Ruth/sisler photo opinion *experts needed*

[SAllen2556]

Just an amateur opinion, but doesn't the fact that the photo sold through a reputable auction house justify the higher price? Their exposure to the market is much greater and so many more potential customers will be exposed to the product. Don't you also have to factor in the services that the auction house provides like everything from scanning to advertising to setting up the software and the bid structures? All those things cost money. If I could get half the price that a reputable auction house got I think I'd be thrilled!

If someone sets up their own website auction they have to worry about advertising, shipping, pricing, etc. How would you set minimum bids? Wouldn't you worry that very few people would even find your website? I'd worry that everything I tried to sell would go for the minimum bid - or not sell at all. Plus you'd have to deal with all the shenanigans that can potentially happen with an auction - like actually collecting the money from the bidders! And photos aren't like baseball cards in PSA holders where prices are somewhat established - prices on photos are not as easy to determine - obviously!

If I had these photos I'd find my favorite auction house, let them cut me a check and take the money and run - right to the Bahamas!

[sporteq]

IMO- Most of the time a lot of these big auction houses have a number of very desirable photos that pretty much bury the photo you want to sell, even when you consign a decent cool photo. And NOT everyone just collect photos. If they do, it's a small number. I love photos but sometimes I gotta decided if i want my money to go to a photo I like versus a rare pin, trophy or something else that catches my eye. Also for me, time is money, the amount of time to consign, then get paid it not worth the wait. If you have an epic photo or premier photo that you know without a shadow of doubt may sell for big time monayy it may be worth consigning.

Example- I believe there's a member here that owns a 1906 White Sox brass coat hanger mirror in extremely superb condition. I consigned that item feeling pretty good about the out come.. Well, it failed and I lost out on some benjamins and a great piece. I had decided to consigned bcuz i saw other similar examples going for decent prices. Of course mine fell way short.. haha It's all about timing.

Albert

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by SAllen2556

Just an amateur opinion, but doesn't the fact that the photo sold through a reputable auction house justify the higher price?

Scott, your points make complete sense, but as Albert said, you really can't tell what will happen. It's true that sometimes a $400 photo can bring $1,000, but a $400 photo is still a $400 photo. If collectors know what an item's market value is, then it's unlikely that a reputable auction house will get a higher premium for it than other venues. In my opinion, consignors are paying for all those services you listed, because they don't want to do it themselves, or don't have the means, but that doesn't necessarily translate to a higher price.