I have no problem with a disagreement on the issue of buyers premiums on Automotives on Ebay. Considering it is not a "standard practice" on autos on EBAY. Whatever the terms are they need to be very clear. The reason auction companies use higher buyer premiums is that consignors pay less. The original concept of 10% to the buyer and 10% to the seller have changed to 5% to the seller and 15% to the buyer. To some people there is resistance in a change of ideas. Interesting enough, in our business, it took about two years for the other companies to figure out that this was a better way to do business. All I am saying is that there are reasons auction companies use different buyers premiums in many collectables. Does it really matter if you want to pay $100,000 for a car and you actually place a bid of $87,000 because there is a buyers fee? Why should that prevent someone from getting a car that you want. What you are willing to spend is a number, no matter how that number is divided. If I lived in Oregon, I might pay a little more than here in Texas, knowing I would not have the additional 6.25% sales tax. The sales tax does not stop me in principle, nor would any other fee. I would just add the numbers together. On the 1969 I bought, I paid a fair market price, calculated what the repairs should be (always understanding that there are likely more), and taxes. I did similar calculations on what I could (and would) spend on the 1966 I bought over six years ago. I know items that were sold in auction for substantially more than the seller would have asked in a private sale. My opinion is it boils down to money, not who gets what, but how much are you going to spend or how much is ultimately received by the consignor. Those are the only numbers that really matter. I know of the auction company settlement, which is why Heritage Galleries has numerous policies that prevent those conflicts. Consignors are not allowed to bid on the floor of an auction on their own items. We have a reserve policy that forces all reserves to be entered several days in advance of the auction. Heritage also uses major venues and a large internet presence to attract the most bidders. We have strict policies designed to prevent unwanted behavior. There are numerous other policies that are posted on our website. I used to be conscerned with semantics and didn't buy at auctions for many years. My mind changed when I ended up getting involved in bidding for a couple of items in an auction over 17 years ago. I didn't care who received what percentages of the money I spent. I bought what I wanted and I made good money on my purchases. Sorry for the longer than usual discussion. Just hope that when the opportunity to buy something that someone really wants that they give themselves the chance to get it. Lee 66 # 869 69 # 2055
