Do you need to get auction catalogs?

[Bicem]

I'm probably in the minority but I personally much prefer just to view auctions online (assuming there are large scans and the site is easy to navigate). Current bid prices, watch-lists, search function, etc. are all benefits vs. a catalog to me. Catalogs are fun and all to sit and read, but AH's would be just fine w/o them in my opinion.

I know a lot of people say that they miss things that they only catch in the catalog, that viewing online is more trouble, that AH's would lose bidders w/o catalogs, etc., but take away the catalogs and I have no doubt that those same bidders would adapt.

[vargha]

I'm old school. I prefer reading the catalogues. Beside, it's too much of a pain to read auctions on my computer while I'm sitting on the can.

[Bicem]

Originally Posted by vargha

I'm old school. I prefer reading the catalogues.

Are you British too?

[vargha]

Originally Posted by Bicem

Are you British too?

Nope. That's how they taught it 40+ years ago. Even if it is now relegated to secondary status in the dictionary, I still spell it that way.

[HRBAKER]

Yes, I still want them. They form the basis of a good hobby library to me. And believe it or not, I prefer to not be in front of the computer all the time. I travel a great deal for work and enjoy taking them on the plane, to hotels, etc. Much more so than a laptop or I Pad.

[Gradedcardman]

From my point of view it depends whther I am buying for my collection or to break up and resell. For my collection I enjoy online to get the higher resolution scans. When I am looking to buy to break up I like the catalog for a quick guide to card numbers and names.

I opted out of receiving the Huggins and Scott catalog for 2 reasons. First the selfish reason of getting a credit toward my next purchase. Secondly to go green !! I am sure if I need a list I can print it out.

[Cat]

Most of them I throw away the same day I receive them.

I'll flip through Hunt page by page very quickly because their site sucks so bad.

[willworkforT206]

I also prefer to view the auctions on-line only. I'm registered with nearly all of the on-line auction houses and I've called every last one of them asking to take me off their mailing list. Most of them found my request to be unusual and many of them asked me "are you sure you don't want to receive the catalog?" Despite my efforts, I still get a few in the mail every now and then.

If you do go paperless, be sure to stay on their e-mail list so you continue to receive their notifications regarding upcoming auctions.

Steve

[E93]

Originally Posted by Bicem

I have no doubt that those same bidders would adapt.

Jeff,
I refuse to adapt!
JimB

[scooter729]

I agree, given a choice, I'll take the catalog(ue) if there's no direct cost for it.

But, if more places had the H&S option of "save $10 or $20 to opt out of the catalog", would you take them up on it? I know I would.

I have a feeling a "pay for the catalog" model could hurt business and wouldn't be adopted by many, but I think the H&S option is a good one which could be used by others to the benefit of all parties.