Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Why am I selling some of my stamps, because I have 3 children and 8 grandchildren and none are interested AT ALL. So if you/one think's that what you have accumulated over a life time, that you can pass on the collection's to, and be appreciated, for what you have accumilated and have family add to it, better ask the relatives that will survive you.
I have some items I was thinking about sending for Auction, to 2 of Australia's well known Auction Houses, and I am going to name them, and have the paper trail to prove I am not telling fibs.
The reason to Auction is because I do not seem be able to sell items on a regular basis, or even just sometimes, over AUD$500, or over $30 on Ebay from my Store. Lower costing items on Ebay sell very well, me packing and posting every day.
So I sent an email to Status Auctions with pics of PNG/AU 1934 First Flights (ULM Faith in Australia x 3) as examples, other scans to follow if intersted. An email was received that they would be sent onto the Philatelic Department.
8 days later, no response from Status to me from the Philatelic Department, not even a thankyou for your interest in Status, and I have an account with them and purchase regulalarly.
Email No2. I phoned and then sent scans of examples of 1953 Produce Food, half sheets, perfin Pip blocks, some rare FDC.s (Byron Bay), print varieties etc. to Abacus, I am a registerd buyer there as well. No response.
Now why is this, do what I wish to sell is garbage, I do not know.
I have a thought ? , Methinks maybe I will put them in the mail and send (is that what they want), me hoping for a positive result, they have the items, I do not, balls in their court. Am I wrong, maybe, anyone else have similar experiences with Auction Houses in Australia.
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I visited an auction house with a consignment of material, and waited while the owner saw another potential consignor. Their lot was rejected as not being worthwhile, whereas my lot of Falkland Island covers was accepted. It may be that they don't see the items as a large enough consignment to interest them.
Of course, it would be nice to get a reply to that effect
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I must be very fortunate.
I have an auction house in Dundee where I sell mixed boxes. These boxes contain the left overs that I do not want.
There are also two stamp shops in Edinburgh that hold several auctions a year. They sell mixed boxes, country lots and individual stamps. Each sale has about 450 to 500 lots.
They are not the large "big boy" auction houses like Gibbons, Philips or Christie's but they have quality items, some selling for £1000.00+ other items from £10.00.
I stay away from the "big boys" as their commission rates are too high and you have to wait months for payment.
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Yes Dave, weather the material is useful or not, a reply, and a thank you would be common courtesy I would think. In my day it was, maybe now as time has passed and into retirement things have changed.
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The biggest failing nowadays is that dreaded word...."email".
Still the best way to contact a company is by person, failing that the next best method is by telephone.
Speaking directly to a human being is the only way to initiate contact with any business.
Emails can easily be missed/misunderstood/left to another member of staff or ignored completely.
Interaction with a human is by far the only way.
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11:28:01pm
I am not sure what the problem is, but one answer may be concealed
within you own sentence;
" .... The reason to Auction is because I do not seem be able
to sell items on a regular basis, or even just sometimes, ...."
Auction Houses are in business to turn a profit, as quickly as possible
with the least expense to them as possible. They are not well known for
their eleemosynary tendencies. Time expended is as much
an expense as the accounting paperwork required to keep track of
what is often several hundred "OP's" lots being preped for the next
several auctions.
If you have had no luck on eBay or your own online store, and
your own estimated opening price is not excessive, I doubt what
you are asking them to handle is being viewed favorably, probably
for their economic reasons.
One other possibility that comes to mind is the fact that well organized
auctions are prepared over a period of time. I have no doubt
that a major house works six or eight months in advance, evaluating,
verifying, lotting, photographing and even deciding whether your lot
will fit in well with other similar lots for a particular auction date.
And yes, a response might be the polite thing, but the danger is that
an immediate response could be thought by a seller to be a commitment
to add your treasures to the next auction being held, leading to
further unneeded aggravation.
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On the other hand..a fellow i know decided to sell his extensive collection and concenrate on covers. Harmers in California sent two representitives for two days to Canada to go through his albums and did not charge him shipping for two rooms full of albums. Perhaps an exception to the rule?
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cdj1122, there is no problem. The topic was, "Auction House WOES".
Yes, as in all business there is hours spent that does not turn in profit, that is expected and accepted. Having been a business owner one has to look, feel, think of sales, etc. That is the norm. But most important of all is your client, why, BECAUSE IF YOU TREAT THEM WITH DIGNITY THEY WILL COME BACK
Spending week ends paying bills/invoices, re-ordering, that is business. If one thinks that all the hours spent running your entity you own will/does generate income from these hours (bills, invoices, cataloging, listing etc). You are living in a dream
But I did not dress in a suit and tie and auction/travel the world selling what I did not own.
You have a few Philosophy attachments to your member ID, think on this, MISS UNIVERSE - Why does the winner always come from the Planet Earth
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From reading the original post, does the seller think that the auction house is going to yield better results (higher returns) than selling yourself? Is your material overpriced? You may be disappointed on returns after sale premiums.
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07:55:00am
" ... Yes, as in all business there is hours spent that does not turn in profit, that is expected and accepted. ..."
Sorry #4 but you seem to confuse the source of billable hours .
You set the amount that you charge for an hours work in your business, or the price of what you are selling, to cover all those seemingly miscellaneous expenses.
You may not charge some particular customer for spending an hour evaluating a collection or perhaps spending some extra time , for instance extra special packing of some sold object for shipping, but those expenses must be allowed for in either the charge for your time to other customers or the way you mark up the goods you are selling.
I'v e seen some small businesses fail that did not understand that giving time to a "good " customer must be paid for by the rest of the clientele or the business will fail. The cost of such "good will" may be an excellent investment with ample future return, real or potential, but when setting a price structure an intelligent estimate must be allowed for that along with heat, light, cooling, electric and advertising.
Some businesses generate a gross profit built into some mystical percentage of the cost of goods to be sold,(% markup) others on an estimate of billable hours, and some on some combination of the two. but unless all available costs are covered, there may be a warm fuzzy good feeling but little net profit left to take home at the end of the week, and the bank will not accept that seemingly ethereal concept in lieu of a mortgage payment.
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cdj1122, What you say is all true, but you cannot worry about the electricity bill when doing a deal or buying to sell, it will do your head in. It will take your concentration away from the project in hand.
We have left the topic here a little i think, but it is still an interesting discussion.
Profit from purchase/auction material is what puts money in the Bank, "on cost" is part of life for a business owner. But "on cost" is a Tax Deduction at the end of the financial year. You understand what "on cost" is ?
All Good.
Back to philosophy, Think on this - Two things are infinite, the Universe and mans stupidity, and I'm not all that sure on the Universe.
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ethereal concept?, give me a sentence with reference to/of a mortgage payment from your last post please.
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03:00:01am
" ... you cannot worry about the electricity bill when doing a deal or buying to sell ..."
That is why a good well planned deal starts with a business plan that includes such details.
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I think if a business cannot take a moment (email) to state they have no interest, a simple reply, then I judge that business either to be arrogant (insert appropriate term) or capable of questionable business practices that might result in rip-off or delay in payment.
Bruce
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How do you know the company received the "email"?
You do not!!!
I have had people swear blind that they sent me an email. In one case the "discussion" went on for days.
It later transpired that the person had mis-spelt the original email address so I got all that hassle, aggravation because the self centred, arrogant person was always right (according to them).
The moral of the story is if you want to do business, have some understanding, tolerance, respect and patience.
Remember YOU are not the centre of the universe..............I AM!!!!
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Well...despite your status as center of the universe, a position that might be hotly contested by others, the original poster mentioned that he sent a second email.
While your scenario is possible regarding some sort of email omission is a possibility, it overlooks the situation that is all too common these days: Many people don't reply to business inquiries. Good for their competition I suppose.
Bruce
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You'll probably find that the competition don't reply to emails as well!!!
The Customer is king and is always right!!!
Within their hearing!!!
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Very enlightening conversation but one thing sticks out. I tend to pride myself on my vocabulary and recognizing the meaning of words used in context but Charlie (Cdj1122) you through me for a loop using the word eleemosynary!! Had never heard of it before. Thanks for the "word of the day"!
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" I tend to pride myself on my vocabulary and recognizing the meaning of words used in context but Charlie (Cdj1122) you through me for a loop using the word eleemosynary!! "
I would have spelled "through" as "threw", but what do I know.
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I would have spelled "through" as "threw", but what do I know.
Uh oh!
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Jings!.....Crivvens!.....Help Ma Boab!
Picky, Picky, Picky ??
If you really want to be pedantic..... "you through me for a loop using the word" should read....."you threw me a loop using the word"!!
We had a TV programme that ran for dozens of episodes that showed someone writing a letter at the start, where they wrote "thought" instead of "though".
The English language can be a veritable minefield!!
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12:37:49am
"should read....."you threw me a loop using the word"!!"
Not so. The idiom is correctly expressed (after the spelling correction).
https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/threw+me+for+a+loop
But of course, it is an Americanism, so you are forgiven.
Roy
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A couple of possibilities for the origin of the phrase: Originally, "knocked for a loop," referred to someone, e.g. a boxer, being punched so hard, he fell over backward and flipped or looped completely around. Later, people used the word threw, instead of knock, much the same way that people, nowadays, say "Imitation is the truest form of flattery," when the correct statement is, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."
Another explanation is that a loop is a stupid person, with the word usually heard in its adjectival form, "You're loopy," which I do believe is a Britishism, as I do recall hearing it said on, "Fawlty Towers." 
To be thrown for a loop would be feeling stupid for not knowing an answer (though, I still don't see where the verb "throw" fits in).
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Yes! We are separated by a common language!!
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Correct, we talk English
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Back in June I had the pleasure to help sort through (not threw) the collection of former member (deceased) Ningpo.
When I had decided all was in order and after my evaluation, I phoned two auction houses, both specializing in Philately.
Both were very courteous on the phone. The first one said they would come the next day and turned up exactly on time. He stayed 10 minutes to look through what was quite a large collection.
The second one said they would call back to make an appointment because they were in the middle of some auctions. They did not get back after a few more calls and we were ready to give up on them. A week later they made arrangements to come with an apology about not returning our calls. They sent one of the managing directors to view the collection and he stayed for over two hours while constantly giving advice and information.......and a 5% reduction on the commission !! They wanted the business, albeit a little late although a quick check did confirm that they were in fact in the middle of a busy auction week and had no available, and experienced, staff to come and visit.
Patience paid off in the end. And no emails. Plus, the auction will be in London.
Phoning is best or visiting the office in person. It gets you somewhere.
Londonbus1.....looking forward to the auction.
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'
Ages ago, a then-business-partner asked (in wonder, not jest): "Have you noticed that, when you really want to get someone's attention, you stop with the eMails ... and send them a fax?"
Cheers,
/s/ ikeyPikey
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A lot of weight seems to be put on the length of time that a dealer spends looking through large accumulations and collections. As a collector I understand the frustration when watching a dealer seemingly gloss over what you feel are key items and the tendency of dealers to ignore when you try to point out this, that or the other thing to them.
As a dealer if I have a need to raise a certain amount whether for emergencies, opportunities to purchase stock, or just because I am tired of looking at the same old, same old stuff I have always found it more advantageous to sell to other dealers or brokers. At the end of the day you have avoided all the fees. the disappointment (usually), etc that happen when you consign to a large auction house. You get your cash then and there. I have watched dealers write a check to other dealers at a show when they finally get sick of the packing, unpacking, dealing with John Q. Public, and etc. I've seldom seen a dealer spend more than 30 or 40 minutes going over what is on the tables (front and back)as well underneath.
The first time we did this back in the late 80's my husband had recently taken a job teaching college and there was no pay through the summer. We needed some money soon and put our entire stock into three piles. Pile 1 was stock we needed as a base for shows in the fall, pile 2 was items we really wanted to keep for ourselves, pile 3 was everything else and while there were some nice high catalog stamps none were "VF+".
We spent a day looking at Pile 3 and figured we would be lucky to break $2000 but that would see us through until the paychecks started again. We packed up the car and made a one hour trip to a broker who dealt in stamps, coins, antique cars, and anything else he thought he could make money on. He spent probably 15 minutes thumbing through the red boxes and two bankers boxes full of material. Sort of a quick glance if you will. He said I'll give you $3000 for it. Sold, obviously.
I asked him how he arrived at the price. I was absolutely awestruck at the speed and the amount. To him it was simple - he had a per item baseline. So much a red box, so much a collection, so much a counter book, so much a mini stockbook, etc. His quick thumb through was to modify the baseline amount for quality and value.
That experience has taken all the fear out of those times when it was advantageous to get rid of some stock as soon as possible.
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11:51:11pm
" .... eleemosynary!! Had never heard of it before.
Thanks for the "word of the day"! ...."
First, in the 1960s "Use the Right Word" by
S.I. Hayakawa became a companion for
several years, when I went on long trips at sea,
and later on a small shelf in the bathroom where
my kids became intrigued by accident..
Quite often a dinner conversation evolved around
what was almost never explained at their schools.
And there might be a rush to get the copy to prove
a point. A battered copy may still by on a shelf
in the Florida house.
Now, for "Eleemosynary" it was used in a play
or movie once, so long ago I know not which, in the
sentence; "This is not an eleemosynary institution !"
As a teen I always read the monthly Reader's Digest
articles titled "It Pays to Increase Your Word Power"
and "Use the Right Word"
For many years I kept a Marble notebook with a list
of strange words (to me) and when I had the chance
their usages and definitions.
Yes, I was a nerd, but things like that blew the nun's
socks off when I smashed the SAT, ACT and a PSAT tests.
And now all that somewhat archaic knowledge I shall
take to the grave one day, the Hayakawa book will fall
apart and be discarded, as the world's knowledge is at
my grand children's fingertips or at the cyber fingertips
of their companion "Seri."
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01:03:25am
First off I am not bagging anyone out here.
Why am I selling some of my stamps, because I have 3 children and 8 grandchildren and none are interested AT ALL. So if you/one think's that what you have accumulated over a life time, that you can pass on the collection's to, and be appreciated, for what you have accumilated and have family add to it, better ask the relatives that will survive you.
I have some items I was thinking about sending for Auction, to 2 of Australia's well known Auction Houses, and I am going to name them, and have the paper trail to prove I am not telling fibs.
The reason to Auction is because I do not seem be able to sell items on a regular basis, or even just sometimes, over AUD$500, or over $30 on Ebay from my Store. Lower costing items on Ebay sell very well, me packing and posting every day.
So I sent an email to Status Auctions with pics of PNG/AU 1934 First Flights (ULM Faith in Australia x 3) as examples, other scans to follow if intersted. An email was received that they would be sent onto the Philatelic Department.
8 days later, no response from Status to me from the Philatelic Department, not even a thankyou for your interest in Status, and I have an account with them and purchase regulalarly.
Email No2. I phoned and then sent scans of examples of 1953 Produce Food, half sheets, perfin Pip blocks, some rare FDC.s (Byron Bay), print varieties etc. to Abacus, I am a registerd buyer there as well. No response.
Now why is this, do what I wish to sell is garbage, I do not know.
I have a thought ? , Methinks maybe I will put them in the mail and send (is that what they want), me hoping for a positive result, they have the items, I do not, balls in their court. Am I wrong, maybe, anyone else have similar experiences with Auction Houses in Australia.
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re: Auction House WOES
I visited an auction house with a consignment of material, and waited while the owner saw another potential consignor. Their lot was rejected as not being worthwhile, whereas my lot of Falkland Island covers was accepted. It may be that they don't see the items as a large enough consignment to interest them.
Of course, it would be nice to get a reply to that effect
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04:15:58am
Auctions - Approvals
re: Auction House WOES
I must be very fortunate.
I have an auction house in Dundee where I sell mixed boxes. These boxes contain the left overs that I do not want.
There are also two stamp shops in Edinburgh that hold several auctions a year. They sell mixed boxes, country lots and individual stamps. Each sale has about 450 to 500 lots.
They are not the large "big boy" auction houses like Gibbons, Philips or Christie's but they have quality items, some selling for £1000.00+ other items from £10.00.
I stay away from the "big boys" as their commission rates are too high and you have to wait months for payment.
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04:53:41pm
re: Auction House WOES
Yes Dave, weather the material is useful or not, a reply, and a thank you would be common courtesy I would think. In my day it was, maybe now as time has passed and into retirement things have changed.
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05:45:47pm
Auctions - Approvals
re: Auction House WOES
The biggest failing nowadays is that dreaded word...."email".
Still the best way to contact a company is by person, failing that the next best method is by telephone.
Speaking directly to a human being is the only way to initiate contact with any business.
Emails can easily be missed/misunderstood/left to another member of staff or ignored completely.
Interaction with a human is by far the only way.
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Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy..
12 Jul 2019
11:28:01pm
re: Auction House WOES
I am not sure what the problem is, but one answer may be concealed
within you own sentence;
" .... The reason to Auction is because I do not seem be able
to sell items on a regular basis, or even just sometimes, ...."
Auction Houses are in business to turn a profit, as quickly as possible
with the least expense to them as possible. They are not well known for
their eleemosynary tendencies. Time expended is as much
an expense as the accounting paperwork required to keep track of
what is often several hundred "OP's" lots being preped for the next
several auctions.
If you have had no luck on eBay or your own online store, and
your own estimated opening price is not excessive, I doubt what
you are asking them to handle is being viewed favorably, probably
for their economic reasons.
One other possibility that comes to mind is the fact that well organized
auctions are prepared over a period of time. I have no doubt
that a major house works six or eight months in advance, evaluating,
verifying, lotting, photographing and even deciding whether your lot
will fit in well with other similar lots for a particular auction date.
And yes, a response might be the polite thing, but the danger is that
an immediate response could be thought by a seller to be a commitment
to add your treasures to the next auction being held, leading to
further unneeded aggravation.
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Auctions
re: Auction House WOES
On the other hand..a fellow i know decided to sell his extensive collection and concenrate on covers. Harmers in California sent two representitives for two days to Canada to go through his albums and did not charge him shipping for two rooms full of albums. Perhaps an exception to the rule?
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09:49:50pm
re: Auction House WOES
cdj1122, there is no problem. The topic was, "Auction House WOES".
Yes, as in all business there is hours spent that does not turn in profit, that is expected and accepted. Having been a business owner one has to look, feel, think of sales, etc. That is the norm. But most important of all is your client, why, BECAUSE IF YOU TREAT THEM WITH DIGNITY THEY WILL COME BACK
Spending week ends paying bills/invoices, re-ordering, that is business. If one thinks that all the hours spent running your entity you own will/does generate income from these hours (bills, invoices, cataloging, listing etc). You are living in a dream
But I did not dress in a suit and tie and auction/travel the world selling what I did not own.
You have a few Philosophy attachments to your member ID, think on this, MISS UNIVERSE - Why does the winner always come from the Planet Earth
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re: Auction House WOES
From reading the original post, does the seller think that the auction house is going to yield better results (higher returns) than selling yourself? Is your material overpriced? You may be disappointed on returns after sale premiums.
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Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy..
14 Jul 2019
07:55:00am
re: Auction House WOES
" ... Yes, as in all business there is hours spent that does not turn in profit, that is expected and accepted. ..."
Sorry #4 but you seem to confuse the source of billable hours .
You set the amount that you charge for an hours work in your business, or the price of what you are selling, to cover all those seemingly miscellaneous expenses.
You may not charge some particular customer for spending an hour evaluating a collection or perhaps spending some extra time , for instance extra special packing of some sold object for shipping, but those expenses must be allowed for in either the charge for your time to other customers or the way you mark up the goods you are selling.
I'v e seen some small businesses fail that did not understand that giving time to a "good " customer must be paid for by the rest of the clientele or the business will fail. The cost of such "good will" may be an excellent investment with ample future return, real or potential, but when setting a price structure an intelligent estimate must be allowed for that along with heat, light, cooling, electric and advertising.
Some businesses generate a gross profit built into some mystical percentage of the cost of goods to be sold,(% markup) others on an estimate of billable hours, and some on some combination of the two. but unless all available costs are covered, there may be a warm fuzzy good feeling but little net profit left to take home at the end of the week, and the bank will not accept that seemingly ethereal concept in lieu of a mortgage payment.
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02:20:35am
re: Auction House WOES
cdj1122, What you say is all true, but you cannot worry about the electricity bill when doing a deal or buying to sell, it will do your head in. It will take your concentration away from the project in hand.
We have left the topic here a little i think, but it is still an interesting discussion.
Profit from purchase/auction material is what puts money in the Bank, "on cost" is part of life for a business owner. But "on cost" is a Tax Deduction at the end of the financial year. You understand what "on cost" is ?
All Good.
Back to philosophy, Think on this - Two things are infinite, the Universe and mans stupidity, and I'm not all that sure on the Universe.
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02:31:21am
re: Auction House WOES
ethereal concept?, give me a sentence with reference to/of a mortgage payment from your last post please.
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Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy..
16 Jul 2019
03:00:01am
re: Auction House WOES
" ... you cannot worry about the electricity bill when doing a deal or buying to sell ..."
That is why a good well planned deal starts with a business plan that includes such details.
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07:40:23pm
re: Auction House WOES
I think if a business cannot take a moment (email) to state they have no interest, a simple reply, then I judge that business either to be arrogant (insert appropriate term) or capable of questionable business practices that might result in rip-off or delay in payment.
Bruce
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11:18:35am
Auctions - Approvals
re: Auction House WOES
How do you know the company received the "email"?
You do not!!!
I have had people swear blind that they sent me an email. In one case the "discussion" went on for days.
It later transpired that the person had mis-spelt the original email address so I got all that hassle, aggravation because the self centred, arrogant person was always right (according to them).
The moral of the story is if you want to do business, have some understanding, tolerance, respect and patience.
Remember YOU are not the centre of the universe..............I AM!!!!
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09:50:20am
re: Auction House WOES
Well...despite your status as center of the universe, a position that might be hotly contested by others, the original poster mentioned that he sent a second email.
While your scenario is possible regarding some sort of email omission is a possibility, it overlooks the situation that is all too common these days: Many people don't reply to business inquiries. Good for their competition I suppose.
Bruce
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11:26:45am
Auctions - Approvals
re: Auction House WOES
You'll probably find that the competition don't reply to emails as well!!!
The Customer is king and is always right!!!
Within their hearing!!!
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re: Auction House WOES
Very enlightening conversation but one thing sticks out. I tend to pride myself on my vocabulary and recognizing the meaning of words used in context but Charlie (Cdj1122) you through me for a loop using the word eleemosynary!! Had never heard of it before. Thanks for the "word of the day"!
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re: Auction House WOES
" I tend to pride myself on my vocabulary and recognizing the meaning of words used in context but Charlie (Cdj1122) you through me for a loop using the word eleemosynary!! "
I would have spelled "through" as "threw", but what do I know.
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05:16:27pm
re: Auction House WOES
I would have spelled "through" as "threw", but what do I know.
Uh oh!
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06:33:36pm
Auctions - Approvals
re: Auction House WOES
Jings!.....Crivvens!.....Help Ma Boab!
Picky, Picky, Picky ??
If you really want to be pedantic..... "you through me for a loop using the word" should read....."you threw me a loop using the word"!!
We had a TV programme that ran for dozens of episodes that showed someone writing a letter at the start, where they wrote "thought" instead of "though".
The English language can be a veritable minefield!!
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15 Aug 2019
12:37:49am
re: Auction House WOES
"should read....."you threw me a loop using the word"!!"
Not so. The idiom is correctly expressed (after the spelling correction).
https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/threw+me+for+a+loop
But of course, it is an Americanism, so you are forgiven.
Roy
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re: Auction House WOES
A couple of possibilities for the origin of the phrase: Originally, "knocked for a loop," referred to someone, e.g. a boxer, being punched so hard, he fell over backward and flipped or looped completely around. Later, people used the word threw, instead of knock, much the same way that people, nowadays, say "Imitation is the truest form of flattery," when the correct statement is, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."
Another explanation is that a loop is a stupid person, with the word usually heard in its adjectival form, "You're loopy," which I do believe is a Britishism, as I do recall hearing it said on, "Fawlty Towers." To be thrown for a loop would be feeling stupid for not knowing an answer (though, I still don't see where the verb "throw" fits in).
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04:43:05am
Auctions - Approvals
re: Auction House WOES
Yes! We are separated by a common language!!
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re: Auction House WOES
Back in June I had the pleasure to help sort through (not threw) the collection of former member (deceased) Ningpo.
When I had decided all was in order and after my evaluation, I phoned two auction houses, both specializing in Philately.
Both were very courteous on the phone. The first one said they would come the next day and turned up exactly on time. He stayed 10 minutes to look through what was quite a large collection.
The second one said they would call back to make an appointment because they were in the middle of some auctions. They did not get back after a few more calls and we were ready to give up on them. A week later they made arrangements to come with an apology about not returning our calls. They sent one of the managing directors to view the collection and he stayed for over two hours while constantly giving advice and information.......and a 5% reduction on the commission !! They wanted the business, albeit a little late although a quick check did confirm that they were in fact in the middle of a busy auction week and had no available, and experienced, staff to come and visit.
Patience paid off in the end. And no emails. Plus, the auction will be in London.
Phoning is best or visiting the office in person. It gets you somewhere.
Londonbus1.....looking forward to the auction.
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re: Auction House WOES
'
Ages ago, a then-business-partner asked (in wonder, not jest): "Have you noticed that, when you really want to get someone's attention, you stop with the eMails ... and send them a fax?"
Cheers,
/s/ ikeyPikey
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08:14:46pm
Auctions - Approvals
re: Auction House WOES
A lot of weight seems to be put on the length of time that a dealer spends looking through large accumulations and collections. As a collector I understand the frustration when watching a dealer seemingly gloss over what you feel are key items and the tendency of dealers to ignore when you try to point out this, that or the other thing to them.
As a dealer if I have a need to raise a certain amount whether for emergencies, opportunities to purchase stock, or just because I am tired of looking at the same old, same old stuff I have always found it more advantageous to sell to other dealers or brokers. At the end of the day you have avoided all the fees. the disappointment (usually), etc that happen when you consign to a large auction house. You get your cash then and there. I have watched dealers write a check to other dealers at a show when they finally get sick of the packing, unpacking, dealing with John Q. Public, and etc. I've seldom seen a dealer spend more than 30 or 40 minutes going over what is on the tables (front and back)as well underneath.
The first time we did this back in the late 80's my husband had recently taken a job teaching college and there was no pay through the summer. We needed some money soon and put our entire stock into three piles. Pile 1 was stock we needed as a base for shows in the fall, pile 2 was items we really wanted to keep for ourselves, pile 3 was everything else and while there were some nice high catalog stamps none were "VF+".
We spent a day looking at Pile 3 and figured we would be lucky to break $2000 but that would see us through until the paychecks started again. We packed up the car and made a one hour trip to a broker who dealt in stamps, coins, antique cars, and anything else he thought he could make money on. He spent probably 15 minutes thumbing through the red boxes and two bankers boxes full of material. Sort of a quick glance if you will. He said I'll give you $3000 for it. Sold, obviously.
I asked him how he arrived at the price. I was absolutely awestruck at the speed and the amount. To him it was simple - he had a per item baseline. So much a red box, so much a collection, so much a counter book, so much a mini stockbook, etc. His quick thumb through was to modify the baseline amount for quality and value.
That experience has taken all the fear out of those times when it was advantageous to get rid of some stock as soon as possible.
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Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy..
19 Aug 2019
11:51:11pm
re: Auction House WOES
" .... eleemosynary!! Had never heard of it before.
Thanks for the "word of the day"! ...."
First, in the 1960s "Use the Right Word" by
S.I. Hayakawa became a companion for
several years, when I went on long trips at sea,
and later on a small shelf in the bathroom where
my kids became intrigued by accident..
Quite often a dinner conversation evolved around
what was almost never explained at their schools.
And there might be a rush to get the copy to prove
a point. A battered copy may still by on a shelf
in the Florida house.
Now, for "Eleemosynary" it was used in a play
or movie once, so long ago I know not which, in the
sentence; "This is not an eleemosynary institution !"
As a teen I always read the monthly Reader's Digest
articles titled "It Pays to Increase Your Word Power"
and "Use the Right Word"
For many years I kept a Marble notebook with a list
of strange words (to me) and when I had the chance
their usages and definitions.
Yes, I was a nerd, but things like that blew the nun's
socks off when I smashed the SAT, ACT and a PSAT tests.
And now all that somewhat archaic knowledge I shall
take to the grave one day, the Hayakawa book will fall
apart and be discarded, as the world's knowledge is at
my grand children's fingertips or at the cyber fingertips
of their companion "Seri."
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