Registration Fee

[Archive]

Posted By: Martin Neal

First off, I think that the $75.00 is not that much for what you get in return. On the other hand, I am placing a few serious bids on some the Robert Edwards Auction lots. I would not have done this except for the fact that I received their catolog in the mail last week simply by asking for it on their website. I am sure that by me bidding in this auction will more than cover the cost of sending me this catalog. The free catalog has generated a lot of good will with me and will most likely influence me when ever I consign (hopefully a complete mid grade t205 set).
Back in 1984, I opened a video store. At the time all the other stores were charging membership fees ranging from $50.00 to $100.00 simply because they could. I did not require one and within one year I bought out the 3 closest mom and pop stores. Sometimes giving up a little on the front side will give you great returns on the back side.
If Mastro really needs the money generated from the registration fees to operate on then please except my apologies. I think the better approach would be to manage who receives the catalogs. The first thiong I would do is give every member of this board a free copy.
I kept my chocolate Wagner about one week before I ate it. Maybe we should start a thread about how long everyone kept their Wagners?

[Archive]

Posted By: bruce dorskind

The major auction houses like Robert Edward Auctions, Mastro, Lelands, Hunt
Sotheby's are in business to earn as much money as possible.

The average price of a lot in the Mastro and REA auctions exceeds
$5000.

The cost of acquisition of the items; the promotion and advertising
necessary, not to mention the research. more than justifies both their
fees and the registration fee.

There are far too many window shoppers who always want something
for free...they are welcome to wonder through their local card stores
and card shows and spend time on E-Bay.

If you are bidding or on selling rare items, you expect to have detailed
descriptions, outstanding photography and an elite group of buyers.

The auction houses are all flexible on consignment fees- ask Christie's, Sotheby's
Doyle, Mastro or REA.

It is inapporpirate, not to mention a poor use of resources, to allow those who
have no intention bidding nor the economics means to participate.

Remember if you were selling an item with a value of over $10,000 your only
goal is to realize the highest possible price. The deal you cut with the auction
house is up to you.


Bruce Dorskind
America's Toughest Want List

[Archive]

Posted By: Alan Zimmerman

>The auction houses are all flexible on consignment fees- ask Christie's, >Sotheby's Doyle, Mastro or REA.


I have heard of Christies, Sotheby, Mastro and REA. What the heck is Doyle?