We have consistently found, sale after sale, that a faster-paced auction with a larger number of lots and a greater variety of categories leads to the most ideal bidding environment. By “ideal,” we mean maximizing the number of registered bidders, absentee bids, bidder retention from beginning to end, and achieving the highest prices realized along […]

We have proven that increasing the rate at which lots are auctioned per hour drives higher bidder engagement, improves bidder retention throughout the sale, and significantly increases the number of lots sold in a given day—all while minimizing passed lots and maximizing realized prices. However, the recent trend in the antique and fine art auction […]

  In addition to offering more lots, increasing the auction pace, providing a greater variety of categories, and enhancing the quality of photos per lot, auction houses should be more deliberate in how these diverse categories are tiered throughout the sale and how lots are sequenced. One of the most effective ways to prioritize tiers […]

  One of the most significant technological advancements in the Art & Antique auction sector has been digital photography. Improvements in digital camera sensors, combined with the ability to transmit large, high-resolution images electronically, have transformed the industry. These advancements have directly contributed to a surge in auction lots sold “sight unseen.” The ability to […]

  Thirty years ago, the auction house or dealer with the largest library of books on art and antiques wielded great power to shape the trade and profit from it. Their extensive resources allowed them to secure the best consignments and attract top bidders through their expertise. The internet changed everything and opened digital libraries […]

In addition to offering more lots, a faster pace, a greater variety of categories, and higher-quality photos per lot, auction houses should be more deliberate in how these diverse categories are tiered throughout the sale and how the lots are sequenced. One of the most effective ways to prioritize tiers within a category is by […]

As the pace of an auction increases, the number of lots must also increase. Expanding the number of lots in a single day’s sale offers several benefits for both the auction house and buyers. By increasing the number of lots to over 500 per day, auctioneers achieve greater efficiency in labor and administrative costs. Additionally, […]

Time and again, we’ve found that the most successful auctions share key elements including a fast pace, a large number of lots, and a large number of photographs per lot. Another key element for a successful auction: a diverse range of categories. This combination creates the ideal bidding environment—one that maximizes registered bidders, absentee bids, […]

In the past decade, we have proven time and again that increasing the pace of an auction—selling more lots per hour—leads to higher bidder engagement, better bidder retention, and significantly more lots sold in a given day. A faster pace not only minimizes passed lots but also maximizes the prices realized. Yet, the recent trend […]