FAQ for Sellers
How can I sell my goods at auction?
To sell your goods at Fellows & Sons you will first need to obtain an auction valuation. The best way to do this is for one of our specialist staff to see your item. You can bring your goods for sale into Fellows & Sons, we always advise you to telephone prior to bringing in your goods for valuation. Alternatively, Fellows & Sons offer an open door policy every Wednesday 2pm – 4pm. Otherwise you can post your goods to us, including your name and address with a covering letter and we will endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible.
If your goods are too large to bring in for valuation, please contact us and we can arrange for one of our valuers to make a house call.
What’s it worth then?
When you bring your jewellery, watch or furniture into auction or when a valuer visits you to appraise your collection, there are varying types of valuation that can be done. People sometimes get confused as to why a value may vary between a figure for insurance purposes and what it would be worth when sold at auction. Here is a brief explanation of valuation terms and services all of which are offered at Fellows & Sons, for more information contact us on 0121 212 2131.
Auction Valuation
An auction valuation is an estimate, usually given as a range of prices, for example £180-250, that specialists such as Fellows & Sons believe an item will make at a sale. This price is based on a range of factors such as past sale results for similar items, market trends and trade/collectors’ interest. Valuations of this type are free.
Insurance Valuation
It is up to the owner of a property to have proof of the worth of their items in the event of an insurance claim being made so this is a popular valuation to have. The sum given will be representative of retail prices in relevant markets unless the item being valued is a period or antique piece where values are more reflective of ‘like for like’ replacements bought at auction, from a dealer, at a market or similar. The description should be fully detailed to enable comparable items to be purchased in the event of a claim. Fellows & Sons charge a time taken/fee per item for this valuation.
Probate Valuation
A valuation for probate usually follows the death of the owner of valuables that need to be valued for legal purposes. The values given tend to be lower than for insurance valuations and not as much detail is required. Fellows & Sons do charge for this service, for more information please don’t hesitate to contact us.
What is a reserve?
Once we have discussed your requirements and advised you on the next appropriate sale, an auction estimate and reserve will be agreed. The reserve is the minimum sale price the seller is willing to accept. Goods will not be sold below the agreed reserve.
How much will it cost me to sell my goods through a Fellows & Sons auction?
Commission charges are for items up to £1000 – 15% (Plus V.A.T)
Items above £1000 – 12.5% (Plus V.A.T)
All items below £35 are subject to a minimum fee of £5 (Plus V.A.T) per lot.
Insurance charge is 1.5% (Plus V.A.T)
Photography is charged at – Cover Illustration £15 (Plus V.A.T)
Interior Illustration £5 (Plus V.A.T)
Lot Fee is chargeable on every lot – £3 per lot (Plus V.A.T) per sale.
(Whether sold or unsold)
What if my items do not sell?
When an item does not sell, we advise you contact Fellows and Sons to discuss re- offering your goods. To re-enter your goods in the next appropriate sale, we will recommend that the reserve is reduced. Alternatively arrangements can be made for the item to be collected. We ask that you provide proof of identification i.e pre sales advice document.
How and when will I receive payment for my sold items?
Payment for any sold items is sent out by cheque, usually fifteen working days after the sale is completed.