Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Questions
I'm putting in my two cents on the pros of auctions; since I've been a consignor, buyer, and an employee in major auctions. Reasons to consign: One of the main reasons to consign something to a large auction house is that you have the potential to get several times what your piece is normally worth. The larger auction houses have literally tens of thousands of wealthy clients that you will not reach through normal methods. When several parties get into a bidding war, your piece sells quite well. I have found that 60% of the items I consign will sell, and out of those that sell, 1 out of 4 sells for significantly higher than I can get for it on the normal markets. I certainly have been burned on a few items but that's the risk you take, so the best thing is to make sure you're consigning enough pieces to mitigate potential losses. Reasons to bid: Even with the buyers premium, sometimes pieces from estates come up for auction that you cannot buy through normal channels. For example, last month I attended an auction of a collection of Victorian-era fossil pieces. Even with the buyers premium I got everything for 1/3 what it would normally sell for. So you can certainly find bargains. As for the buyers premium; the auction house is the middle men and they demand their cut for being the intermediary between the seller and the buyer. Without them in the deal, the seller would not be able to reach the buyers that the auction house knows, and the buyers would not have a trusted intermediary of cool stuff. The majority of these buyers do not shop on ebay, online, or at trade shows. They'll see something in an auction catalog that looks nice or has a good story and decide they want it. So yes, there are risks and benefits to auctions. It depends on the item you have and whether or not you're willing to gamble. -Yinan On Sat, Aug 4, 2012 at 10:30 AM, Michael Farmer wrote: > I have consigned some things to high end auction houses. I got screwed over > hard. Between their fees and outrageous shipping costs, in the end I got > scraps. Ever bought from them and had to have items shipped? I had a piece of > Norton County shipped from New York, sent priority mail in flat rate box, > poorly packaged and cost me almost $50 for $10 shipping. Not too pleased with > epic level of rip-off. Of course the high buyers premiums kill the bidding > most of the time yet i see suckers loving it. Some people relish the > atmosphere of showing off in public by bidding when they could buy the item > cheaper down the street.. > > Michael Farmer > > Sent from my Ipad > > On Aug 4, 2012, at 7:20 AM, Adam Hupe wrote: > >> I can see where this gimmick comes into play. You received 100% of the >> hammer price but maybe only received 75% of the real price realized for the >> object. I can see where this sounds good to a seller but in reality the >> auction house is still receiving up to 40% of the real price the item sold >> for. >> >> This does help clear things up for me. The hammer price means very little >> when when a buyers premium is put into play. To me, it is a gimmick to >> mislead buyers and sellers into thinking they got a good deal. I wonder if >> this started out as a way to daze and confuse buyers and sellers? >> >> Kind Regards, >> >> Adam >> >> >> >> >> >> - Original Message - >> From: "petersche...@rcn.com" >> To: Adam Hupe ; Adam >> >> Cc: >> Sent: Saturday, August 4, 2012 7:08 AM >> Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Questions >> >> Hi, >> >> I have sold stuff at auctions where I received 100% of the hammer price. The >> auction houses only cut was the buyers premium. >> >> Peter >> >> __ >> >> Visit the Archives at >> http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html >> Meteorite-list mailing list >> Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com >> http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list > __ > > Visit the Archives at > http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html > Meteorite-list mailing list > Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com > http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] new book published: Henbury Craters & Meteorites - AD
COMPLETELY AGREE with the below. I had the privilege to read the manuscript on a flight early this summer...and simply could...not...put...it...down. Exceptional, historically important, and well beyond a fine example for others to hopefully follow in the future. Congrats, fellas...EPIC!!! All the best, Dave www.fallingrocks.com -Original Message- From: meteorite-list-boun...@meteoritecentral.com [mailto:meteorite-list-boun...@meteoritecentral.com] On Behalf Of Matthias Bärmann Sent: Saturday, August 04, 2012 5:40 PM To: Graham Ensor; Bernd V. Pauli Cc: meteorite list; Meteorite-Recon.com Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] new book published: Henbury Craters & Meteorites - AD Svend & Don, Alex, Bernd, Graham and finally: listoids - I can only agree with the arguments and impressions my previous speakers already underlined. For me personally this Henbury monograph is highly attractive, not only because the science facts are included on a high and actual level, but also historical and ethnological aspects such as Aldermans sketches, old photographs and correspondances, the presence of Henbury in the most important museum collections and not at least the traces which can be found in Aboriginal mythology and art. Not to forget a large number of great pics of a series of wonderful, at large publically unknown and breathtakingly beautiful Henbury individuals. It already seems to be indicated that the 600 copies will be sold out soon. So take your chance. Best as ever, Matthias - Original Message - From: "Graham Ensor" To: "Bernd V. Pauli" Cc: "meteorite list" ; "Meteorite-Recon.com" Sent: Saturday, August 04, 2012 10:42 PM Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] new book published: Henbury Craters & Meteorites - AD I agree Berndjust finished reading ita must have bookespecially if you have or intend to visit the craters :-).thanks for the special copy Svend. Graham On Sat, Aug 4, 2012 at 9:34 PM, Bernd V. Pauli wrote: > Svend Buhl kindly wrote: > > " have the pleasure to announce the publishing of the book Henbury > Craters & Meteorites Their Discovery History and Study. The 166-page > volume features 127 photos, documents, maps & diagrams, the majority > previously unpublished." > > Hi folks, > > ... and I have the pleasure of assuring you that this book is a treat, > a "must-have" > for meteorite buffs. It combines accurate, scientific information with > a wealth of historic and recent discoveries, stunning photographs and > amazing insights into one of our favorite meteorite craters and the > iron meteorites it still yields. > > I advise everyone to get their copy of this wonderful book before they > are sold out. > > Cheers, > > Bernd > > To: i...@niger-meteorite-recon.de > meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com > __ > > Visit the Archives at > http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html > Meteorite-list mailing list > Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com > http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Hinweis von ESET Smart Security, Signaturdatenbank-Version 7356 (20120804) __ E-Mail wurde geprüft mit ESET Smart Security. http://www.eset.com __ Hinweis von ESET Smart Security, Signaturdatenbank-Version 7356 (20120804) __ E-Mail wurde geprüft mit ESET Smart Security. http://www.eset.com __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Questions
I have consigned some things to high end auction houses. I got screwed over hard. Between their fees and outrageous shipping costs, in the end I got scraps. Ever bought from them and had to have items shipped? I had a piece of Norton County shipped from New York, sent priority mail in flat rate box, poorly packaged and cost me almost $50 for $10 shipping. Not too pleased with epic level of rip-off. Of course the high buyers premiums kill the bidding most of the time yet i see suckers loving it. Some people relish the atmosphere of showing off in public by bidding when they could buy the item cheaper down the street.. Michael Farmer Sent from my Ipad On Aug 4, 2012, at 7:20 AM, Adam Hupe wrote: > I can see where this gimmick comes into play. You received 100% of the > hammer price but maybe only received 75% of the real price realized for the > object. I can see where this sounds good to a seller but in reality the > auction house is still receiving up to 40% of the real price the item sold > for. > > This does help clear things up for me. The hammer price means very little > when when a buyers premium is put into play. To me, it is a gimmick to > mislead buyers and sellers into thinking they got a good deal. I wonder if > this started out as a way to daze and confuse buyers and sellers? > > Kind Regards, > > Adam > > > > > > - Original Message - > From: "petersche...@rcn.com" > To: Adam Hupe ; Adam > > Cc: > Sent: Saturday, August 4, 2012 7:08 AM > Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Questions > > Hi, > > I have sold stuff at auctions where I received 100% of the hammer price. The > auction houses only cut was the buyers premium. > > Peter > > __ > > Visit the Archives at > http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html > Meteorite-list mailing list > Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com > http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
[meteorite-list] AD - Zaklodzie and Brahinite on ebay
Hi List I have ending specimens on ebay Zaklodzie 3g slice NWA 6308 Brahinite http://stores.ebay.com/PolandMET-Store?_trksid=p2047675.l2563 -[ MARCIN CIMALA ]-[ I.M.C.A.#3667 ]- http://www.Meteoryty.pl marcin(at)meteoryty.pl http://www.PolandMET.com marcin(at)polandmet.com http://www.Gao-Guenie.com GSM: +48 (793) 567667 [ Member of Polish Meteoritical Society ] __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] CURIOSITY POLL VOTE
Hey Paul, Of course it will work! 100% !!! What seemed to me the easiest point of failure is when it is lowered on the sky crane tether. Worrysome to me was the incredible storm of fine crater silt would be kicked up and get into everything. But remembering the 1% Earth's atmosphere has its benefits, too - so it's important to not terrestrialize the concept too much. The rockets of the descent stage (crane) will be blowing such thin air that it will work! It must! ;-) If you are a "Good Wife" fan or a Bitcoin fan, this might have been amusing - http://betsofbitco.in/item?id=147 ... assuming it isn't a scam, had a bet running that closed on August 1. (the bet the event date of Aug 21, which is the end of the window proposed several months ago) The above bitcoinmoney is 77.6% for a landing success, where success is considered when Curiosity *establishes initial radio contact*. I don't know about the legality of the bet or names of any other bookmakers running it. After Beagle, it would seem to me an appealing bet in the UK to a certain segment. If anyone want's to put some money up instead of beers, there's bound to be a few betting / oddsmaking markets online somewhere. Kindest wishes Doug -Original Message- From: Paul Gessler To: meteorite-list Sent: Sat, Aug 4, 2012 5:30 pm Subject: [meteorite-list] CURIOSITY POLL VOTE A bunch of my friends are waging bets on whether the mission is a success. At least 3 cases of beer are involved and for NASA/JPL/Caltech over $2.5 BILLION (that's a lot of beer) I am very curious as to what the people on this list think of the Curiosity mission and it's chances? I have a poll below. Please e-mail me directly with your vote or the met-list if you want everyone to see. Here is the link to the video posted earlier to bring you up to speed: http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/Ki_Af_o9Q9s A: Will work 100% B: Won't work at all! Crash and Burn. Bad idea. C: Something tells me it Won't work but hopeful it does. D: Partial success, lands broken. Be honest with yourself I will post the results after we all know. Thanks: Paul Gessler __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
[meteorite-list] AD: A Few Set Priced (Low) Auctions Ending Tonight!
Thanks, Michael Cottingham ALL SALE ITEMS HERE: http://stores.ebay.com/voyage-botanica-natural-history ALL AUCTIONS HERE: http://shop.ebay.com:80/merchant/meteorite-collector_W0QQLHQ5fAuctionZ1QQ __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] new book published: Henbury Craters & Meteorites - AD
Svend & Don, Alex, Bernd, Graham and finally: listoids - I can only agree with the arguments and impressions my previous speakers already underlined. For me personally this Henbury monograph is highly attractive, not only because the science facts are included on a high and actual level, but also historical and ethnological aspects such as Aldermans sketches, old photographs and correspondances, the presence of Henbury in the most important museum collections and not at least the traces which can be found in Aboriginal mythology and art. Not to forget a large number of great pics of a series of wonderful, at large publically unknown and breathtakingly beautiful Henbury individuals. It already seems to be indicated that the 600 copies will be sold out soon. So take your chance. Best as ever, Matthias - Original Message - From: "Graham Ensor" To: "Bernd V. Pauli" Cc: "meteorite list" ; "Meteorite-Recon.com" Sent: Saturday, August 04, 2012 10:42 PM Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] new book published: Henbury Craters & Meteorites - AD I agree Berndjust finished reading ita must have bookespecially if you have or intend to visit the craters :-).thanks for the special copy Svend. Graham On Sat, Aug 4, 2012 at 9:34 PM, Bernd V. Pauli wrote: Svend Buhl kindly wrote: " have the pleasure to announce the publishing of the book Henbury Craters & Meteorites – Their Discovery History and Study. The 166-page volume features 127 photos, documents, maps & diagrams, the majority previously unpublished." Hi folks, ... and I have the pleasure of assuring you that this book is a treat, a "must-have" for meteorite buffs. It combines accurate, scientific information with a wealth of historic and recent discoveries, stunning photographs and amazing insights into one of our favorite meteorite craters and the iron meteorites it still yields. I advise everyone to get their copy of this wonderful book before they are sold out. Cheers, Bernd To: i...@niger-meteorite-recon.de meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Hinweis von ESET Smart Security, Signaturdatenbank-Version 7356 (20120804) __ E-Mail wurde geprüft mit ESET Smart Security. http://www.eset.com __ Hinweis von ESET Smart Security, Signaturdatenbank-Version 7356 (20120804) __ E-Mail wurde geprüft mit ESET Smart Security. http://www.eset.com __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
[meteorite-list] CURIOSITY POLL VOTE
A bunch of my friends are waging bets on whether the mission is a success. At least 3 cases of beer are involved and for NASA/JPL/Caltech over $2.5 BILLION (that's a lot of beer) I am very curious as to what the people on this list think of the Curiosity mission and it's chances? I have a poll below. Please e-mail me directly with your vote or the met-list if you want everyone to see. Here is the link to the video posted earlier to bring you up to speed: http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/Ki_Af_o9Q9s A: Will work 100% B: Won't work at all! Crash and Burn. Bad idea. C: Something tells me it Won't work but hopeful it does. D: Partial success, lands broken. Be honest with yourself I will post the results after we all know. Thanks: Paul Gessler __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] new book published: Henbury Craters & Meteorites - AD
I agree Berndjust finished reading ita must have bookespecially if you have or intend to visit the craters :-).thanks for the special copy Svend. Graham On Sat, Aug 4, 2012 at 9:34 PM, Bernd V. Pauli wrote: > Svend Buhl kindly wrote: > > " have the pleasure to announce the publishing of the book Henbury Craters > & Meteorites – Their Discovery History and Study. The 166-page volume > features 127 photos, documents, maps & diagrams, the majority previously > unpublished." > > Hi folks, > > ... and I have the pleasure of assuring you that this book is a treat, a > "must-have" > for meteorite buffs. It combines accurate, scientific information with a > wealth of > historic and recent discoveries, stunning photographs and amazing insights > into > one of our favorite meteorite craters and the iron meteorites it still yields. > > I advise everyone to get their copy of this wonderful book before they are > sold > out. > > Cheers, > > Bernd > > To: i...@niger-meteorite-recon.de > meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com > __ > > Visit the Archives at > http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html > Meteorite-list mailing list > Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com > http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
[meteorite-list] new book published: Henbury Craters & Meteorites - AD
Svend Buhl kindly wrote: " have the pleasure to announce the publishing of the book Henbury Craters & Meteorites – Their Discovery History and Study. The 166-page volume features 127 photos, documents, maps & diagrams, the majority previously unpublished." Hi folks, ... and I have the pleasure of assuring you that this book is a treat, a "must-have" for meteorite buffs. It combines accurate, scientific information with a wealth of historic and recent discoveries, stunning photographs and amazing insights into one of our favorite meteorite craters and the iron meteorites it still yields. I advise everyone to get their copy of this wonderful book before they are sold out. Cheers, Bernd To: i...@niger-meteorite-recon.de meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] new book published: Henbury Craters & Meteorites - AD
A splendid book, highly recommendable! Alex Berlin/Germany Original-Nachricht > Datum: Sat, 4 Aug 2012 21:40:38 +0200 (CEST) > Von: "Meteorite-Recon.com" > An: meteorite list > Betreff: [meteorite-list] new book published: Henbury Craters & Meteorites - > AD > > Dear list, > > I have the pleasure to announce the publishing of the book Henbury Craters > & > Meteorites – > Their Discovery History and Study. > > The 166-page volume features 127 photos, documents, maps & diagrams, the > majority previously unpublished. > > Bibliographical information: > > Svend Buhl, Don McColl: > Henbury Craters & Meteorites. > Their Discovery History & Study > Meteorite Recon, Hamburg 2012 [Ed.] > 166 pages, full color > 127 photos, documents, maps and diagrams. > ISBN 978-3-00-039026-5 > Retail prices: Europe: € 34.90, International: 39.95 (may vary > internationally) > > Content & sample pages: > http://www.meteorite-recon.com/en/Henbury_Meteorites_and_Craters_Book.html > > Orders from Europe: > > Pls. send your shipping address and I’ll proceed your order. > > Orders from the US, South Americas & Australia: > > Pls. send your shipping address & I’ll forward your order to > the relevant wholesalers in the US & Australia > > Thank you for your interest. > > Svend Buhl > > www.meteorite-recon.com > __ > > Visit the Archives at > http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html > Meteorite-list mailing list > Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com > http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
[meteorite-list] thanks to everyone
Hi list. I hope you are all having a great weekend. Tomorrow is my 58th birthday and I will be spending it with my wife while we go see a play and go to dinner. I want to thank everyone who gave condolences about my brother. His house he was in has been totally cleaned out.We gave so much away and kept what meant alot to us of his life.He was only 61 but just lost so much he did not know what was going on.I am still looking for work,7 months out,but I am hoping something breaks soon.Meteorites help me pass the time,cant buy much these days,but still living a good life. I hope you all remember,life is fleeting so make the most of your family time as much as can.Have a great evening. -- Steve R. Anold, chicago, ill. __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
[meteorite-list] new book published: Henbury Craters & Meteorites - AD
Dear list, I have the pleasure to announce the publishing of the book Henbury Craters & Meteorites – Their Discovery History and Study. The 166-page volume features 127 photos, documents, maps & diagrams, the majority previously unpublished. Bibliographical information: Svend Buhl, Don McColl: Henbury Craters & Meteorites. Their Discovery History & Study Meteorite Recon, Hamburg 2012 [Ed.] 166 pages, full color 127 photos, documents, maps and diagrams. ISBN 978-3-00-039026-5 Retail prices: Europe: € 34.90, International: 39.95 (may vary internationally) Content & sample pages: http://www.meteorite-recon.com/en/Henbury_Meteorites_and_Craters_Book.html Orders from Europe: Pls. send your shipping address and I’ll proceed your order. Orders from the US, South Americas & Australia: Pls. send your shipping address & I’ll forward your order to the relevant wholesalers in the US & Australia Thank you for your interest. Svend Buhl www.meteorite-recon.com __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Questions Answered
Hi Darryl. I was only exploring options when you and Heritage were contacted. It is obvious, in my opinion, that they are not up the task of marketing the world's best and most valuable lunar meteorite (NWA 5000). I am no longer interesting in offering NWA 5000 at any auction house and certainly not in Tucson. After studying the situation, I have come to feel Heritages 40% fees are unreasonable. It is my belief that their understanding of planetary meteorites is lacking. Using the same assigned price per gram values for NWA 5000 as a 1.8 kilogram weathered lunar breccia from Algeria demonstrates a serious lack of understanding. Kindest Regards, Adam - Original Message - From: Darryl Pitt To: Adam Hupe Cc: Adam Sent: Saturday, August 4, 2012 11:46 AM Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Questions Answered Hi, Your disapproval of the protocols of a large, serious auction house fascinates. Given the depth of such feelings, I am surprised I received more than a half dozen emails from you the past three weeks in your desire to have the NWA 5000 main mass included in the upcoming Heritage Meteorite Auction…and when I felt I had no choice but to pass on your proposal, you then turned to someone else at Heritage---and the consignment was again rejected after multiple solicitations were again made. Given your note below, can we now expect to see the NWA 5000 main mass in Michael Blood's upcoming auction? d, Begin forwarded message: > From: Adam Hupe > Subject: [meteorite-list] Auction Questions > Date: August 3, 2012 11:55:10 PM EDT > To: Adam > Reply-To: Adam Hupe > > Hi Michael and List Members, > > > Your fees seem reasonable to me, especially after checking out some auction > houses that charge a 20% seller premium plus a 20% buyer's premium equaling > an outrageous 40%. Then catalog fees are added on top of that figure. > Perhaps you can answer a few questions for me? > > Why do some auction houses charge a buyers premium to begin with? It seems > that this practice confuses bidders and is misleading. I know it confuses me > trying to make a quick multiplication in my head during live bidding. Why > should the buyer have to pay this extra amount? It seems the seller should > be pay a straight percentage like most auction sites do including eBay. When > you bid on storage units, houses, cars or what have you, what you bid is what > you pay. Seems pretty straight forward to me. > > Imagine if all businesses added a 20% buyers premium to their products and I > am not talking about sales tax. What purpose does it serve? I believe in > simplicity, > > Best Regards, > > > Adam > __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Questions Answered
Hi, Your disapproval of the protocols of a large, serious auction house fascinates. Given the depth of such feelings, I am surprised I received more than a half dozen emails from you the past three weeks in your desire to have the NWA 5000 main mass included in the upcoming Heritage Meteorite Auction…and when I felt I had no choice but to pass on your proposal, you then turned to someone else at Heritage---and the consignment was again rejected after multiple solicitations were again made. Given your note below, can we now expect to see the NWA 5000 main mass in Michael Blood's upcoming auction? d, Begin forwarded message: > From: Adam Hupe > Subject: [meteorite-list] Auction Questions > Date: August 3, 2012 11:55:10 PM EDT > To: Adam > Reply-To: Adam Hupe > > Hi Michael and List Members, > > > Your fees seem reasonable to me, especially after checking out some auction > houses that charge a 20% seller premium plus a 20% buyer's premium equaling > an outrageous 40%. Then catalog fees are added on top of that figure. > Perhaps you can answer a few questions for me? > > Why do some auction houses charge a buyers premium to begin with? It seems > that this practice confuses bidders and is misleading. I know it confuses me > trying to make a quick multiplication in my head during live bidding. Why > should the buyer have to pay this extra amount? It seems the seller should > be pay a straight percentage like most auction sites do including eBay. When > you bid on storage units, houses, cars or what have you, what you bid is what > you pay. Seems pretty straight forward to me. > > Imagine if all businesses added a 20% buyers premium to their products and I > am not talking about sales tax. What purpose does it serve? I believe in > simplicity, > > Best Regards, > > > Adam > __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
[meteorite-list] Mars Tugging on Approaching NASA Rover Curiosity
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2012-227 Mars Tugging on Approaching NASA Rover Curiosity Jet Propulsion Laboraotyr August 04, 2012 PASADENA, Calif. - The gravitational tug of Mars is now pulling NASA's car-size geochemistry laboratory, Curiosity, in for a suspenseful landing in less than 40 hours. "After flying more than eight months and 350 million miles since launch, the Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft is now right on target to fly through the eye of the needle that is our target at the top of the Mars atmosphere," said Mission Manager Arthur Amador of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. The spacecraft is healthy and on course for delivering the mission's Curiosity rover close to a Martian mountain at 10:31 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 5 PDT (1:31 a.m. Monday, Aug. 6 EDT). That's the time a signal confirming safe landing could reach Earth, give or take about a minute for the spacecraft's adjustments to sense changeable atmospheric conditions. The only way a safe-landing confirmation can arrive during that first opportunity is via a relay by NASA's Mars Odyssey orbiter. Curiosity will not be communicating directly with Earth as it lands, because Earth will set beneath the Martian horizon from Curiosity's perspective about two minutes before the landing. "We are expecting Odyssey to relay good news," said Steve Sell of the JPL engineering team that developed and tested the mission's complicated "sky crane" landing system. "That moment has been more than eight years in the making." A dust storm in southern Mars being monitored by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter appears to be dissipating. "Mars is cooperating by providing good weather for landing," said JPL's Ashwin Vasavada, deputy project scientist for Curiosity. Curiosity was approaching Mars at about 8,000 mph (about 3,600 meters per second) Saturday morning. By the time the spacecraft hits the top of Mars' atmosphere, about seven minutes before touchdown, gravity will accelerate it to about 13,200 mph (5,900 meters per second). NASA plans to use Curiosity to investigate whether the study area has ever offered environmental conditions favorable for microbial life, including chemical ingredients for life. "In the first few weeks after landing, we will be ramping up science activities gradually as we complete a series of checkouts and we gain practice at operating this complex robot in Martian conditions," said JPL's Richard Cook, deputy project manager for Curiosity. The first Mars pictures expected from Curiosity are reduced-resolution fisheye black-and-white images received either in the first few minutes after touchdown or more than two hours later. Higher resolution and color images from other cameras could come later in the first week. Plans call for Curiosity to deploy a directional antenna on the first day after landing and raise the camera mast on the second day. The big hurdle is landing. Under some possible scenarios, Curiosity could land safely, but temporary communication difficulties could delay for hours or even days any confirmation that the rover has survived landing. The prime mission lasts a full Martian year, which is nearly two Earth years. During that period, researchers plan to drive Curiosity partway up a mountain informally called Mount Sharp. Observations from orbit have identified exposures there of clay and sulfate minerals that formed in wet environments. The Mars Science Laboratory is a project of NASA's Science Mission Directorate. The mission is managed by JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. Its rover, Curiosity, was designed, developed and assembled at JPL. Information about the mission and about ways to participate in challenges of the landing, including a new video game, is available at: http://www.nasa.gov/mars and http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/ . You can follow the mission on Facebook and on Twitter at: http://www.facebook.com/marscuriosity and http://www.twitter.com/marscuriosity . For more information about NASA programs, visit: http://www.nasa.gov . The California Institute of Technology in Pasadena manages JPL for NASA. Guy Webster/D.C. Agle 818-354-5011 Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. guy.webs...@jpl.nasa.gov / a...@jpl.nasa.gov Dwayne Brown/Steve Cole 202-358-1726/202-358-0918 NASA Headquarters, Washington dwayne.c.br...@nasa.gov / stephen.e.c...@nasa.gov 2012-227 __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Questions
Not exactly the same Adam - As you know better than anyone, in this business the profit is in the margin for the seller. The 15/10 scheme is not as bad as the straight 25%. As a buyer, I'd rather pay the 10% buyer's commission in the example you gave than no buyer commission and having the seller pay the entire 25% since that is more money. So what you propose would actually add another 3% to the total cost grabbed by the auctioneer. For a Total price of 100: 25% seller scheme: Hammer price is 100 , the auction house take 25, seller get 75. 15%/10%:Seller/Buyer scheme: Hammer price is 90.91, buyer pays 9.09 but the seller pays only 13.64 yet nets 77.27. The concept of two-side financing of the auction probably started innocently enough when some Dutch guys in wigs had to rent the facilities and thought it fair that everyone chipped in, sellers by a commission and buyers by an entry fee. You know, like mall parking lots started at a flat $0.25 entry fee to pay the attendant. Then, everyone complained that they needed their wives and husbands there to agree to ask permission, or their employees to help cart it away. Also there were people who claimed they were there to help, but really did nothing and avoided the entrance fee. Then the auctioneer said "screw this, we'll just put a minor buyer's commission on the sales, and in any case the bigger the crowd the more likely bidders are likely to lose their head in the commotion with showboat bidding. Phase three was when a change of business model miraculously occurred and plain greed took over: and the buyer's % fee was suddenly viewed as a source of income, and as you say has the benefit to obscure the bill so careless buyers paid more than they thought and could only grumble that the drinks at the bar weren't so cheap after all. So my thought is that as long as the auctioneer is not gouging anyone it's ok. Buyers are smart enough to add the buyer's commission if they are bidding responsibly and seriously. The example is implemented no differently from a cooperative tax as you point out. If you go to a restaurant, you wouldn't complain that tax was added to your bill, as long as the tax rate is reasonable. In Mexico, where sales taxes are higher than the US, btw, all prices are quoted inclusive of tax, so WYSIWYG on the bill and customers are happy since they don't have to count what's in their wallet while figuring in taxesto see ifthey have enough after taxes. It make for interesting accounting as it pushes the burden to the vendor to back out the tax. So if something is 99.80 MXN pesos the accountant sets up a spreadsheet and determines 86.79 is the income and 13.01 is the tax due. So everyone is running around with calculators all the time dividing everything by 1.15 to back out the 15% VAT. It gets to be a real pain in the arse. Kindest wishes Doug -Original Message- From: Adam Hupe To: Adam Sent: Sat, Aug 4, 2012 9:53 am Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Questions Hi Michael and List, I think that 25% is a reasonable commission to charge the seller and see no need whatsoever for a buyers premium. The seller will still realize the same amount at the end of the day. 15% plus 10% still equals 25% of the selling price going to the party throwing the auction meaning the seller will still realize 75%. I think 25% is reasonable considering the value added but playing games with numbers only serves to confuse me. I commend you on be open about the real costs and not hiding the buyers premium in small lettering on some obscure part of a website. A buyers premium feels like a tax to me. I cannot understand why anybody would pay 20% for the privilege of buying. Imagine if gas stations added 20% to the advertised pump price only to have buyers shocked when they realized how much they really paid when it comes time to settle up the bill. It is like advertising fuel at $3.00/gallon when you are really paying $3.60/gallon. I need to think about why this concept even exists. Kind Regards, Adam Hi Adam and all, The short answer is it is increasingly costly to manage an Auction - and sellers won't place items if the consignment fee Is too high. Personally, I believe a 20% buyers' premium is far Too high and I am determined to never go beyond 10%. However, If auctions (not just mine) are to survive the MUST have sellers Consigning items and, as I said, there is a limit to what a seller Will be willing to sacrifice as a consignment fee. I am not really suggesting this - but just AS AN EXAMPLE, if you wanted To place 20 items with me I would happily allow you to pay me 10% MORE for your listing fee and let the buyers bid on your items with No buyers premium. How would that work for you? Not so good, eh? Not to worry, I really don't need ANOTHER element to juggle at the Auction, so, please do not "hear" this as something directed at y
Re: [meteorite-list] Vietnam's murky meteorite market
Hi Paul and List, It is good to see that Vietnamese authorities are taking action against the fraudsters. But the busts are just the tip of the iceberg. Southeast Asia is a hotbed for fake minerals, bogus meteorites, and faux fossils. Vietnam, Taiwan, China, the Philippines, and South Korea have histories of trade in fraudulent goods. Meteorites and tektites are fair-game for fakery there. I have seen plentiful fakes from this region on eBay in recent years. One of the major scams is to pass off a cheaper material like low-grade indochinite as a more-valuable material like meteorite. Notice how many of those suspect black/dark spheres and "meteorite" carvings are for sale - they are all over eBay and most of them are offered by sellers in Southeast Asia. I know at least one of my customers purchased some small meteorite spheres from a seller in China on eBay, and they turned out to be an unknown material that is not meteorite. (surprise surprise). You will also see terrestrial ores and industrial slags that can be cleverly dressed or presented to look like some types of meteorite - especially when the buyer is purchasing over the internet and cannot inspect the material in person. So while some the fakes are very obvious to experienced eyes, others can be more subtle and difficult to detect. Fake Moldavite is a good example. The market is flooded with bogus "apple green" Moldavite coming out of the Far East, and the quality of the fakes has improved to the point where the casual eye can be readily fooled. Obviously there are some legitimate and honorable sellers in these countries and I do not mean to imply that everything coming out of that part of the world is suspect. But, most buyers should take an extra measure of caution when considering a purchase of such materials. Besides the risks involved with the specimens themselves, shipping and customs can be problematic as well. Best regards, MikeG -- - Web - http://www.galactic-stone.com Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/galacticstone Twitter - http://twitter.com/GalacticStone RSS - http://www.galactic-stone.com/rss/126516 - On 8/4/12, Paul H. wrote: > Vietnam's murky meteorite market (Selling tar and painted > rocks as magical stones from the beyond) by Patrick Winn > Global Post, July 31, 2012 05:26 > http://www.globalpost.com/globalpost-blogs/southeast-asia/vietnam-meteorites > > Vietnam police busts gang selling fake meteorite chunks > Thanh Nien News, july 29, 2012 > http://www.thanhniennews.com/index/pages/20120729-ho-chi-minh-city-busts-gang-of-fake-meteorites.aspx > > Man seized for selling fake meteorite for $95,000, Tuoi Tre News. > http://www.tuoitrenews.vn/cmlink/tuoitrenews/society/man-seized-for-selling-fake-meteorite-for-95-000-1.56065 > > Meteorites or rip-offs? (Feng shui shops in Ho Chi Minh > City are selling unidentified rocks said to be meteorites to > superstitious people who believe they can cure illnesses > and bring good luck. Tuoi Tre News. > http://www.tuoitrenews.vn/cmlink/tuoitrenews/society/meteorites-or-rip-offs-1.14840 > > Bets wishes, > > Paul H. > __ > > Visit the Archives at > http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html > Meteorite-list mailing list > Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com > http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list > __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
[meteorite-list] Tycoon turns to mining asteroids
Tycoon turns to mining asteroids by Rupert Neate, The Sydney Morning Herald, August 1, 2012 http://www.smh.com.au/executive-style/business-travel/tycoon-turns-to-mining-asteroids-20120731-23cn5.html Best wishes, Pual H. __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
[meteorite-list] Vietnam's murky meteorite market
Vietnam's murky meteorite market (Selling tar and painted rocks as magical stones from the beyond) by Patrick Winn Global Post, July 31, 2012 05:26 http://www.globalpost.com/globalpost-blogs/southeast-asia/vietnam-meteorites Vietnam police busts gang selling fake meteorite chunks Thanh Nien News, july 29, 2012 http://www.thanhniennews.com/index/pages/20120729-ho-chi-minh-city-busts-gang-of-fake-meteorites.aspx Man seized for selling fake meteorite for $95,000, Tuoi Tre News. http://www.tuoitrenews.vn/cmlink/tuoitrenews/society/man-seized-for-selling-fake-meteorite-for-95-000-1.56065 Meteorites or rip-offs? (Feng shui shops in Ho Chi Minh City are selling unidentified rocks said to be meteorites to superstitious people who believe they can cure illnesses and bring good luck. Tuoi Tre News. http://www.tuoitrenews.vn/cmlink/tuoitrenews/society/meteorites-or-rip-offs-1.14840 Bets wishes, Paul H. __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Questions
Hi, My guess is that it was a way to allow auction houses to better compete of consignments. I wouldn't be surprised if the final price of the item might be slightly higher for auctions where the buyer is charged a premium. Peter __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Questions
I can see where this gimmick comes into play. You received 100% of the hammer price but maybe only received 75% of the real price realized for the object. I can see where this sounds good to a seller but in reality the auction house is still receiving up to 40% of the real price the item sold for. This does help clear things up for me. The hammer price means very little when when a buyers premium is put into play. To me, it is a gimmick to mislead buyers and sellers into thinking they got a good deal. I wonder if this started out as a way to daze and confuse buyers and sellers? Kind Regards, Adam - Original Message - From: "petersche...@rcn.com" To: Adam Hupe ; Adam Cc: Sent: Saturday, August 4, 2012 7:08 AM Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Questions Hi, I have sold stuff at auctions where I received 100% of the hammer price. The auction houses only cut was the buyers premium. Peter __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Questions
Hi, I have sold stuff at auctions where I received 100% of the hammer price. The auction houses only cut was the buyers premium. Peter __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Questions
Hi Michael and List, I think that 25% is a reasonable commission to charge the seller and see no need whatsoever for a buyers premium. The seller will still realize the same amount at the end of the day. 15% plus 10% still equals 25% of the selling price going to the party throwing the auction meaning the seller will still realize 75%. I think 25% is reasonable considering the value added but playing games with numbers only serves to confuse me. I commend you on be open about the real costs and not hiding the buyers premium in small lettering on some obscure part of a website. A buyers premium feels like a tax to me. I cannot understand why anybody would pay 20% for the privilege of buying. Imagine if gas stations added 20% to the advertised pump price only to have buyers shocked when they realized how much they really paid when it comes time to settle up the bill. It is like advertising fuel at $3.00/gallon when you are really paying $3.60/gallon. I need to think about why this concept even exists. Kind Regards, Adam Hi Adam and all, The short answer is it is increasingly costly to manage an Auction - and sellers won't place items if the consignment fee Is too high. Personally, I believe a 20% buyers' premium is far Too high and I am determined to never go beyond 10%. However, If auctions (not just mine) are to survive the MUST have sellers Consigning items and, as I said, there is a limit to what a seller Will be willing to sacrifice as a consignment fee. I am not really suggesting this - but just AS AN EXAMPLE, if you wanted To place 20 items with me I would happily allow you to pay me 10% MORE for your listing fee and let the buyers bid on your items with No buyers premium. How would that work for you? Not so good, eh? Not to worry, I really don't need ANOTHER element to juggle at the Auction, so, please do not "hear" this as something directed at you, Personally or some ridiculous challenge for you to do that - I really don't want that additional confusion I just think if you look at it from the consignor's viewpoint it will be easier to understand. Also, by the way, for years I have actually had several people SUGGEST I raise the buyers' premium to 10% so it would be easier for them to calculate when bidding Again, I am very lucky to have had the Auction Nymphs SO on top of things this last auction when I was so ill I could barely sit up. They are a terrific crew and very sharp - and on top of that, very nice People. While I managed to call the auction I can't imagine if I had Tried to add peoples totals after the auction. I have always tried to keep both the premium and consignment Fees as low as possible - and I still do. Overhead has drastically risen in the last 14 years while my fees & premium have increased minimally In comparison. I think the Tucson Meteorite Auction is a hoot, I just Have to be sure it doesn't COST me to put it on. By the way, I still haven't arranged for a speaker this year and if Any list members are one or know one who would present a casual 45 minutes or so presentation, please do let me know. We have had some Very interesting presenters in the past (I am told - I am always far too Busy to catch even a few minutes of any of the presentations). While we are at it, I want to again thank Twink for her wonderful Gold Basin cakes. I think this year she is considering an additional Frankonia cake She is really something. The meteorite community is Very lucky to have such a giving person. Hope I answered your question satisfactorily, Adam. If not, please Do feel free to give me a call & we'll jaw about it. Best to all, Michael __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
[meteorite-list] Meteorite Picture of the Day
Today's Meteorite Picture of the Day: NWA 176 Contributed by: Stephan Kambach http://www.tucsonmeteorites.com/mpod.asp __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Questions 2
Sorry Adam & all, I read and respond to posts chronologically and hadn't seen This. 1) I was amazed that the Brits charge significantly less than most Of the US auctions and 2) That they compound the buyers' premium, calling the difference The "VAT" - very kinky. Michael On 8/3/12 10:59 PM, "Adam Hupe" wrote: > I found a good explanation on this website about buyers premiums at auctions: > > > Here is a link that explains it: > > http://www.ganews.co.uk/premium.html > > Pretty interesting reading. He helped me greatly to understand the concept > although I do not agree with it. > > > Take Care > > Adam > > > > > - Original Message - > From: Adam Hupe > To: Adam > Cc: > Sent: Friday, August 3, 2012 8:55 PM > Subject: [meteorite-list] Auction Questions > > Hi Michael and List Members, > > > Your fees seem reasonable to me, especially after checking out some auction > houses that charge a 20% seller premium plus a 20% buyer's premium equaling an > outrageous 40%. Then catalog fees are added on top of that figure. Perhaps > you can answer a few questions for me? > > > Why do some auction houses charge a buyers premium to begin with? It seems > that this practice confuses bidders and is misleading. I know it confuses me > trying to make a quick multiplication in my head during live bidding. Why > should the buyer have to pay this extra amount? It seems the seller should be > pay a straight percentage like most auction sites do including eBay. When you > bid on storage units, houses, cars or what have you, what you bid is what you > pay. Seems pretty straight forward to me. > > Imagine if all businesses added a 20% buyers premium to their products and I > am not talking about sales tax. What purpose does it serve? I believe in > simplicity, > > Best Regards, > > > Adam > > > > > > > From: Michael Blood > To: Meteorite List > Sent: Friday, August 3, 2012 4:56 PM > Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Tucson Meteorite Auction 2013 (AD) > > Dear fellow List members, > > This coming Tucson Meteorite Auction will be held in the > Same location as the last several years on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013. > > http://michaelbloodmeteorites.com/AuctionTucson2013.html > > First, I would like to thank all of you for your past patronage in > The Tucson Meteorite Auctions of the past. I appreciate it very much. > > Unfortunately the cost of putting on the auction has increased > So significantly in the last several years that I have been walking a > Narrow line just to stay in the black on these events, let alone make > any money from them. On occasion, it has even cost me - after hundreds > Of hours of prep (the on line catalog is quite time consuming)and money > Up front. > > As you are probably aware, most auctions charge at least 25% > Consignment fees while 35% is rapidly becoming the norm. In short, > I must raise my consignment fee to 15% (for items submitted by Sept. 1) > to be certain I will break even. > > In addition, most auctions now have a Buyers' Premium of 15% > At least and often more. I will be holding that to 10%. > > I already have 15 items "up" and a personal collection of 17 > pallasites and 38 other meteorites on the way - in > the mail to me NOW > As soon as they arrive I will get them photographed and > listed in the > On line catalog. That will make 70 lots from the get go. SEE HERE: > > http://michaelbloodmeteorites.com/AuctionTucson2013.html > > Those who would like to submit items, please contact me off list. > > I hope you all will be continuing your involvement - I would > certainly love to see this auction continue as the joyful event it has > become as part of the overall Tucson Show experience for the meteorite > community. > > Thanks, Michael > > > __ > > Visit the Archives at > http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html > Meteorite-list mailing list > Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com > http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list > __ > > Visit the Archives at > http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html > Meteorite-list mailing list > Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com > http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list > > __ > > Visit the Archives at > http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html > Meteorite-list mailing list > Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com > http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Questions
Hi Adam and all, The short answer is it is increasingly costly to manage an Auction - and sellers won't place items if the consignment fee Is too high. Personally, I believe a 20% buyers' premium is far Too high and I am determined to never go beyond 10%. However, If auctions (not just mine) are to survive the MUST have sellers Consigning items and, as I said, there is a limit to what a seller Will be willing to sacrifice as a consignment fee. I am not really suggesting this - but just AS AN EXAMPLE, if you wanted To place 20 items with me I would happily allow you to pay me 10% MORE for your listing fee and let the buyers bid on your items with No buyers premium. How would that work for you? Not so good, eh? Not to worry, I really don't need ANOTHER element to juggle at the Auction, so, please do not "hear" this as something directed at you, Personally or some ridiculous challenge for you to do that - I really don't want that additional confusion I just think if you look at it from the consignor's viewpoint it will be easier to understand. Also, by the way, for years I have actually had several people SUGGEST I raise the buyers' premium to 10% so it would be easier for them to calculate when bidding Again, I am very lucky to have had the Auction Nymphs SO on top of things this last auction when I was so ill I could barely sit up. They are a terrific crew and very sharp - and on top of that, very nice People. While I managed to call the auction I can't imagine if I had Tried to add peoples totals after the auction. I have always tried to keep both the premium and consignment Fees as low as possible - and I still do. Overhead has drastically risen in the last 14 years while my fees & premium have increased minimally In comparison. I think the Tucson Meteorite Auction is a hoot, I just Have to be sure it doesn't COST me to put it on. By the way, I still haven't arranged for a speaker this year and if Any list members are one or know one who would present a casual 45 minutes or so presentation, please do let me know. We have had some Very interesting presenters in the past (I am told - I am always far too Busy to catch even a few minutes of any of the presentations). While we are at it, I want to again thank Twink for her wonderful Gold Basin cakes. I think this year she is considering an additional Frankonia cake She is really something. The meteorite community is Very lucky to have such a giving person. Hope I answered your question satisfactorily, Adam. If not, please Do feel free to give me a call & we'll jaw about it. Best to all, Michael On 8/3/12 8:55 PM, "Adam Hupe" wrote: > Hi Michael and List Members, > > > Your fees seem reasonable to me, especially after checking out some auction > houses that charge a 20% seller premium plus a 20% buyer's premium equaling an > outrageous 40%. Then catalog fees are added on top of that figure. Perhaps > you can answer a few questions for me? > > > Why do some auction houses charge a buyers premium to begin with? It seems > that this practice confuses bidders and is misleading. I know it confuses me > trying to make a quick multiplication in my head during live bidding. Why > should the buyer have to pay this extra amount? It seems the seller should be > pay a straight percentage like most auction sites do including eBay. When you > bid on storage units, houses, cars or what have you, what you bid is what you > pay. Seems pretty straight forward to me. > > Imagine if all businesses added a 20% buyers premium to their products and I > am not talking about sales tax. What purpose does it serve? I believe in > simplicity, > > Best Regards, > > > Adam > > > > > > > From: Michael Blood > To: Meteorite List > Sent: Friday, August 3, 2012 4:56 PM > Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Tucson Meteorite Auction 2013 (AD) > > Dear fellow List members, > > This coming Tucson Meteorite Auction will be held in the > Same location as the last several years on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013. > > http://michaelbloodmeteorites.com/AuctionTucson2013.html > > First, I would like to thank all of you for your past patronage in > The Tucson Meteorite Auctions of the past. I appreciate it very much. > > Unfortunately the cost of putting on the auction has increased > So significantly in the last several years that I have been walking a > Narrow line just to stay in the black on these events, let alone make > any money from them. On occasion, it has even cost me - after hundreds > Of hours of prep (the on line catalog is quite time consuming)and money > Up front. > > As you are probably aware, most auctions charge at least 25% > Consignment fees while 35% is rapidly becoming the norm. In short, > I must raise my consignment fee to 15% (for items submitted by Sept. 1) > to be certain I will break even. > >
Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Questions
The buyers premium ultimately comes out of the sellers pocket. Intelligent bidders bid accordingly so you, the consignor, realize less. I will not buy from or consign merchandise with an auctioneer that charges a buyers premium no matter how they claim to advertise/hype the goods. I wonder how long it will be before e--pay challenges us with this concept? > Date: Fri, 3 Aug 2012 22:59:35 -0700 > From: raremeteori...@yahoo.com > To: meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com > Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Questions > > I found a good explanation on this website about buyers premiums at auctions: > > > Here is a link that explains it: > > http://www.ganews.co.uk/premium.html > > Pretty interesting reading. He helped me greatly to understand the concept > although I do not agree with it. > > > Take Care > > Adam > > > > > - Original Message - > From: Adam Hupe > To: Adam > Cc: > Sent: Friday, August 3, 2012 8:55 PM > Subject: [meteorite-list] Auction Questions > > Hi Michael and List Members, > > > Your fees seem reasonable to me, especially after checking out some auction > houses that charge a 20% seller premium plus a 20% buyer's premium equaling > an outrageous 40%. Then catalog fees are added on top of that figure. Perhaps > you can answer a few questions for me? > > > Why do some auction houses charge a buyers premium to begin with? It seems > that this practice confuses bidders and is misleading. I know it confuses me > trying to make a quick multiplication in my head during live bidding. Why > should the buyer have to pay this extra amount? It seems the seller should be > pay a straight percentage like most auction sites do including eBay. When you > bid on storage units, houses, cars or what have you, what you bid is what you > pay. Seems pretty straight forward to me. > > Imagine if all businesses added a 20% buyers premium to their products and I > am not talking about sales tax. What purpose does it serve? I believe in > simplicity, > > Best Regards, > > > Adam > > > > > > > From: Michael Blood > To: Meteorite List > Sent: Friday, August 3, 2012 4:56 PM > Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Tucson Meteorite Auction 2013 (AD) > > Dear fellow List members, > > This coming Tucson Meteorite Auction will be held in the > Same location as the last several years on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013. > > http://michaelbloodmeteorites.com/AuctionTucson2013.html > > First, I would like to thank all of you for your past patronage in > The Tucson Meteorite Auctions of the past. I appreciate it very much. > > Unfortunately the cost of putting on the auction has increased > So significantly in the last several years that I have been walking a > Narrow line just to stay in the black on these events, let alone make > any money from them. On occasion, it has even cost me - after hundreds > Of hours of prep (the on line catalog is quite time consuming)and money > Up front. > > As you are probably aware, most auctions charge at least 25% > Consignment fees while 35% is rapidly becoming the norm. In short, > I must raise my consignment fee to 15% (for items submitted by Sept. 1) > to be certain I will break even. > > In addition, most auctions now have a Buyers' Premium of 15% > At least and often more. I will be holding that to 10%. > > I already have 15 items "up" and a personal collection of 17 > pallasites and 38 other meteorites on the way - in > the mail to me NOW > As soon as they arrive I will get them photographed and > listed in the > On line catalog. That will make 70 lots from the get go. SEE HERE: > > http://michaelbloodmeteorites.com/AuctionTucson2013.html > > Those who would like to submit items, please contact me off list. > > I hope you all will be continuing your involvement - I would > certainly love to see this auction continue as the joyful event it has > become as part of the overall Tucson Show experience for the meteorite > community. > > Thanks, Michael > > > __ > > Visit the Archives at > http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html > Meteorite-list mailing list > Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com > http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list > __ > > Visit the Archives at > http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html > Meteorite-list mailing list > Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com > http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list > > __ > > Visit the Archives at > http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html > Meteorite-list mailing list > Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com > http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list > __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-ar
