What are the fees for selling comics on consignment?
Typical Fee Structures
Major auction houses like Heritage Auctions charge a sliding scale: for example, 20% on the first $10,000, then lower percentages on higher amounts. Some charge a flat 15-25% commission. Smaller consignment services may take 30% or more but offer more personalized handling.
In addition to commission, you may pay for grading (if the book isn't already slabbed), photography, insurance, and shipping to the auction house. These costs can add up, so factor them in before consigning.
- Heritage: ~20% on first $10k, lower after.
- ComicConnect: ~10-20% depending on value.
- ComicLink: ~10-15% for high-value books.
- Local consignment: 25-40% common.
What Affects the Fee
Higher-value books often get lower commission rates because they attract more bidders and the auction house wants your business. If you consign a whole collection, you may negotiate a better rate. Some houses waive fees for books expected to sell above a certain amount.
Grading fees are separate: CGC charges based on declared value and turnaround time, typically $20-100+ per book. If you consign raw books, the auction house may handle grading for you and deduct the cost from your payout.
- Value of book: higher value, lower percentage.
- Volume: large consignments can negotiate.
- Grading: extra cost if not already slabbed.
- Shipping and insurance: often deducted from proceeds.
Payout and Timing
Auction houses typically pay 30-45 days after the auction ends, once the buyer's payment clears. Some offer advances, but that may come with higher fees. Always read the consignment agreement for hidden charges like withdrawal fees or minimums.
Compare net proceeds, not just commission rates. A 10% fee at one house might net you more than a 15% fee at another if the final price is higher. Check recent auction results for similar books.
- Payout: usually 30-45 days post-auction.
- Advances: may increase fees.
- Read the fine print for hidden costs.
- Compare net, not just percentage.
Common mistakes
- Focusing only on commission percentage and ignoring grading and shipping fees.
- Assuming all auction houses charge the same; rates vary widely.
- Not reading the consignment agreement for withdrawal or minimum fees.
