What do consignors want from an auction house?
 

Posted By: <b>Frank Wakefield</b><p>As a seller, I like no or very low seller's premiums, a good client list, accurate descriptions, quick payment, and breaking down or bunching cards into lots so as to maximize sales amounts. Looking fancy with slick ads and catalogs isn't as important as accurately described lots that have sufficient information so as to interest buyers.<br /><br />I think Jim is correct that the buyer's premium is of minimal consequence, it is but a factor in considering what to bid.<br /><br />As a buyer it is good to bid where you have good, accurate information about the lot and you're wondering "where do they find this stuff", as a seller it is great when the auctioneer has gone around and found 3 or 4 folks that really want what you're selling and they bid it up!!<br /><br />Frank.

What do consignors want from an auction house?
 

Posted By: <b>Jeff Lichtman</b><p>Dan, perhaps you'd like to celebrate this moment with, say, a song? <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

What do consignors want from an auction house?
 

Posted By: <b>Dan Bretta</b><p>Sorry Jeff, but music is a violation of our personal privacy.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/W3A9rLoz_0o"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/W3A9rLoz_0o" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

What do consignors want from an auction house?
 

Posted By: <b>Bob</b><p>Scott-<br /><br />I think it would be helpful to gain a little insight from the auctioneer's point of view as to how the auction house interacts with a potential consignor for negotiating whether an item is good enough to reduce or eliminate consignment fees. Is it a dollar threeshold? Or how many times a person consigns with you? etc...<br /><br />From my own limited experience, (I have not consigned anything since the 1999 Mastrowest Auction) I have been reluctant to consign anything else, because I feel like I do not know whether my material would warrant such consideration or not.<br /><br />As far as what's important to me it is customer service, customer service and customer service!!! Both before the auction (sending additional scans or answering questions) or after (change of shipping address or making special arrangements for pick up).<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Bob<br /><br /><br /><br />

What do consignors want from an auction house?
 

Posted By: <b>Jeff Lichtman</b><p>You know, Dan, I've always been fascinated with the law....

What do consignors want from an auction house?
 

Posted By: <b>JimCrandell</b><p>Barry,<br /><br />I know and once again it is ruined by a you tube video--ridiculous. This is a vintage sports card board.

What do consignors want from an auction house?
 

Posted By: <b>scgaynor</b><p>Bob, that is a good question. <br /><br />Value certainly plays a part and I do often give better rates to people who consign alot of material. The biggest thing though is probably how much work is involved in preparing the lots. For example Did I have to travel to pick up the material? Was a cash advance involved? How much space does it take up? Am I going to have to store it for months? What is the per lot value? <br /><br />If I have to factor in a significant amount of my time, employees time, or storage space, then I have to take that into account when trying to determine how low I can go on the consignment rate. High dollar single cards will always get you the best rate! <br /><br />When you do think about consigning, it is always best to pick up the phone and call whoever you decide to deal with. They should be pretty up front with you about what they are going to charge.<br /><br />Scott

What do consignors want from an auction house?
 

Posted By: <b>DJ</b><p>I think a catalog is very important. It has nothing to do with bidding or being on the Internet, but it's kind of like retreating to a comfortable couch with a great tasting cigar. I love to lay there and make notes. Sure if I don't win anything, I at least tried and kind of earned by catalog. I go over the catalog in the comfort of my desired position of choice and read everything like a fine book. On the Internet, you miss things I feel. Plus, I'm on the computer enough as is and I kind of get sick of "clicking".<br /><br />I think the most important thing and what makes a good auction house is reputation and how I am treated. Whether buyer or consignor, I want that auction house to work out any issues that I may have. I have had issues with two auction houses over the past five years and basically said: "What would make you happy!" and you never forget something like that. If they would have said "tough s--t", that would be the end. In saying that, I want decent shipping prices and I don't want to wait forever for my items. As a collector, we are excited children and want to get out stuff yesterday.<br /><br />C'mon Adam, that's not being fair. The sucker was the guy on TV I saw a few days ago (Brigandi?) who paid like $75,000 (or valued it at the time at that price...I was at a bar and read the Closed Caption) for an signed Induction Hall Of Fame Baseball from 1939 when he could have saved quite a bit of money with the one Coach's Corner just sold $383 or the sucker who bought the Ed Plank baseball in the Lelands auction of 2002 when it sold for $44,000 when they could have had this one here in Coach's Corner for $702 or the sucker who bought the recent Christy Mathewson ball for $140,000 when Coach's Corner next month....<br /><br />DJ<br /><br /><br /><br />