How to sell
Selling at auction
Whether you have a few items to sell or require assistance to liquidate an estate, we will help you through each step in the process.
Morgan O'Driscoll has one of the broadest ranges of product knowledge and market expertise in Ireland. Our experienced valuers can provide you with preliminary auction estimates and suggested reserves.
Step 1: Understanding your needs
The first simple step is for a Morgan O'Driscoll specialist to advise you about your items' market potential. This can be done by appointment at our gallery or with images together with any background information.
To contact the appropriate department, please visit our contact page.
Step 2: Determine a solution
Once your items have been reviewed, we will contact you to discuss how we can best assist you with one of our services:
- Inventory
- Valuation
- Dispersal by auction
We will offer your items in the most appropriate market for maximum return. Morgan O'Driscoll serves an extensive domestic and international network of clients including both online and live auction services.
Step 3: Finalise the plan
At this stage we will finalise the best course of action (type of auction, timing, estimates, reserves, etc.) to meet your needs and achieve maximum results. The high and low auction estimates provide an expected range of value for your property and give the buyer guidelines for potential purchase. The estimate is not a guarantee; your item may sell below or far above the estimate.
For objects of high value, you may place a reserve, or a minimum price at which the item can sell. Offering without a reserve can work to your advantage since starting the bidding at a low price will often inspire more bidders to join in. Bidder competition is essential to earning a higher final hammer price.
Step 4: Send in the material
When you are invited to consign, you will receive instructions on how to ship the material to Morgan O'Driscoll at the Skibbereen office, or arrange for an appointment to bring it in to our Skibbereen or Dublin offices. If you choose to ship your items, please include a detailed packing list inside along with copies of any email correspondence.
Please keep in mind that any auction estimates you received based on photographs may be revised once a valuer assesses the item in person.
Our fees
Commission
The standard rate of commission varies depending on the type of sale from 10% to 18%. The commission is calculated on the hammer price and may be subject to change.
Insurance
Unless otherwise instructed by the seller, all lots shall be automatically insured under the Morgan O'Driscoll Fine Arts Policy. An industry charge of 1.5% of the hammer price is levied in accordance with our conditions of sale. Lots not covered under this policy remain completely at the seller's own risk.
Photography, catalogues, marketing
Catalogue and web illustrations are included at the discretion of the auctioneer and are agreed in advance with the seller. Working with Morgan O'Driscoll means worldwide exposure and thoughtful, targeted marketing. Allow at least 2 to 3 months from the time you sign a consignment contract to auction.
VAT
VAT is applied to the above charges and deductions at a rate of 23%.
Step 5: The auction
An auction is a fast-paced, thrilling experience for bidders and consignors alike. We recommend attending the in-room auctions or watching online as they happen. You may join us at our in-room auctions at the Minerva Suite in the RDS, Dublin or you can watch the auction online from your computer.
Step 6: After the auction
If you are not watching when the hammer falls, you can check the prices realised on our website. We update the results continuously during the sale.
In the event that your property fails to sell, you have two choices. You may choose to offer the lot again in a future auction, or you may wish to have your property returned to you. Charges may apply for returned property. The team at Morgan O'Driscoll handling your consignment can make arrangements for either of these options after the auction.
Artist's resale rights (Droit de Suite)
Under Government Regulations (S.I. 312/2006), a royalty is payable to living artists and the estates of deceased artists within 70 years from their date of death, of EU nationality, on all works resold for €3,000 or more (other than sold by the artist or the artist's agent).
| Sale price band | Royalty rate |
|---|---|
| €3,000 to €50,000 | 4% |
| €50,000.01 to €200,000 | 3% |
| €200,000.01 to €350,000 | 1% |
| €350,000.01 to €500,000 | 0.5% |
| Exceeding €500,000 | 0.25% |
The total amount of royalty payable on any individual sale shall not exceed €12,500. The seller is liable for payment of this royalty on completion of the sale.
Step 7: Payment schedule
You will receive a cheque and an itemised statement including a breakdown of fees within 35 days of the auction.
Should you have any queries on selling at Morgan O'Driscoll, please do not hesitate to contact us.