Auctions suit some cigars and not others. Before you consign a collection, compare what you will actually receive and when.
How cigar auctions work
You consign the boxes, the auction house photographs and lists them, and buyers bid. The house usually charges the seller a commission and sometimes listing, photography or insurance fees, and buyers pay a premium on top of the hammer price. Payment comes after the sale closes and the buyer pays.
Compared
| Auction | Direct sale to a specialist | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Depends on who bids on the day | One offer, known before you agree |
| Fees | Seller's commission and other charges | None |
| Time | Weeks to months, to the next sale and payment | Agreed with you, usually much faster |
| Unsold lots | Possible; returned or relisted | The whole lot, or the boxes agreed |
| Best for | A few very rare, much-wanted boxes | Whole collections, mixed lots, estates |
How to decide
- A handful of headline boxes with strong demand can do well at auction.
- A large or mixed collection, an estate, or shop stock usually does better as one direct sale.
- Either way, get an offer first: it tells you what the lot is worth before you commit to an auction's fees and wait.
Send photos and box codes on WhatsApp (+1 416 550 8196) or through our sell form for one clear offer. No service in the USA or Canada.
Have cigars to sell?
Tell us what you have. We’ll review it and tell you plainly whether it fits what we buy. There’s no obligation.
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