Deccalian basket case.

[CarlosV]

Ebay scores a home run for me these days but the prices are usually two to three times that achieved at auction which isn't great when you're a buyer!

I have the same feelings about the market as you stated, Steve. As to eBay, it remains my best source for machines and records, and the prices there reflects its higher reach and the convenience. In pre-Brexit times, I sometimes bought in UK auction houses, and had to arrange myself for packing and transportation, which then were still at reasonable price - a lot of van drivers crossed the channel to transport goods into the continent. Now this alternative became much more costly, as only big movers do this service and there is the 20% customs. This limits the buying market for these auction houses to people at driving distance from the auctioneer. Certainly they could increase their reach - and hammer prices - if they offered a pack and ship service, but from what I see they are mostly parochially minded.

[epigramophone]

This limits the buying market for these auction houses to people at driving distance from the auctioneer. Certainly they could increase their reach - and hammer prices - if they offered a pack and ship service, but from what I see they are mostly parochially minded.

Yes, very few UK auction houses offer a packing and posting service, and the few that do will only pack the smallest items.
Some recommend their local couriers, but since they have to pack as well as transport the items they can be prohibitively expensive.
In some cases I have been quoted more than the pre-sale estimate on the item which I wanted to bid on.
The only way that auction houses will improve their standards of service will be if increased competition forces them to do so.
Now that eBay no longer charge fees to private sellers, more people may consider it worth the time and effort of selling there.

[Dulcetto]

This limits the buying market for these auction houses to people at driving distance from the auctioneer. Certainly they could increase their reach - and hammer prices - if they offered a pack and ship service, but from what I see they are mostly parochially minded.

Yes, very few UK auction houses offer a packing and posting service, and the few that do will only pack the smallest items.
Some recommend their local couriers, but since they have to pack as well as transport the items they can be prohibitively expensive.
In some cases I have been quoted more than the pre-sale estimate on the item which I wanted to bid on.
The only way that auction houses will improve their standards of service will be if increased competition forces them to do so.
Now that eBay no longer charge fees to private sellers, more people may consider it worth the time and effort of selling there.

My father used to say about auction houses , commenting on their lack of services provided to the buyer , also the indifferent approach many have towards proper
catalogue descriptions and photographs , not to mention the more recent tendency towards higher costs to both buyer and seller , " they make their money too easily ". The law of course is in their favour as purchases by auction are generally exempt from the various Sale of Goods Acts as well as other exemptions in that the contract of sale is between the buyer and the seller ( vendor ) but the auction house is under no obligation to provide vendor details to the purchaser in the event of an issue arising after the sale. Another con trick by auction houses is the " insurance " they charge the vendor in most cases. In reality that is just an additional selling commission. Have you ever read the Ts & Cs of auction house insurance ? Your item is only covered at the low estimate amount if damaged or stolen by a staff member , not if by a member of the public whilst viewing. So how you gonna prove that either way ? Another reason why pre-sale estimates are often seen as rather on the low side. Someone else once commented . " Auctioneers are in reality just rag and bone men in suits ". That's not to say ALL auctioneers fall into that category , certainly one or two well known on this forum , including myself as a former auctioneer do not ! , but anyone who has dealt with some auction houses will know what was meant ! As Epigramophone says , they will only improve if competition forces them to , but don't bank on it anytime soon ! I'm sure that some would rather cease trading rather than have to provide a decent service. ( notwithstanding SOME auction houses that in my experience DO offer a reasonably good service ) Dulcetto

[epigramophone]

Another con trick by auction houses is the " insurance " they charge the vendor in most cases. In reality that is just an additional selling commission. Have you ever read the Ts & Cs of auction house insurance ? Your item is only covered at the low estimate amount if damaged or stolen by a staff member , not if by a member of the public whilst viewing. So how you gonna prove that either way ?

I wonder whether the unfortunate owner of the Expert Senior with the vanishing soundbox read the insurance Ts & Cs ?