Goodwin Auction has some very nice cards...

[nolemmings]

I agree Peter. I've never really understood why someone who is willing to pay $200 for a card won't just bid $170 and count on writing out the check for the full two bills, i.e. simply factor it into the bidding. It really makes no nevermind to the buyer who sees the cash in the end.

On the other hand, I don't necessarily understand why they can't simply have a straight bidding process with the auction house just taking its cut from the final hammer price. The same bidder presumably will offer his same $200. I suspect it is designed to have some psychological effect or some hidden unappreciated impact, like the guy buying his car for $29,999.00 saying he got it for under $30K. Still, it takes so little to overcome such sophistry, and it just may (and apparently does) alienate those who think someone is trying to pull something. Is there some different tax treatment or other advantage to adding the BP that I'm missing?

[Matt]

Originally Posted by nolemmings

On the other hand, I don't necessarily understand why they can't simply have a straight bidding process with the auction house just taking its cut from the final hammer price. The same bidder presumably will offer his same $200. I suspect it is designed to have some psychological effect or some hidden unappreciated impact...

I've always understood it to be just that, but for the consignor, not the bidder. I've spoken to a number of first-time consignors that got taken in by the whole "low consignment fee" offer, thinking they're getting the full amount, outside of the consignment fee.