If you like shopping auctions, the Olympia area is a pretty good place to live. While there may not be many auction houses within Olympia city limits itself, there are several clustered around Lacey, Tumwater and the surrounding South Sound, with a few more worth the drive farther south.
I wasn’t especially surprised to learn that we have a lot of auction houses around here. I’ve been buying at auctions for years and have visited auction houses throughout Western Washington, including Seattle, Everett, Enumclaw and other communities.
Still, one conversation stuck with me. A representative from Lugg (a hauling service that helps people move large purchases) once stopped by Jade Rooster Auctions with marketing materials I could share with customers. During our conversation, he commented on how many auction houses we have in this area. Hearing it from someone whose work brought him into contact with auction businesses made me realize that we really do have a nice little auction-shopping circuit here in the South Sound.
So I thought I’d put together a guide to the local auction houses I know firsthand.
This guide is for buyers, bidders, collectors, resellers and bargain hunters looking for places to shop. It isn’t a ranking of the auction houses, and it isn’t intended as a guide for choosing someone to sell an estate, collection or household contents. That’s a different subject—and probably deserves a guide of its own.
I’ve personally visited or shopped with every auction business included here, although a couple have moved since my last visit. Along with the basic information about each business, I’ll include a few Kelley’s Notes with the practical details I’ve picked up as a buyer: things like where to go for pickup, which entrance to use, what to expect when you arrive, and anything else that might make your first visit a little easier.
Before you bid: Buyer’s premiums, payment methods, pickup schedules and shipping policies can vary by auction and may change from sale to sale. Always check the terms for the specific auction before bidding.
Sound Auction Service
Lacey, Washington
Sound Auction Service runs frequent online auctions with a wide variety of merchandise. Buyers can preview items in person during business hours, and local pickup takes place at their Lacey location after the auction closes. Their current listings range pretty widely, which makes this a good one for buyers who enjoy browsing mixed estates and never quite knowing what will show up next.
Official Website → Sound Auction Service
Kelley’s Notes: The big door is usually open. Walk in that one or use the small door. Walk in without ringing the bell first. You’ll want the little office to check in. If no one is there, go back outside and ring the doorbell.
Crawford Family Auctions
Tumwater, Washington
Crawford Family Auctions is a family-run auction house in Tumwater that holds several live and live-online auctions each month. Their auctions often include antiques, furniture, jewelry, art and estate items, and buyers can participate either online or, for some sales, in person.
Official Website → Crawford Family Auctions
Kelley’s Notes: I haven’t actually been to their new location yet. They used to be in the old Habitat for Humanity building downtown. Before the move, I remember one of the owners joking that they were tired of people trying to donate toilets to them lol. The old building is now occupied by Olympia Skoolie Thrift. Crawford is now in a nice industrial park and occupies the end unit.
Winning Bid Auctions
Olympia, Washington
Winning Bid Auctions operates from South Bay Road in Olympia and uses HiBid for its online auctions. Their auction mix changes from sale to sale, so this is another one I like to check regularly when I’m looking for local finds.
Official Website → Winning Bid Auctions
Kelley’s Notes: It’s easy to miss the turn into this small industrial park. Pull in then make an immediate left.
Jade Rooster Auctions
Lacey, Washington
Jade Rooster Auctions is my own auction business, based in Lacey, Washington. I specialize in antiques, vintage items, collectibles and other secondhand finds that I think are interesting, useful or just plain fun to discover. Auctions are held online, with local pickup in Lacey, and shipping is available on many lots.
Official Website → Jade Rooster Auctions
Kelley’s Notes: Full disclosure—this one is mine. 😊 If you like vintage glass, antiques, collectibles and curated secondhand finds, Jade Rooster will probably feel the most like my own shopping style. We’re in Lacey Plaza next to Pope John Paul II High School, across from the post office, in Suite 3.
Worth the Drive
Mercury Auctions
Centralia, Washington
Mercury Auctions is farther from Olympia than the other auction houses in this guide, but I’m including it because it’s still within a reasonable South Sound/Southwest Washington auction-shopping trip. Their auctions cover a broad range of estate and collection items, including jewelry, coins, collectibles, glass, equipment and other specialty categories. They also currently hold regular gallery auctions in Centralia, along with auctions in other Western Washington locations.
Mercury Auctions now operates a gallery at 411 E. Union St. in Centralia, while some auctions and pickups are still held at their Chehalis warehouse on Sturdevant Road. Be sure to check the individual auction listing for the correct location before heading out.
Official Website → Mercury Auctions
Kelley’s Notes: If you’ve been to Mercury in the past, you may remember their Chehalis location. They now also have a newer Centralia gallery, so double-check the auction address before pickup.
You must be logged in to post a comment.