Rob Sage’s reputation and success has been built on hard work, honesty and respect for his buyers and sellers. More than 30 years full time experience in the antique & auction business, provides Rob with an in-depth perspective as both buyer and seller. Rob creates a fun, old fashioned country auction atmosphere, while providing an excellent buying and selling venue for a broad range of antiques and collectables. Sales are held in halls, or on location, throughout York Region and Simcoe County. Consignments are always welcome – single pieces, collections or entire estates.
Rob Sage was raised in Beeton Ont., graduated from Banting Memorial High school, and then received his diploma of Applied Arts from the Radio and Television Broadcasting Program at Conestoga College. After working as an announcer at CFTJ Cambridge, and CKAN Radio Newmarket, Rob left radio to enter into the antique business. For ten years, from 1984-94, he operated a successful antique shop, at the junction of Highways 400 and 88. When the property was sold, Rob decided to pursue a career in the auction business. Rob “apprenticed” with local auctioneers, and then in 1996, without any formal training, took the plunge, and conducted his first auction. Having attended and worked at over 1500 auctions, Rob knew the basics of auctioneering, but now needed a live crowd to work in front of. The first auction was a success, and the Bond Head Community Centre became the home of “fun, old fashioned country auctions”. Rob then moved to the much larger Cookstown Curling Club, and since 2010 has been conducting the antique auctions at the Pottageville Community Centre. The auction is very much a family and friends business, with mother Audrey clerking and doing setup; sister and brother-in-law Kris and Gerry Jansen running the food booth. Rob’s late father Norm, was also involved with setting up the auctions, and lending a hand during the sale. Rob believes in conducting fast paced, friendly auctions, spiced with some humour. (This can vary from sale to sale, but count on at least a few good laughs.) Most auctions average 500 lots, so a little levity and showmanship can really make a difference to the auction experience. It is a business, but it can also be fun! Rob also contracts his services to other auctioneers, so it is not unusual to see him selling everything from household items to farm equipment, although his specialty is antiques. The most common question Rob gets is, “where does it all come from?” There are a variety of sources. Full estates, partial estates, people downsizing, private collectors, dealers liquidating inventory, pickers and wholesalers. When Rob deals with private individuals, he makes sure they understand the process, the risks, all costs, the full nature of an auction. He often deals with senior citizens, or those who have undergone sudden changes in their lives, and selling their personal possessions may be difficult. Rob and his staff, are patient, understanding and courteous, in order to make the entire process as easy and enjoyable as possible. Rob also considers himself “dealer friendly.” He has developed a good working relationship with many dealers over the years. They are an important part of his auctions as buyers and sellers. Successful dealers rotate and replenish their inventory constantly, and his auctions have proven to be an excellent buying and selling venue for dealers, collectors and general auction enthusiasts.
