Credit cards
 

Why would an auction house not take credit cards? I know that it’s a lot more palatable sometimes to throw an unplanned buy on a credit card? Obvously there is a fee, so set your buyers premium at whatever, and then offer a discount for check, etc.

Is there some other reason not to take cards? Maybe I am missing something.

Charge backs. Banks/Credit Card companies are very buyer friendly. Some auction houses do accept credit cards. Some have a limit of how much you can put on a credit card.

Fees and probably the prospect of chargebacks should disputes arise. CC provider would almost certainly side with the buyer, even if auction house did everything according to well laid-out terms.

This.

Returns and Charge Backs....altered cards in holders possible.

Definitely charge backs for me. As a small company if I got hit with a big charge back after I had already paid the consignor it could be disastrous. We do accept them for purchases under $2000.

Steve...
 

when i first read your post, i thot perhaps it was motivated by net54 member scott russell's (aquarian sports cards/birmingham auctioneers) VERY generous policy of accepting cc's WITHOUT any surcharge.
in addition to being a passionate hobbyist, and vocal participant on our board, scott is a class act with a high degree of integrity.
trying not to minimize my respect & appreciation for all the other quality auction options we have, by accepting cc's, scott offers me one more reason to support his efforts.
he is the antithesis of a "crazy uncle."

One way or another the answer is almost always money. :)

Yeah, that has to give you pause. I know the crowd here is above board, but no doubt scammers out there as anywhere else. Buyers remorse and all of a sudden some gripe suddenly materializes about the write up, the photos, etc.

Birmingham is an incredible place to do business. Scott knows how treat his buyers. Trust is everything, particularly in the collectible world. If i need to write a check, I'll write a check.