Q1

What is a "Reserve"? Why do I care?

A1

Some antique auctions have used a semi-secret technique called a "reserve." It is a secret value below which an item will not be sold, and the item is returned to the consignor if no bidder reaches the secret minimum. This way of doing business is hard on bidders as well as the auction house. We are trying to make this auction a buyers' experience. Without reserves all items will be sold with no secret minimum values.

Q2

Is it too late to consign items?

A2

No, However this is a specialty sale and to properly catalog and advertise your items for maximum return you should consign early.

Q3

I have attended some of the Brookline Railroad Auctions. Will this one have a catalog? When can I get one?

A3

Yes. There will be a free online catalog. There will also be a free online “list” of one line per item available. The online catalog will be available sooner. We will also have a simple list (one line per item) printed out so you can doodle along with the sale. There will be a minimal fee for this. 

Q4

Why are there two web sites (www.TagTown.net and www.brooklineauctiongallery.com)?

A4

Scott Czaja is the Sales Manager and is responsible for: getting consignments, developing the catalog, answer collector questions.
Brookline Auction Gallery LLC will supply the auction facility including auction staff. Ron Pelletier, a licensed New Hampshire auctioneer will sell the actual items. Brooklilne Auction Gallery LLC also provides Bonded storage (insured)  for consigned items. Both Scott Czaja and Brooklilne Auction Gallery LLC have other business activities that do not include each other. We are partnering on specific, live railroad auctions.

Q5

Do I have to attend in person or can I call in or mail a bid?

A5

We will definitely accept "absentee" bids. All bids are held in strict confidence. You can leave bids with Scott Czaja or Brookline Auction Gallery. You will be responsible for shipping, handling & insurance costs. There may be some large or "awkward to ship" items. They will be flagged in the catalog.

Q6

Will there be internet bidding?

A6

There will not be ” live”  internet bidding. This style of auction is a disservice to people that attend in person having to wait for someone sitting at a computer to actually determine when an item has sold and not the auctioneer. We had over $80,000 in cumulative absentee bids in the first auction and over $60,000 in the 2^nd smaller auction. The 3^rd auction had over 600 absentee bids. These bids were executed (almost) without a hitch. We do not need to use another 3^rd party service. You will need to register and agree to the terms of the auction.

Q7

Will there be phone bidding?

A7

Maybe, if you know that you will need to bid by phone, please schedule with us early. We will also need to "register" you so scheduling is even more important. We will also need to know what specific lot(s) you are interested in. We may require a “minimum starting bid” to execute live phone bids. Talk to Scott. 

Q8

I am interested in consigning. What do I do?

A8

Contact Scott Czaja. I will ask for a list of what you have. We need to manage the material already consigned with new consignments so that everyone has a chance to have their items featured. We have many collecting categories that fill up fast.

Q9

What commission do you charge for consignments?

A9

This depends on: (1) how much you have, (2) the quality of what you have, (3) time to catalog
which can include cleaning, packaging or other preparation work.

Q10

I can’t wait to the auction to sell my things. Will you buy my collection?

A10

Yes. It helps if you have a list of what items you have. This way I can schedule a detailed evaluation.

Q11

Can I get on a list so I get updates on the auction?

A11

Yes, I will bring a "sign up" sheet to shows. In addition if you send me an eMail with "Brookline auction" in the subject line I'll put your email address into a distribution list. When major milestones are met, I'll notify you regarding what we are up to and how to get access to new pictures and other information. We also all have non-internet friends. If you know of someone who is not online, please eMail me their mailing address and I'll send out notices when the catalog is available or other important milestones have been met.

Q12

Will you accept left bids from Canada?

A12

Yes. You would be responsible for paying in $US and you would be responsible for any duty
fees. All customs forms will be filled out with an accurate accounting.

Q13

What is Gaithersburg Delivery?

A13

We have scheduled this auction to take place 2 weeks before the largest transportation show in the country (Gaithersburg MD). Scott can deliver your items to the show if you have pre-paid your bill. There are some exceptions to the delivery rule. Ask Scott for details. Please remember that there is limited space and weight capability in our van so schedule this early.

Q14

Who are you?

A14

I, Scott Czaja, bought a switch key at a train show in 1972. I collected off and on for years and then got serious about collecting Railroadiana in the 1980s. I have been the New England Regional Vice President of the "Railroadiana Collectors Association Inc." since the mid 1990s. I have been a member of Key Lock and Lantern since the 1990s. I have been a member of various railroad historical societies for years. I have attended major Railroadiana shows since the 1990s. I have been a fulltime Railroadiana dealer since 2001.  I did mail-order sales for years before there was an eBay. I have done detailed collection appraisals valued at $210,000 and $375,000. I use my name as my eBay ID: S*Czaja. I want collectors to find me and I have nothing to hide. It is my goal to make this an auction by a collector for collectors.