Online Auction Process

1. Consultation

We begin with a complimentary in-home consultation. During this visit, we evaluate your items to determine whether they meet our criteria for an online auction. In most cases, we require 300–500 items/lots and look for a minimum net auction value of $6,500.

2. Auction Timeline

Our auctions are conducted on-site, meaning all items remain in your home throughout the process. Buyers will have one designated pickup day at your location.

If your items qualify, we will schedule a start date. Because we conduct 3–4 auctions per month, each project is allotted one week for setup. Items must be accessible and ready for photography, as we are not able to perform extensive unpacking.

Standard Schedule:

  • Monday–Thursday: Photography and cataloging

  • Friday: Auction goes live

  • 13 days: Auction active online

  • Thursday (evening): Auction closes

  • Friday: Shipping preparation and order organization

  • Saturday (9 AM–3 PM): Buyer pickup at your home

Any items not picked up by buyers are considered forfeited. Items that do not sell remain your property.

3. Bidding

We operate no-reserve, final-sale auctions. Every item sells to the highest bidder regardless of the final bid amount. Most items begin at a $1.00 starting bid, although higher starting bids may be used when appropriate.

Unlike traditional estate sales, auction items are not pre-priced.

4. Fees

  • Service Fee: 40% of net sales

  • Buyer’s Premium: 17% (charged to bidders to cover platform fees and advertising; does not affect your payout)

  • Credit Card Processing Fee: 3%, shared 40% by CCES and 60% by the seller

5. Payout

Accounting is typically completed by the Tuesday following the close of the auction. Client payout checks are then mailed by Wednesday.

6. Scheduling

We generally schedule auctions 3–4 weeks in advance. A signed contract is required to secure your auction date.

We handle all city sales tax remittance; no action is needed on your part.
Because all advertising is conducted online, we do not place physical signs in the community. Your address is kept private until the auction concludes.

7. Insurance

We carry a $1,000,000 general liability insurance policy.

8. Marketing

We coordinate and manage all advertising for your sale, utilizing platforms such as:

9. Cleanout Services

We do not provide cleanout services; however, we can recommend reputable companies we have successfully worked with in the past.

10. Unsold Items

Any items that do not sell remain your property.