow an item to sell for?
Absolutely, as long your reserve price is reasonable.
Are the item(s) I’ve consigned insured while in Fleischer’s Auctions’ possession?
Yes, for the median of the estimated amount listed in your consignor contract or its addendum. Please contact us for proof of insurance.
Is Fleischer’s Auctions a licensed auction firm?
Yes, we are licensed and bonded in the state of Ohio.