Auction house prices vs in person prices
 

Lots of auction house talk this weekend so I will add to the mix. The below is hypothetical.

Let’s say I have a 1933 Goudey Ruth card graded. The same grade sells in an auction house for $100k. Is there anyway (in todays world) that I am getting around $100k for my card in person (private sale or card show)? Or am
forced to send my card to a major auction house to get the price I want?

Private sale or card show you're not giving up the house's cut. So you don't have to do the same.

I agree but could I get what the auction house sale price was in a non auction house setting?

Most certainly, yes. I have bought serious cards privately and often I have had to pay what is “fair market value”, which would be what we determine would be final hammer price plus buyers premium at auction. That said, it’s a private deal, so sometimes I get the card for less. Note, however, that these are often pretty rare cards, where I don’t have a ton of leverage. A 33 Goudey Ruth is not a rare card, and that may impact a buyer’s motivation. Also, private deals often originate as the result of longstanding relationships. The wider the potential buyer pool, the more likely you get top value. Other times, private deals are brokered, by longtime dealers, collectors, or auction houses. In that case, the broker needs to make money. Sometimes the seller pays and sometimes the buyer pays.

I do not believe you will get auction house prices at a card show. The “buyers” at card shows are dealers, not collectors, and dealers buy to sell- so they will not pay FMV/top dollar.

In theory you make more money on a private sale because all the money is yours. However, even though their is the BP that buyers account for when they bid the Auctions reach a larger audience than a private sale and can often get other bidders involved which can drive up the price. Depending on the rarity or demand for that card the prices can be driven up as a result

Agree. Might be some dude on the other side of the globe who will pay 20% more......

Bidding in auction is a rush/addiction similar to grading. Many people love the thrill and the competitiveness, Especially for bragging rights. If you have big pre war piece I’d go to REA, like Cracker Jack or T206 ect. Goudey Ruth’s or Post War High End Rookies in high grade, I’d go to Memory Lane.