Guide for Buyers and Sellers

At Bruun Rasmussen we have three different types of auctions: Live Auction, Online Auction and Direct Auction. Here you can find everything you need to know about buying and selling at these auctions.

Auction types

What is a Live Auction?

At a Live Auction, the auctioneer oversees the sale of the most expensive artwork, design classics, antiques, jewellery pieces, wristwatches and rare collectables. Before each auction, all the items are placed on display at our previews, but they can also be viewed online at bruun-rasmussen.dk and in the richly illustrated auction catalogues.

What is an Online Auction?

At Online Auctions, you can find items within the same categories as in the Live Auctions, but most often the items are at a more affordable price level. Every week of the year, more than 1,500 items are auctioned off via Online Auction. All the items can be viewed, tested and examined in our showrooms in Copenhagen or Aarhus during the weeks leading up to the sale.

What is a Direct Auction?

At Direct Auction, you can buy and sell the same type of items as on the other two auction platforms – but in a much lower price range. It is the same specialists who with their expertise and experience valuate and describe all the items. The only difference is that the sellers are the ones who photograph the auction lots before the sales, store the items at their homes during the auction period and subsequently send the items directly to the buyers. Therefore, there is no preview at our locations for items up for Direct Auction.

Before the Auction

Valuation of items
  • Live Auction and Online Auction:
    For the Live Auctions and Online Auctions, you have the opportunity to get a free and non-binding valuation of your items – either online, by visiting one of our locations or perhaps in your private home. Read more about your valuation options.
  • Direct Auction:
    For the Direct Auctions, the valuation is conducted solely through our online valuation service, where all you have to do is submit photographs and a description of the item in question. Watch our guide on how to take good pictures of your items: Photo Guide.

Our experts will always guide you as to which type of auction that best suits your item, so you can achieve the best possible sale.

Consignment for auction
  • Live Auction and Online Auction:
    If you after the valuation decide to sell an item at a Live Auction or an Online Auction, you can consign the item at one of our locations. If you do not have the opportunity to come by with the item yourself, we can help you with the contact to one of the transportation companies we work with. In accordance with current anti-money laundering rules, you will in certain cases be asked to submit personal information and present a photo ID before your item can be consigned for auction.
  • Direct Auction:
    When selling at a Direct Auction, you keep the item with you until after the auction has ended. Once the auction has concluded, you have to pack and send the item to the buyer in accordance with the package and shipment process described by us.
    In accordance with current anti-money laundering rules, you will in certain cases be asked to submit personal information and present a photo ID before your item can be consigned for auction.

What does it cost to sell at auction?

When you sell an item at an auction, there is a commission fee and a registration fee.


Commission fee:

  • At the Live Auctions and Online Auctions, the commission fee is 16% of the hammer price plus VAT if applicable.
  • At the Direct Auctions, the commission fee is 9% of the hammer price plus VAT if applicable.


Registration fee:

  • At the Live Auctions, the registration fee is DKK 500 per auction lot. This registration fee is only DKK 250 for coins and stamps.
  • At the Online Auctions, the registration fee is DKK 250, but only DKK 125 for wine and DKK 50 for coins and stamps.
  • At the Direct Auctions, the registration fee is DKK 50. If your item is not sold at a Direct Auction, you do not have to pay the commission fee or registration fee.

What happens to my item after consignment?
  • Live Auction and Online Auction:
    Once you have consigned an item at one of our locations for a Live Auction or an Online Auction, it will be catalogued and photographed. As soon as we have received your item, you can follow the process from consignment to auction here at bruun-rasmussen.dk via your personal page.
  • Direct Auction:
    Once you have received an estimated price and accepted the sales proposal concerning a sale at a Direct Auction, we complete the description of your item and assign the item to one of our auctions.

All the offered items at the three types of auction are presented here at bruun-rasmussen.dk before the auction. Certain items are also promoted in news articles, newsletters, on social media and to the press. In the case of a Live Auction, the item will be included in a richly illustrated auction catalogue. If the sale takes place at either a Live Auction or Online Auction, the item will also be displayed at a preview. Please note: All previews are currently closed due to COVID-19.

During the Auction

How can I follow my item at the auction?
  • Live Auction:
    If your item is presented at a Live Auction you can come to the salesroom or follow the auction live here at bruun-rasmussen.dk while it takes place.
  • Online Auction and Direct Auction:
    If your item is presented at an Online Auction or a Direct Auction, you can follow it here at bruun-rasmussen.dk.

After the Auction

Settlement of account after sale

We will transfer your remaining balance minus fees to the bank account you have registered on your personal page at bruun-rasmussen.dk.

  • Live Auction:
    In connection with a sale at a Live Auction, the transfer is initiated approximately 30 days after the final day of the relevant auction period.
  • Online Auction:
    In connection with an Online Auction, the transfer is initiated approximately 16 days after the final day of the relevant auction period.
  • Direct Auction:
    In connection with a Direct Auction, the transfer is initiated no later than 25 days after the auction.
Packing and Shipping After a Direct Auction

After a sale at a Direct Auction, the item has to be shipped to the buyer. If it is a smaller item, you must pack and send it using the shipping procedure we have provided for you. You must do so within three days after the buyer has paid for the item. Watch our guide on how to pack your items. You will receive a free shipping label, and we will guide you through the whole process via email. If it is a larger item, you do not have to pack and ship the item yourself. Instead, the item will be picked up at your home by one of our carriers and transported to the home of the buyer. The carrier will contact you beforehand to arrange a pick-up time.

What if my item is not sold?

If your item is not sold, you can choose to make a new agreement with us to try to sell your item at a later auction. After a Live Auction or an Online Auction, you can also choose to pick up the item at the location where it has been up for auction. We will contact you to find a solution that fits your needs.

Read more