I want to share my experience specifically from the perspective of a consignor. While Bronstein…read moreEstate Auction Company may be a resource for buyers participating in their auctions, based on my experience, I would caution anyone considering using them to liquidate an estate--particularly when the belongings have significant monetary or sentimental value.
Bronstein removed more than a 26-foot moving truck's worth of property from the estate. The truck was packed floor to ceiling, with additional items beyond that, and the belongings included antiques, artwork, sterling silver, designer clothing, furnishings, collectibles, and more.
When everything was completed, my proceeds were a little over $600.
What has been most concerning to me is not only the amount of the final payment, but the limited visibility into what ultimately happened to such a large volume of property.
The sales documentation I received reflected approximately 85 auction lots. I understand that multiple items can be combined into a single lot, and I also understood when signing the contract that unsold items could be disposed of. My concern is not that I expected every item to sell.
What I did not anticipate was turning over this volume of belongings and having limited information about the disposition of many of the items.
I do not know which items were individually evaluated or offered for auction, which may have been grouped into lots, whether any items were sold in bulk or through other channels, or which items were ultimately donated or disposed of. I am not suggesting that anything improper occurred--I simply do not have that information. The lack of clarity in this area is what I found most difficult.
I understood that not everything would necessarily sell. What I expected was that reasonable efforts would be made to sell the items identified for liquidation and that I would receive sufficient documentation to understand, at a general level, what happened to the property I entrusted to them.
Had I understood beforehand that I could turn over more than a 26-foot truck's worth of belongings, receive documentation reflecting approximately 85 auction lots, receive a little over $600 in proceeds, and still have limited information about the disposition of the remaining property, I would have chosen a different approach.
In hindsight, I believe I would have been better served by holding an estate or garage sale, pursuing individual consignment for higher-value items, and personally managing donations.
My strongest advice to anyone considering consigning an estate is to ask specific questions in writing before anything is removed: whether all items will be inventoried, what documentation will be provided showing what was offered for sale, how items are grouped into lots, what happens to items that do not sell, whether items may be donated or disposed of without notice, whether retrieval is possible, and what records will be provided regarding final disposition.
Estate belongings often represent more than physical property. They can reflect a lifetime of possessions with both financial and personal significance. Once those items leave your possession, you are placing significant trust in the company handling them.
This experience was disappointing. If transparency, accountability, and clear documentation of outcomes are important to you, I would encourage careful consideration of other options.
