If you have never sold items at auction before, the process can feel unfamiliar. At Tom Hall Auctions in Schnecksville, PA, we have been guiding first-time and experienced sellers through the auction process for nearly 50 years. This guide walks you through exactly what to expect — from your first call to receiving your check.
Why Sell at Auction?
Auction is one of the most efficient and effective ways to sell personal property, real estate, antiques, collectibles, and business assets in the Lehigh Valley. Unlike private sales or classified listings, auctions create competitive bidding among motivated buyers — which typically drives stronger results than asking a single buyer to negotiate a fixed price.
At Tom Hall Auctions, our buyer database includes thousands of active bidders across Pennsylvania and the eastern United States. When your items go to auction, they are exposed to the widest possible audience of qualified, ready-to-buy bidders.
The Tom Hall Auctions Selling Process — Step by Step
Step 1: Contact Us for a Free Evaluation
The process begins with a simple phone call or visit to our gallery at 4644 Route 309, Schnecksville, PA 18078. Our team will evaluate your items — either in person, through photos, or during an on-site visit to your home or business. There is no cost and no obligation for the initial evaluation.
We accept consignments for individual items, room lots, full households, entire estates, and commercial inventories. No collection is too large or too small.
Step 2: We Assign Your Items to the Right Auction
Not all items belong in the same auction. At Tom Hall Auctions, we match your consignment to the auction format that will achieve the best result:
- Gallery Auctions — held on a regular bi-weekly schedule, covering a broad mix of household goods, furniture, tools, and general consignments
- Upscale Catalog Auctions — curated events featuring fine jewelry, antiques, artwork, coins, oriental rugs, and quality collectibles
- Specialty Auctions — themed events targeting specific collector audiences such as trains, dolls, militaria, or vintage clothing
- Online-Only Auctions — fully digital bidding via HiBid and AuctionZip, reaching buyers nationwide
- Real Estate Auctions — residential, commercial, land, and investment property sold through competitive bidding
Step 3: We Handle Everything
Once your items are consigned, Tom Hall Auctions takes over completely. Our team:
- Packs and transports items from your home, office, or storage to our Schnecksville gallery
- Professionally photographs every lot for online and print catalogs
- Writes detailed lot descriptions optimized to attract the right buyers
- Markets the auction through email, social media, AuctionZip, HiBid, and trade publications
- Manages all bidder registration, payments, and pickup logistics
Step 4: The Auction
On auction day — whether online or in person — registered bidders compete for your items in real time. For online auctions, bidding opens several days in advance and closes on a scheduled date, allowing buyers nationwide to participate. For in-person events at our Schnecksville gallery, the auctioneer drives live competitive bidding from the floor.
Step 5: You Get Paid
After the auction closes and buyers have completed their purchases, Tom Hall Auctions prepares a detailed settlement statement showing every lot sold and the final price realized. You receive payment within a few business days of the auction’s close. Our commission structure is discussed upfront before any items are consigned — no hidden fees or surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling at Auction
Q: What does Tom Hall Auctions charge to sell my items?
A: Tom Hall Auctions charges a seller’s commission on items sold. The commission rate is discussed and agreed upon before consignment — there are no hidden fees. For estate and large-volume consignments, commission rates may vary based on the total value and scope of the sale. Contact us at (610) 799-0808 for a personalized quote.
Q: Do I need to be present at the auction?
A: No. Sellers do not need to attend the auction in person. Tom Hall Auctions manages everything on your behalf and will send you a full settlement report after the auction closes.
Q: What happens to items that do not sell?
A: Unsold items are available for pickup after the auction or may be re-consigned to a future event. Our team will discuss options with you based on the specific items and circumstances.
Q: How long does the entire process take?
A: From initial consignment to receiving your check typically takes two to four weeks, depending on the auction schedule and the nature of your items. Estate and specialty auctions may be scheduled on a longer lead time to allow for maximum marketing exposure.
Ready to get started?
Call Tom Hall Auctions at (610) 799-0808 or visit us at 4644 Route 309, Schnecksville, PA 18078. Serving all of the Lehigh Valley, Northampton County, and northeast Pennsylvania.
