FAQs

What is Consortium?

Consortium is exactly like nothing else.

We are an estate liquidation, auction, consignment house dedicated to helping families, trustees, and collectors navigate life transitions with dignity, transparency, and care. As a certified Benefit Corporation (B Corp), we combine global auction reach on Live Auctioneers with sustainable, community-minded practices – ensuring that every estate is managed with complete integrity and a minimal landfill focus.

To learn more about our story, our mission, and our B Corp commitment, visit our About Us page.

What services does Consortium provide?

We offer end-to-end estate liquidation, valuation, and consignment services tailored to the unique needs of trustees, attorneys, and private individuals. Our full-service solutions include:

  • Initial Consultation & Estate Planning: On-site evaluations, inventory review, and customized liquidation strategies.
  • Valuation & Appraisals: Expert cataloging, research, and fair-market value estimates for fine art, jewelry, antiques, and collections.
  • Full-Service Estate Management: Professional sorting, staging, photography, and logistics management.
  • Auction & Consignment Sales: Global auction exposure on LiveAuctioneers and direct retail consignment in our downtown Vallejo showroom.
  • Sustainable Estate Clean-Outs: As a certified B Corp, we handle donation coordination, responsible recycling, and debris removal to leave properties completely clear and broom-swept.

How do the services work?

We handle the entire process from start to finish so you don't have to worry about the heavy lifting. Once we establish your overall goals for the property, our team builds and executes a tailored action plan:

  • Tailored Estate Plans: Whether you need to clear an entire property, liquidate a fine collection, or divide heirlooms among family members, we manage every stage of execution.
  • Full Logistics & Partner Coordination: We oversee item sorting, cataloging, professional photography, auction placement, donation drop-offs or pick-ups, and third-party logistics on your behalf.
  • End-to-End Tracking: Every item is tracked from initial cataloging to its final endpoint – whether that a live global auction on LiveAuctioneers, a direct sale in our Vallejo showroom, or a receipted charitable donation.
  • Flexible Involvement: We offer completely hands-off, white-glove management for distant trustees or busy families, as well as targeted consignment strategies for specific high-value items.

How long does the process take?

Timeline varies based on the scope of the estate and the services selected, but every project follows a clear, structured schedule. Here is what to expect:

  • Planning & Lead Time: We generally recommend reaching out 2 to 4 weeks in advance to schedule your initial consultation, allow for property walk-throughs, and finalize your tailored liquidation plan. However, if you find yourself on a tighter timeline, please don't hesitate to reach out.
  • Prep & Cataloging (depending on process queue): Once under contract, our team handles sorting, professional photography, research, cataloging, and staging for auction or retail placement.
  • Payouts & Settlements: Settlements are typically paid within 75 days of the sale of property. Items must be paid for and picked up or shipped before a payout can be processed. For checks under $100, unless it is the final check for the consignment, those checks will be held until settlement amount reaches above $100.
  • Specialty Collections: Rare antiques, fine jewelry, or specialized art collections requiring expert appraisal or authentication may take longer to ensure they are placed in the optimal, targeted sale for maximum return.
  • Commission Percentage: Our standard consignment commission percentage is 50%, which offers a completely turnkey solution. This rate covers all backend operations including insurance, photography, cataloging and research, administrative setup, platform listing fees, credit card processing fees, etc. (Additional and separate costs may include third-party authentication fees such as GIA or PSA certifications.) For high-value single items and specialized collections, commission rates are competitive and negotiable based on appraised value and scope of collection.

Pro Tip: It is never too early to start planning! Contact our team as soon as you anticipate an estate transition so we can reserve your preferred timeline.

Where are Consortium Auctions Hosted?

All of our auctions are hosted live on Live Auctioneers, while also being held in-person at our store on Georgia Street.

How Do I Register to Bid?

You can register to bid live via the Live Auctioneers platform. Simply click on "Auctions" on our website menu to go directly to Consortium's official Live Auctioneers portal. You can also bid live with us by registering in person and obtaining your bidder paddle. If you are unable to make it, you can leave absentee bids with us and one of our team members will bid for you on your behalf.

How Does Item Pickup and Shipping Work?

Winning local bidders can schedule an in-person pick up from our store by contacting us via email ( shop@consortiumasc.com ) or text/call (707-787-0264). For out-of-area or international buyers, professional third-party shipper information can be provided for larger or more delicate items. Smaller items can be shipped in-house. Contact us for a shipping quote.

Does Consortium Have a Store?

Yes, our brick-and-mortar store is located at 445 Georgia Street, Vallejo CA 94590. We are open Fridays from 10-5, Saturdays from 9-5, and Sundays from 11-5. On Saturdays, the downtown Vallejo area closes Georgia Street for our Farmer's Market, which starts at 9am so parking can be a little harder to find.