What to expect from AH consignments?

[bobbyw8469]

Originally Posted by Ray Van

Agreed! I usually net around 80% of the final selling price on eBay once all fees are factored in. So 7.5-10% consignment fee at an AH is much better.

Not necessarily though. Most all AH's charge AT LEAST 20%....and buyer's factory that into their bids.

[raulus]

Originally Posted by bobbyw8469

Not necessarily though. Most all AH's charge AT LEAST 20%....and buyer's factory that into their bids.

As we argued about a month or two ago, I think it largely comes down to a question of whether buyers really do reduce their bids to factor in the BP.

Naturally, there is diversity of opinion on this board.

I'm of the opinion that some buyers adjust their bids. But my read of the empirical evidence suggests that many do not. Simply because the vast majority of the bids I see at AHs don't make any sense once the juice is factored in. But perhaps I'm misinterpreting the data.

But if you assume that buyers do adjust their bids to factor in the juice, then clearly 20% BP + 7.5% seller cost is going to be higher than what you're paying on eBay. As Leon noted, you would also need to factor in sales tax, which can vary from AH to AH, although eBay is always going to charge it, unless you're shipping to a vault.

[oldjudge]

I think Leon is exactly right--put it in the BST. You can offer it slightly under market and still come out ahead versus paying 27-30% to an auction house. Don't forget to add in your shipping costs, cost of driving to the PO, etc. On low value items this will further reduce your net.

[Exhibitman]

There are enough auctioneers in various niches that you should never pay any commission. There is an auctioneer who will gladly take $100 items for the BP only.

While we are on the subject, gotta sing the praises of REA. I consigned a really rare Ruth card recently that needed to be graded. REA handled it for me, got it graded promptly, and it will be in the Fall auction. That's the way the pros do it!

Also gotta slap at Memory Lane. I consigned some boxing stuff to them in March. Not only haven't they sold it, but they have ghosted me when I've tried to follow up. I am a week or two away from sending out the Lawyer Demand Letter for the return of my consignment.

ETA: N54 rocks! A few hours after this post the ML rep called and will be returning my items tomorrow.

[jh691626]

Thank you so much to everyone for your amazing, thoughtful responses and a couple of PMs. I am likely going to go ahead with the AH with the 7.5% rate and see what happens, though have also put feelers out to one more.

I have posted some cards previously and currently to BST and agree that it is an awesome option--you can't beat the fees! And you get to interact with the awesome people of N54.

Thank you again! Jeff

[bobbyw8469]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

There are enough auctioneers in various niches that you should never pay any commission. There is an auctioneer who will gladly take $100 items for the BP only.

While we are on the subject, gotta sing the praises of REA. I consigned a really rare Ruth card recently that needed to be graded. REA handled it for me, got it graded promptly, and it will be in the Fall auction. That's the way the pros do it!

Also gotta slap at Memory Lane. I consigned some boxing stuff to them in March. Not only haven't they sold it, but they have ghosted me when I've tried to follow up. I am a week or two away from sending out the Lawyer Demand Letter for the return of my consignment.

ETA: N54 rocks! A few hours after this post the ML rep called and will be returning my items tomorrow.

7 months is entirely too long to sit on a consignment. What was their excuse?

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by bobbyw8469

7 months is entirely too long to sit on a consignment. What was their excuse?

I really can't speak to that. Regardless, some of the consignment has gone up in value since then, so I am just dandy with selling it myself.

[Snowman]

Just send it to Probstein123

[babraham]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

ETA: N54 rocks! A few hours after this post the ML rep called and will be returning my items tomorrow.

Dang!
Good stuff there, glad you're finally getting them back.