| Consigning autographs to an auction house can be a | | | | cautionary notifications. |
| rewarding and enjoyable experience if you follow | | | | Terms of consignment |
| these guidelines: | | | | Review the terms of consignment for the autograph |
| Listing | | | | auction. Autograph auction houses usually supply their |
| Form a list of item(s) you plan to submit to an | | | | terms on request. Often, this information is |
| autograph auction house or auction company. | | | | downloadable from their website. |
| Details | | | | Guarantor of authenticity |
| Add details to your list with as much pertinent | | | | Some autograph auction companies may require that |
| information as possible. For example, descriptions of | | | | you guarantee the authenticity of the autograph you |
| autographed manuscripts and documents need to | | | | submit for consignment and indemnify the auction |
| include type of autograph e.g. typed letter signed, | | | | company from any form of buyer remorse. Unless |
| handwritten letter signed, size, date, and condition. | | | | you are a professional autograph dealer, the auction |
| Descriptions of books containing autographs need to | | | | company should take responsibility for proper |
| include information about the book e.g. is it a first | | | | evaluation of your autographs, and also provide |
| edition? and condition of accompanying dust jacket. | | | | guarantees of authenticity to their customers. |
| Potential buyers also need to know details of any | | | | Due diligence |
| inscription that accompanies an autograph on a book | | | | Look over the background of the auctioneer. Is the |
| or photograph. | | | | auctioneer properly licensed in states that require |
| Add unusual details | | | | licensing? Is the auctioneer a full-time autograph |
| Include a biographical description if the autograph is by | | | | dealer? |
| a notable person that is not immediately recognizable. | | | | Submission of your list |
| Importance of net reserves | | | | Submit your list to several autograph auction |
| Add a net reserve for each item on your list. This | | | | companies. Be prepared to send them copies of |
| number is the least amount of payment you are willing | | | | your autographs. |
| to accept on the sale of your item. Setting the | | | | Know all the costs |
| bottom limit protects you from having your item sold at | | | | Obtain proposed fees for everything the autograph |
| an unreasonably low price or at a significant loss. | | | | auction company charges. This includes commissions, |
| Finding Autograph Auction Houses | | | | production costs, catalog photos, mailing and packaging, |
| Autograph collecting publications and websites | | | | applicable taxes, and interest on cash advances. Get |
| specializing in memorabilia have advertising from | | | | all of their fees in writing before proceeding further. |
| many varieties of autograph auction companies. | | | | Negotiation |
| Approriate auction houses | | | | Remember, the autograph auction business is highly |
| Form a list of potentially suitable auction houses. For | | | | competitive and you are in a position to negotiate |
| example, some auction houses specialize in | | | | favorable terms, especially if your autographed |
| autographs from famous sports personalities; others | | | | material is in high demand. |
| may specialize in notable personalities who have | | | | Final selection |
| autographed stocks and bonds. | | | | Select the auction company that passes your |
| Public legal records | | | | background check, gives you a reasonable deal, and |
| Check public records and reputable Internet | | | | one that you feel comfortable working with. When |
| resources to scrutinize the track record of autograph | | | | carefully planned, consigning autographs to an auction |
| auction companies. Check with established | | | | house can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. |
| autograph organizations for recommendations and | | | | |
