What questions should I ask before signing a contract with an auctioneer?

Start with the basics: what commission or fees you will pay, what costs are deducted from your proceeds, and when you will be paid after the sale. Ask whether there are separate charges for advertising, photography, hauling, storage, or cataloging, and whether any of those are owed if items do not sell.

Next, ask how the sale will be run. Will it be live, online, or both? How will your items be marketed, and to what kind of buyers? Can you set a reserve, and what happens if a reserve is not met?

Finally, ask about licensing and insurance, since requirements vary by state, and request references from recent sellers. Read the whole contract before signing, and have an attorney review it if a large amount of property or real estate is involved.