An auction house is there to make money. They try to get money for your item and take a commission. I deal at auctions a lot (non toys) and hear this greed thing being thrown about. I think its harsh. They are legit businesses, with employees to pay and offer a service where VAT, buyers premium etc is always clearly stated.
From personal experience, the internet is pulling the old auction ways into the social media we are all probably familiar with. A lot of auction houses operate on what I would call, 'old fashioned ways'. Because these business are often long established and that can be hard to admit that the old formula that may have served for a century needs changing. The live auction will die off where a load of old people gather for a day in a room, sit on crappy chairs and stick their hand up now and again. The problem I have with auction houses, is the descriptions and the expertise.. and that's across the board. I'm not sure if the 'sold as seen' works any longer with the wider modern world. [Unless its a box of stuff and that's always a fun gamble. I've gambled a bit on auctions and had some utter triumphs you probably wouldn't believe. And that's the fun and thrill of an auction. ]
The auctions of Vectis and in some part Astons have really got people thinking about toys and their worth. Is it good for the hobby? No idea. I do prefer to deal with people like Iain for my collecting. But the auction houses are out there sourcing this stuff, travelling the country to put this stuff on sale. And lets face it, a lot of us have bid on them. Having spoken to Vectis quite a bit recently, I find that they admit their imperfections and take everything on board. I like that from a business. They are adjusting, learning, responding.
I love watching this hype about what is coming, maybe its just me, I like the tease then the reveal.
