RIA: The Finest Antique Firearms And Modern Gun Auctions In The US

CONSIGNMENTS

Why Consign With Rock Island Auction?

Our Auction Catalog is the Finest
• The catalog is the greatest marketing tool an auction company has to promote an auction. The old saying "a picture is worth a thousand words” is certainly true in this business. We have led the firearms auction industry into the digital age of photography and have set the standard for quality in firearms catalogs.
• Rock Island Auction Company’s catalogs have an average of 6000 photographs per catalog set, which includes many detail shots (close-ups) of items.
• Recognized firearms specialists from across the country write and review all descriptions.

Proven, Current Results
When buying or selling in the collectable field current market price is paramount. Rock Island Auction Company was established in 1993. In 15 years our cumulative sales have exceeded 128 million dollars. Many auction houses will boast high sales for a particular auction or individual item and some companies advertise ancient history. When comparing advertised claims take into account the number of years this covers, 20, 30, 40? We hit the plus 128 million mark in 15 years.
• In 2004 Rock Island Auction Company had sales exceeding 14 million dollars, in 2005, exceeding 15 million dollars, 2006 exceeding 19 million, and in 2007 an astounding 28.6 million dollars. No other firearms auction company has ever reached those numbers in a calendar year.
• Rock Island Auction Company sold over 12,000 firearms in 2007.
• We have an average sell-thru rate of over 97%.
• The participation in our auctions over the past three years by bidders per auction breaks down as follows: 1100+ registered bidders, 400-500 on-site bidders, 12,000+ absentee bids, 4,000-5,000 telephone bids on our industry leading 25 person telephone bank.

Marketing & Advertising is Tops
The firearms auction business is truly a "niche" market. Attracting the attention of serious buyers is a challenge. We have been aggressive in doing so and are proud of our growing client base and strong marketing efforts.
• Each Premiere auction a 12 page color brochure is mailed to 40,000+ pre-qualified buyers who live in all 50 states and in 36 countries. On average, our mailer contains color photos of more than 600 lots to be sold at auction.
• Full page ads and often 2-page ads are placed in numerous national, international and local publications including the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Chicago Tribune, Balitore Sun, and numerous firearms and antique publications.
• Representatives attend many promotional events including many major gun shows across the country to promote our clients consigned items in upcoming auctions.
• Each auction is supported by an extensive telephone and internet marketing campaign.
• Our entire catalog is posted on our industry leading website.

Wall Street Journal
Full Page Ad
April 2008

Great Auction Facility
Our phenomenal growth over the last few years can be seen in our current expansion to a 23,000 square foot state of the art auction facility.
• All photography, cataloging, auctioning and shipping take place in our facility, decreasing the risk of damage which can be caused by moving guns from place to place. We do not use hotels or rental halls for any of our auctions. “Presentation is important” has been or motto from inception. This is evident in the catalog, our advertising and our pre-auction exhibition. All items are professionally stored and displayed in custom padded racks or in locked display cases.
• A bank-type vault and state-of-the-art security system keep items safe around the clock.

Auction Preview Floor for our December 2007 Auction
23,000 sq. ft Auction Facility
The Finest Firearms Auction Facility in the World

Ideal Location on the Mississippi River in Illinois
Our central location in the heart of the country makes us easily accessible.
• Our Illinois location benefits the buyer and the seller. There is virtually no sales tax applied to auction items allowing for a larger buying margin to the customer.
• Gun laws in Illinois are less restrictive than in states such as California.
• We are less than five minutes from the airport. Interstate 80 and I-74 are the major highway intersections.

We Keep it Simple when You Consign With Rock Island Auction Company
Consigning is a decision with many concerns. It is our job to make it go smoothly and effortlessly. What you may consider overwhelming we handle as a daily responsibility - its our job.
• We keep the contract simple. There are no hidden charges for photography, insurance, etc. Our rates are some of the best in the industry.
• Getting items to Rock Island Auction Company is hassle-free. We are a Federal Firearms Licensed dealer. Items may be shipped directly to us or we can arrange for a pick up. Rest assured we will be with you every step of the way to get your items safely here.
• Once your items are in our possession and care they are stored securely and fully insured.

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