Era of auction without auction catalog

[Leon]

Originally Posted by benjulmag

In my view this is unfortunate, as I can much more quickly and thoroughly peruse an auction by turning the pages of the catalog than I can by viewing the listings online, and given the volume of AHs and auctions each year I am much more likely to take the time to go through the entirety of the listings if I have the catalog versus having to do it online.

You and the other guy still peruse them, Corey. I rarely look at them anymore.

And if anyone doesn't know let me tell you, catalogs are done for consignors to get more consignments. It wouldn't matter if no one looked at them, they will still be printed. And as someone that had a catalog sale for their collection, it's what I wanted too.
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[benjulmag]

Originally Posted by Leon

You and the other guy still peruse them, Corey. I rarely look at them anymore.

And if anyone doesn't know let me tell you, catalogs are done for consignors to get more consignments. It wouldn't matter if no one looked at them, they will still be printed. And as someone that had a catalog sale for their collection, it's what I wanted too.
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I guess Eric must be that other guy Leon.

[bbcard1]

Most of the AH operators I have spoken to say that they keep doing them mostly because of the consignors. Many consignors are my age of older and believe that it is the only way bidders learn about an item.

As for me, I'd be happy if they didn't produce the catalogs. I have already generally perused all the offerings on line days before I get the catalog. I have tried but been unable to get auction houses to take me off their list (the same is true of other enterprises). I am not your typical "tree hugger" but I believe in incrementalism in correcting environmental issues. In other words, if something has no benefit, don't do it. I get no benefit from receiving a catalog, yet there is an environmental and financial impact from the printing (moderate) and distribution (considerable) of the catalogues. Me getting fewer catalogs won't change the world, but it won't hurt.

It's a lot like recycling. Very little of the stuff I put in recycling really ends up being recycled, but by creating a stream, we create the possibility it will be successful on down the line.

I also would like it a lot if the AH operators would use that savings to reduce commission percentages which have been creeping up quietly for a while, but that's probably not going to happen. That's fine. Running a business is hard and you have to get rewarded. It's my choice on whether to pay the piper or not.

[Orioles1954]

Originally Posted by bbcard1

Most of the AH operators I have spoken to say that they keep doing them mostly because of the consignors. Many consignors are my age of older and believe that it is the only way bidders learn about an item.

As for me, I'd be happy if they didn't produce the catalogs. I have already generally perused all the offerings on line days before I get the catalog. I have tried but been unable to get auction houses to take me off their list (the same is true of other enterprises). I am not your typical "tree hugger" but I believe in incrementalism in correcting environmental issues. In other words, if something has no benefit, don't do it. I get no benefit from receiving a catalog, yet there is an environmental and financial impact from the printing (moderate) and distribution (considerable) of the catalogues. Me getting fewer catalogs won't change the world, but it won't hurt.

It's a lot like recycling. Very little of the stuff I put in recycling really ends up being recycled, but by creating a stream, we create the possibility it will be successful on down the line.

I also would like it a lot if the AH operators would use that savings to reduce commission percentages which have been creeping up quietly for a while, but that's probably not going to happen. That's fine. Running a business is hard and you have to get rewarded. It's my choice on whether to pay the piper or not.

Hi Todd. You are correct that it’s mostly older consignors who want the catalog printed. H&S recognized years ago that the demise of the print catalog was upon us. We have slashed our circulation and offer a $10 credit per auction to any registered bidder who opts out of receiving a catalog. You can opt out at www.hugginsandscott.com. While $10 isn’t a lot it is something and is mutually beneficial for both bidder and auction house.

[Jeff_cvc]

Originally Posted by bbcard1

Most of the AH operators I have spoken to say that they keep doing them mostly because of the consignors. Many consignors are my age of older and believe that it is the only way bidders learn about an item.

As for me, I'd be happy if they didn't produce the catalogs. I have already generally perused all the offerings on line days before I get the catalog. I have tried but been unable to get auction houses to take me off their list (the same is true of other enterprises). I am not your typical "tree hugger" but I believe in incrementalism in correcting environmental issues. In other words, if something has no benefit, don't do it. I get no benefit from receiving a catalog, yet there is an environmental and financial impact from the printing (moderate) and distribution (considerable) of the catalogues. Me getting fewer catalogs won't change the world, but it won't hurt.

It's a lot like recycling. Very little of the stuff I put in recycling really ends up being recycled, but by creating a stream, we create the possibility it will be successful on down the line.

I also would like it a lot if the AH operators would use that savings to reduce commission percentages which have been creeping up quietly for a while, but that's probably not going to happen. That's fine. Running a business is hard and you have to get rewarded. It's my choice on whether to pay the piper or not.

+1