Question: Auction Or Store?

Hi firends,
I find myself a bit lost.
I'v looked at the new Spink auction catalogue and i'v seen an item estimated at 400$ - 500$.
the same item is for sale at David Brandon website for 1650 GBP.

so the question is: why would anyone buy stamps at a store, if prices at auction are so lower?

Thank you in advance!
Ohad

*** Moved by Staff to a more appropriate forum. ***

Both are good, I think.
Auctions can be cheaper, though not always. I try to attend Maresch in Toronto when the auctions come up and if I have the cash, because the quality is really good and the prices can go way up!
I buy online ( ebay or bidstart) because they can be cheaper.
But you can't beat a store for human interaction and leafing through those old pieces of paper in person! And the more you frequent a brick and mortar store, the longer they'll stay open. And believe me, they are getting harder and harder to find. One day they'll be gone!
Bourses are good too. Got to get out of the house more.

Ohadz, it also depends on the item that is on sale. If it has any faults whatsoever it immediately loses a lot of its value.

Peter

I guess you means a similar stamps, probably with same catalogue #, well even so it may have a difference betwen them that will justify the higher price.

Each auction house is different, some estimate their items quite high and bids often come in less than estimate. Others estimate very conservatively and bids exceed estimate by a lot.

I'll never forget watching a Spink auction several years ago. They had a bulk lot of better US material with an estimate of $15000-$20000, I watched in amazement as it went to $235,000. You never know!

Given where I live and the fact the closest stores are about 10 - 12 hrs away, I am limited to online auctions. It would be great to have a store to go to, just for all the eye candy, but it seems brick and mortar stores are starting to vanish for many categories ;(