Posted By:
Joe D.As a response to your post above "...Finally, someone above mentioned something along the line of consignors shouldnt expect to get a service for nothing - not sure I agree completely......"
I kind of see the 0% consignment as a salesman's way to try to get consignments when the $$$ is backloaded into a larger BP. An offer like that somewhat plays on a potential consignor not taking in the whole picture of the transaction.
Potential bidders will take into account the buyers premium and bid accordingly.
So, for example, if a consignor pays a 10% sellers premium while the bidders pay a 10% buyers premium in the same auction - - It is very possible that consignor is better off in that situation rather than a situation where the consignment is 0% and the BP is 20%.
On the surface it looks like 0% is better than the 10% SP - but when the auction is over - and one or two less bids because have come in because of a higher BP.... the consignor may actually be getting less.
So what is the answer?
I don't know. 
It is a much more complex mathematical hypothetical that it would appear.
My guess is somewhere where the overall premiums are shared by seller and buyer works out best to maximize result for the consignor. But what the heck do I know?
I think a consignor should consider many many more factors beyond the sellers premium.
1) Number one would be - do I trust the auction house?
2) Number two would be - is it the right venue for my particular item (some auction houses may be better suited for certain items.)
3) Number three would be - BP and SP - do I think it is the right mix to maximize return? And am I getting a good deal considering the size and value of my consignment?
As far as the initial post... whether or not it was good or bad form....
in general I would think details of a transaction are held between the parties involved.
If both agree that the details can be made public - that is just fine.
If the initial thread poster (although a very happy one about REA) did not ask REA if it was okay to disclose this information publicly... REA may very well be upset about it - I don't work for them, so I do not know.
So, it is okay form if both parties knew of the disclosure ahead of time.
Not okay form if either party were to post this without first discussing it with the other.
just my 2 cents.
edited content - and probably will continue to do so