SxS, I have a hard time understanding what you are saying. Are you saying that our Auctionarms guy is making too much on his transactions? If he makes a certain percentage on his sales, it is well earned because he gets people to LOOK at his offerings, hundreds of people. He has earned his audience and his consignors should be happy, even if they are disappointed with the bottom line. If they don't get the buck, it is because they are trying to sell things that just don't sell. I would consign with this guy.
I'll try to explain it so anyone can understand. Say, as a dealer, I buy a shotgun at a gun show for $800. I take it to my gun shop and list on Gunbroker with a $1000 reserve. If I sell it at a $1000, I will make about $150 profit after gas,gun show entrance fees,time and auction fees. If it doesn't sell in six months I lower the price to $700 and finally sell it, but lose about $150.
Now the consignment seller "pays nothing" for the same gun and puts it on Auction Arms with a .01 starting bid and the same gun sells for $700. He makes 15% gross profit or $105. After auction fees he pockets about $80 or $90. The consignment seller will always make a profit!
If you decide to send the consignment seller one of your classic doubles that you bought 6 years ago for $3000 and he sells it on today's market for $2500. You lose $500 in market value and the dealer's 15% commission (total loss of $875) and a dearly missed shotgun. You will net $2125 for your consigned shotgun. The consignment dealer makes $375 gross profit on your loss on a gun which he had in his possession for two weeks or so and doesn't care a thing about it. You surely can understand the difference!
SxS
