Quote:
Originally Posted by drcy
My opinion is if it's called a spade, it should be a spade. While estimates are just that, and often have ranges to them ($800-$1200) and are not expected to be pinpoint numbers, they should be honest estimates or not be used at all. I find it very problematic, to the point of being unethical and scam-like, when auction houses use them as something else, such as PR stunt (ala using super low so they can be broken). If you are posting auction estimates that are obviously WAY off, the only question is if you're ignorant or dishonest.
|
+1 all the way. As for keeping consignors happy by exceeding low estimates, I'd be a lot more concerned about buyers feeling guilty or stupid about bidding much over artificially low estimates. They are the ones pulling the freight for everybody, after all.