Sell at auction
Why sell at auction?
- A price determined by the market
The very principle of an auction is to encourage competition between buyers. Unlike a direct sale, you are offering your property to a multitude of potential buyers. This means that your property can achieve its true market value at the time of sale.
- A transparent and secure framework
Public auctions are legally regulated. This sales process guarantees the legality, clarity, and transparency of the sale and the price obtained.
- A simple process with shared interests
When you entrust us with your items, you benefit from comprehensive service: appraisal, promotion, advertising, and sale. As the auctioneer's remuneration is directly linked to the price obtained, our goal is the same as yours: to sell at the best price!
- The expertise of a recognized professional
BERTHIER ENCHÈRES offers you its expertise, market knowledge, and network of buyers to enhance the value of your property and ensure its sale under the most favorable conditions.
Auctioning: the different stages and explanations
We assist you with the appraisal and sale of your property at public auction, with complete transparency and confidentiality.
STEP 1: APPRAISAL AND ESTIMATE
1. Come and meet Maître Berthier in person
Whether at an appointment at the BERTHIER ENCHÈRES offices, at your home, or during an appraisal day in a city near you, have your property appraised free of charge and in complete confidentiality.
For more information and to find out the latest news on appraisals, see the “valuation/appraisal” section.
2. Have your property valued in just a few clicks
Send us your valuation requests by email or via the form on our website (under the “valuation” section).
Take a few photographs of the item, note its dimensions and any useful information (signature, damage, etc.) and provide us with your contact details—you will receive a prompt response to your request.
STEP 2: DROP OFF YOUR ITEMS
If you are satisfied with the estimate, we will arrange an appointment for you to drop off your items for an upcoming auction.
A sales agreement will then be drawn up. This is the contract in which you authorize the auction house to sell your items at auction on your behalf.
It specifies your personal information, a detailed list of the items entrusted to us, their estimate and, where applicable, the reserve price, sales fees, any appraisal fees, and the general terms and conditions of sale.
The mandate is signed, dated, and initialed by both parties.
A copy is given to you on the day of signing.
Documents to be provided when drawing up the mandate:
- copy of an identity document,
- bank account details (RIB).
STEP 3: PREPARING FOR THE SALE
Once your items have been deposited, the BERTHIER ENCHÈRES team takes care of everything!
Your items are showcased with a detailed description, carefully photographed, and then included in an auction.
The lots benefit from wide visibility thanks to their online listing on auction platforms. Targeted communication is also organized (website, social media, newsletters).
Before the sale, a public exhibition is organized at the auction house to physically present the items to potential buyers.
STEP 4: THE AUCTION
You will be notified of the date and time of the auction.
You can attend the auction in person at the auction house or remotely via the aforementioned platforms.
Items are sold to the highest bidder. The word “sold,” pronounced by the auctioneer, seals the sale of the item.
At the end of the sale, you will receive a statement detailing the lots sold and the prices achieved.
STEP 5: PAYMENT
Payment will be made within forty days of the sale, subject to receipt of payment from the buyer.
The amount paid corresponds to the hammer price, less:
- sales fees,
- and, where applicable, applicable taxes. We take care of all administrative sales declarations on your behalf.