Hidden problem #3 for auction houses

[Jay Wolt]

I vote #1

Usally an auction house will have the consignors cards slabbed since they can bring in
more $. With that said, it should be absorbed.

[DaveH]

I vote #3 since they are in business to at least cover expenses. The consignnor should have known to have it graded before consigning it.

dh

[Jim VB]

I think my answer will vary depending upon the value of the cards.

If I consign a raw, T206 Wagner, then the auction house should probably be willing to cover that grading fee.

If I consign a raw, 1968 Topps set, but want it graded, that should be on me.

Where to draw the line? Who knows and who cares? But (big but), it should be clearly spelled out up front what the costs will be and who should pay it.

[barrysloate]

I'm with Jim, and I think it's a negotiable issue. If someone consigns 200 cards to me, and 190 are graded and 10 are raw, I am happy to provide a service for my consignor and get his raw cards graded at my expense.

But if most or all of his cards are raw, then I will discuss it with him and we would need to come up with a workable plan. There are grading fees that are well worth it to the seller, and fees that would cut too deep into the seller's profits.

This is an issue that cannot be generalized. Each situation has to be evaluated.

[Bobsbats]

I go with #2.... unless the consigner is a repeat customer, a well established hobbyist or if the item is a very high dollar amount item, then in that case I think it would be in the best interest of the auction house to absorb the costs. Anyone who consigns cards, should be told by the auction house that the item would bring significantly more money graded, and that it would cost "X".. I don't think a consigner would complain if being told about the cost upfront.

[Rob D.]

I bet auction houses deal all the time with clueless consignors who want the house to pick up the tab on slabbing a group of beat-up T206 or Goudey commons. Sure, the consignor wants them graded, because it might mean a few extra bucks — at no cost to him.

But auction houses, especially smaller ones, have to draw the line somewhere.

[Jim VB]

Originally Posted by Rob D.

I bet auction houses deal all the time with clueless consignors who want the house to pick up the tab on slabbing a group of beat-up T206 or Goudey commons. Sure, the consignor wants them graded, because it might mean a few extra bucks — at no cost to him.

But auction houses, especially smaller ones, have to draw the line somewhere.

So, that's another vote for "Agrees with Jim"?


Edited to add:
By the way, my son's back at college, so I'm home all day with my wife and 16 year old daughter. If I can get someone on a message board to agree with me on anything, I'm way ahead.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

I'm with Jim, and I think it's a negotiable issue. If someone consigns 200 cards to me, and 190 are graded and 10 are raw, I am happy to provide a service for my consignor and get his raw cards graded at my expense.

But if most or all of his cards are raw, then I will discuss it with him and we would need to come up with a workable plan. There are grading fees that are well worth it to the seller, and fees that would cut too deep into the seller's profits.

This is an issue that cannot be generalized. Each situation has to be evaluated.

I agree with this. You can't generalize this issue as it can go both ways. If the card is a $100 raw card and graded it's worth $125.....then the consignor should pay only actual grading fees. If the consignor doesn't then the fee does take over half the gross profit of the sale. The cutoff would need to be when the value rises enough to offset the fee. An auction house charging for their time or making this a profit center is interesting.....stupid (imo), but interesting....