The DEMISE of the Auction Houses?

Exhibitman · #1 04-02-2011, 10:45 AM

Or estabish a niche specialty.

To date myself w/an expression IMO the success of a start-up is really all about the rolodex. If the wannabe auctioneer has good industry contacts and a strong base of collector contacts he will do just fine even w/o a printed catalog running an internet only auction. He won't be selling T206 Wagners but that's OK. Not everyone caters to wealthier collectors. There is a lot of money to be made supplying collectors w/three-figure budgets.

Delray Vintage · #2 04-02-2011, 01:55 PM

Exhibitman makes a good point that some new houses will cater to the under $1000 card buyer and succeed. The issue though is making $150 on those cards in commission and paying the fixed costs. I see a number of those auctions bringing in under $100k in sales. Tough to make a profit on those.

I guess as long as each of those houses can convince a few collectors to consign some Hof t-206 or CJ or a Ruth or two they can make enough to survive.

Good luck to all of those start ups as competition keeps a fluid and more accurately priced market. It also keeps those buyer commissions in check which at 20% are getting ridiculous.

ls7plus · #3 04-03-2011, 12:13 AM

I believe David is absolutely right on in commenting that the economy has caused many collectors to put quality items on the market that they otherwise would never have sold. It's been a great time to buy, in the last year or so, if you're able to be a buyer, since key cards that otherwise might not have seen the light of day for decades are coming out.

Larry

sycks22 · #4 04-05-2011, 08:37 PM

I like what Paragon auctions is doing with no buyers premium / consignor fees. More money in the pocket of the seller.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Auction Houses that sell retail items	brooklynbaseball	Net54baseball Vintage (WWII & Older) Baseball Cards & New Member Introductions	3	10-13-2010 05:02 PM
Auction House Clarification	scgaynor	Net54baseball Vintage (WWII & Older) Baseball Cards & New Member Introductions	8	02-03-2010 12:22 AM
Discussion about B.S.T. Auction End Times and Determining an Auction Winner...	leftygrove10	Net54baseball Vintage (WWII & Older) Baseball Cards & New Member Introductions	26	06-25-2009 08:26 AM
How quick do YOU Pay Auction Houses	JamesGallo	Net54baseball Vintage (WWII & Older) Baseball Cards & New Member Introductions	15	05-05-2009 07:40 PM
What are your experiences consigning to large auction houses?	Archive	Net54baseball Vintage (WWII & Older) Baseball Cards & New Member Introductions	17	07-19-2005 06:35 PM