How does one avoiding losing their shirts with auctions houses?

[autograf]

I think they charge commission and premium because they can. And because thousands of catalogs and postage aren't cheap. There are some that don't and there are most that won't if you have big enough consignments. I think that's the key. I think it's a fallacy to say that you won't pay commission ever on a $3K consignment. That's a nice chunk of change for most, but about a 'normal' lot in one of the big auction house auctions. As a general rule, the more you consign, the less you pay. If you have huge, high demand items, you may get some of the buyer's premium as well. Like JC said. Make a list, make it a large group, and shop it around. Don't be afraid to play one against the other. It can't hurt. And, as far as the business, there are LOTS of people looking at every lot in every auction. Some to try to buy to make money. Some to try to buy to build their collection. And tons of other reasons. Sometimes, something slips through. But more and more, those are the exceptions. Good luck!

[calvindog]

Send emails to auction houses insisting upon hidden reserves and the ability to bid on your own lots. Be told that it's illegal and they won't do it by some of them -- but eventually one will allow you. Pretend you don't know what anyone is talking about when word gets out about it.

[Exhibitman]

They all try for commissions, but in this market and with BPs that often exceed 20% of the hammer price there is no need to consign to an AH that will not eliminate it, provided your items are halfway decent.

Your alternative is to retail the items yourself, with the understanding that in addition to the time and effort you will have to put into the endeavor, you will pay about 13% between eBay and PayPal to sell. A private sale is often the best way to avoid transaction costs (especially if you refuse to accept PayPal) provided that you have some idea of what your items are worth and someone wants them at that price point.

[BeanTown]

The landscape for auction houses have changed. Ten years ago it was the norm to see auction house advertise no reserves. Now, it's more acceptable to have a reserve as long as it's disclosed. Just like it's the norm to report cash payments to the IRS, when you are providing a service or selling a good.

Good luck in finding an auction house to use. I don't think you can go wrong with any Net54 advertisers. Most have the same mailing list and will get your consignments out in front of active bidders.

[pokerplyr80]

I send most of my consignments to pwcc. 4688 - 10% would have netted about 4200 in this situation. Also I would never agree to consign a card to an AH that charges a buyer's premium and a commission.

[bobbyw8469]

Originally Posted by pokerplyr80

I send most of my consignments to pwcc. 4688 - 10% would have netted about 4200 in this situation. Also I would never agree to consign a card to an AH that charges a buyer's premium and a commission.

Is PWCC losing some of their luster Jesse? Basically, they are just listing on Ebay, the same as you and I can do. Why not list the item yourself and save the $488?

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by bobbyw8469

Is PWCC losing some of their luster Jesse? Basically, they are just listing on Ebay, the same as you and I can do. Why not list the item yourself and save the $488?

I would never stick up for PWCC. Saying that I do not understand your post Bobby. PWCC charges 9%. eBay and PayPal fees are around 13% so how could anybody have saved any $? It seems to me the seller would be saving the hassle of listing plus shipping charges plus saving $ on fees.

[pokerplyr80]

Originally Posted by bobbyw8469

Is PWCC losing some of their luster Jesse? Basically, they are just listing on Ebay, the same as you and I can do. Why not list the item yourself and save the $488?

I believe that max fee for a card on ebay is $250 (please correct me if I'm wrong). Plus 3% for paypal would be 375 or so in fees, or only 100 bucks less than I would get if I could realize the same price as pwcc. I highly doubt I could, and even if it were possible it would be worth the 100 bucks not to have to deal with people, returns, chargebacks, etc.

[bobbyw8469]

Originally Posted by pokerplyr80

I believe that max fee for a card on ebay is $250 (please correct me if I'm wrong). Plus 3% for paypal would be 375 or so in fees, or only 100 bucks less than I would get if I could realize the same price as pwcc. I highly doubt I could, and even if it were possible it would be worth the 100 bucks not to have to deal with people, returns, chargebacks, etc.

To each their own....if they didn't wait so long to pay out consignments, they would be perfect. But I totally get what you are saying.

[wondo]

Originally Posted by pokerplyr80

I believe that max fee for a card on ebay is $250 (please correct me if I'm wrong). Plus 3% for paypal would be 375 or so in fees, or only 100 bucks less than I would get if I could realize the same price as pwcc. I highly doubt I could, and even if it were possible it would be worth the 100 bucks not to have to deal with people, returns, chargebacks, etc.

Maximum Seller's Fee at ebay is being raised from $250 to $750. The change may have already taken place.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by calvindog

Send emails to auction houses insisting upon hidden reserves and the ability to bid on your own lots. Be told that it's illegal and they won't do it by some of them -- but eventually one will allow you. Pretend you don't know what anyone is talking about when word gets out about it.

Isn't this actually allowed is certain states like Texas?

[calvindog]

Originally Posted by bnorth

Isn't this actually allowed is certain states like Texas?

To collectors, it's allowed in every state until they get caught.

[rednecksims]

Additionally with AHs and PWCC alike you do not have to worry about shipping issues or returns. Any AH who runs a buyers premium over 12% I would not do business with, unless it is just too good of a deal or the item is a one off.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by rednecksims

Additionally with AHs and PWCC alike you do not have to worry about shipping issues or returns. Any AH who runs a buyers premium over 12% I would not do business with, unless it is just too good of a deal or the item is a one off.

Who runs an auction with a buyer's premium that low? I can't think of any one of the big boys lower than 15%.

[rednecksims]

Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards

Who runs an auction with a buyer's premium that low? I can't think of any one of the big boys lower than 15%.

And that's why I don't do a lot of business with them unless it's a special item. I can usually buy from smaller ones, get the same items, and get better prices. Just takes some searching.

[brianp-beme]

Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards

Who runs an auction with a buyer's premium that low? I can't think of any one of the big boys lower than 15%.

Brockelman Auctions is 12.5% buyers premium. And it is an AH that upfront states that there is no seller's premium for consignments. And his auctions are big boy enough for me. And the next one starts Monday 5/29.

Brian

[Runscott]

Dishonesty is the key to making money through consignments, either on ebay or through major AH's. I haven't seen any evidence that this is changing, despite all the prison sentences.

I have seen several items for sale on a seller's website, then sell for a low price at auction, then show up again on the same seller's website. I would say that they should realize that we aren't fools, but apparently some of us are.

[EYECOLLECTVINTAGE]

A little OT, but does anyone know what the best AH for old sport publications and old baseball books probably is? Uncommon first edition books and ruth magazines from the 20's etc

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Hunt did great with a bunch of Baseball Magazines from 1900-1930 not long ago

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by EYECOLLECTVINTAGE

A little OT, but does anyone know what the best AH for old sport publications and old baseball books probably is? Uncommon first edition books and ruth magazines from the 20's etc

Buying or Selling? Hunt's 'Baseball Magazine' lots went very, very cheap - overall 1/3 - 1/2 of what REA got on a similar grouping 5-6 years ago. The lots were arranged oddly with some major issues getting lost in larger lots. With sports publications I trust REA, Legendary and Heritage, as their descriptions are generally more detailed and accurate than the others.

When buying, I would ask lots of questions if you are unsure;i.e-are all the photos there? any pages missing? Condition? (if not obvious).