Is Rock Island Auction Getting Too Big?

glowe · #1 01-19-2012, 12:07 PM

I just reviewed the upcoming auction at Rock Island. I searched for specific S&Ws and came up with just the one's I have been looking for. Problem is that I would have to buy 3 to 5 guns I do not want, because RI bundles guns together as one item at their auctions. They have dozens of these bundles and I am wondering what others think about this tactic. I know they have been doing this for some time, but they seem not to care about the collector who does not have a ton of money to drop on these 5 gun packages. If you do not have over a grand to drop at their auction, you might as well stay home, they do not want you there.

The other issue is that I would not want to sell my guns in bundles, since I think it lowers the per piece price that people are willing to pay. Just bugs me that I can not buy the single gun I want, because I do not want the rest of the bundle, or won't pay the money needed to buy stuff I do not want.

The search goes on to fill the holes in my collection. I think I can make room for a few more in the safe if I start stacking them.

JJEH · #2 01-19-2012, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glowe

... They have dozens of these bundles and I am wondering what others think about this tactic...

I don't like this either.

I saw this bundles at Gov. auctions and I do understand that the Gov. does not have the time or whatsoever to sell each item individually.

But a regular auction should take the time and sell each item seperately. Brings more customers, better reputation and more money...

H Richard · #3 01-19-2012, 12:29 PM

I feel as you do, "bundling" guns is a way to speed up the auction, but I also think it doesn't necessarily get the best dollar for the sellers either. Having to buy 2, 3, or more guns you don't want just to get one you do want ties up your money and you are bidding on fewer of the offerings if you are like many of us that have a finite gun budget. I thing RI would do themselves a favor and their sellers by having more auctions with fewer guns in each. I'm going to a 500+ gun auction this weekend, and the last one I attended the average time per gun was 42 seconds, or nearly 6 hours without a break. When the auction is running two rings at a time, you may be jumping back and forth if the timing of things you are interested in falls that way. A 350 gun auction is much more pleasant to attend than a 500 gun auction shoved into one day.