Selling Information

Selling goods at Cottees

We are always interested in selling your unwanted items and people are often surprised that it is things that are more likely to be thrown away that can sell for the most money. The world of antiques has changed and people are now not interested in china teasets, large dinner services and jug and basin sets. Once a staple part of the antiques market these items often make a lot less than they did ten years ago yet are still the things people clear from a house first and bring to us - because they do not want them! Of course there can be exceptions! A certain name or make can still sell well and this is where we can advise you.

2009 saw a surge in interest in what we call 'collectables'. Postcards, coins, stamps, old photographs, WW1 and WW2 war medals and memorabilia including old uniforms, kit etc, old telephones, corkscrews, printed ephemera, watches, any items of local/Dorset interest, sporting memorabilia, autographs, badges, small silver items, gold (even scrap pieces). The list goes on.

 

 
One thing is for sure that items sold at auction have a better chance of realising their full value than selling elsewhere. Antique furniture is proving hard to find and contrary to the opinion that 'brown furniture' does not sell - good items certainly do and even bureaus are coming back into fashion and selling for more than they have recently as people realise that small laptops can now be fitted into them.

When clearing a property of a deceased relative, it is advisable to contact us before too much has been thrown away in fact before anything has been thrown away. Obviously we are not interested in old clothes or bedding but we are often told by customers that "we have got rid of all the rubbish" and then subsequently shown the proverbial teaset or Victorian cracked vase which is worth nothing.

Our professional advice will guide you through the ups and downs of clearing a property. A garage or shed can often yield very interesting and valuable items. We are happy to explore everywhere. Obviously some items are worthless and we will be happy to recommend methods of disposal.

An initial visit to a property is usually free. It is a great help if you can email images of items to us. Send to info@cottees.co.uk. Clearance charges are applicable and this can be discussed at that time. Always remember however that any expenses incurred will usually be more than covered by the proceeds of the auction. If you have paid for a house clearance you will see nothing of the profits from the contents. There is always the chance that one item could be worth more than everything else put together.

With all our catalogues now listed worldwide online, we can save you the time and trouble of selling items on Ebay and achieve high prices too.

 


 

Registration

In order to sell, Vendors need to register and will receive a vendor ID.

Vendors can register at the office or by contacting us.

 

Sale Results

If you provide your email address to us, on the day following the sale you can find out the result of your entry by email. Payment by BACS will normally be available within 2 weeks of the sale (see our conditions).

 

Terms and Conditions

For full details of our conditions please ensure that you read our Conditions of Accepting Goods.

(see our conditions).

 


 

Bringing-in Days

We can accept items Tuesday - Thursday 10am - 4pm.

If you have something that you wish to sell at one of our auctions, then simply bring it along. The office will provide you with a Vendor ID, so go there first and you will then be told which auctioneer you should see. The auctioneer will complete the Entry Form and advise you on your items.

We can accept Collectable Toy & Model Railway items, Poole Pottery, Moorcroft, Rock & Pop memorabilia and watches  or anything for one of our 'specialist' sales.

If you wish to see a specialist when bringing in your goods, please telephone to make an appointment.

Please ensure that you read our Conditions of Accepting Goods before completing an Entry Form.

Click here for our full list of Auction Dates.