Recommendations Of Stamp Auctions - For Smaller Budgets

In addition to purchases from dealers, I have acquired some stamps (and in some cases, collections of stamps) in on-line auctions. Some have been run by stamp dealers, and others have been ebay auctions. I have generally been satisfied with the results of the auctions, and feel like I have been treated fairly (even when I didn't have the highest bid). But I have only looked at a couple of auction sites, and I know there are more out there.
Do the members of this community have any recommendations with respect to online auctions for collectors with smaller budgets? (Would the answer be different for collectors with larger budgets???) There may be sites that I'm simply not aware of. Also, are there auction sites or practices that newer collectors should look out for?
Thank you all in advance for any recommendations.

I highly recommend Modern Stamps on Stamp Auction Network for inexpensive stamps. What areas are you interested in?

Also Dutch Country.

We would need to know more about you ,what your looking for and something about dollars spend There is no one answer for everybody .

Thanks for the quick replies. I am focused on US stamps, including regular issues, commemoratives and "back of the book" stamps. With respect to the "smaller budgets" comment, I was thinking of collectors that don't plan to spend more than $500 in any given auction - but ultimately I am interested in any auction that is geared toward individual collectors, rather than (for example) sales of inventory to dealers. I expect that there won't be a consensus, or even that each respondent will recommend only one auction site. Instead, please suggest a couple of auction websites, and I (and hopefully others) can peruse them and try out a few.
Thanks again!

Rasdale Stamp Company in Chicago and Dutch Country Auctions in Delware . Both companies have good service and I been with both , one for 60 years and 15 years . Both have material that will be in the areas you posted .

I have heard Rasdale's next auction will be their last one.

EYEONWALL ---- Just checked their event calendar , everything after the October 17-18 ,2026 auctions is blank .

I agree with the above suggestions, with the caveat that any auction will have overpriced and underpriced items. It is more important to know the market for the material you seek.With that in mind all auctions are game. I recommend Kellehers and Cherrystone also, if you know the market on the stamps you are pursuing. Lately I have sat through Cherrystone's auctions, and have reasonably bought some very nice material. It's important to know your market.
cheers m

That changes things since most of the auctions on Stamp Auction Network apply. Even the larger houses have a good selection under $500.

What I always keep in mind are the commission rate, shipping costs and extension policies. The shipping is a big one because a number of auction houses seriously "pad" that item IMO. Like $25 minimum and shipping you a $100 set of stamps costs you $25. With the commission you pay more than retail at a brick and mortar shop. No thanks.

A first time auction buyer should do the same thing I look at as a long term buyer of stamp auction material .

You need to spend some free time well before you decide to spend money . at a stamp auction . Spent time looking at previous stamp auctions understand both quality and price . Find what rings your bell for attention .

For me I am looking for that lot that normally never shows up at auction ,something that is hard to find at public auctions . A few years back I was looking for stamps from Cape Juby ,when a country collection appeared at auction it was something I was ready to fight and pay up to get it . This same approach can be done by a early U.S. collector when a high quality stamp appears that has not appeared for auction over the past few years .

It is the hunt that keeps you going not the price . Buy that item that stands out for your collection

Good recommendations from all. I agree with floortrader's advice to browse past sales before jumping in head first with a big purchase. Don't let the excitement of an auction competition get the best of you and bid more than something is worth. Do your research, set a price limit on the stamp, and stop bidding at that limit. Unless it is something very scarce, chances are another copy of the same stamp will come up for auction in a few months that may sell for less.

And yes, the typical 20% buyer's commission and potential sales tax will increase your top bid even higher. That said, good deals are often found in auctions. Kelleher's weekly sales (closing almost every Sunday night at 9 PM Eastern) have a wide range of US items at all price ranges. While not as fun as a live auction, you are likely to find something useful at their weekly sales, and sometimes be able to win at the opening bid. Here is a link to their sale closing tonight.
https://stampauctionnetwork.com/V/V5336.cfm

A word of caution however, unlike most "Live" auctions where the winning bid is one increment above the next highest bid, at Kelleher's sales, if your bid is below the estimate, then your bid is your bid, regardless of any lower bids.

For example, if the estimate is $100, and the opening is $25 and the next highest bidder is $35 -- if you bid $50 at this sale and win, you pay $50. At other auctions, if you bid $50, you would pay $40 (one increment above the next highest bidder of $35). If you bid above their estimate, then the normal rule of one increment above the next highest bidder does apply.

Stamp Auction Network is the best aggregation of the major stamp auctions in the US (and some International). Another one worth mentioning (that is not listed on SAN) is Golden Valley Stamps in Minnesota. https://www.gvstampauctions.com/

These happen about once a month and have the unique feature of a "soft close". Unlike e-bay where there is a fixed ending time, this auction prevents sniping by extending the closing time by 5 minutes after the last bid. Interesting feature, kindof a hybrid between an Internet auction and a live auction.

Good luck and have fun!

A limit of $500 per auction is not that low. After a while collecting one finds it hard to spend just $500 but as more auction do not ave materiel of interest, a $500 limit with a number of auctions skipped, may be come an auction purchase of $1500 or $2000 every now and then of items being sold to collectors not bulk dealer material.

Your $500 per auction will keep many firms happy to have you as a customer and may even send you paper printed auction catalogues.

Thank you for all the responses - I have a great list to start from. Also, the recommendations regarding past auctions, auction fees and shipping were all very helpful.
It's good to know that there are a lot of options available to individual collectors.

It's confirmed, Rasdale is shutting down their stamp auctions after 94 years. From Stamp Auction Network:

"It is with mixed emotions that the intro for our 468th auction is written. First, a brief history that some of you know but many don't. Our grandfather started running auctions in 1932 until he passed in 1958. At that time, our uncles, Jim and Dick, continued running the auction out of Michigan until 1968 when they then moved the operations to downtown Chicago.

After 21 years of Kevin working under their mentorship the business was moved to Westmont, at which time Kristin joined. This turned out to be a wise decision as the physical size of the auctions grew to where we need all 7,700 square feet of our office space. We are proud to be the oldest family owned and operated stamp company in the United States. It has been a fabulous run. We have dealt with many wonderful people over the 94 years. It is because of these people that Rasdale Stamp Company has had the honor of serving the philatelic community for so long. But all good things must come to an end.

This is our last auction, and boy is it a doozy."

https://stampauctionnetwork.com/RA/RA468.cfm

Rasdale is the very best auction house of them all. The very best!