Sell Guide
At Sterling, we value the relationships we form with our sellers as much as we value their curated items we present at auction. If you're selling with Sterling, we want you to enjoy a straightforward and rewarding process. Our professional in-house team will ensure your experience as well as your items are handled with care.
From receiving your items, to the auction block and beyond, we manage
all aspects of the seller's experience. Our team is dedicated to
keeping you informed during each stage of the auction process.
- Our specialists to research your items and collectibles with years of experience in various realms
- In house photography studio to represent your items correctly and authentically
- Superb service and communication, dedicated to keeping you informed
- Strong connections to the collectors market in Europe
- A safe, effective platform with a local and global audience
— Evaluation
To begin, please provide high quality images and a brief description of each item including the provenance (history), maker/brand names, and perceived value.
A client care representative will contact you within 7 business days and provide a detailed specialists review of your item(s). If deemed auctionable, we will help arrange the best form of delivery for your item to reach our office in Burlington, Ontario, safely and securely.
— Agreement & Submission
Following a thorough in-hand item evaluation by the Sterling team, a Consignment Agreement will be provided and signed by both parties. The Agreement will outline auction dates, consignor rates, and payment terms.
Now, the Sterling specialists will further research the items, identifying time period, compositions, and potential makers/artists.
Our photography studio will then capture the items so we can best present them to our online audience.
— Auction & Sales Process
Once your item has been researched, authenticated, and photographed, our team will contact you with written presale advice. This sales advice is designed to outline exact identification of items as well as provide an accurate starting price in preparation for auction.
Once this starting auction price has been presented, your item will be submitted for a pre-scheduled auction. For its 3 week duration, the auction will be marketed both locally and globally ensuring broad lot exposure.
During this time, you can follow your item's auction on our platform.
— Post Auction & Payment
At auction close, if your item has successfully sold, you will receive 80% of the hammer price. Once the purchaser has made payment, the sale proceeds will be made to the consignor approximately 35 calendar days after the purchaser's inspection period (14 days) concludes.
If your item does not sell, a specialist will contact you with additional options.