Raped by Heritage

[Marckus99]

A $300 winning bid magically becomes a $411 purchase.

Never again.

- Mark

[ullmandds]

You've got to factor in all the upcharges/buyers premiums with the big boys!

My $1300 winning bid resulted in a bill of almost $1600. I feel your pain...but I was expecting it.

[jerrys]

Bid + 20% fee + $20 mail + NY Tax.

[Leon]

Bid + 20% fee + $20 mail + NY Tax.

Too difficult for some people to understand. :confused:

[Bliggity]

So having to pay a buyer's premium, sales tax, and shipping, which are all clearly explained in the auction rules, is equivalent to being violently sexually assaulted?

Ok, got it.

[Exhibitman]

Could not disagree more. Heritage is perhaps the most transparent AH in terms of cost. Not only do you get the buyers premium in a parenthetical when you bid, there is a shipping calculator in each listing. My invoice was $0.04 different than the calculated price I knew before I bid.

[bobbyw8469]

I agree with Adam. Heritage is one of THE MOST transparent of all the auction houses. You may not like the fees, but everything is explained to you. I have no problems with them.

[conor912]

A $300 winning bid magically becomes a $411 purchase.

Never again.

- Mark

I'm not sure what I'm offended by more....your insensitivity to sexual assault or your inability to solve a simple math equation.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Your bid was 360 not 300.

[ALR-bishop]

Thread title could be changed to savaged by baseball chat board :)

[npa589]

Your bid was 360 not 300.

And boom goes the dynamite.

[MattyC]

This thread has inspired me. I am refusing to buy my lot since they hit me with sales tax. Once I saw the total amount I realized I didn't really want it, anyway.

[rainier2004]

I understand being frustrated, but the title really needs to be changed IMO.

S Suckow

[Baseball Rarities]

A $300 winning bid magically becomes a $411 purchase.

Never again.

- Mark

How, exactly, were you not treated fairly?

[BleedinBlue]

The OPs inability to understand simple math rivals his insensitivity with the use of violent sexual assault references.

Unacceptable on all levels.

[pgconboy]

I got caught off guard by the sales tax and a little by shipping.
Went from having what I thought was a good deal by a few hundred to having to hang my head by a few hundred.

For anyone from California my invoice shows:

Winning Bid price + 30.12% = out the door price.

I don't think I would change much of anything (maybe buy 1 less card since I could get it at similar prices anytime/anywhere?) but it was a mild shock.

I'll be back next year with Bid + 30.12% in mind.

[pgconboy]

New here so unsure of forum etiquette between double posts and edits.

Sports Heritage (presumably all online auctions) are able to show bid + buyers premium. It is also common practice to enter billing address, and invoices always end up showing sales tax and shipping.

I wonder what the backend programming would take to visually show:

Your bid = x, Buyers Premium = y, Out the door estimate = y + shipping + known sales tax from user information.

That would undoubtedly prevent scores of people trying to get out of paying their auction.

[Leon]

The sales tax is admittedly a big kick to a lot of folks. They have no choice but to collect it. It is Uncle Sam it ain't Heritage, per se'. I bought one lot last night and am not outraged. It was a bid under my max bid too!! Living near Dallas I just figure in the extra bid sales tax in my strategy. It was still a good deal imo....

I got caught off guard by the sales tax and a little by shipping.
Went from having what I thought was a good deal by a few hundred to having to hang my head by a few hundred.

For anyone from California my invoice shows:

Winning Bid price + 30.12% = out the door price.

I don't think I would change much of anything (maybe buy 1 less card since I could get it at similar prices anytime/anywhere?) but it was a mild shock.

I'll be back next year with Bid + 30.12% in mind.

[joshuanip]

I didn’t win any lots in this auction. I always factor in sales tax, which is why I would bid stronger in some auctions compared to others. I would generally bid 10% more in non CA auction houses, except HA which Charges tax regardless of resident state.

+1 Title needs to be changed.

[Jenx34]

In what states do they add sales tax? Is it only CA, FL, IL, NY & TX?

[pokerplyr80]

I'm not sure what I'm offended by more....your insensitivity to sexual assault or your inability to solve a simple math equation.

Agreed.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Rape? Really? It was more like unsatisfying consensual sex. They told you what you would be getting, but you were so excited to be getting any, you didn't listen!

[x2drich2000]

In what states do they add sales tax? Is it only CA, FL, IL, NY & TX?

NJ now too. Between LOTG, REA, Golden, those of us in Jersey sure get hit a bit.

As a side note, I personally, really don't like the terminology "charges sales tax". Businesses collect sales tax. As Leon sales, it is the government that charges sales tax, not the AH. I'm sure all AH would love to not worry about collecting it just as much everyone would love not to pay it.

[Fballguy]

I agree with Adam. Heritage is one of THE MOST transparent of all the auction houses. You may not like the fees, but everything is explained to you. I have no problems with them.

So being told you're going to be raped makes the rape better?

Not talking about Heritage here...but the industry as a whole. The buyers premium is rape. No other way to describe it. If the government imposed a 20% sales tax in this country, I wonder if you'd all be so cool with it?

What does the 20% cover? It's not doing the sellers any favors. I'm surprised more auction houses haven't taken the step of offering a greatly reduced or better yet...gasp...no buyer's premium.

And shipping charges...$15 for two pennants from a familiar auction house doesn't seem that bad....until they arrive.

I have limited experience in dealing with auction houses...maybe a half dozen purchases in the last year and a half. But so far I'm not impressed and the disappointment isn't limited to just one. Half assed-ness and mediocrity seem to be key components of the mission statement for a large part of the industry.

<a href="http://imgbox.com/ASffeITc" target="_blank"><img src="https://images2.imgbox.com/01/53/ASffeITc_o.jpg" alt="image host"/></a>

[ullmandds]

So being told you're going to be raped makes the rape better?

Not talking about Heritage here...but the industry as a whole. The buyers premium is rape. No other way to describe it. If the government imposed a 20% sales tax in this country, I wonder if you'd all be so cool with it?

What does the 20% cover? It's not doing the sellers any favors. I'm surprised more auction houses haven't taken the step of offering a greatly reduced or better yet...gasp...no buyer's premium.

And shipping charges...$15 for two pennants from a familiar auction house doesn't seem that bad....until they arrive.

I have limited experience in dealing with auction houses...maybe a half dozen purchases in the last year and a half. But so far I'm not impressed and the disappointment isn't limited to just one. Half assed-ness and mediocrity seem to be key components of the mission statement for a large part of the industry.

<a href="http://imgbox.com/ASffeITc" target="_blank"><img src="https://images2.imgbox.com/01/53/ASffeITc_o.jpg" alt="image host"/></a>

How do you suppose auction houses stay in business without charging a buyers premium...seeing as many waive the sellers premium?

[Bliggity]

The buyers premium is rape. No other way to describe it.

Yeah, I'm sure there is a rape survivor on an internet chat board somewhere, explaining that being raped made her feel like she had to pay a 20% buyer's premium in a baseball card auction.

[Steve D]

Come on people!!!!!!!!!!

It is not difficult at all. You know you will be charged a 20% premium on top of your bid. Simply add the 20% to your bid, and you know what it will cost you.

Heritage even tells you when you bid, what the total will be with the buyer's premium! If you can't see that, then you have bigger problems to work on!

Steve

[Dewey]

Worthless complaint solved by paying attention. Terrible analogy. Period. Change it.

[pgconboy]

Come on people!!!!!!!!!!

It is not difficult at all. You know you will be charged a 20% premium on top of your bid. Simply add the 20% to your bid, and you know what it will cost you.

Heritage even tells you when you bid, what the total will be with the buyer's premium! If you can't see that, then you have bigger problems to work on!

Steve

That wasn't the case for me. I had a 30.21% premium.
Not hostile or anything over this, just went from feeling excited about my purchases to exceedingly ambivalent.

[ullmandds]

That wasn't the case for me. I had a 30.21% premium.
Not hostile or anything over this, just went from feeling excited about my purchases to exceedingly ambivalent.

+1

[Fballguy]

How do you suppose auction houses stay in business without charging a buyers premium...seeing as many waive the sellers premium?

Really...Many waive the sellers premium? Which ones? And for what criteria?

I guess it depends on your definition of "many". But I suspect that many more aren't having their sellers fees waived. I haven't sold anything through an auction house yet, so I can't speak to that. I'd be curious to hear from those that have.

As to how to stay in business. Be excellent at what you do.

[pokerplyr80]

So being told you're going to be raped makes the rape better?

Not talking about Heritage here...but the industry as a whole. The buyers premium is rape. No other way to describe it. If the government imposed a 20% sales tax in this country, I wonder if you'd all be so cool with it?

What does the 20% cover? It's not doing the sellers any favors. I'm surprised more auction houses haven't taken the step of offering a greatly reduced or better yet...gasp...no buyer's premium.

And shipping charges...$15 for two pennants from a familiar auction house doesn't seem that bad....until they arrive.

I have limited experience in dealing with auction houses...maybe a half dozen purchases in the last year and a half. But so far I'm not impressed and the disappointment isn't limited to just one. Half assed-ness and mediocrity seem to be key components of the mission statement for a large part of the industry.

<a href="http://imgbox.com/ASffeITc" target="_blank"><img src="https://images2.imgbox.com/01/53/ASffeITc_o.jpg" alt="image host"/></a>

Your knowledge of how auction houses operate seems to be the only thing half assed I see in your post. Would you show up for work or provide a service if you weren't being compensated?

[ullmandds]

Really...Many waive the sellers premium? Which ones? And for what criteria?

I guess it depends on your definition of "many". But I suspect that many more aren't having their sellers fees waived. I haven't sold anything through an auction house yet, so I can't speak to that. I'd be curious to hear from those that have.

As to how to stay in business. Be excellent at what you do.

I have NEVER paid a sellers "fee or premium" when selling through an auction house...NEVER! Most AH's will waive these fees if your submission is somewhat significant. On the other hand I have ALWAYS paid a buyers premium...ALWAYS!

[Fballguy]

Yeah, I'm sure there is a rape survivor on an internet chat board somewhere, explaining that being raped made her feel like she had to pay a 20% buyer's premium in a baseball card auction.

Good old overly sensitive Mr. Literal has entered the forum...box of kleenex in hand no doubt.

[Sean]

I've made three large (for me) purchases from Auction Houses. REA twice and Heritage once.... and I always knew exactly how much I was going to be paying with each bid. It's not difficult, the AHs tell you how much they charge.

But if you think that a Buyer's Premium is so unfair, stick to eBay.

[x2drich2000]

I have NEVER paid a sellers "fee or premium" when selling through an auction house...NEVER! Most AH's will waive these fees if your submission is somewhat significant. On the other hand I have ALWAYS paid a buyers premium...ALWAYS!

Ditto... I would never even consider consigning to an AH that would charge me both a seller's premium and buyer's premium. There are just too many auction houses to choose from now a days that competition has made the seller's premium model a thing of the past.

[Peter_Spaeth]

The buyer's premium is the cut of the auction that goes to the house. It affects the consignor, not the buyer. The higher the premium, the less percentage of the final price the consignor gets. It never ceases to amaze that people do not understand this.

[iowadoc77]

Heritage is very straight forward. Do the fees suck? Yes. But they are part of it.
Can’t imagine the words the op would have used had a multi- thousand dollar card been purchased. Very unfortunate comparison and use of words. Come on. No comparison between rape and a fee on a baseball card auction.
Eric Recker.

[Jenx34]

NJ now too. Between LOTG, REA, Golden, those of us in Jersey sure get hit a bit.

As a side note, I personally, really don't like the terminology "charges sales tax". Businesses collect sales tax. As Leon sales, it is the government that charges sales tax, not the AH. I'm sure all AH would love to not worry about collecting it just as much everyone would love not to pay it.

Not to mention legally, you are required to report it on your own taxes as use tax if the company does not collect it in your state, :)

[Leon]

Good old overly sensitive Mr. Literal has entered the forum...box of kleenex in hand no doubt.

Watch out for political comments. I am guessing some conservatives thought what he did too. But regardless, let's keep politics out of here.

[Jenx34]

The buyer's premium is the cut of the auction that goes to the house. It affects the consignor, not the buyer. The higher the premium, the less percentage of the final price the consignor gets. It never ceases to amaze that people do not understand this.

Personally, I wish they would do away with it in terms of bidding. As a bidder I hate having to mentally factor in the buyer's premium before I bid. Heritage shows you the total just below your bid amount. Not all auction houses do. I would just prefer to let my bid be the final price and let them do the math behind the scenes.

But I get why they do it and understand it won't change.

[keithsky]

That's why eBay has been popular over the years because they don't have a buyer's premium what you see is what you pay. They have major flaws on eBay and are always making asinine changes but have consistently not impose the buyer's premium on people. I'm sure everyone on here has bought or sold on eBay at some point and it's been nice not to have to pay 20% buyer's premium on eBay. Once they wise up and start thinking about charging a buyer's premium then everybody will be complaining about that.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Personally, I wish they would do away with it in terms of bidding. As a bidder I hate having to mentally factor in the buyer's premium before I bid. Heritage shows you the total just below your bid amount. Not all auction houses do. I would just prefer to let my bid be the final price and let them do the math behind the scenes.

But I get why they do it and understand it won't change.

How hard is it to add 20 percent in your head or with a calculator? Much ado about nothing IMO.

[Steve D]

I also want to add my name to the list of people who find the title of this thread offensive.

It needs to be changed!

Steve

[Jenx34]

How hard is it to add 20 percent in your head or with a calculator? Much ado about nothing IMO.

If I am tracking multiple items and constantly looking at one figure then adding 20% and moving on to the next, it can get confusing. Maybe some of us are not as great at math and memory. It's not a big deal. I just wish it wasn't a necessary step personally.

[Fballguy]

Watch out for political comments. I am guessing some conservatives thought what he did too. But regardless, let's keep politics out of here.

I'm thinking you thought I said "Liberal"? I said "Literal":

adjective
1.
taking words in their usual or most basic sense without metaphor or allegory.

[Fballguy]

Your knowledge of how auction houses operate seems to be the only thing half assed I see in your post. Would you show up for work or provide a service if you weren't being compensated?

Grumpy old man in da house!

[joshuanip]

Not to mention legally, you are required to report it on your own taxes as use tax if the company does not collect it in your state, :)

I pay enough taxes. And literally 80% gets phased out as a deduction with the 10k limit this year. If I cannot even deduct taxes off my taxes I say I’m paying too much taxes. So the hell with them and me reporting it!

[vintagetoppsguy]

Some of you folks criticizing the OP for the use of the word rape really need to look up the definition of rape.

Hint - the word has several other meanings other than the act of an unconsented sexual assault - e.g. rape the land.

I'm not defending hthe OP and surely he should have considered the BP, taxes, shipping and etc, but if he feels violated (and I don't agree that we was), then rape is definitely an appropriate choice of words.

[pgconboy]

How hard is it to add 20 percent in your head or with a calculator? Much ado about nothing IMO.

Another wrinkle that is easy to miss is that sales tax is calculated AFTER buyers premium and NOT on the actual bidding price.
This would be an easy way for people to mentally mix up how much they are paying.
Which ends meaning California residents need to add ~30.21% in their head vs. bid price.

[Fballguy]

The buyer's premium is the cut of the auction that goes to the house. It affects the consignor, not the buyer. The higher the premium, the less percentage of the final price the consignor gets. It never ceases to amaze that people do not understand this.

Lol...It doesn't affect the buyer the same way sales tax doesn't affect the buyer, right?

[Fballguy]

I have NEVER paid a sellers "fee or premium" when selling through an auction house...NEVER! Most AH's will waive these fees if your submission is somewhat significant. On the other hand I have ALWAYS paid a buyers premium...ALWAYS!

There's no "I" in many.

[ullmandds]

god I hate those damn Literals!!!!

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

So being told you're going to be raped makes the rape better?

Not talking about Heritage here...but the industry as a whole. The buyers premium is rape. No other way to describe it. If the government imposed a 20% sales tax in this country, I wonder if you'd all be so cool with it?

What does the 20% cover? It's not doing the sellers any favors. I'm surprised more auction houses haven't taken the step of offering a greatly reduced or better yet...gasp...no buyer's premium.

And shipping charges...$15 for two pennants from a familiar auction house doesn't seem that bad....until they arrive.

I have limited experience in dealing with auction houses...maybe a half dozen purchases in the last year and a half. But so far I'm not impressed and the disappointment isn't limited to just one. Half assed-ness and mediocrity seem to be key components of the mission statement for a large part of the industry.

<a href="http://imgbox.com/ASffeITc" target="_blank"><img src="https://images2.imgbox.com/01/53/ASffeITc_o.jpg" alt="image host"/></a>

Stop calling it rape, you agreed to it.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Lol...It doesn't affect the buyer the same way sales tax doesn't affect the buyer, right?

Only if you don't understand it. Otherwise, no, it doesn't, it's just part of the bid calculation. For anyone who understands it, the BP is a matter of indifference -- it could be zero or it could be 50 percent.

[Fballguy]

That's why eBay has been popular over the years because they don't have a buyer's premium what you see is what you pay. They have major flaws on eBay and are always making asinine changes but have consistently not impose the buyer's premium on people. I'm sure everyone on here has bought or sold on eBay at some point and it's been nice not to have to pay 20% buyer's premium on eBay. Once they wise up and start thinking about charging a buyer's premium then everybody will be complaining about that.

I regularly compare sale prices between eBay and auction house results and I'm amazed at how much people over pay for items in auction. I was watching some complete sets in a few recent auctions and lost interest when I realized I could get the sets much cheaper on eBay. It's like some people don't know eBay exists...or think they can only get a good item if they pay through the nose for it.

[Fballguy]

How hard is it to add 20 percent in your head or with a calculator? Much ado about nothing IMO.

The defense of the BP here is mind boggling...How dare anyone infringe upon your right to be ripped off!

[pokerplyr80]

Grumpy old man in da house!

Not grumpy, just amazed at the ignorance shown in your response. And I'm probably young by net54 standards.

[iowadoc77]

The defense of the BP here is mind boggling...How dare anyone infringe upon your right to be ripped off!


How is it being ripped off if you fully know it is going to happen? If you don’t like, buy somewhere else. Plenty of non BP options out there.

[Leon]

I'm thinking you thought I said "Liberal"? I said "Literal":

adjective
1.
taking words in their usual or most basic sense without metaphor or allegory.

Yeap, I can't see my computer screen. Now quit getting all literal. :cool: (says Emily Litella, Gilda Radner)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZLeaSWY37I
.

[joshuanip]

The defense of the BP here is mind boggling...How dare anyone infringe upon your right to be ripped off!


Now the buyers premium is deserved. Auction houses are not a free service. eBay charges the the seller and after the eBay price premium and PayPal cut... what hairs are we splitting.

That said, they come up economically the same and if buyers aren’t factoring in the buyers premium and possible taxes in an auction, then that’s the buyer’s fault!

[x2drich2000]

Some of you folks criticizing the OP for the use of the word rape really need to look up the definition of rape.

Hint - the word has several other meanings other than the act of an unconsented sexual assault - e.g. rape the land.

I'm not defending hthe OP and surely he should have considered the BP, taxes, shipping and etc, but if he feels violated (and I don't agree that we was), then rape is definitely an appropriate choice of words.

While rape is an appropriate word by definition, it is an extremely powerful word. In my opinion, using it in any context less significant undermines the severity, suffering, distress, and personal violation of those who have experienced a sexual assault.

[Fballguy]

How is it being ripped off if you fully know it is going to happen? If you don’t like, buy somewhere else. Plenty of non BP options out there.

Do you get this excited when you pay your taxes?

[Dewey]

So you can define "literal" with the help of an internet dictionary, but you can't seem to see the difference between informed consent (the practice of the auction house) and the analogy used in the title. And for your error or inability, everyone who disagrees with you gets the pleasure of being accused of being either old, sensitive, or "literal." (None of those things are de facto bad, by the way.) When in fact it is your mistake all along.

As someone who counsels assault survivors, the analogy is gross. But even if you think it isn't, it is just the wrong analogy. Your choice on which one you want to defend. Now, back to complaining about terms clearly noted by auction houses...

I'm thinking you thought I said "Liberal"? I said "Literal":

adjective
1.
taking words in their usual or most basic sense without metaphor or allegory.

[Fballguy]

Now the buyers premium is deserved. Auction houses are not a free service. eBay charges the the seller and after the eBay price premium and PayPal cut... what hairs are we splitting.

That said, they come up economically the same and if buyers aren’t factoring in the buyers premium and possible taxes in an auction, then that’s the buyer’s fault!

Ebay doesn't charge buyers to buy things. I get the difference in overhead costs for an auction house. So I'd sincerely like to know...Is waiving seller's fees at auction houses the norm, or reserved for the special few?

[vintagetoppsguy]

While rape is an appropriate word by definition, it is an extremely powerful word. In my opinion, using it in any context less significant undermines the severity, suffering, distress, and personal violation of those who have experienced a sexual assault.

Oh, he should have been more politically correct? Understood. :rolleyes:

[Dewey]

Do you get this excited when you pay your taxes?
If you don't pay your taxes you go to jail or get fined.

If you don't bid on an auction...you get to go to bed before 2am.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Something is happening here but you don't know what it is.
Do you, Mr. Jones?

[Paul S]

The defense of the BP here is mind boggling...How dare anyone infringe upon your right to be ripped off!
I have a right to be ripped off? Constitutional attorneys please explain:D

[joshuanip]

Ebay doesn't charge buyers to buy things. I get the difference in overhead costs for an auction house. So I'd sincerely like to know...Is waiving seller's fees at auction houses the norm, or reserved for the special few?

Hi Rob, the seller gets charged on eBay so he (should) mark up the card appropriately.

At the auction houses: It’s fairly common to waive the sellers fee. That is extra juice in their negotiation with your consignment. That said the more desirable cards you have the better your neg rate (sellers premium is waived and you share the buyers premium). And if you have a featured front page piece that increases your leverage to get a higher neg rate across your lots.

[pgconboy]

This entire thread and all threads like it in the future can be avoided if auction houses utilizes the provided user information they use in invoices to also display during the bidding process.
Honus Wager Bid 1,100 / Buyers Premium 1,320 / Est Final Price 1,430

[mechanicalman]

This entire thread and all threads like it in the future can be avoided if auction houses utilizes the provided user information they use in invoices to also display during the bidding process.
Honus Wager Bid 1,100 / Buyers Premium 1,320 / Est Final Price 1,430

Yes, they could also be avoided if folks on this board possessed greater than a 6th grade education and a calculator.

[Snapolit1]

Dude doesn't bother to read the conditions of sale of the AH and all of a sudden he's been taken advantage of. Yeah, sure.

OP should stick to garage sales.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

While rape is an appropriate word by definition, it is an extremely powerful word. In my opinion, using it in any context less significant undermines the severity, suffering, distress, and personal violation of those who have experienced a sexual assault.

It's not accurate regardless of what meaning he intended, as rape is never consensual, unlike his purchase.

[mechanicalman]

Do you get this excited when you pay your taxes?

I just cut a rather large tax check, and I wasn’t particularly excited about it. But then I realized my tax dollars are needed to fund things like teaching people how to read, multiply, or the basic fundamentals of how businesses work. So it goes to a good cause.

[iowadoc77]

Do you get this excited when you pay your taxes?

No I don’t. But I expect it. I pay quarterly taxes so I know what to plan on. I don’t like it but it is reality. Not much to say. Just do it.

[iowadoc77]

I just cut a rather large tax check, and I wasn’t particularly excited about it. But then I realized my tax dollars are needed to fund things like teaching people how to read, multiply, or the basic fundamentals of how businesses work. So it goes to a good cause.

This.

[joshuanip]

I just cut a rather large tax check, and I wasn’t particularly excited about it. But then I realized my tax dollars are needed to fund things like teaching people how to read, multiply, or the basic fundamentals of how businesses work. So it goes to a good cause.

Getting off topic but I wish that was the case. A big portion of what we pay go to pensions of those who are “clocking in” their city jobs and not adding any value besides calculating how big their pension will be in 5 years.

[Bicem]

I just cut a rather large tax check, and I wasn’t particularly excited about it. But then I realized my tax dollars are needed to fund things like teaching people how to read, multiply, or the basic fundamentals of how businesses work. So it goes to a good cause.

Lol.

[iowadoc77]

Getting off topic but I wish that was the case. A big portion of what we pay go to pensions of those who are “clocking in” their city jobs and not adding any value besides calculating how big their pension will be in 5 years.

Also a good point, but how well tax money is used has potential to rival Frank’s monster thread!

[barrysloate]

The only issue I have is people who do not have to pay sales tax have a nearly one increment advantage over those who do. Since I live in NY, where sales tax is I believe 8.875%, I can't tell you how many lots I lose in Heritage by a single bid. I am the first underbiddder on a regular basis. So if the person who beat me lives in a state with no sales tax, he has a big advantage.

That said, it's the law and it is transparent. It just adds an extra hurdle for me to overcome, and can be frustrating.

[pokerplyr80]

I just cut a rather large tax check, and I wasn’t particularly excited about it. But then I realized my tax dollars are needed to fund things like teaching people how to read, multiply, or the basic fundamentals of how businesses work. So it goes to a good cause.

Looks like we need to increase funding for remedial education.

[pokerplyr80]

The only issue I have is people who do not have to pay sales tax have a nearly one increment advantage over those who do. Since I live in NY, where sales tax is I believe 8.875%, I can't tell you how many lots I lose in Heritage by a single bid. I am the first underbiddder on a regular basis. So if the person who beat me lives in a state with no sales tax, he has a big advantage.

That said, it's the law and it is transparent. It just adds an extra hurdle for me to overcome, and can be frustrating.

Might be time to get a po box in a state with no tax.

[barrysloate]

Might be time to get a po box in a state with no tax.

I have a second home in Florida, and lo and behold, another sales tax state.:mad:

[pokerplyr80]

I have a second home in Florida, and lo and behold, another sales tax state.:mad:

I'd rather have no state income tax than no state sales tax.

[barrysloate]

Agreed, but Brooklyn is my primary residence.

[Fballguy]

Not grumpy, just amazed at the ignorance shown in your response. And I'm probably young by net54 standards.

Sorry...You came out of the gate a little hot. Thought for sure you had one eye on the lawn as you were typing. ;)

[Yoda]

In what states do they add sales tax? Is it only CA, FL, IL, NY & TX?

For several Heritage Auctions, I was outraged that my winning bids were somehow subject to Fl tax. My thinking was that if the point of sale was Texas, why poor me in the Sunshine State had to endure another 6.5% on already expensive items. It wasn't until I went over to their office here in Palm Beach, saw it was a lot more than a PO box and quietly kicked a few tires realized it was all legit. If you can't bear it, don't bid.

[Yoda]

Agreed, but Brooklyn is my primary residence.
Hey Barry, at least you don't get hit with both NY and FL sales tax on your winning bids----yet.

[tiger8mush]

In what states do they add sales tax? Is it only CA, FL, IL, NY & TX?

add CT to the list! Turns out I'm not a scofflaw after all :)

[darwinbulldog]

Rape? Really? It was more like unsatisfying consensual sex. They told you what you would be getting, but you were so excited to be getting any, you didn't listen!

Perfection

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

add CT to the list! Turns out I'm not a scofflaw after all :)

Reminds me of one of my favorite episodes...

[barrysloate]

Hey Barry, at least you don't get hit with both NY and FL sales tax on your winning bids----yet.

Hi John,
Well I haven't told then about Florida yet.

[barrysloate]

Reminds me of one of my favorite episodes...

The White Whale!

[Dewey]

I'd rather have no state income tax than no state sales tax.
I'd rather be able to own a second home. :)

[sycks22]

Joe's Vintage auctions doesn't charge a BP, they take their money from the consignors based on the closing price.

[leaflover]

Don't forget the California Sales Tax. Heritage has a field office in Beverly Hills.

[ricktmd]

Heritage is clear what their buyers premium will be, they have a freight calculator and charge tax. To me their auctions are super clear . It does feel at times that their realized prices are quite high. It makes me think they would be a good auction house to consign to

[pencil1974]

When I place a bid with Heritage it shows my bid plus it shows the cost with BP. So I guess I’m lost on how someone can be confused on the what the total will end up. I’m pretty sure I don’t have a magic computer and it’s the same for everyone.

[pgconboy]

When I place a bid with Heritage it shows my bid plus it shows the cost with BP. So I guess I’m lost on how someone can be confused on the what the total will end up. I’m pretty sure I don’t have a magic computer and it’s the same for everyone.


You got 0 sales tax and free shipping? Where do you live?

[pencil1974]

No sales tax is what it is. But just add a rough 10% puts you in the ballpark. I’m talking Heritage shows you what your bid is and what the cost is with BP before you even confirm the bid.

[pgconboy]

No sales tax is what it is. But just add a rough 10% puts you in the ballpark. I’m talking Heritage shows you what your bid is and what the cost is with BP before you even confirm the bid.

So that BP number can be off by as much as 10% and you are lost on how someone could be confused when they see that difference on their invoice?

[pencil1974]

I guess your right if you know nothing about simple math then yes I can see where you would be confused.

[bozzio37]

A big part of that also goes to pensions of people who bust their asses daily for years doing sometimes awful work so the rest of us don't have to. And often for much less than they could make in the private sector (police, fire, emergency medical techs, etc.). I get your point, but please don't over generalize.

[frankbmd]

Also a good point, but how well tax money is used has potential to rival Frank’s monster thread!

The monster thread has generated a lack luster zero in tax revenue. Come on guys, pay up. After all, Net54 is a staunch defender of postworthy members, auction houses from Saco River to Dothan, hefty buyers premiums, exorbitant shipping costs for containers unable to withstand a nuclear blast and extortion of all types related to cardboard transactions. Yes, Net54 is the home of the cardboard bigboys. Pay the piper, or get piped.:eek:

[iowadoc77]

I think I’ll pay the piper before getting piped. Yikes. That sounds scary Frank!:eek:

[cardsnstuff]

The only issue I have is people who do not have to pay sales tax have a nearly one increment advantage over those who do. Since I live in NY, where sales tax is I believe 8.875%, I can't tell you how many lots I lose in Heritage by a single bid. I am the first underbiddder on a regular basis. So if the person who beat me lives in a state with no sales tax, he has a big advantage.

That said, it's the law and it is transparent. It just adds an extra hurdle for me to overcome, and can be frustrating.

But that is only if AH is in your home state; for me I pay the PA people an extra 6%. So we have the same hurdle just with different AH's.

[ullmandds]

I feel like I got a little pipe .

[guy3050]

You guys have it good !!
I live In Montreal Canada , here's what I have to calculate on a $1000 purchase + 20% BF= $1200 + $50 Shipping = $1250 + exchange Rate 30% = $375 =$1625 in Canadiens money + Duty about $150=$1775 Canadien.

[Fballguy]

You got 0 sales tax and free shipping? Where do you live?

He lives in the bizarro anti-geico land of misfits who get off on paying more.

Misfit #1: Did you pay more?

Misfit #2: Yeah Broheim, I paid more.

Misfit #1: 20% more Brofessor?

Misfit #2: Yeah...and that's not all Brotato chip. I paid ridiculous shipping.

Misfit #1: Wow...Thats a lot more Brotein shake.

Misfit #2: Oh yeah....I'm all about more Teddy Brosevelt.

https://youtu.be/BHpRk4Vh0VY


<a href="http://imgbox.com/8xcjDJCk" target="_blank"><img src="https://images2.imgbox.com/c3/88/8xcjDJCk_o.jpg" alt="image host"/></a>

[Leon]

I feel like I got a little pipe .

LOL...Wield it like you have a big one. Wait, what....:cool:

[ullmandds]

LOL...Wield it like you have a big one. Wait, what....:cool:

Ha... I meant to say I took a little!

[CobbSpikedMe]

Honestly, if you can't figure out how much you will owe if you win something in an auction then you really shouldn't be bidding in the auction to begin with. And if you do bid and win, don't complain that you got screwed when the auction house clearly explains the fees in the rules. Am I missing something here or is it really this simple?

AndyH

[hcv123]

I regularly compare sale prices between eBay and auction house results and I'm amazed at how much people over pay for items in auction. I was watching some complete sets in a few recent auctions and lost interest when I realized I could get the sets much cheaper on eBay. It's like some people don't know eBay exists...or think they can only get a good item if they pay through the nose for it.

Your experience not withstanding - I buy A LOT from both ebay and auction houses and there are plenty of "better deals" I have gotten from auction houses and plenty of incredibly higher than market prices I have seen on ebay - neither always the case, but truly a mix - even after all AH fees

[bensie]

Might be time to get a po box in a state with no tax.
Or get a resellers license. That's how I get out of paying sales tax. As far as people asking about seller's fees, I've always been able to negotiate negative rates (ie the auction houses pay me a percentage over hammer). However, I typically consign $10k+ at a time.

[bensie]

Oh, and I factor in shipping and premiums on all my bids. I have a spreadsheet that tracks it since each house has different rules.

I've won tons of stuff through heritage. I love those guys, their auctions are always fun. A lot of it runs past my budget pretty quick, but it's still fun to try!

[mantlefan]

Honestly, if you can't figure out how much you will owe if you win something in an auction then you really shouldn't be bidding in the auction to begin with. And if you do bid and win, don't complain that you got screwed when the auction house clearly explains the fees in the rules. Am I missing something here or is it really this simple?

AndyH

Andy is spot on. Bid responsibly!

[Fballguy]

Or get a resellers license. That's how I get out of paying sales tax. As far as people asking about seller's fees, I've always been able to negotiate negative rates (ie the auction houses pay me a percentage over hammer). However, I typically consign $10k+ at a time.

I'm sure yours is the typical experience. :rolleyes:

[bensie]

I'm sure yours is the typical experience. :rolleyes:
Hey man, y'all asked. I'm giving you an actual data point. Take it for what it's worth. I know Sirius publishes negative rates too. Go check their website

[Tabe]

Getting off topic but I wish that was the case. A big portion of what we pay go to pensions of those who are “clocking in” their city jobs and not adding any value besides calculating how big their pension will be in 5 years.

Try 4%, hardly "a big portion".

https://protectpensions.org/2016/04/14/many-tax-dollars-go-public-pensions/

[Bored5000]

I regularly compare sale prices between eBay and auction house results and I'm amazed at how much people over pay for items in auction. I was watching some complete sets in a few recent auctions and lost interest when I realized I could get the sets much cheaper on eBay. It's like some people don't know eBay exists...or think they can only get a good item if they pay through the nose for it.

Ebay is also a scammers paradise. Obviously, there are many honest and ethical sellers (and buyers) on eBay, but the chances of getting outright scammed by a reputable auction house is pretty small, compared to the numbers of outright scammers that operate with impunity on eBay,

[Hxcmilkshake]

Ebay is also a scammers paradise. Obviously, there are many honest and ethical sellers (and buyers) on eBay, but the chances of getting outright scammed by a reputable auction house is pretty small, compared to the numbers of outright scammers that operate with impunity on eBay,

Yeah but they are ez to spot, we make fun if them all the time here..and ebay does have buyer protection which has helped before.

Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

[Exhibitman]

This is one of the dumbest arguments I’ve ever seen on N54 and that is saying something.

To everyone bitching about sales taxes: you aren’t being victimized or disadvantaged as compared to others. Everyone is supposed to pay either sales tax the AH or seller collects or use tax that you the buyer remit. It is strictly a timing issue. If your state has sales tax and you don’t pay either sales or use tax you are just a tax cheat.

As for BP, lots of dumb to go around. First, how do you think an AH gets paid? Commissions or BP. It is the same either way, just a question of methodology. You see BP but not commission. Second, even if you find it intellectually challenging to add 20% to your bid, which most people did not, Heritage actually shows the BP in every listing as you bid. Third, if you think you don’t pay on eBay you need to read a bit. Roughly speaking eBay charges 10% and PayPal another 3% on the final price and the shipping. You don’t notice it because it isn’t on the page but you pay it: many sellers set the BIN or opening bid accordingly. Finally, this isn’t a liberal snowflake issue, it is math. Basic algebra any kid in 6th grade learns. Which is one of the things sales taxes fund. So pay your taxes and stop whining and freeloading.

[jfkheat]

Maybe people that buy most of their cards on eBay shouldn't be bidding at these auction houses.
James

[Hxcmilkshake]

Maybe people that buy most of their cards on eBay shouldn't be bidding at these auction houses.
JamesThank you mr pompous.

Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

[pokerplyr80]

Adam I agree the main issue of this thread, the OP's complaint, is one of the most ridiculous I have ever seen on this board. Right up there with the guy who returned 4 cards to an Ebay seller then complained about getting blocked by that same seller.

As for the sales tax issue it's a valid one. I live in CA, and an hit with a 9% sales tax. That's an extra bid I have to factor in that those in states with no sales tax, or a resale license don't. There have been plenty of auctions I have passed on that one more bid might have won, but would have pushed the price just past what I'm willing to pay.

[Fballguy]

Ebay is also a scammers paradise. Obviously, there are many honest and ethical sellers (and buyers) on eBay, but the chances of getting outright scammed by a reputable auction house is pretty small, compared to the numbers of outright scammers that operate with impunity on eBay,

Been on eBay since 1998-99, literally thousands of transactions and maybe 2-3 that went badly. That's 3 in about 20 years.

Six transactions with auction houses and 3 went badly. That's 3 in about a year.

If you get scammed on eBay, 99% of the time it's shame on you.

[pgconboy]

Maybe people that buy most of their cards on eBay shouldn't be bidding at these auction houses.
James

What's with the spiteful gatekeeper viewpoint?
Every major market lets you see final prices before purchasing.
Has anyone bought something on Amazon and then got confused on the final price? No. Because they show you the pre-checkout price.

I can't think of any reason why online auction houses can't use user information to display sales tax and shipping price in addition to the buyers premium.
That seems a lot more helpful and productive long term then dismissing any fellow collector that primarily uses ebay.

[JohnP0621]

When bidding on items from an auction house I always figure in the buyers premium before entering my high bid . I'm never shocked when I get my invoice as I already know there is a buyers premium included in the final price.
It is no different than when I go out to dinner. I know that I will have to add 20% tip on top of my bill. I don't ever leave a restaurant feeling abused as I
Know the tip is will always be included in the service. Ridiculous argument here.
If you don't like the 20% buyers fee don't bid on an auction item. If you don't like adding a 20% tip don't do out to eat. Just my 2 cents.

Regards
John P

[brianp-beme]

A couple of years ago I won an auction from Heritage and was surprised about the sales tax added to the invoice. I had bid with the assumption there would be no sales tax since I don't live in Texas. I then found out that because they had offices in multiple states, including the one I live in, I was subject to be charged sales tax. Of course with a little digging I could have known this, but it definitely was not obvious.

Like a reasonable person I have since altered my bidding with Heritage with this knowledge in mind. Perhaps the OP was, like me, unaware of this multiple office situation. Still, when it comes down to it you just have to adjust your strategies. I guess one strategy is just not bidding...but it seems pointless to complain about something that can't be changed.

Brian