Any GUU Auction Surprises?

[suave1477]

While Grey Flannel being around longer is certainly true and one might expect them to have more bidders, I’m not sure the statement that you can always expect items to go for more with them is correct. Here are a couple of examples of where I think GUU Auction did better on comparable items (w/buyer’s premium):

Grey Flannel McFadden: 2,664

http://www.greyflannelauctions.com/LotDetail3.aspx?lotid=17840

Game Used Universe McFadden: 4,802

http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/auction/lot.php?id=621



Grey Flannel Peterson: 3.691

http://www.greyflannelauctions.com/LotDetail3.aspx?lotid=17942


Game Used Universe Peterson: 5,423

http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/auction/lot.php?id=613



Although different years, Grey Flannel Clemens jersey: 1,538

http://www.greyflannelauctions.com/LotDetail3.aspx?lotid=18079


Game Used Universe Clemens jersey (w/ pants): 5,811

http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/auction/lot.php?id=620


I think it there are a number of factors that can affect the prices of individual items.

Josports your picking out specific items. I mean that can happen anywhere thats no secret.

But over all you have a better chance of getting a higher sale if the lot is exposed to more bidders. That's just plain economic business sense.

Example

1) You can have 2 people bidding on the same item at GUU and make the item go from a $100 to a $1000

2) You can also have 20 people bidding on that same item at Grey Flannel and make it go from $100 to $5000

Of course the first 2 at GUU can go crazy and shoot the item up to $10,000

But law of averages is you would have a better shot on gettng more hits when the item has more exposure. Plain and Simple.

[bigtruck260]

I agree with Suave when he says that not ALL collectors are aware of GUU. There have been many times (in the past year) where I have struck up a converstaion with someone spending a grand on jerseys/bats, etc.

...and they have never heard of this site. They do all of their business through local shows and dealers. One specifically was a guy from Buffalo, NY who was buying jerseys at a Cards game. I asked him what his username was and he looked at me like I was a nerd - I rarely get that look considering my size, so I remembered it.

I have only been here for about a year or so...and I've been collecting hardcore for almost 20 years. Some folks just don't care about networking - and that's fine. I am sure that there is a way to market to those folks too.

I would suggest that Chris look into printing flyers/posters for individual hobby stores. I know of a few that would gladly hang a poster for a small fee.

Dave

[karamaxjoe]

Okay..... then here's the question I was hoping to avoid:

Other than a smaller consignor fee, whats the benefit to consigning to a GUU auction?

Mike

[suave1477]

Well for one I think you have a bit more reliability of payment from the bidder.
Peoplee who are bidding on items know the credibility of GUU and take it more serious.

I am sure the larger houses have to deal a lot more with DeadBeat bidders.

Not to mention this is a growning situation.

The question your asking is just like any other business that starts out small. Not every company starts off big.
I think also one advantage GUU has it is Auctioning there items to more dedicated collectors Vs. the other auction houses have fly by night collectors and serious collectors.

[Vintagedeputy]

Re: Any GUU Auction Surprises?

I'm surprised that my catalog hasn't arrived yet.....

[bigtruck260]

I think that the fact people are allowed to comment on lots says TONS about the accountability of GUU and the auction.

Many of the larger houses let things slide when things are discovered about them. I think Chris and Mike Specht did a good job of answering the questions I had on items. Anyone who questioned an items was answered in a public forum for ALL to see...it wasn't hearsay. If items were questionable, they were pulled.

In time, this auction will grow - and a more diverse selection of consignments will be there.

Personally, I did not bid on anything because I collect Cardinal bats...and there weren't any.

Dave

[lund6771]

Guys..it obviously takes time to get stuff going...how can anyone realistically be a major player over night...a few years from now the dust should settle and the GUU model should stand tall