We went through it, photographed and researched every piece, and sold it in one online auction that closed on October 15. Here's what happened, and what it means if you have an estate in storage.
At a glance
It was one of our three best auctions of the past year, and about 2.8 times the best Penticton sale in that time.
What sold
Six lots of silver brought in $5,940, almost half the total, and every one of them sold.
- Elkington sterling tea and coffee set, made in Birmingham around 1860: $2,700, after 74 bids
- Sterling baby cups and beakers: $1,100
- A Birks plate with a plated tea service: $925
- A 1951 oil painting: $625, more than double what we expected
- Sterling napkin rings and flatware: $525
- Robertson Davies's first book: $360
All eight pieces of art sold, for $1,030 together, and 24 of the 25 furniture and lighting lots found buyers.
Why the research mattered
Before the auction opened, we went back through the photos lot by lot. For 43 lots we rewrote the titles and descriptions to name the makers, artists and details buyers search for.
Those 43 lots were a fifth of the sale, and they brought in $8,105, almost two thirds of the total. They averaged 12 bids each, against about 4 for the rest.
Half the money came in the last five hours
At 1:30 pm on closing day, the winning bids added up to $6,395. By the close they had doubled to $12,775.
That's normal for an online auction. Serious buyers wait until the end, and a soft close keeps a lot open while the bidding is still going. It's why we tell families not to judge an auction by its first few days.
What didn't sell
Books were the hardest part: 22 of the 31 lots that didn't sell were books. Bulk books and records rarely bring much at auction, so we now bundle them into bigger lots or donate them. Telling families that early helps them decide what's worth listing.
If you have an estate in storage
Every month an estate sits in storage is another month of rent. We can take it from here:
- go through the unit and set aside papers, photos and keepsakes for the family first
- photograph, research and sell the rest in an online auction
- run the pickup day and clear the unit
- pay you within 7 days of the auction closing, with a full report
If you live out of town, we can handle the whole job without you being here.
Not sure an auction is the right fit? Read our guide to estate sales, consignment and online auctions, or see what's up for auction now.