Auction Reserves - let’s discuss

[hcv123]

1) I know for a fact that when a reserve is set, it does not automatically mean the consignor pays if the item doesn't sell - just another potential point of negotiation.

2) As a bidder I am generally dissuaded by reserves and have "moved past" some items with them. I believe when reserves are set too high (like in the case of the Young you mentioned) it hurts the item and potential sale. It almost becomes a "make me sell it" price, rather than a "what the market will bear" auction.

3) As a consignor (I admittedly consign very little), I understand the temptation in some cases to ask for a reserve and have done it a couple of times. While the items did sell, I was not really happy with the outcomes. More times I have sold without reserve and outside of a single instance of gross mishandling of an item by an auction house, have not been disappointed. I think the largest risk of no reserve is with cards with low demand - auctions depend on a fight.

4) I am still perplexed at collectors seeming infatuation with auction houses for a large majority of the items that get sold there. For cards with a good supply and an easily established "market price", an educated collector could get more $$ consigning privately (shameless plug), or the same $$ selling outright to a reputable dealer wanting said card(s) for their inventory.