As I understand it, ther legitimate auction houses don't charge you, as the seller, up front. However, they charge the buyer 15-20% after the hammer has fallen. Now, whether the buyer takes that into consideration on figuring the top dollar he is going to bid I suupose depends on the bidder. However, If I had my eyes set on a gun with what I considered my top dollar price I would bid higher on an online auction with no buyers premuim than I would where I am going to have to add 20% to the bid price from an auction house. The classic auction houses served to attract bidders for things like high grade antique guns by having a data base of collectors who they knew would be interested. Today, with the internet services, I am not sure that you don't reach a larger audience with the internet. If I were to sell something myself today I would use the internet because I can answer any questions myself. My instructions to my wife, who has no idea of what my guns are worth, is that if I am dead tomorrow, find a reputable auction house to carry out the sale.
Last edited by DrBob; 08/03/09 03:31 AM.
