Quote:
Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards
Other than rates (because every rate discussion here always shows that people think auction houses can run on a different gross margin than literally every other business in the world) with an eye especially to the challenges the hobby is facing today. What would you do if you were starting an auction company?
Remember you're starting from scratch, you're not REA and you have to build a consignor AND buyer base.
Advertise, advertise, advertise. Then figure out what advertisements brought in customers. Discontinue advertising in the places it as not working and put that $ into different venues.
Join ALL the forums that deal in what you are selling and post regularly in those forums. Avoiding silly posts and arguing with others as much as possible. I know some AHs that also send PMs to fellow members trying to get consignments. Make sure anyone that does not want this never gets a second one. Personally I don't mind it from some and others it pisses me off.
What policies would you have for altered cards? Would you sell them and merely note the problem? Would you refuse to sell them?
I would sell them if they are graded authentic or ungraded. It would include a detailed description of the alterations. I would refuse to sell any altered cards in slabs with a # grade.
What would you do when you accidentally sell an altered card? Eat it and pay out of pocket? Make the consignor pay (somehow) refer it back to the TPG?
ALL sales are final!!! If graded refer them to the TPG. Above all sincerely apologize for the AHs honest mistake and depending on the exact details offer a future discount on buyer/seller premiums.
What other major issues do you see that need addressing?
I currently will only work with one AH and I have given them props on this forum many times as the owner is IMHO a very honest gentleman. The others have WAY to many issues to list.
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Answers in Bold. I would imagine like in most businesses staying away from the EASY money and staying 100% honest would be the hardest part, especially in extended slow times.