The seller has to pay an illustration fee from $250 to $750, depending on the size of ad. The fee is requred for all products. I had a 1890 Shasavan that Christie's offered to put in their secondary "Home and Decor" auction. IHowever, I decided to pass on the risk /benefit anaylsis. The Christies' buyer thought it go for $2,000 to $2,500, but everyone, including Chris and other local experts thought $1,000 maximum.
So I could spend $300 including shipping and insurance, Christie's take 25% so my take home would be $450 if it sold. If it didn't sell I would still be stuck with the stuck with the upfront money. It would have been great to have a rug in Chrisitie's but I just got too busy.
I bought the rug for $50 at a day auctiion of O'Gallerie's who has some fame for selling another rug that went for much more at a New York auction.
Maybe that is why I find myself picking up old rugs hoping for the same.