Auction sales

Because sometimes they are used for larger items, such as a house.

It’s certainly not worth doing it for one low value item . But I sold a lot consisting of many small related items and received nearly £1000. All the various deductions ( including VAT) came to about 25%. The auction house were lovely, collected the goods and paid out very quickly after the sale. No way would I have wanted to do it myself via eBay or whatever with all the possible problems

The £1000 was after deductions

When I was moving house I left quite a few items with a local auction house to go in their next sale. I received a message from them to say the sale had been delayed as they had been burgled and many lots taken. None of mine were taken apparently so does that tell me something when even the burglars don't want my stuff.

It is important to check the T and Cs before using an auction house. They do vary.

Better using Vinted or eBay

We used a local auction house after clearing out my in-laws' house and were pleasantly surprised. We had previously advertised a lot of it on places like FB Marketplace and eBay, to little avail. The auction house was very helpful and almost everything did sell - some of it for much more than we had anticipated, other items for less. The commission wasn't that bad either, but I probably wouldn't bother if you were only selling one or two things. As Cabbie21 advises though, do check the T&Cs beforehand.

I’m with Tuliptree. I’ve always donated my unwanted items to various charity shops, usually on a monthly basis, often with differing results!
However, I’ve some bits and bobs I’m going to take to auction soon, including a Victorian doll, a mandolin and a metronome. I think they could be totally undersold in a local charity shop, possibly to someone buying them to sell on, so I’m taking a chance at auction, despite the fees involved. Personally, I’ll be pleased with whatever I get, but certainly can’t be bothered with eBay or Vinted.