William Smith Auctions
William Smith has assisted thousands of individuals over the past 65 years in the process of selling their families heirlooms. We understand this can be emotional for a consignor, therefore, we enter into these relationships understanding that the needs of consignors vary. We are able to customize our “ways of business” for just about every situation.
The first step is to reach out by phone or by email. Photographs of your objects are helpful, but if that is not possible we will make arrangements to have an appraiser visit you. Consultations are free.
We also offer online appraisal services. Submit your item for appraisal by Smith’s experts. Please include photos, a detailed description, history, and condition of item.
The promotion of your items is an important part of the auction process. Smith’s has, over the last 65 years, created an exceptional clientele of collectors, decorators, dealers and homeowners through well-advertised auctions and good business practices. We reach tens of thousands of potential buyers through the use of our customized mailing list, advertising in nationally recognized antique publications, internet venues, local and state newspapers.
In general, we sell estates on consignment. You, the consignor, maintain ownership, and our firm takes a percentage of the sale price. We sell all items through a well-advertised public auction. Consignment fees vary depending on the value of an object, and in a case of an entire household, the amount of work involved, inventorying, packing, handling, and trucking. Our consignment fees are very competitive. We also purchase items outright for a percentage of their appraised value.