Has Anyone Sold Directly To An Auction House?

[SyrNy1960]

Ok, so let me be more specific. I'm considering selling my Alex Rodriguez 1st Career Grand Slam Bat. His 25th Grand Slam Bat sold in Heritage Auctions for $20,5000. His 1st should do well, as collectors like the early stuff, especially if part of an All-Time Record.

I've never had any experiences with an AH. However, I've heard of many bad experiences, so I'm hesitant; but I also know not all are bad. I also heard negative stories (behind the scenes) from someone who worked in an AH, which makes me less trusting. Maybe that's something I just need to get over. I know it would do well in an AH, but prefer just to make the sale and be over with it. Ah, the things we have to struggle with.

I think because I haven't traveled the waters via AH, I'm very hesitant.

Appreciate all the responses! You guys are the best!

Tony

[SyrNy1960]

Randall, thanks for the insight. It helped me decided to go in the direction of an AH. I'll see how it goes. Thanks! Much appreciated!

[Schlesinj]

As an option, you can get a cash advance from some of the auction houses and then let the market make up the difference. Clearly, they will build in the fluff they are comfortable with paying you.

They will calculate the cash advance and maybe it fits within your accepted amount plus you get upside post sale.

[SyrNy1960]

Originally Posted by Schlesinj

As an option, you can get a cash advance from some of the auction houses and then let the market make up the difference. Clearly, they will build in the fluff they are comfortable with paying you.

They will calculate the cash advance and maybe it fits within your accepted amount plus you get upside post sale.

Thanks for the guidance. Much appreciated!

[MVSNYC]

There's many great Auction Houses. I've been consigning cards & memorabilia since the 90's. Can't remember a bad experience (some items will do better than you expect, some less). Your bat sounds like a great item, and should do well. I'm assuming you have a PSA/DNA LOA for it.

For memorabilia I'd contact Goldin, Heritage, REA, and LOTG. See who will give you the best deal (possibly a cash advance, and likely some of the buyer's premium, maybe you'll get 105% of hammer?). Good luck.

[SyrNy1960]

Originally Posted by MVSNYC

There's many great Auction Houses. I've been consigning cards & memorabilia since the 90's. Can't remember a bad experience (some items will do better than you expect, some less). Your bat sounds like a great item, and should do well. I'm assuming you have a PSA/DNA LOA for it.

For memorabilia I'd contact Goldin, Heritage, REA, and LOTG. See who will give you the best deal (possibly a cash advance, and likely some of the buyer's premium, maybe you'll get 105% of hammer?). Good luck.

Michael,

Thanks! I sent you a PM.

Tony

[Snapolit1]

Your item could always underperform in an auction. It does happen. Timing might suck. Or general economic jitters could take over. Or the same item could have sold twice in last month through dumb luck. In that case sale to an AH might work out better. I’d put that as a very unlikely chance here with a one of a kind item.

The real beauty of an auction is where two guys who “have to have it” lock horns and get in a bidding war. When I consign anything my hope is only that there are 2 guys who need it. Or want it. Badly. Hopefully both multi millionaires with money to burn. Don’t need 22 bidders. Most bidders put a marker down early and aren’t really going to made a hard run at it. I just want two well heeled guys in the AH session who are trying to wear each other out.