Barry Sloate Auctions Now Closed [Archive]

Archive

05-15-2008, 04:59 AM

Posted By: barrysloateTonight is the closing night of my current internet and telephone auction. You must have all qualifying bids in by 6:00 PM EST to be able to bid on a given lot after that time. I will be implementing a new system for closing the auction in the final hours. At 6:00 PM the 15 minute clock will begin, which means that each time a bid is executed the auction will continue. If we are still going at 11:00 PM EST the clock will be reset for 10 minutes. If the auction is still live at midnight, a final reduction of 5 minutes will go into effect. In this way the auction should end at a timely hour. Please note these changes to the clock must be done by us manually, so they may not occur precisely on the hour. Good luck to all, and a hearty thank you to everyone who has participated so far. Regards, Barry

Archive

05-15-2008, 05:11 AM

Posted By: Dave FBarry- Just to clarify, after 6pm a bid on any item keeps the entire auction running correct? Your not doing it where any single lot could be closed down by 6:15.... Dumb question...but want to make sure my i's are dotted and t's are crossed.

Archive

05-15-2008, 05:28 AM

Posted By: Rob D.Why haven't I received my winnings yet?

Archive

05-15-2008, 05:50 AM

Posted By: barrysloateDave- in theory it could end at 6:15, but mathematically that's nearly impossible. Rob- your winnings are already in transit. I took the liberty of awarding you the most expensive lots. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

Archive

05-15-2008, 06:13 AM

Posted By: MattBarry - will we know if there has been a bid made during a 15 minute block?

Archive

05-15-2008, 06:16 AM

Posted By: barrysloateIf a bid is made the clock resets to 15 minutes. As long as the auction is going, by definition a bid was placed in the previous 15 minutes.

Archive

05-15-2008, 06:16 AM

Posted By: Dave FBarry clarified for me by email what I was asking...I've had it happen before in some oddball auction house where a lot I was interested in did in fact end after the initial bidding process because it didnt get a bid in the first increment of the overtime..so, say lot 60 I was looking at closed at 8:15 or whatever...and other lots were still running...each individual lot would close after that lot didn't get a bid...which really sucked!

Archive

05-15-2008, 09:40 AM

Posted By: MVSNYCBarry- i just got my winning lots delivered. they look great, thanks alot! <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14> good luck tonight. MS

Archive

05-15-2008, 09:49 AM

Posted By: Jeff LichtmanOh great, Barry, thanks for outing this auction.

Archive

05-15-2008, 09:50 AM

Posted By: barrysloateMichael- I think I sent you the wrong ones. Could you send them back? <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14> Thanks for the well wishes!

Archive

05-15-2008, 09:53 AM

Posted By: barrysloateJeff- we're all allowed one free pass when it comes to our own auctions.

Archive

05-15-2008, 09:58 AM

Posted By: MVSNYCbarry, i think you're right...i don't collect N162's. <img src="/images/wink.gif" height=14 width=14>

Archive

05-15-2008, 11:38 AM

Posted By: CatAny estimate as to when it will end? I have a meeting at 2:30 PST which will probably go to 3:15 and then I will be home by 4:00 (7:00 EST). Am I going to be OK?

Archive

05-15-2008, 11:42 AM

Posted By: Dave F Surely it would go past 7PM. But if your going to hold someone to that, then I'd bid now. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

Archive

05-15-2008, 11:46 AM

Posted By: AlanWill the auction close before Seinfeld starts ? <img src="http://vbbc.forumotion.com/users/17/23/61/smiles/136179.gif">

Archive

05-15-2008, 11:49 AM

Posted By: barrysloateSeinfeld is on between 5:00-6:00. Cat- I'm guessing we will go at least 4-5 hours past 7:00. You're safe.

Archive

05-15-2008, 02:06 PM

Posted By: RedI was about to bid and then saw you had a 15% buyer's premium. It's much easier to figure 20% in your head so you should consider raising it to 20%. Also, the system won't allow you to enter a $1,000,000.00 max bid. Bidding that amount assures you of winning and lets you get a good night's sleep.

Archive

05-15-2008, 02:14 PM

Posted By: barrysloateAll excellent ideas Red. Would anyone object to me raising the BP as of this moment?

Archive

05-15-2008, 02:19 PM

Posted By: CatThe buyer's premium is "15" and the auction closes on May "15." WOW that's weird. Do you mind closing your next auction on September 1st?

Archive

05-15-2008, 02:41 PM

Posted By: Dave FBarry- I would venture a guess as to only the consigners would have a problem with it. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

Archive

05-15-2008, 02:47 PM

Posted By: barrysloateI think the bidders would too. That's an unannounced 5% surcharge. I better leave it as is.

Archive

05-15-2008, 06:37 PM

Posted By: Dave FMan prices jumped on the two lots I was really wanting. I'll have to make a decision here on if I should get crazy or not. <img src="/images/sad.gif" height=14 width=14> Anybody else done or still going strong?

Archive

05-15-2008, 06:39 PM

Posted By: Jeff LichtmanI don't know how much more Barry can take. It's already nearly 9 pm. I suspect he'll have to close it down any minute.

Archive

05-15-2008, 06:42 PM

Posted By: Dave FWell now would be the time to call Barry and confuse him. Pick a lot that is at $2000 and say your placing your bid for $533. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

Archive

05-15-2008, 06:54 PM

Posted By: barrysloateThe bids are coming in fast and furious, but I could use a little shut-eye.

Archive

05-15-2008, 07:05 PM

Posted By: Judson HamlinWe could also try to cut his cable connection -- who can get to Brooklyn, stat? Or evenn PDQ (not Bach, either)

Archive

05-15-2008, 07:41 PM

Posted By: leontoo late to take Barry out, the prices are rising steadily.....

Archive

05-15-2008, 07:46 PM

Posted By: barrysloateYou've noticed. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

Archive

05-15-2008, 07:51 PM

Posted By: MattI believe a smiley should have accompanied the previous post.

Archive

05-15-2008, 08:47 PM

Posted By: bigfishWhen is this ending???? I an running out of wine and I want the cards I am high bidder on

Archive

05-15-2008, 09:01 PM

Posted By: barrysloateNot until the fat lady sings. Check out the E102 Collins for an eye popping price! And the 10 minute clock is now in effect.

Archive

05-15-2008, 09:03 PM

Posted By: bigfishThat is strong. Must be the highest graded. Barry, Nice job again with the auction. Always nice stuff and a trustworthly person behind the scenes. E-mail me if you want my book of baseball notes from 1876. I might need to sell it....

Archive

05-15-2008, 09:04 PM

Posted By: barrysloateWill do...after the dust clears.

Archive

05-15-2008, 09:18 PM

Posted By: SeanWow! That Collins is CRAZY! Good thing I'm going after a different one. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14> Plus that Coupon Chase is going nice, I finally stopped bidding on that. Economic stimulus checks!

Archive

05-15-2008, 09:56 PM

Posted By: barrysloateThe 5 minute clock is about to go into effect.

Archive

05-15-2008, 09:59 PM

Posted By: Jeff LichtmanBarry, my fingers are tired from running up so many of your lots. Can I go to bed now please?

Archive

05-15-2008, 10:05 PM

Posted By: barrysloateJeff- thanks on the Hal Chase. I know it's brutal out there.

Archive

05-15-2008, 10:05 PM

Posted By: Jeff LichtmanI just hope it's Leon. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

Archive

05-15-2008, 10:09 PM

Posted By: barrysloateYes, it's Leon. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

Archive

05-15-2008, 10:14 PM

Posted By: Jeff LichtmanGod I would love that.

Archive

05-15-2008, 10:20 PM

Posted By: barrysloateI think Leon is sleeping on the couch right now and drooling. And I'm wide awake...go figure.

Archive

05-15-2008, 10:27 PM

Posted By: BobBarry- Congratulations on your auction results and particularly the T207 Mike Donlin in an SGC 30 holder which has quietly gone over 3k. Maybe people will realize how tough this card is and how hard it is to complete this set. tbob

Archive

05-15-2008, 10:29 PM

Posted By: JohnBarry just got an email from you that I failed to pay the Sloate Auction House $85 dollars this year, and I'm not able to bid anymore know anything about this??? Wow this seems like a really bad time to hit me with this....

Archive

05-15-2008, 10:30 PM

Posted By: EricOh....so close. Got down to about 20 seconds....then it reset, AGAIN Congrats Barry on your auction. Some strong prices.

Archive

05-15-2008, 10:41 PM

Posted By: EricIt's over!!!

Archive

05-15-2008, 10:41 PM

Posted By: JohnThe fat lady has finished her song, congrats Barry! Barry my courier will be by in about 30 mins to pick up my card…please let her in if she rings. <img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/piojohn3/junkforumimages/small/211-upsgirl.jpg">

Archive

05-15-2008, 10:47 PM

Posted By: barrysloateWe are done, and thanks to everyone for making this an extremely successful sale. Bob is correct, that T207 Donlin did very well and even had a ceiling that was several increments higher. That should be considered the number one toughie in the T207 set. But $11,040 for an E102 Collins. That is something to behold. I'm going to bed, and I earned it.

Archive

05-15-2008, 10:59 PM

Posted By: Brian GoldnerCongratulations Barry. Some very strong prices indeed. My courier won't be stopping by, as my bids weren't quite enough to win. Hope you get some well deserved rest. Wonka, that's hilarious!

Archive

05-15-2008, 11:06 PM

Posted By: MVSNYCbarry- congrats! john- please send her to my place after she visits barry...i'll tell my doorman that i NEED to sign for the package, NOT him. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

Archive

05-15-2008, 11:38 PM

Posted By: Bruce BabcockI paid close to $500 for an ungraded T207 Donlin off ebay in 2004. People said I was insane. It graded an SGC 40.

Archive

05-15-2008, 11:45 PM

Posted By: JimBShut out again. <img src="/images/sad.gif" height=14 width=14> Barry, Congrats on a great auction. JimB

Archive

05-16-2008, 05:09 AM

Posted By: Dan ParadisI was also a little surprised at this card going for over $6k. Very nice auction Barry. I finally won something after being shut out in the last 3 auctions! Dan

Archive

05-16-2008, 05:09 AM

Posted By: barrysloateGood morning to all. Again I want to thank everyone who participated. One observation I made as this auction was winding down: there were many spectacular bids, and virtually all of them were for high end cards in SGC holders. There were some very high prices for PSA cards too, such as the N172 Alcott, but SGC cards clearly led the way. I think they have a firm grip on the pre-war market, no question about it.

Archive

05-16-2008, 06:01 AM

Posted By: MattBarry - Congratulations on the success of the new format! The fact the auction was closed before 1 AM is fantastic and hopefully what you have implemented here can serve as the model for other auction houses.

Archive

05-16-2008, 06:50 AM

Posted By: Rob D.Barry, Congrats on the spectacular bids. Here's hoping they're real, too.

Archive

05-16-2008, 06:55 AM

Posted By: Jeff LichtmanBarry's extended bidding period lasted just less than 7 hours; REA's lasted just less than 12 hours. Considering the exponential difference in lots, I'm not sure that Barry's model applied to REA would have made any difference.

Archive

05-16-2008, 06:58 AM

Posted By: Rob D.Oh goody, I smell a debate brewing.

Archive

05-16-2008, 07:10 AM

Posted By: Joe D.John, I think you may have stumbled on a very effective economic stimulus package. If all of my packages were delivered by that courier.... I sure would be ordering things every day. Much better than a rebate check.... lets go with Wonka's courier service. Barry - congratulations on another great auction!

Archive

05-16-2008, 07:13 AM

Posted By: MattJeff - I agree that would make a big difference. I wonder if a modified approach where REA closed each segment of lots together - closing all baseball card lots as one group, memorabilia lots as another, autographs as another, basketball, etc. would help. The premise to keeping all the lots open together is that someone might want to shift money from one item to another if they get outbid; the assumption with doing it in groups as above is that if you get outbid on a baseball card, most people aren't going to shift their money to an autographed basketball.

Archive

05-16-2008, 07:14 AM

Posted By: Phil GarryBarry: Great job on another nice auction!!! Prices realized appear very strong in the current market. With those numbers, I've got to consign something for your next auction. As soon as I figure out what it is, I'll be in touch with you.

Archive

05-16-2008, 07:21 AM

Posted By: barrysloatePhil- I'm all ears. Regarding the length of the extended period, I recognize that in the last few hours bids were coming in pretty slowly, with an occasional burst of several bids. Often the clock was winding down before somebody placed one. So while the closing time of 12:40 AM was acceptable, there was still a bit of dragging as we wound down. I don't think that will change.

Archive

05-16-2008, 07:32 AM

Posted By: AlanLove that delivery service !!! <img src="http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/happy023.gif">

Archive

05-16-2008, 07:50 AM

Posted By: Jeff LichtmanMatt, good point on REA closing down sections at a time. While it may make a difference, I suspect next year at around 330 am at the end of the REA auction the same bunch of us will be out here bitching. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

Archive

05-16-2008, 08:10 AM

Posted By: Jason Lyou wrote: "...So while the closing time of 12:40 AM was acceptable, there was still a bit of dragging as we wound down. I don't think that will change." don't forget that the reason you want to leave some window is that people will use any extra time you allow them to re-think and then re-calculcate their assumptions on what they can "afford" when under time clock pressure. For instance, in the last few seconds of any auction for something I want badly, I usually come down to the "can I refi the house again?" conundrum.

Archive

05-16-2008, 08:18 AM

Posted By: Jeff LichtmanBarry, where the hell are my winnings? Rob's already sent me next year's catalogue!

Archive

05-16-2008, 08:28 AM

Posted By: Jason LJeff, I don't participate in any of these big auctions like you guys, but I have to say that reading that last post demanding your winnings made me laugh out loud -in a fairly hearty manner. well said.

Archive

05-16-2008, 08:32 AM

Posted By: leonI already have my winnings from Rob's auction in 2009. You are way behind.....

Archive

05-16-2008, 08:44 AM

Posted By: MVSNYCLeon- i have you all beat... i just received my consignor's payment from Barry, for a card i haven't even purchashed yet, which i will consign to him next year... wow, that is fast! <img src="/images/wink.gif" height=14 width=14>

Archive

05-16-2008, 08:56 AM

Posted By: barrysloateI'm going to purchase a time machine so I can travel back in time and get orders out more quickly. Jeff, I would run over the Brooklyn Bridge and hand deliver your card, but it's cold and rainy today. I'll bring it instead to the post office tomorrow.

Archive

05-16-2008, 10:04 AM

Posted By: Judson HamlinNice results- once I realized I was getting blown out on the Red Hindu Griffith, I redirected and grabbed my secondary targets (E95's); yea! Great auction, Barry.

Archive

05-16-2008, 10:05 AM

Posted By: barrysloateThanks Judd, you got two!

Archive

05-16-2008, 10:06 AM

Posted By: David RCongratulations to Barry for another great auction. Prices appeared to be very strong (I was outbid on the lots I was interested in). Some of the prices surprised me, however. For example, a T206 SGC 50 Matty portrait sold on eBay in late April 2008 for $671. The same card in Barry's auction with a similar common back just sold for $1072.00. The one in the auction may have been a little nicer, but not significantly. This seemed very odd to me. Any thoughts? Does the auction crowd not look at or buy on eBay? Why the tremendous price difference?

Archive

05-16-2008, 10:08 AM

Posted By: MattDavid - I believe your supposition is correct - prices at major auction houses almost always bring more then similar items on ebay. Perhaps the buyers like knowing they don't have to worry about the source and the vehicle of payment.

Archive

05-16-2008, 10:08 AM

Posted By: MVSNYC"redirected"..."secondary targets" Judd- i like your terminology...navigating you're funds thru the auction process involves very strategic moves... <img src="/images/wink.gif" height=14 width=14>

Archive

05-16-2008, 10:09 AM

Posted By: leonI am not sure if I buy differently than others but lately, with all of the ebay issues, I look less frequently than before. Don't get me wrong as I still watch ebay. But the auctions are more legit and there are no reprints and scams to wade through. The auction "excitement" might account for some of the higher prices too....

Archive

05-16-2008, 10:09 AM

Posted By: Judson HamlinAlready printed the invoice, Barry. I was getting ready to change my password to "underbidder" after your last couple of auctions. Now about that UPS driver...

Archive

05-16-2008, 10:59 AM

Posted By: barrysloateRegarding ebay versus catalog auctions: While I'd be happy to take full credit for the high prices I achieved (and there were a few low ones too), it's tough to say that ebay prices are always less than catalog ones. I've had great success, as well as disappointments, using both venues. I think ebay may be a little less consistent than it was in the past, but I always maintain that high prices are a product of the right combination of bidders. Are collectors more focused for a catalog auction and less so for ebay, which is more like a 365 day a year auction? Possibly, but sometimes I get incredibly high prices on ebay and say I wouldn't achieve them in my catalog auction. Not a slam dunk either way. The difference for me is when I get a big consignment, the better pieces get directed to the catalog, and the lesser ones to ebay. All in all, slight edge to catalog prices.

Archive

05-16-2008, 11:40 AM

Posted By: BobHmmmm, looks like that courier in the picture is holding the box containing my E98 set which disappeared during a UPS shipment 5 years ago. John, maybe you should give her my card so we could discuss things. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14> Barry- i think you are spot on in your musings on ebay vs. auction prices. Things seem to really be in a state of flux right now. The E97s on ebay recently did poorly compared to past prices, the E90-2s did fantastic, I want to wait and see how Alan's E98s, E92s and E94s do on ebay before jumping to any conclusions about caramel card prices....

Archive

05-16-2008, 11:41 AM

Posted By: davidcyclebackWith off-ebay auctioneers who are knowledgeable about the material and reputably, people are not only more confident that the item is as described but they are more confident sending a big check. One reason why a $100,000 book price item will sell more in a REA than on eBay is that people are more confident sending that big check to REA. In particular with big price items, known and reputable sellers are often preferred. While there are many good sellers on eBay, there are also thieves and shenanigans and various silliness. Barry Sloate's auctions are 100% Barry Sloate, and REA is 100% Rob Lifson-- and who wouldn't want to buy their Old Judge or rare baseball poster from Barry or Rob. Say I were to tell you there are right now two "1933 Goudey Napoleon Lajoie"s in auction, one on eBay (seller & feedback you don't know) and one in a REA Auction. What percentage chance you give that this unseen Lajooie card in the REA auction is original? 100%? 99.5%? ... Now, what percentage chance do you give that the eBay card is authentic? 30%? 5%? 15%? 1%? ... You've just answered why some collectors and investors consciously bid more in a REA auction than on eBay. I also think that for investors buying rare and expensive memorabilia, provenance is significant. If you're spending $50,000 on a game used jersey, it's a good thing to be able show that it came from a REA auction. When you go to sell it, you know ahead of time that potential buyers will know of REA or Lelands ... You may know next to nothing about Claude Monet paintings, but, if one was purchased from Sotheby's, you have heard of Sotheby's and will assume Sotheby's is knowledgeable about paintings. The Sotheby's provenance itself will lead you to guess the painting is likely genuine. When you're bidding $25 a graded card on eBay, these issues may not loom in your mind. However, if you're spending $10,000 or $100,000 can be very significant. To start, while you may PayPal $25 to sellers you don't know all the time, how many people on eBay would you be confident in mailing a $20,000 check to?

Archive

05-16-2008, 12:36 PM

Posted By: David RDavid, I totally agree that I wouldn't feel comfortable buying a $25,000 card off eBay and that the auctions are the way to go for rare or very high-priced items or where the provenance can be sketchy (like a game-worn jersey). But for a widely available SGC-graded card that sells on eBay for less than $700 from a reputable seller, who takes PayPal, and who has 99.9% positive feedback with over 2200 transactions, it just suprises me when the premium for purchasing that same card through a reputable auction two weeks later is almost $400. I guess it all depends on who's bidding when and how much they want it at that moment. David

Archive

05-16-2008, 01:00 PM

Posted By: davidcyclebackI suspect that for a number of very well healed collectors/investors, they simply won't buy on eBay and spend stritcly at Mastro et al auctions. These would be the types who spend $30,000 on a jersey or $100,000 on an autograph. This likely is because they don't trust eBay and that, for the amount on $$ they are spending, they only go through well known quantities. This would explain high prices on many high end items. Frankly, if I had $200,000 to spend on memorabilia I'd pick up a Mastro Auction and not even visit the local flea sale. At the least, it's a more efficient way to blow $200,000. This would mean the $200,000 would be infused into the Mastro Auction and not the flea sale. And, more than once, eBay has been referred to as a giant flea sale. It is likely that a lot of big time sports memorabilia money never enters eBay, as the money holders consider it a flea market and rather untrustworthy. I would imagine for someone looking to purchase a couple of Monet paintings for his den, plus or minus $10,000 is not as big a deal as it would be for you or I. That he could possibly get the same or similar item for $5,000 less may not compel him to drop the Sotheby's catalog and type 'Monet' into eBay. And, despite the likely higher prices and premiums and high shipping charges, it's safe to assume Sotheby's is a better place to look for your Monet paintings than eBay. When I was in college, my girlfriend worked one summer as part of those house-to-house cleaning crews for the wealthy (including a former NFL head coach). She said in one home that belonged to the president of a department store chain there was an original Renoir painting hung from a wall and protected by a custom laser security system. Forget the painting, I would guess the cost of the security system dwarfed the average eBayer's annual collecting budget.