How to Buy & How to Sell
At Motley’s Antiques & Estates Division

How to Buy:

If you are an auction novice, new Motley’s customer, or a seasoned veteran who just wants to review our process, you have come to the right place.
Auctions allow you to set the price you are willing to pay and this step-by-step guide will enable you to become a winner!

Step #1 Review the Items in our Auction

Online: Click the Current Auctions button on the left hand bar to see all of Motley’s current auctions.
To only view the auctions of a certain division, click the division name and then click “Current Auctions” in red header bar.
Scroll down to the auction of interest and click to go to that auction.

In person: Inspection availability and times are noted on the Auction Page and are usually the two days prior to the auction and auction day starting at 10:00 a.m..
Use an auction catalog to record notes about items of interest. Catalogs can be printed from our online site or purchased at our Broad Street Gallery for a nominal fee.

Step #2 Register to bid

All participants in an auction must register prior to placing a bid regardless of the bidding method they plan to use.
Bidding Methods – Depending on the auction type, up to four methods may be utilized to become a WINNER.

In-Person – Bring your Photo ID to register at the sale location where you’ll receive a Bid Number allowing you to participate in the fun! During the auction, the auctioneer will announce bids and may be assisted by several bid assistants. Simply raise your Bid Number to place a bid and continue until you are the last hand up. It’s that easy to become a winner!

On-Line –Motley’s Antiques and Estates Division offers remote live internet bidding from the convenience of your home or office. Click the “BID ONLINE” tab for guidance on how to register, review items, and place your bids.

Absentee/Telephone Bids – If you are unable to attend the auction in person, you may still participate in bidding via telephone or absentee bid. You can leave bids by downloading the Absentee/Phone Bid Form. Fill out completely and enter your maximum bids for an absentee bid. Your bids will be competitively represented as if you were in the audience. You may write the word “PHONE” in the bid column for a live telephone call from us during the auction moments before the item is set to go on the auction block. You may fax the form to us at (804) 359-6954 or email the form to antiques@motleys.com.

Step #3 Arrange For Payment and Pickup

If your bid was successful, an invoice will show your total amount due. You can retrieve your invoice in person or we can send it by email or fax for your convenience
Please make sure to pay your invoice by the Friday following the sale to avoid the possibility of late fees.

Once your invoice is paid in full your new treasures can be picked up.

Onsite pickup is available after the sale from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday and from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Wednesday the week immediately following the sale.

*Ensure your removal is completed by this time frame to avoid storage charges*

How to Sell:

Relocating? Downsizing? Redecorating? Selling an Estate? Let Motley’s Help
The Antiques & Estates Division of Motley's is a full-service operation ready to assist you with the sale of your personal property or guide you through the decision-making steps of estate settlement. Our professional staff has the depth of knowledge and experience to help you obtain the best value for your property.

Step #1 Contact Us

Whether you need to sell one item or an entire collection, we are happy to offer a complimentary and confidential verbal consultation. Simply call (804) 355–2100 or 1-877-MOTLEYS and speak with our professional staff, or send photographs and descriptions of your property to antiques@motleys.com and we will respond promptly to set up a time to view your items and decide the best venue for your sale.

Step #2 Researching and Marketing your assets

You can rest assured your property will be researched properly by our knowledgeable staff and marketed thoroughly.

Once your item(s) are at our gallery our staff will take great pride in handling your property. We will first thoroughly clean the item(s) and repair them if needed. We will then photograph and describe each piece before placing them in our gallery in an appealing manor that will entice buyers who can view the objects online and in person. We sell to buyers all over the world.

Your property will be marketed and advertised very intensively in national specialty publications and to a global audience through the internet. It will be featured in our auction brochure that is mailed to thousands of interested buyers. As a result, auctioned items regularly achieve sale prices greater then what you might have received selling it directly on your own.

Step #3 Finalizing your sale.

After the auction our staff works diligently to settle the sale of your items quickly and accurately. A comprehensive sale summary report including all items sold and the sale prices will be sent to you along with the proceeds. These are usually sent to you within 15 business days after the sale.