Sell With Us
Yellow Moon offers more than one way to sell antiques, collections, and estate items. With decades of experience, we help sellers choose the option that best fits their items, timeline, and expectations.
Whether you’re looking for a straightforward sale or wider exposure through auction, our approach is rooted in care, transparency, and realistic guidance.
Your Selling Options
Option 1: Sell Directly to Yellow Moon
Selling directly to Yellow Moon may be the right fit if you’re looking for a simpler, more immediate sale.
This option is often best for those who want:
A straightforward transaction
Immediate payment
Fewer steps and decisions
When items are purchased outright, Yellow Moon assumes all responsibility for what happens next, including labor, storage, research, marketing, and resale risk. Because items may take months or years to sell, and some may not sell at all, direct purchase offers are typically based on 10–20% of expected retail value, especially when buying larger quantities. In rare cases, truly unique or exceptional pieces may warrant a higher percentage.
Not all items are a good fit for direct purchase, but we’re always happy to review and advise.
Option 2: Consign Through Yellow Moon Auctions
Auction consignment is ideal for select items that may benefit from competitive bidding and a wider audience.
This option may be a good fit if you’re looking for:
Broader exposure beyond the local market
The opportunity for competitive bidding
Flexibility on timing rather than an immediate sale
Auction consignments are curated and accepted on a limited basis to ensure quality presentation and strong buyer engagement. Auction is not the right solution for every item, and we will only recommend it when it makes sense for both the seller and the timeline involved.
What to Expect When Selling With Us
Every selling situation is different, but the process generally follows the same thoughtful approach.
Getting Started
We begin with a brief conversation to understand what you’re looking to sell, the overall scope of the items, and your general timeline. This helps determine whether the items are a good fit and which selling option may make the most sense before scheduling an in-person visit.
The First Visit
The first visit is intended to assess fit and scope, not to price every item individually.
Visits may take place at the auction house or, when the size or nature of a collection warrants it, in the client’s home.
Auction house visits are typically brief and focused on item drop-off, paperwork, and catalog review. Home visits, when needed, generally last 60–90 minutes. Any additional time is scheduled separately once next steps are agreed upon.
Research, Pricing & Next Steps
Detailed research and final pricing are completed after we agree on a direction. Once a path forward is chosen, next steps and expectations are clearly outlined so everyone understands the process and timeline.
Auction Consignment & Transport
Items consigned for auction are typically delivered to the auction house by the consignor. If packing, removal, or transport from a home or estate is required, additional labor, time, and risk are involved. In these situations, an additional commission or service fee may apply. Any such arrangements are always discussed and agreed upon in advance.
A Note on Expectations
Antiques are valued based on current market conditions, demand, condition, quantity, and the time required to sell. Offers and recommendations reflect these realities and are never intended to diminish sentimental value or personal meaning.
Our role is to provide realistic, professional guidance so informed decisions can be made.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling With Us
Should I sell my antiques directly or consign them to auction?
Choosing between selling antiques directly or consigning through auction depends on your items, timeline, and goals. Some antiques are best suited for a direct purchase, while others benefit from the wider exposure of an online auction. We’re happy to review your items and help you decide which option is the best fit.
What types of antiques do you buy or accept on consignment?
We specialize in quality antiques, vintage items, collections, and select estate pieces. All items are reviewed prior to acceptance, and not every item is a good fit for purchase or auction.
Do you buy entire estates or large collections?
Yes. We work with single items, partial estates, and full estates. Depending on the scope, timeline, and items involved, we may recommend direct purchase, auction consignment, or a combination of both.
Are there upfront fees to consign items at auction?
No. There are no upfront fees and no fees for unsold items when consigning through Yellow Moon Auctions.
What happens if my item doesn’t sell at auction?
If an item does not sell at auction, you may choose to retrieve it or allow us to dispose of it. In some cases, we may recommend re-offering an item in a future auction if it is appropriate.
How long does it take to sell antiques?
The timeline varies. Selling antiques directly is typically faster, while auction consignments follow a scheduled auction timeline. We’ll help you understand the expected timeframe before moving forward.
When and how will I be paid?
For direct purchases, payment is made directly by Yellow Moon. For auction consignments, payment is issued after the auction concludes and buyer payments have cleared.
Do you ship auction items?
Shipping may be offered for select auction items at our discretion when it is expected to increase bidder interest. When shipping is offered, all shipping and handling costs are paid by the buyer.
How do I start the process of selling antiques?
To get started, contact us with information about your items and your timeline. We’ll review your submission and help determine the best way to sell.
Not sure which option is right?
That’s completely normal. Some items perform best through auction, while others are better suited for direct purchase.
We’re happy to review your items and help you decide which approach makes the most sense for your situation.