[Rob D.]

The simple truth is one can point to any auction format and say it is costing consignors money.

All the lots close at once? I won't stay up until the early morning. It cost the consignor money.

Lots close individually? I got outbid on an item late and couldn't go back and bid on other lots. It cost the consignor money.

The auction house accepts ceiling bids? I won't do that for fear of being shilled. It cost the consignor money.

It's a live auction and I need to place my bid by phone? That's too inconvenient. It cost the consignor money.

The auction house picks a time when the auction closes? Ridiculous and too undefined. It cost the consignor money.

The bottom line is that no system pleases everyone. I didn't even know Lelands had an auction that ended last night, and while looking online at the catalog today I saw an Indians item that I would have paid at least twice the amount it sold for. I guess by not making sure I knew about the auction, Lelands cost the consignor money.