[molenick]

I understand the confusion when first encountering the AH pricing models. They are providing a service by marketing, collecting payment, and shipping your consignment. In some cases, they will also submit your cards to a grading service. Some AHs will give you a partial advance (say 25% of the estimated value) on your consignment and you can also use your consignment to offset purchases in the same auction. In exchange for these services, they charge a buyer's premium (non-negotiable) and consignment fees (usually negotiable). It’s pretty much the standard business model for auction houses all over the world.

You have to judge whether you think you could net the same amount by selling the cards yourself (also factoring in the time and effort spent in doing so). If you choose not to use their services, there are other options without fees, like the B/S/T section on this board.

My understanding is that an AH charges taxes as per applicable state laws. No one asks Home Depot why they are charging sales tax on the microwave you just brought. Taxes are certainly a big issue...I live in New York, so I know…but it’s not specific to baseball cards.

As for the buyer’s premium, I am not clear what the issue is. If you know ahead of time you will be paying 20% more than you are bidding (it’s always in the rules), you take this into account when you bid. If you are willing to pay up to $1200 for an item, you bid up to $1000. I understand the psychology of it and the sticker shock when you get the invoice. But it’s not a hidden fee that they spring on you without advance notice. In some cases (Heritage, for example) an AH will show the current bid with and without the BP.

As for REA, I have some lots consigned as well. Some have spirited bidding, some only one or two bids. I am hoping the slower ones pick up, but I think this is a function of the cards themselves not REA. The cards are accurately described and scanned. I doubt the final results will be different from any other major AH.

[Edited to add: That was not a knock on REA. I use them because of familiarity, and because I like their knowledge, customer service, and ability to reach collectors. But my cards are what they are (not headline stuff) and I assume they would get more-or-less the same prices elsewhere.]