If you're considering selling your autograph collection, an auction may seem like an obvious choice. However, it's important to find the right auction house that specialises in your specific items. Many of the smaller auction houses claim expertise in all areas but may not have the specialist knowledge necessary to sell your autographs for their true value. 

You should be looking for a specialist auction house that accepts signed items and has a good understanding of the market, and a database of customers that will buy such items. Keep in mind that auction houses charge a commission fee, usually between 20% and 30%, and sometimes with additional fees for listing, insurance, and storage. Setting a reserve price may also come with an extra charge, so its very important to read all the small print of any auction house to ensure that you know exactly what you will pay, when you will get paid, and what happens if the item does not sell.

Remember too that the buyer will also pay a commission fee which increases the final price that he will pay, and if this is too high it can discourage bidding and affect the final sale price. Remember also that auctions require at least two bidders, and there is no guarantee that your item will sell or that the winning bidder will pay. If your collection sells, you can expect to normally wait at 30 days or more for payment. To get the best result for you, take the time to research and find a reputable and knowledgeable auction house that specialises in autographs.

You can find a short list of well known and reputable auctions for autographs by clicking here.

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