Why Consign With Us / FAQ

THE SOUTHWEST’S LARGEST AND FASTEST GROWING AUCTION HOUSE

Specializing in American Western, Wildlife and Sporting Art

Many Reasons to Choose SAA

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2023 Auctions realizes $15 million with 98% of all lots sold.

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Still only 17% buyer's premium.

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2023 Auctions set 30 new auction records.

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Currently holding 280 art auction records; more than any other Western Art Auction.

  • 2023 Auctions realizes nearly $15 million with 98% of all lots sold
  • Still only 17% buyer’s premium
  • A partnership with over 100 years of experience in the field of fine art
  • Currently holding 280 art auction records; setting new records each year
  • We advertise in more than ten national publications as well as online advertising
  • Voted “Best of the West” Art Auction by True West Magazine 3 years in a row
  • Extensive mailing list of national and international collectors
  • Permanent on-site sale & showroom – art is displayed in a beautiful gallery setting, not a hotel
  • Many pieces sell for well over the high estimate
  • 18 years of proven results; over 91% of lots sold in our auction’s history

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an appraisal and an estimate?

An appraisal is a set value, of an item, that may be used as a formal document and can be used for insurance, taxes and estate valuations – usually to asses the cost to replace the item.

Estimates are a rough guesstimate of what collectors may pay. They are not formal documents and cannot be used for any official purpose and are meant to be attractive to entice bidding.

How are estimates determined?

When determining estimates for consignments, we look at market demand according to artist, date of execution, materials, dimensions, rarity, subject matter or type and condition. Estimating art is not an exact science, we try to give conservative estimates that give a 90% success rate of being sold.

What is the cost to me to sell my art?

Your commission rate will be determined based upon the estimates and the overall size of the consignment. Our commission rate is all-inclusive – no hidden fees.

What is the Buyer’s Premium?

The Buyer’s Premium, an industry standard, refers to an additional charge on the hammer price (winning bid). It is paid by the winning bidder and only goes to the auction house to cover additional expenses that are associated with the auction. We have one of the lowest Buyer’s Premium in the industry at 17%, thus attracting numerous perspective collectors to our auction.

When will I receive the funds from the sale of my item?

We will release the funds to consignors after 30 days, provided that we have verified payment from the purchaser.

Why wasn’t my consignment accepted?

It may be confusing why we would pass, and not accept your consignment, even if the artist is listed on our web site. There are many variables that go into our decisions. We have a limited amount of space – the items may not be a good fit with the other lots we’ve already accepted or perhaps not a good fit for our auction in general or consider that the balance is off – meaning we may have too many pieces of a specific type or artist and are looking to balance the auction with other items.