People accept antique valuations for many reasons: they are curious about the value of specific heirlooms (coins, art or furniture) that have been in the family for many years, they need to be valued for insurance purposes, or they cut and want to lower the merchandise The cost to prepare for sale. Consignment is when the item is sold by the seller but not bought outright. It is sold in consignment shops and only you get paid when the item sells . So if you have to sell, then consign mid century modern antiques to a seller to get it sold.