Question: How do you get the best (seller's) terms from an auction house?

RYK

No reserve (ie. no hassle) auction?

Previous buying relationship and/or "Legacy" status?

Working through a dealer?

Having a large/fresh/choice collection for sale?

Just asking?

I have never submitted a coin to be auctioned by one of the major auction houses, and I am considering it. A few years ago, before I knew better, I went to Scotsman to sell them a common date Saint. They suggested I put it in their auction. Big mistake! Not only did it sell for a final price below market, they added a 7% seller's fee and a 15% buyer's fee. Never again.

rays

The best terms are:

no buy-back fee (reserve must be reasonable)

seller gets 107% of hammer

Nocerino18

Yeah how do you get that 107% of the hammer?

291fifth

Only major consignors have real clout. Always check the buyer's fee. The buyer's fee percentages have risen in recent years and will affect realizations.

Lakesammman

Best terms are for the best customers, not the casual collector.

Only way I know is to consign a large volume (and negotiate yourself) or combine your few coins with a "consolidator" that will split the 7% with you.

roadrunner

To get 107%, you may need a $250K to $500K consignment.
For most deals of real nice worthwhile material, you can probably get a 100% hammer deal for a $50-$75K deal. There are only 3 or 4 auction houses worth selling through imo. The deal is based on size, quality ($$ per lot), and your continuing relationship with the auction house. If you have lots of upgradeable first gen slabs I'm sure you can get a sweet deal by any number of auction houses.
Those do draw in buyers and the houses love to brag on how much they get for an MS65 this or that (when the coin is 1-2 pts undergraded).

Buyer's fee + Seller's fee = total fees paid by Seller

I'm not surprised at the Scotsman deal you got RYK. Let's not forget that as the seller you pay both the buyer's and seller's fees. 22% is one fat commission. My one and only experience with them on the bourse was no better than yours.

Anyone who thinks buyer's pay a fee at auction is missing the big picture. Buyer's NEVER pay a commission on the bourse, at auction, unless they want to. The Ohio Worker's Comp. deal requires a $10K note just to look......now that I would call a buyer's fee!

WTCG

Actually the single best terms I've heard of is 110% of hammer, but anyone should be happy with receiving at least full hammer price.

Getting the best terms are dependent on several factors, but consigning top quality material with low or no reserves is the best way to receive the best terms.