You took the words right out of my mouth. In fact actions with buyers penalties should be boycotted altogether. Ron L -----Original Message----- From: phono-l-bounces at oldcrank.org [mailto:phono-l-bounces at oldcrank.org] On Behalf Of wilenzick at bellsouth.net Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2006 4:48 PM To: phonolist at yahoogroups.com; Phono-L at oldcrank.org Subject: [Phono-L] Auction buyers premiums I notice that lately many phonographs are showing up on big auction houses that are charging buyers premiums of 20 to 22.5%. It will not be too long before it is 25-30%, if they can get away with it. The largest phono auction house, Stanton's, still doesn't charge any premium at all, and they seem to be doing just fine. The buyer's premium, or better name "buyers penalty" is just a gimmick to make larger profits for the auction house. Some collectors say you can just keep your bid lower to compensate, but in practice the buyer ends up spending more. It would be nice if all phonograph collectors would refrain from bidding on any machine for which there is a buyers premium, but of course that is just wishful thinking. Some collectors with unlimited cash will probably spend whatever it takes to get that special machine, buyers premium or not. Any comments? Ray _______________________________________________ Phono-L mailing list Phono-L at oldcrank.org Phono-L Archive http://phono-l.oldcrank.org/archive/ Support Phono-L http://www.cafepress.com/oldcrank