Sold to the Highest Bidder - Why Auction Galleries Win Every Time

Many of our readers may already know Cindy and Steve Burke as the friendly faces behind B&H Market on the Dan, located in Danville, a shop known for its eclectic mix of home goods, antiques, and furnishings. However, long before B&H Market on the Dan, Steve and Cindy launched B&H Auction. Steve had been immersed in the auction world since childhood. In fact, auctions have been a multigenerational tradition in the Burke family. It was in 1997 that Steve and Cindy branched out independently with B&H Auction, focusing on household items and antiques, as well as the occasional automobile, real estate, and business liquidation.

The Role of an Auction Gallery

Moving and downsizing are already stressful enough, but handling an estate after the loss of a loved one adds another layer of emotional difficulty. That’s where an auction company such as B&H can step in to ease the burden. Whether it’s managing the sale of selected items or an entire estate, including vehicles and real property, B&H handles the logistics, so clients don’t have to be bothered. In many cases, Cindy says, clients simply identify what they’d like to keep – and B&H takes care of the rest.

B&H Auction serves as a trusted resource for people looking to move, downsize, or manage inherited estates. With decades of combined experience, Steve and Cindy guide clients through what can often be an overwhelming process. As a full-service auction gallery, B&H Auction offers online and some occasional live auctions, managing everything from item cataloging and professional photography to valuation and online or event coordination.

Rather than selling items piece by piece through yard sales or online marketplaces – which can be tedious and time-consuming – auction galleries like B&H streamline the process. Their extensive network of local and national buyers increases the chances of successful sales and better returns.

With nearly three decades in the business, B&H has built a solid reputation for integrity, professionalism, and results. Accurate appraisals are crucial, especially when dealing with fine art, antiques, collectibles, or jewelry – where one misstep could cost an estate a significant amount of money. That’s why expertise matters, and B&H brings exactly that to the table.

Commission fees are agreed upon prior to the auction, and as Cindy explains, “There are no fees to the estate owner. Everything is covered within the commission of the sale.”

The Modern Auction: Online and Accessible

Gone are the days of live auctions where buyers nervously clutched a paddle, hoping not to accidentally bid with a sneeze. The Covid-19 pandemic changed the auction landscape, pushing most events online. While B&H still hosts the occasional in-person auction, the majority are now held virtually.

Participating in a B&H online auction is as easy as logging on to www.bhantiqueauctions.com. Once registered, users can browse and bid in real time – similar to the eBay model. Each auction has a scheduled end time, and items are won through incremental bidding. After winning, buyers typically have a few days to pick up their items at B&H’s warehouse on U.S. 29 in Danville, unless another location is specified.

Licensed, Bonded, and Trustworthy

What sets B&H apart from estate-sale companies is their commitment to professionalism. Licensed, bonded, and insured in both Virginia and North Carolina, B&H adheres to a high ethical standard. Clients receive a detailed spreadsheet breaking down each sale – an invaluable tool when dealing with multiple beneficiaries or legal estate divisions.

The company’s reach goes far beyond Danville. With established national marketing channels and shipping options, B&H increases visibility and maximizes the chances of a successful sale. “We have a national reach,” Cindy noted. “We can ship items as well, so the chances of selling are far greater.”

Every Auction Gallery Has a Story

Over the years, B&H has managed some truly unique and memorable auctions. One of the most notable involved the estate of a local dentist whose practice dated back to the early 1900s. “Some of the tools from the 1800s were a bit scary,” Cindy recalled with a laugh.

Another unforgettable experience was liquidating a funeral home, which included selling caskets, a hearse, and the home’s contents. While that may sound unusual, Cindy said, “At the end of the day, we sold everything.”

And then there was the time a client asked B&H to sell… a pig. Thankfully, rather than auctioning the animal, B&H found it a good home.

Each day brings something new for Steve and Cindy. Their work continues to be an adventure – one that allows them to share stories, meet new people and serve their community with dedication and heart.