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Auction generally achieves higher prices for good-quality antiques because open competition sets the price, while a dealer offers speed and certainty at a trade price. For most items of genuine quality, auction is the better route for the seller.
For antiques of genuine quality, auction usually achieves the better result: your item is offered to thousands of competing bidders and the market — not a single buyer — sets the price. Selling to a dealer is faster and gives a certain figure, but that figure is necessarily a trade price, set below what the dealer believes they can resell it for. The right choice depends on what you are selling and how quickly you need to sell it.
You consign the item to the auction house, which catalogues, photographs and markets it to its audience of collectors, trade buyers and international bidders. On sale day, competition determines the price; the auctioneer's commission is deducted from the hammer price and you receive the balance. At Aubreys, every sale is broadcast live online, placing your items in front of bidders worldwide from our Guildford saleroom. Our guide to selling explains each step.
A dealer inspects the item and makes an offer on the spot. It is quick, private and certain — genuine advantages in some circumstances. But the dealer must build in their margin, so the offer is typically well below open market value, and an individual dealer only knows their own market. A specialist auction house sees demand across every category, every month.
The economic difference is structural. A dealer's offer is capped by what one buyer will pay; an auction price is set by the last two bidders still competing. For sought-after categories — jewellery, watches, silver, coins and good paintings — competitive bidding regularly carries prices well beyond any private offer. Estimates are set to attract bidding, but the ceiling is whatever the market will pay on the day.
A dealer pays immediately; an auction requires waiting for the next suitable sale and settlement afterwards — typically a few weeks in total. If immediate funds matter more than the final figure, a dealer sale has its place. If achieving the best price matters more, the short wait for auction is usually well rewarded.
An auctioneer acts for the seller: our interests are aligned, because our commission rises with your price. Everything is documented — catalogue description, estimate, hammer price, settlement statement. A dealer, quite legitimately, acts for themselves. For executors selling estate items, this transparency matters greatly: an auction paper trail demonstrates to beneficiaries and HMRC that open market value was achieved. This is one reason solicitors routinely direct probate and estate sales to auction.
Honest answer: for low-value items below sensible auction thresholds, or where speed genuinely outweighs price, a dealer or house-clearance route can be the pragmatic choice. A good auctioneer will tell you so at valuation rather than consign items that will not reward you.
Whichever route you ultimately choose, start with a free, no-obligation valuation. Bring items to our Guildford saleroom, send photographs, or arrange a home visit across Surrey and London — then decide with the facts in front of you.
Sellers pay a commission on the hammer price, agreed in writing before the sale. Ask for the full schedule of charges at valuation — at Aubreys there are no hidden fees.
Typically two to six weeks from consignment to settlement, depending on the timing of the next suitable sale.
Unsold items can usually be re-offered with a revised estimate or returned to you. Your valuer will advise the best course.
No. Valuations at Aubreys are free and carry no obligation whatsoever.
Free, confidential advice from our valuation team, with home visits across Surrey and London.
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