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REA Auction House?

Do they really charge 17.5% to the winning bid price? There stuff already seems high, are they legit?
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I got their giant catalog in the mail, and it's been an interesting read. No one does a better job of promoting items than REA. They have well-written, interesting descriptions, while the other auction houses just write "highly recommended - bid to own"
Donato
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<< <i>Best in the Business!!! Now I just wish I could win a few more lots, lol. >>
Just lost my final bid
Always looking for Chipper Jones cards.
Im a very focused collector of cards from 1909 - 2012...LOL
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
<< <i>REA is very reputable and one of the best auction houses. 17.5% is really nothing compared to other major auction houses >>
I don't know any sports card auction houses that charge more than 20%.
But REA always has amazing stuff, and they're definitely legit. Although this year there were some cards that looked a little over-graded and possibly even trimmed. Not to slander REA, but I never saw that kind of thing in past years. It was sort of surprising to see, as I was under the impression that they inspected lots in ADDITION to sending them out to third party graders/authenticators.
Scans are obviously tough to judge from, but I personally wouldn't bid on either of these two:
http://bid.robertedwardauctions.com/bidplace.aspx?itemid=13621
http://bid.robertedwardauctions.com/bidplace.aspx?itemid=13622
I don't know any sports card auction houses that charge more than 20%.
But REA always has amazing stuff, and they're definitely legit. Although this year there were some cards that looked a little over-graded and possibly even trimmed. Not to slander REA, but I never saw that kind of thing in past years. It was sort of surprising to see, as I was under the impression that they inspected lots in ADDITION to sending them out to third party graders/authenticators.
Scans are obviously tough to judge from, but here's one I wouldn't personally bid on:
http://bid.robertedwardauctions.com/bidplace.aspx?itemid=13621
When I said "nothing" compared to other auction houses, I meant that 17.5% is on the low end of the spectrum in comparison to other auction houses, which typically charge 18-20%. That may sound minor, but if you are spending 20K, a percent or two is pretty significant.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
<< <i>
<< <i>REA is very reputable and one of the best auction houses. 17.5% is really nothing compared to other major auction houses >>
I don't know any sports card auction houses that charge more than 20%.
But REA always has amazing stuff, and they're definitely legit. Although this year there were some cards that looked a little over-graded and possibly even trimmed. Not to slander REA, but I never saw that kind of thing in past years. It was sort of surprising to see, as I was under the impression that they inspected lots in ADDITION to sending them out to third party graders/authenticators.
Scans are obviously tough to judge from, but I personally wouldn't bid on either of these two:
http://bid.robertedwardauctions.com/bidplace.aspx?itemid=13621
http://bid.robertedwardauctions.com/bidplace.aspx?itemid=13622 >>
Having personally previewed them, I think you're a bit off base with your assumption...
That being said, I think this auction will be much softer than the previous auctions. After increasing totals on a regular basis, I think this one will fall about 15% short of last year's totals... Still some incredible material, however!
According to their catalog, they (REA) cannot see your high or top all bids, just like sellers on ebay can't. No other auction house can make that claim. Meaning they won't shill you up to your max bid.
Why do no other auction houses use this same type of software for bidding........draw your own conclusions.
Their 17.5 juice is the norm on todays auction market. Many are at that same level. Some are slightly higher. Their catalog is the best and heaviest in the business weighing in at 5.3 LBS.
Just factor the 17.5% into your top bid and you'll do fine.
Not to hammer auction houses here, but I just won one PSA card for $235 from Memory Lanes last auction. They charged me $13 for insured shipping. Now that's way too high in my opinion. Since they don't state their actual shipping rates before you bid, I'll have to pay it and I couldn't factor it into my bid either, but it is what it is. So they overcharge $5-6 in shipping. Big deal.
If anything, it could be the consingors that would be upset that buyers are paying 17.5% more than the consignors are getting [and I'm not even figuring in the consignment fees]. But as is absolutely clear from the quality of materials in REA -- consignors flock to REA and love Lifson and his auction. It is the premier auction of sports collectibles for the year.
Bids are aggressive in REA -- but they have access to a ton of material that is typically not seen elsewhere.
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