Mile High Auctions Shipping

[E93]

I wonder if the auction houses all recruit volunteers to do packing and shipping so they have no expense there.
JimB

[Orioles1954]

I brought the topic up, so I will respond. I just spoke with Mile High...and after speaking with them I realize I was being pretty petty. I wish I could be "petty free" all the time, but I wasn't in this instance. Maybe I just woke up on the wrong side....regardless, I will be wiser in the future.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Orioles1954

I brought the topic up, so I will respond. I just spoke with Mile High...and after speaking with them I realize I was being pretty petty. I wish I could be "petty free" all the time, but I wasn't in this instance. Maybe I just woke up on the wrong side....regardless, I will be wiser in the future.

Nice statement. We are all human.

[oldjudge]

Just like any other business, auction houses charge what they are allowed to by the market. If they can get a 20% buyers premium and maybe some sellers premium and cover all their shipping department costs in their shipping charges they will. If competition forces them to "cover" their shipping department costs themselves out of the buyers and or sellers premiums then that is what will happen. If the market dictates that there are no sellers fees (or negative sellers fees-which do exist), 10% buyers fees, and actual postage costs only, then that is what will happen. The competition and the consumer ultimately determine the fee structure, not any particular auction house.

[scooter729]

Originally Posted by E93

I wonder if the auction houses all recruit volunteers to do packing and shipping so they have no expense there.
JimB

Jim, shipping is supposed to be just that - shipping. Auction houses charge 15% - 20% premiums on top of the selling fee, and I would think any operational expenses should be coming from premiums, commissions, etc. - NOT from overcharging for shipping.