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International Auction Houses

  1. seamonster Respectable Member Feb 4, 2012

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    Respectable Members

    Generally, what is the amount of commission (premium) to be paid to international auction houses, if one is successful in a bid?

    Thank-you.
     
  2. gatorcpa ΩF InvestiGator Staff Member Feb 4, 2012

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    Rates range anywhere from zero (eBay) to 25%.

    Take care,
    gatorcpa
     
  3. Trev The Architect Staff Member Feb 4, 2012

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    Did you have a specific auction house in mind?
     
  4. seamonster Respectable Member Feb 5, 2012

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    Respectable Member gatorcpa


    Thanks for your response.

    May I know the reason/s for the high commission charged.

    Thank-you.
     
  5. seamonster Respectable Member Feb 5, 2012

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    Respectable Member Trev


    Thanks for the response

    I do not have any in mind but I have been told by friends, some of the auction houses charge commissions on both, the seller and also, the buyer. It is rather interesting to know this.

    Thank-you.
     
  6. dsio Ash @ ΩF Staff Member Feb 5, 2012

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    Thing is sale prices at auction are often high as well. The 25% commission is because Christies and others know that they can get a huge bunch of collectors with cash in the bank to plonk their bums on seats and look at your watch on a projector screen while someone counts bids, while in a bricks and mortar retail setting they only have whoever walks past, and as an individual, you only have whoever you know, or can convince to buy in a classified ad.
     
  7. gatorcpa ΩF InvestiGator Staff Member Feb 5, 2012

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    Your friends are absolutely correct. All that champagne and caviar doesn't come cheap! :rolleyes:

    Take care,
    gatorcpa