Who Gets the Money From an Auction?

When attending or participating in an auction, one common question people have is: "Where does all the money go?" Whether you’re bidding, buying, or thinking about selling through an auction, understanding how the money is distributed can give you a better appreciation of the process—and the value that an auction brings.

The Consignor Gets the Majority

The majority of the money from an auction goes directly to the consignor—the person or business that owns the items being sold. After all, they’re the ones providing the items, and the auction is the vehicle to help those items find new homes.

Whether it’s a single collectible or a full estate, consignors receive the bulk of the sale price after the auction concludes. This makes auctions a compelling way to sell items quickly, competitively, and transparently.

Where Does the Rest Go?

The remaining portion of the proceeds goes to the auction company—and that’s not just profit. It covers the many moving parts involved in making an auction successful, smooth, and appealing for both buyers and sellers. Here are some of the key areas those funds support:

📣 Marketing & Advertising

To bring in serious buyers, every auction needs promotion. The auction company invests time and money into marketing campaigns, social media, advertising, email newsletters, and listing services to get the word out and drive traffic to the auction.

🏠 The Auction Location

Whether it’s a physical auction or an online event, providing a comfortable, safe, and accessible environment is essential. In-person auctions require a building or space that can accommodate items and attendees, while online auctions need a secure and user-friendly digital platform.

👥 Auction Staff

A successful auction doesn’t run itself. From setup to tear-down, trained staff work behind the scenes to organize inventory, register bidders, handle payments, and ensure everything runs smoothly.

🎤 The Auctioneer

The auctioneer is much more than someone who talks fast. They’re a skilled professional who knows how to keep the auction moving, maintain fairness, and—most importantly—engage and entertain the crowd. A great auctioneer helps build excitement, which leads to more competitive bidding and better results for the consignor.

💻 Online Auctions

If the auction is online, there are additional technology and labor costs. Staff must photograph every item, write accurate descriptions, and upload everything to the online platform. There are also hosting fees and customer support needs that come with digital auctions.

All of these elements work together to ensure your items are presented professionally, attract the right buyers, and bring in top dollar.

Thinking of Selling? Let's Talk!

If you have items you’re considering selling, Denotter Auctions is a fantastic place to consign. We’d love to talk with you and see if an auction is the right fit for your situation. Our team is here to guide you through the process and make it easy, rewarding, and stress-free.

Contact Denotter Auctions Today:

Let’s turn your items into cash—with the power of a professionally-run auction.

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