Preparing items for consignment ensures your pieces are presented in the best possible light and achieve strong auction results. Whether you’re consigning a single vase, an entire estate, or a curated collection, thoughtful preparation helps streamline the process and builds trust with the auction house.
The first step is identifying which items to consign. Choose pieces that align with the auction house’s specialty and current market demand. Crafted Auctions, for example, focuses on art pottery, art glass, fine art, decorative arts, estate jewelry, toys, metalworks, and curated antiques. Selecting appropriate categories increases bidder interest and leads to stronger prices.
Next, perform a basic assessment of condition. Look for chips, cracks, scratches, repairs, or residue. Minor wear is normal, but undisclosed damage can affect value or cause issues after the sale. Make notes if you’re aware of previous repairs, restoration work, or provenance details—this information helps catalogers describe the item accurately.
Before photographing or delivering the item, clean it gently using safe methods appropriate for the material. Avoid overly aggressive cleaning or any attempt to repair or “fix” issues yourself. Auction houses have specialists who know how to handle these situations professionally.
Good photography helps the auction house perform initial evaluation. Take clear, natural-light photos from multiple angles. Include close-ups of signatures, maker marks, textures, and any imperfections. Place the item on a neutral background so the details are easy to see.
Compile any relevant documentation or provenance. This may include purchase receipts, appraisal documents, maker certificates, exhibition catalogs, or correspondence. Provenance can significantly increase interest and value, especially for high-end items, rare artists, or museum-quality works.
When preparing for transport, pack items carefully. Use soft padding, bubble wrap, and sturdy boxes. Secure delicate features to prevent movement during transit. If shipping, double-box fragile items and label them clearly as fragile.
If you are consigning an entire collection or estate, begin organizing items by category. This helps the auction team catalog efficiently and ensures that related items are grouped logically, which often increases bidder engagement.
Stay open to auction timing and recommendations. Specialists may suggest placing certain items into specialty auctions or holding them for a sale aligned with peak seasonal demand. Their expertise helps optimize results.
By preparing your items thoughtfully, you help the auction house present your pieces at their very best—resulting in smoother logistics, stronger catalog entries, and better selling prices.
Learn more:
CraftedAuctions.com JustArtPottery.com
