At Tom Hall Auctions, seller commission varies depending on the type of property being sold, the size of the collection, and the services required. Most personal property auctions are priced using a commission based on the final selling price, with larger or higher-value consignments often qualifying for reduced commission rates. In most cases, our commission includes professional cataloging, photography, marketing, online advertising and bidder management.

Because every auction and collection is different, we provide a free consultation.

What’s Typically Included in Auction Commission

Our seller commission is designed to cover virtually every aspect of conducting a successful auction, including:

  • Initial consultation and auction planning
  • Professional cataloging and research
  • Photography and lot preparation
  • Online auction setup
  • Advertising and marketing
  • Promotion to our extensive email and social media audience
  • Bidder support and customer service
  • Payment collection and processing
  • Accounting and seller settlement
  • Secure storage of items while in our possession when appropriate

Our goal is to provide a turnkey service so sellers don’t have to manage the auction themselves.

Are There Any Additional Fees Beyond Commission?

Sometimes.

Additional services may include:

  • Packing and transportation of items from your home to our gallery
  • Clean-out services after the auction
  • Large-item moving or specialized equipment
  • Off-site auction staffing
  • Extraordinary advertising requested by the seller

Any additional costs are discussed and approved before work begins. We do not believe in surprise fees.

Sliding Scale or Flat Rate?

Every auction is evaluated individually.

Rather than using one commission rate for every seller, Tom Hall Auctions structures commission based on factors such as:

  • Size of the collection
  • Average item value
  • Amount of labor required
  • Whether the auction is held onsite or at our gallery
  • Transportation requirements
  • Specialty collections versus general household contents

This allows us to provide competitive pricing while giving every client the level of service their project requires.

When Do Sellers Get Paid?

Seller settlements are generally completed within approximately 2 to 4 weeks after the auction closes.

This allows time for:

  • Collection of all buyer payments
  • Resolution of any payment issues
  • Completion of buyer pickup
  • Final accounting and reconciliation

Each seller receives a detailed settlement statement listing every item sold and its selling price.

FAQ

Is there a fee to consign items with Tom Hall Auctions?
No. There is no charge for an initial consultation or auction evaluation. If we believe an auction is the right solution, we’ll outline our services and commission before any work begins.

Do sellers pay anything if an item doesn’t sell?
Policies may vary depending on the auction agreement.

Fortunately, the vast majority of items offered in our online auctions sell. If an item remains unsold, we’ll discuss the available options with the seller, which may include returning the item, including it in a future auction, or donating it. Any applicable fees would be explained in advance.

How does Tom Hall Auctions compare to estate sale companies or online marketplaces?
Traditional estate sale companies typically sell items over a weekend using fixed prices that often decrease during the sale. Online marketplaces require sellers to photograph, describe, list, communicate with buyers, collect payment, and coordinate pickup themselves.

Tom Hall Auctions provides a full-service solution by professionally photographing, cataloging, marketing, and selling items through competitive bidding, allowing the marketplace to determine fair market value. Our experienced staff handles the entire process from start to finish, saving sellers significant time and effort.

Are there any upfront costs before the auction?
In most cases, no.

Most seller costs are paid through the commission earned when the auction is completed. If a project requires unusual transportation, extensive clean-out work, specialized labor, or services outside a typical auction, those costs are discussed and agreed upon before work begins.