Who is a consignor in an auction setting?

In an auction setting, a consignor is defined as the individual or entity that provides goods for sale. This role is crucial because the consignor supplies the items that are to be auctioned, playing a key part in the auction process. The consignor often aims to maximize the sale price of their items, as they retain the proceeds from the sale minus any agreed-upon fees or commissions to the auctioneer. The relationship between the consignor and the auctioneer is typically outlined in a contract, detailing the terms of the sale and the responsibilities of each party.

In this context, the other roles described in the available options do not accurately encompass the function of a consignor. The auctioneer's role involves organizing and conducting the auction itself, while the buyer is someone who participates in the auction by placing bids to acquire items. A witness to the auction is there to observe the proceedings but does not participate in the sale process as a consignor does. Therefore, the description provided by the correct answer aligns perfectly with the definition and responsibilities associated with a consignor in an auction.