Proxiblog focuses regularly on the auctioneer’s perspective in the selling of coins on the portal. Today Proxibidder Dick Fee discusses what service terms and consignments compel him to bid with confidence.

“As a collector I have certain ‘standards, I adhere to,” Fee says. “I don’t try to obtain MS66 or up or PF70 – in the modern series. For earlier series, I modify my approach to say, MS63, and Pf62 to Pf64. The coins in these grades are generally far more affordable – actually, FAR more affordable. For one, the speculators and ‘investors’ aren’t really interested in coins without the flash and potential quick buck profit for them. So, as I view auctions I look for the nice coin, lower grades overall to add to my collection.

“A second point, also very critical, is the fee added to the selling price and the cost of shipping. Say, for example, I believe a fair price for a coin is $100 and the seller’s auction site says 18% plus some specified shipping/handling costs are to be added; my maximum bid is not going to exceed $85, and I would hope to stop at about $80. Now I realize I am going to lose a lot of items to floor bidders since they don’t pay the shipping/handling cost, but this is life – reality. I see some crazy bids for material and mentally then add all the extra charges – wow!”

Dick Fee looks for auctions “with lower buyer add-ons, as I know I will win more of the material on which I bid in such auctions.”

What kind of auctions and service terms compel you to bid with confidence? Proxiblog appreciates hobbyists’ views on bidding and buying on the portal and thanks Dick Fee for sharing his perspective. If you are a bidder and would like to share yours, contact us at mjbugeja@yahoo.com.