WLS Radio Show - 2025-07-12 E01 - Welcome!

Looking to uncover the value in your vintage finds? Welcome to The Donley Auctions Hour Podcast! Broadcasting every Saturday at 7pm CT on WLS 890AM, this is your go-to source. Join Randy, Mike, and Susan Donley of Donley Auctions as they unlock the secrets of the auction world, sharing insights on valuable items and explaining how you can get top dollar for your antiques and collectibles. Catch all episodes at DonleyAuctions.com/radio and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform for new episode notifications.

Highlights

• Introduction to Donley Auctions: The Donleys introduce their company, which evolved from their family's 50-year operation of the Wild West town in Union, Illinois. They clarify their focus on unique antiques rather than general furniture or china.

• How to Consign: They explain the consignment process for collections, directing listeners to email consign@donleyauctions.com or visit donleyauctions.com. Susan Donley later details commission rates, typically ranging from 10% to 35% based on item value and quantity.

• Upcoming Auctions:

  • July 17: Online Straight Razor Auction (online only) with over 600 lots.

  • July 19: Jim Dvorak Model A Ford Collection (live and online), featuring six original condition cars and a large parts collection.

  • August 16 & 17: Summer Classic Auction, a two-day event including automobiles (like a '69 Charger), gas pumps, pinball machines, advertising, coins, and jewelry.

  • September 20 & 21: Firearm and Military Auction.

  • October 23-25: Fall Classic Auction, timed with the Chicagoland Coin Op Show, focusing on coin-operated items.

  • February (upcoming year): John Banister D-Day Collection, featuring World War II memorabilia.

• The Auction Process: They describe their process for handling collections, from initial contact and contract signing to inventorying, photographing, describing, and uploading items for online bidding.

• Nationwide Service: Donley Auctions travels nationwide for significant collections, giving an example of moving a military collection from Oregon.

• Items They Seek: Vintage vehicles, petroleum and gas station memorabilia, arcade games and coin-operated machines, antique advertising, coins and jewelry, sports memorabilia, guns and military souvenirs, and large architectural items.

• Success Stories: They share instances where items exceeded expectations, such as a Chevy sign selling for over $8,000, a photograph for $14,000, a rare prototype soccer machine for $10,000, and a Coca-Cola fountain dispenser for over $35,000.

• Importance of Auctions: They emphasize that auctions, especially with online bidding, offer the best way to achieve top dollar for items by reaching a global audience.

• On-Site Auctions: They also conduct on-site auctions for businesses that are closing.

• Ways to Connect: They encourage listeners with items to sell or questions to contact them at 815-923-7000 or consign@donleyauctions.com. They also invite listeners to suggest topics for future shows.