Why Sell Trains with Redding Auction Service, Inc.?
Auctions Located at: The Bonneauville Event Center – 12 Elm Avenue, Gettysburg, PA 17325 (Bonneauville Borough)
Auctions Take Place: On Saturday’s
Redding Auction Service, Inc. conducts anywhere from 2-4 exclusive train auctions a year. Some examples of these items are, but are not limited to, new and vintage train sets, engines, cars, track, transformers, and layout accessories of all scales and manufactures. These auctions are offered in-person as well as online via AuctionZip and Invaluable. Phone and absentee bidding are also available for those who are unable to attend the auction. Items from these auctions are shipped all over the United States as well as internationally. A mailing list goes out to anyone who has participated in one of our train auctions previously and an email list goes out to thousands of people as well. On top of our extensive marketing plan, we utilize target publications specifically for train dealers and collectors.
No Buyer’s Premium:
At Redding Auction Service, Inc., we do not charge a buyer’s premium. You may be asking yourself why this will affect you as the “seller” when it is called a “buyer’s” premium, but the affect could not be greater. A buyer’s premium adds a percentage on top of the final selling price of an item. For example, if an auction company has a 10% buyer’s premium and you purchase an item for $100, when you go to pay, that item will be $110. If a person only has $100 to spend, they are going to stop bidding at $90 because they know after the premium is added it will be $100. When companies have a buyer’s premium, prices are not able to reach their full potential and therefore, you are not getting the greatest return on your investment. At Redding Auction Service, Inc. you maximize 100% of your investment minus our commission rate.
Experience:
Redding Auction Service, Inc. has been in the business of selling trains for 50+ years. Our experts are knowledgeable in their field and over time have mastered their processes which has led to the success we see today. Our experts strive to create a professional and honest environment as you navigate through this next chapter of your life. We understand that oftentimes having an auction is the result of a loss or big life change, and they are here to provide a professional seamless process that will make this trying time as easy to navigate as possible while providing patience and compassion. We are here to work with you every step of the way. With every decision make, your best interest is in mind in how to create the greatest return on your investment.
Fully Insured and Secure:
Redding Auction Service, Inc. is a fully insured auction company with fully secured vaults and storage facilities that have around the clock surveillance. Once you leave or your items have been picked up, they are in great hands.
Why Sell Via the Auction Method?
The auction method is the only way to find the true value of an item. One expert may feel that an item has a certain value where another expert could have a very different opinion. With using the auction method, you are getting the true “price realized.” Instead of one expert’s opinion, you are getting the opinion of hundreds of people all over the country at one time. By putting all of these opinions together at once, you create an environment where the item can reach its fullest potential.
No Reserve Auction Facility:
Redding Auction Service, Inc. is a no reserve auction facility. With that said, customers are inclined to bid higher when they know they are not just bidding against a reserve. We find that this creates higher prices realized.
Commission Rates:
Our commission rates vary based off of the type, quantity, and quality of the items. Please contact our office at 717-334-6941 for a consultation and we will provide you with what the commission rate would be.
Pick-Ups and Pick-Up Fees:
If you are unable to bring your items to us, we are more than happy to come and pick them up for you. We have a large fleet of unlettered trucks and trailers that make just about any job possible. When items need to be picked up a minimal pickup fee could be charged, we do not look to make money on our pickup fees, simply to cover our expenses for the trip.
Our Process:
Step 1 (Consultation):
Our process starts with a simple phone call to our office at 717-334-6941. This phone call will allow you to speak with one of our experts who will answer any questions you may have as well as schedule an appointment for you to bring your items in or have them picked up. Our patient and compassionate staff understand that oftentimes having an auction is the result of a loss or big life change, and they are here to provide a professional seamless process that will make this trying time as easy to navigate as possible. We are here to work with you. Many times, one of our representatives will want to come out and assess the collection prior to drop-off or pick-up. At this time, they will be able to let you know what is sellable, the value of the items, and they will have a better idea of how to proceed to do the best job for you.
Step 2 (Acquiring the Items):
This next step can either take place where the items are located (if we are picking up) or at our facility (if you are dropping off). At this point, we will construct a brief inventory of the items we will be accepting or transporting. We will also do a contract with you to ensure that both parties are on the same page moving forward. This is also the time for any additional questions or assessment of the items to take place. You will receive a copy of the contract and inventory to take with you for your records.
Step 3 (Security):
Once you leave, your items are in great hands. They are placed into vault areas or secure facilities with around the clock security camera surveillance while they are waiting to be placed into an auction at no additional fee. We are a fully licensed and insured auction company.
Step 4 (Cataloging and Picturing):
Before the cataloging process starts, each item is gone over and cleaned by members of our staff. Once the cleaning has been completed, a cataloged listing of the items in the auction is created. The next step is taking pictures of each item. This is something that we take great pride in and take a lot of time doing. Each item is pictured several times ensuring that the pictures can be the interested bidders’ eyes.
Step 6 (Marketing):
Once the auction build has been completed, our marketing team goes to work. The items are live for viewing on our website which has a national reach well in advance as well as being uploaded to AuctionZip, GoToAuction.com, and EstateSale.com. We have an email list that goes out to thousands of people weekly and utilize social media platforms to reach larger audiences. We have also created a mailing list that consists of anyone who has previously participated in one of our train auctions. Each one of those participants receives a flyer in the mail letting them know about the upcoming auction. We also utilize local paper advertising based on the target audience for that specific auction such as local newspapers, auction locators, and antique weekly. For a train auction, we would target specific publications for train dealers and collectors.
Step 7 (Auction Preview):
For every train auction we hold, a preview time is available for customers to come and examine the items prior to the day of the auction. This typically takes place the day before the auction. This allows time to have any questions answered and also provides a time for those who are unable to attend the actual auction to leave phone or absentee bids. Our goal is to create the greatest amount of exposure for your items.
Step 8 (The Auction):
When the long-anticipated day has finally arrived, our staff are nothing short of organized and professional. We pride ourselves in making things as easy as possible for those attending and in the appearance of our facility. People will attend the auction live, and we will have staff designated to absentee and phone bidders for those who are unable to attend. A console will also be set up to accept internet bids into the auction.
Step 9 (Settlement):
Within 14 business days of the auction taking place, you can expect to receive your check, settlement sheet, and the original clerk sheets in the mail. The original clerk sheets will provide a detailed inventory of each item and exactly what it sold for. It is important to remember that this may look a little different than the inventory from when the items were dropped off or picked up. Items can be put together or broken down based off what will create the most value and item names can be worded differently based on how the clerk interprets it.