I just do not know how they make ends meet, having to suffer working in new salerooms and getting bids from around the world thanks to the internet. My heart goes out to them!
FYI when I started dealing, the average charge was 10% to the vendor and nil to the purchaser.
David L Carter
Adviser and valuer to auctioneers, restorer and dealer
Well done Aubrey
MADAM – Three cheers for the auctioneer (Aubrey Dawson of Dawson’s) who announced that he would absorb the credit card charge as a business expense.
Most auctioneers seem to think their 30-40% commission is sacrosanct, so the vendors end up paying for photographs, listing on the internet and insurance, while the buyer must pay for bidding on the internet, the auctioneer’s commission and other charges, such as Artist’s Resale Right.
Perhaps an auction viewing charge will be next.
Martin Steenson
