Book Description

“Making Auctions Pay” by California author Marques Vickers is the first easy-to-follow guidebook for successfully buying, consigning and reselling valuables through regional auction houses. The editions straightforward language cuts through the traditional misconceptions surrounding auctions and simplifies the process of buying with the purpose of reselling for profit. “This book is designed to help you avoid the roadblocks I endured learning how to buy and sell knowledgably at regional auction houses,” notes Vickers in his Preface. “The book creates a blueprint for success for individuals seeking innovative primary and secondary sources of income.” Vickers shares his experience directly from the auction floor. His northern California based online store Marquis Gallery sells rare books, fine art and collectibles. Auction houses have become a staple source of acquiring inventory. Making Auctions Pay concisely breaks down the fundamentals of how regional auction houses operate. The book address important defining elements including appraisals, value estimations, bidding options, strategies and increments, previews and advance research, reserves, buyer and seller premiums, warranties, shipping and delivery options. A critical component of the book stresses proven sales strategies for reselling auction purchases. Emphasis is concentrated on optimizing selling exposure through major online outlets including eBay, Amazon, Craigslist and Barter Exchanges as well as direct selling vehicles such as consignment shops and estate liquidation services. eBay and Amazon’s proactive consumer marketing programs are showcased featuring training and data resources to compliment innovative distribution and promotional opportunities. Two distinctive chapters focus on selling previous metals and their derivative products and the necessity of cultivating positive buyer feedback from even difficult customers. Making Auctions Pay emphasizes how global Internet exposure, technological advances and easily employed live bidding applications have distinctly altered the auction landscape. Online influence has expanded the worldwide base of auction participants and enlarged the scale of opportunity. Broader participation has also introduced complicated ethical issues involving authenticity, non-paying and shill bidders, shared marketing data, sales tax legislation and collusion. An extensive database of website references is included along with a glossary of relevant auction industry and online usage terms. “The book’s clear and practical instruction empowers both novice and seasoned professional to maximize their selling potential,” notes Vickers. “Dynamic opportunities continue to broaden. With the phenomenal television viewership following programs such as Antiques Roadshow, Storage Wars, Pawn Stars, etc., a substantial demand for understanding the hidden potential of auctions exists. Making Auctions Pay is an essential reference book for enabling individuals to expand their financial resources and destiny.” Author Marques Vickers has had work published in AntiqueWeek, The Artist Magazine, Art Calendar and wrote Marketing and Buying Fine Art Online through Allworth Press of New York. He has published numerous works on fine arts, the auction industry, southern France and photojournalism.