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AUCTION RESOURCE GUIDE AUCTION RESOURCE GUIDE

5. Removing Items After An Interview 11. Ask The Same Questions of each potential
Realize that most companies work on a percentage so company
the more they make for you the more they make. Make a list of questions to ask each company.
Also, realize they may make a bid to you based That way you are comparing apples to apples.
on what you represent will be for sale. Many will They may have a brochure or website with general
charge a commission once they have started information Here are some questions you may
working on the sale and something is removed. If want to consider asking:
you intend to take items let the companies know • How many days do you think it will take to set
on the front end and have it in the contract. up?
6. Taxes • What is your commission?
Everybody loves to hate them. Different states/ • Are you licensed?
counties have different requirements for estate • Are you a member of the Texas Auctioneer
sales. Find out whether sales tax is supposed to Association?
be charged or not and then ask each company • Are there fees besides your commission?
whether they do. • Do you have insurance? What types?
7. Research, Research, Research • How long after the auction will I be paid?
Make sure you feel comfortable with the company • Do you have an appraiser on staff or access to
before signing a contract. Check with your local one?
better business bureau to be sure there aren’t • What is your field of expertise? Antiques, Art,
outstanding issues with the company you have Furniture, etc?
chosen. If there are, ask the company about it. Are • How many people do you generally have staff
they licensed in Texas? Visit www.TDLR.texas.gov a sale like mine?
to verify. • How will my home be left? Broom Clean,
8. Visit an Auction Empty, etc?
The best way to get a feel for a company is to • Do you or your employees buy items?
watch them in action. Go to an auction and don’t • Do you have a store or warehouse?
let them know who you are. Look and see how it is • Do you have a contract? Can I take a copy
set up. Interact with their staff at the checkout. Do home with me to look over?
they treat people with respect? Are they efficient? • Do you pre-sell or allow people early entry?
Look for what is important to you. • Do you charge sales tax?
9. Ask for References • Do you have any auctions coming up that I
Ask the company for letters of reference and could visit to see how your sales are
contact information for recent clients. Contact conducted?
those clients and find out what they liked and what • When would you be able to do the auction
they didn’t like. Ask them specifically “What do you (dates and times)?
wish would have been done better?”
10. Get a Contract Reprinted in part from estatesales.net.
A contract is extremely important. It should detail
out when the event will be held, how much the
company is charging, when you will get paid, etc.
Do not hire a company without a contract. You
should both have a copy of the contract after
signing it. A good contract details out what is
expected of each party. BE SURE you address what
happens to items that DO NOT SELL and how to
handle any dispute and in what county.

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