Forum Auction

**slados28** · 12-15-2014, 10:12 PM

Well, I didn't actually know what your specific reasoning was but now I do... so, thank you for clarifying.

If that's actually a legitimate worry on these kinds of forums I think that speaks more to the maturity of the participants rather than the auction format itself though. I must admit I'm not for this kind of "babysitting" as I feel grownups really should know better than to behave like children if they lose out on something, if not they shouldn't be here in the first place IMO, but... oh well, there's always EBAY

Just my thoughts on this particular issue, not a dig on forum policy or anything.

**StefanM** · 12-16-2014, 05:57 PM

Often when the seller doesn't know what a fair price is, an auction sale will crystalise a fair price for those sellers.

**Michael Ryan** · 12-16-2014, 06:49 PM

Hi Slados, I can not help but think that an "Auction" style sale is a bit of a cop out?? However, it is one which I use myself as I do not attend collectors fairs and often have little or no idea of up to date current prices. Ergo if, in my ignorance, I misprice high, I will be laughed at and if I misprice low I will lose out when someone gets more of a bargain than they perhaps deserve. I am on this Forum to learn both about the suject and values etc and see the "auctioning" of items that are original to be part of my education? I have no confidence in buying from E Bay as such a high percentage of what is on offer is crap and the prices are all over the place. Additionally, any items offered to me by members on PM's invariably come with "make me an offer". So realy, what is the difference? I am more inclined to agree with Stefan M for the reasons stated.

With regards to Big Ned, I can see where you are comming from and I largely agree with you however, an elderly collector like me who has been out of German buying and selling for quite a few years, could come badly unstuck if I followed your philosophy and have the potential to lose a lot of money through under pricing. I had intended to put some of my spare swords and other German "stuff" up for "Auction" or "Trade" through the Forum but if it is likely to cause problems then I will have to find a different method of disposal. This is a shame as it is likely to loose some interesting German Militaria to our fellow Forum Members. As a "for instance", I let a Luftwaffe DK in gold, cloth version, go a couple of years back and got a fraction of its value due to my own ignorance and lack of up to date values. Hay ho!!

Just my opinions Regards Michael R

**John P** · 01-19-2015, 06:24 PM

In retrospect, had I known what I was getting into, I would have NEVER put my cuff title up for auction -- I presume you guys know that the eventual winner (jorkataaa) simply vanished when it came time to pay up. I'm not sure I understand what or where the initial discomfort with auctions stems from, but from my point of view, the total absence of accountability makes them a dodgy prospect. Pass it off to lessons learned I suppose.

**big ned** · 01-19-2015, 06:34 PM

by big ned

How amusing. Buying anything from ebay is almost wholeheartedly condemned by this forum yet here we are going down the same path, bidding on an item until the highest bidder at the end wins. Double standards and a route of selling that will probably end up causing more upset amongst the membership than it's worth. Afterall, there is a reason why 'highest bidder wins' auctions are not held on other well thought of forums like WAF, GCA, GMIC etc.

I believe standards are being allowed to slip, but then again, needs as must when the Devil drives I suppose.....

Ned.

by big ned

Nothing worries me. But you have partially answered your own question, discord always eventually appears when these 'highest bidder wins' auctions are implemented, that is why they are not used on other serious collector forums, it causes s*** that isn't needed.

Put up a fair price, first come first served, no arguments.

Ned.

Hot damn! I still got de ol' magic!!

**rbminis** · 01-19-2015, 06:34 PM

Hello John,
He was on line on the 16th of this month.
Ralph.

**Dimas** · 01-19-2015, 06:35 PM

The difference between us and other auctions like ebay etc, the percentage of being a bad item is a minimum. We are the relevant place for militaria collectibles. And why not to sell with us, we just need to update the rules. And, I think I will change the soft for the classified, due current are not fit the forum requirements

**Gunny Hartmann** · 01-19-2015, 06:41 PM

by John P

In retrospect, had I known what I was getting into, I would have NEVER put my cuff title up for auction -- I presume you guys know that the eventual winner (jorkataaa) simply vanished when it came time to pay up. I'm not sure I understand what or where the initial discomfort with auctions stems from, but from my point of view, the total absence of accountability makes them a dodgy prospect. Pass it off to lessons learned I suppose.

Sorry things went badly for you mate, as for accountability if people don't pay without good reason they have no place on this forum!...

**slados28** · 01-19-2015, 06:41 PM

I'm assuming he was held accountable in the fashion of expulsion... no? If not he certainly should have been... There's always one or two bad eggs, so to speak and it's really too bad you had to encounter one --- just don't let that speak for the whole forum "community", as I believe it has proven to be a valuable asset in identifying and appraising your items... (for free) and, as far as I know, there's no fee charged for listing here either (again, another service provided for free). I would put it up as a BIN listing or offer it to the next highest bidder... if possible.