Holts Sealed Bid overpriced ???

[Heym SR20]

I don't think anybody is suggesting that per se. It's that, for the lower end of the maket, which is what the Holts sealed bid is, the fees-on-top-of-fees structure they operate, combined with some...less than stellar descriptions and pictures, make for a somewhat sub-optimal experience. I don't think anybody is expecting complete bargains, but equally given the steepness of the fee structure+packing, Holts could and should do better.

Just looking at the latest Sealed Bid Auction, looking at a few lots - they seem to have a pretty comprehensive description with multiple photos - even on low estimates

HOLTS Auctioneers

HOLTS are Europe's leading Auctioneers of Fine Modern & Antique Guns.

www.holtsauctioneers.com

Even at £50 to £60 estimates

HOLTS Auctioneers

HOLTS are Europe's leading Auctioneers of Fine Modern & Antique Guns.

www.holtsauctioneers.com

And all lots have a Total Price Calculator which shows the break down of what you actually pay.

Why it is so is very much down to the way HMRC taxes the sale of auctioned 2nd hand items. VAT may or may not apply depending on whether the item is from overseas, and whether you pay VAT again is matter of where you are resident.

Fees charged by Holts and others are pretty with most other Auctioneers.

Just been looking at Drewatts - 27% buyers premium plus VAT on the premium on all lots with 15% plus VAT taken off the hammer price for the Vendor.

How to Bid at Auction | Dreweatts

At Dreweatts we want you to have an enjoyable experience and make buying at auction as smooth as possible. We offer a variety of ways to participate...

www.dreweatts.com

 

[NullMac]

I wonder if many dealers find Holts a good place to offload stock.

It looks like it. You get batches of the same things periodically.

The reverse is also true there are dealers buying, mainly from overseas but probably not buying from the bric a brac sale

 

[Essexsussex]

I bought my savage 243 from a batch that appeared at holts, brand new it appeared and dressed with a scope and sling for really not a lot of money.

I see you can collect on valuation days round the country which is helpful,
Otherwise the £60 plus insurance plus receiving rfd fees soon rack up.

 

[Mr. Gain]

The page for each lot should really say "You can't take it with you!" at the top. Each old gun is a memento mori and an incitement to sieze the day!
It is always poignant to see an auction catalogue chart the dispersal of what must have been some fellow's cherished collection.

 

[Heym SR20]

I wonder if many dealers find Holts a good place to offload stock.

When I used to visit Holts open days in London there were always plenty of dealers there. Plenty of dealers will also be there on behalf of clients to look at and then bid on particular items. If successful then those guns will often go into a workshop to be serviced and sorted prior to shipping.

Plenty will also bid on items in both the main and sealed bid auctions for their own account to add to their stock. Dealers have a pretty good idea of what the can sell a T3 or Silver Pigeon for and will bid accordingly.

 

[Mr. Gain]

I see you can collect on valuation days round the country

I did not know that - how very helpful!

 

[yorksjt]

I got a z8 2-10x50 in December. Off the top of my head it was £1400 inc fees. It looked to have ring marks which may have put please off but they wiped off. Really happy with it.