146 | Trade Services
ALWAYS ON THE LOOKOUT FOR NEW VENDORS At its Alfreton, Derbyshire salerooms, Midland Furniture Auctions (MFA) is facing a happy dilemma – as soon as it puts furniture into its popular auction it sells, leaving the auction house constantly searching for new stock … Each week, MFA’s saleroom is flooded with customers looking for a great deal, according to the auction house, which juggles the difficult task of keeping the buyers happy and the vendors pleased with the sale price. MFA has a proven track record of auctioning end-of-line, seconds, returns and excess furniture, creating a fast and efficient way for vendors to clear stock. There is always high demand for every type of furniture in the latest styles – sofas may be the most popular sale in general, but MFA says that the buyers are keen to purchase anything from colourful rugs to quality mattresses.
For over 10 years, the auction has averaged hundreds of item sales each Wednesday. Unlike some auction houses which sell furniture alongside all kinds of stock, at MFA furniture is the sole focus, and this concentration on the market is the main reason it keeps selling stock so well, and can readily and accurately anticipate what buyers want. Conveniently situated in the East Midlands just off Junction 28 of the M1, MFA’s location is an easy place at which to drop off stock for auction. MFA is always trying to prove it can provide vendors with a top-rate service, and consequently it offers a no-sale, no-fee-topay policy, so sellers have nothing to lose by trying the service. Dean Carpenter, senior auctioneer at MFA, says: “The demand for auction furniture is big and I think buying habits are changing with the decline of the high street. One advantage we have over online businesses is that buyers can physically see the stock before buying it – something our buyers tell us is a primary reason for coming here. “We just need even more vendors to keep buyers happy with lots of new stock!”
T 01773 832555 www.mfa.bid
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