What does it mean for an auctioneer to operate as a consignee?

When an auctioneer operates as a consignee, it means they are acting as an agent who holds goods for sale on behalf of another party, typically the owner of the goods. This involves taking possession of the items but not actually owning them. The primary role of the auctioneer in this context is to facilitate the sale process, ensuring the items reach potential buyers during the auction.

This arrangement allows sellers to capitalize on the auctioneer's expertise and market access while maintaining ownership rights until the items are sold. The auctioneer receives a fee or commission for their services, which is typically a percentage of the final sale price. This structure differs from ownership, financing, or promotional roles, which focus on different aspects of sales and marketing rather than the direct facilitation of the auction process itself.