Sounds like a buyback was done (happens regularly, even at SA). If they're not charging a seller for commission or taxes for a buyback, then that's cool at least for the seller. It sounds (if that's the correct context of the quote) that they're trying to be cool with the sellers. From a business standpoint, that's making a smart concession.
The problem is that out of the entire auction, sounds like buybacks are the majority which defeats the f'n purpose of an auction folks. Put a damn reserve on it....
Chris...if you're lurking out there, you might wanna chime in and lay things straight, especially if you would like more KLOV members to attend and help the Anaheim auctions flourish.
I was just reading this thread and appreciate all the comments said good and bad. Since Avid put it out there to "lay things straight" I can say a few things knowing full well you will believe what you want no matter what is said.....Number one is I am running a business which happens to be in the sales of video games etc.(coin-op almost all types)
Look, I have been to many of the same game auctions you have been to for years in California since 1998-99. The first auctions I attended were at the Fullerton Warehouse of S.A. held every month ten years ago, cripes I worked at it for years.....The auction was, aside from a place to get great classic games it was a place where small time operators could bring their old games to sell and buy different games cheaper than at Betson or CA Robinson.... Well Fullerton is long gone and so was the monthly consignment auction. What have those small operators done since...not much other than leverage everthing into the Betson and CA catalogs of games and also maybe two to three time a year Super Auction. We just wanted to offer a service to fill that void that was left years ago when Fullerton closed.
The consignment auction works like this: Operators and owners of games,pinballs and vending equipment bring their items to the "consignment"auction site.(basic definition pay a fee to try and get top dollar for their item) If they do not like the price it is at, they excercise their right to "buyback"their item(basic def;protect their investment! and yes they do pay a fee) Some call this "shill bidding".That is wrong...It is called a consignment auction with ability to buy back. Perfectly legal and a good way for people with hurting incomes to try and recover some funds much needed these days.Reserves are placed on items that the seller know's he or she can not attend.
The auction is not a mask for a sale! Respectfully, Are you kidding...the numbers would not favor the house. We do successfully sell games online and during the week to operators and home buyers....Auction is for the whole community.We are actually going to have other auction events unrelated to coin op as well.
Captain's Auction Warehouse is a service facility with many different profiles of business and with the ever changing economy doing what has to be done to keep commerce alive.
We are in business of course to succeed as well as provide the best quality experience we can provide. There is nothing sinister going on at our auctions here......
Check the deals (small sample)..... These buyers are happy! Well most anyway!
Hydro Thunder $175.00( For the record:there was not another one in the auction,this one seemed to work fine! What a deal!)
DK Jr. japanese cab $50.00
Die Hard $25.00
Suzuka 8 Hr.2 $75.00
Carnevil 33" $225.00
Big Buck Hunter $100.00
Deer Hunting USA $50.00
more results you have to attend...
And by the way: better than 70% of the games and equipment sold from the auction floor.
For having our first three auctions I have been very pleased with our auctioneer staff that has been present. We are trying to keep the amount of games and other items to no more than 150 so we can have an auction over within a couple hours.
I really enjoy your community and would like to be a part of the community more than lurking and calling it "your" community....I would really like KLOV members to attend and support the auction.....I know there must be ways to contribute to the site and community.......I come in peace!
I'd love to see more classics there, but from your description us collectors are only a portion of your target market. Best of luck to you!
