What would YOU like to see in a online auction?

[Topnotchsy]

- Make sure website is easily searchable (not like Hunt etc)
- display actual price with BP (like heritage)
- only items authenticated by respected 3rd party authentication (or at least be very clear on what is and what is not authenticated and by who)
- accurate titles (If mears says that they cannot State it was used by the player don’t refer to it as “Player x game used” etc)
- offer PayPal/CC options (I don’t mind paying a small premium that way though I’m not convinced it’s cheaper for the auction house to have to staff people to deal with checks and the like)

[keithsky]

No hidden reserves. If you need a reserve on an item mention it. I think Iconic Auctions are the worst for that. Not sure anyone ever wins anything because most of it is on ebay then ends up back on there.

[rhettyeakley]

I prefer to see auction houses run by people who know a great deal about the subject matter, in fact I would consider that an absolute necessity.

Being a relative newcomer to the field doesn’t give anyone a free pass to open an auction house, what exactly would you provide to your consignors? Not trying to be rude but you have asked some pretty rudimentary questions over the past few months and not sure why you think this would be a great idea. Again, if you you decide to take this on I wish you luck I just don’t know that this would be a successful venture for you.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

One of the first things they teach you in Auctioneer school in PA. The most important tool an auctioneer has is product knowledge.

[x2drich2000]

I didn't see anything regarding the types of consignments you are looking to have which I think that would plays significantly into the details of what I would expect/want, but overall I think everything can be generalized by 2 words: transparency and integrity. Low buyers premium doesn't mean a thing if people are getting shilled. Shipping that is fair, even if it is more than the postal rate, as long as we know we aren't going to be screwed and represents the packaging that is required. An honest representations of the item, which includes very clear picture(s), a description when necessary to point out a flaw that can't be seen, and accurate titles. Clear communication on what you expect the item to sell for before taking the consignment.

Like Rhett said, the person behind the auction house plays a big part. There are a lot of reasons LOTG, REA, Sterling, etc are so popular, but I think it really comes down to the owners of the business. Each of the owners has spent years/decades building their reputation and contacts within the hobby. I'm also not trying to be rude, but I would seriously ask yourself how well known are you in the hobby and how will that impact your ability to gather consignments and for people to trust you with their consignments.

DJ

[Snapolit1]

I would saying running a successful AH requires a high level of credibility, which is both a lot of knowledge and the ability to be square with people. Four owners I have had personal interaction with who have both those traits are Scott Russell, Al, Scott Brockelman and Rhys. They are not going to bs you where it is not warranted. They are not carnival barkers. And they also have the temperment to deal with the wide range of buyers and sellers. They are all seemingly pretty laid back. They are not fighting with people regularly (to my knowledge) or getting into name calling fights with people every third day.

[EYECOLLECTVINTAGE]

Originally Posted by x2drich2000

I didn't see anything regarding the types of consignments you are looking to have which I think that would plays significantly into the details of what I would expect/want, but overall I think everything can be generalized by 2 words: transparency and integrity.

DJ

I totally agree with those 2 words. Those are actually musts in anything in life for long term sustainability in my opinion.

I personally have a passion for Tickets, Photos, Ephemera and oddball items, so I would naturally like to cater towards those categories, however would be open to taking on any consignments as long as I was comfortable with them.

I agree that there are many knowledgable people in this industry and some are even honest and have integrity too.

If I were to do this, I would want it to be a tight ship. No shady business at all.

I'd be doing this as a passion not to become a millionaire.

A lot of great things have been discussed so far in this thread. Keep em coming.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by EYECOLLECTVINTAGE

I'd be doing this as a passion not to become a millionaire.

Amen.

I was asked point blank from a very well known hobby figure why I don't want to take my business online. he asked "Do you want to make less money?"

I said there's a simple answer and a long answer. The simple answer is "Yes."

[EYECOLLECTVINTAGE]

Originally Posted by rhettyeakley

I prefer to see auction houses run by people who know a great deal about the subject matter, in fact I would consider than an absolute necessity.

Being a relative newcomer to the field doesn’t give anyone a free pass to open an auction house, what exactly would you provide to your consignors? Not trying to be rude but you have asked some pretty rudimentary questions over the past few months and not sure why you think this would be a great idea. Again, if you you decide to take this on I wish you luck I just don’t know that this would be a successful venture for you.

I would respond to this by saying, I would offer absolute amazing customer service to both consignors and buyers. I have spent many years in sales and learned how important customer service and transparency is.

Nobody is too big or too small when it comes to being treated with respect and having their concerns answered.

I believe that shipping should be lightning fast, as should payouts, and emails should be answered almost immediately during an auction.

I am from a newer school where being constantly accesible is the norm and would translate that over to this model.

Still scratching the surface on ideas and how things would be done, but I like the ideas and hope to fill a void from the customer service point of view that the industry seems to be lacking.

[drcy]

Originally Posted by rhettyeakley

I prefer to see auction houses run by people who know a great deal about the subject matter, in fact I would consider than an absolute necessity.

+1 A good auction house should be experts in the material #1.

[RedsFan1941]

Originally Posted by drcy

+1 A good auction house should be experts in the material #1.

+2. fortunately, it's not something that easily can be faked.

[bbcard1]

I'm sure I'd enjoy looking at the listings and probably bid some and if it's a good business model for you and something you would enjoy, go for it, but the hobby really "needs" another AH like I need more ass fat.

[T205 GB]

How about a live auction format like I was toiling with for a bit. I think its a great idea but there is way more than I can commit to at this point. So if this idea helps go for it.

[Shoeless Moe]

Originally Posted by keithsky

No hidden reserves. If you need a reserve on an item mention it. I think Iconic Auctions are the worst for that. Not sure anyone ever wins anything because most of it is on ebay then ends up back on there.

Dead on about Iconic, gotten to the point I don't even look at their auctions. I'm sure it's all in-house bidding or hidden reserves.

One of thee worst in the business.

[vintagerookies51]

I've always thought of doing this someday, but probably very far into the future (if this is still a hobby). Would be so cool dealing with hundreds of pieces of baseball history all day

[sb1]

Originally Posted by vintagerookies51

I've always thought of doing this someday, but probably very far into the future (if this is still a hobby). Would be so cool dealing with hundreds of pieces of baseball history all day

For every hour of that, there are five of scanning and five more of shipping, not all that glamorous or entertaining

[barrysloate]

Originally Posted by sb1

For every hour of that, there are five of scanning and five more of shipping, not all that glamorous or entertaining

+1

When I ran my first major auction in 1998, it was the most exciting thing I had ever done in the hobby. Ten years later, when I did my last one, I was completely spent. It's a business like any other, and while it's great handling all sorts of cool memorabilia, it is cutthroat and very competitive.

Best thing to do Stephen is review all the things that seem to be most desired by collectors, and try to incorporate as many of them as you can. Be honest, which I believe you are, and treat customers fairly.

And the hardest part of putting an auction together is getting quality consignments. There is no shortage of mediocre material out there, but the really good pieces can be tough to get. Wish you luck with it.

[vintagerookies51]

Originally Posted by sb1

For every hour of that, there are five of scanning and five more of shipping, not all that glamorous or entertaining

True. Takes me a good while to just scan and ship a few cards I'm sure a lot of auction houses have staff that do that though