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I was wondering if any of you guys ever buy anything from Rock Island Auction Co.
I am always leary of these kind of places because I may get ( BURNT ) and I can't afford that.
Why do they put 2 or more Carbines or a Carbine and a M1 GARAND in 1 lot.
Any HELP will be appreciated.
Thanks
Dick
PS - how do you get close up picture ?????
I've placed absentee bids, but not won, RIA lots. I tend to reduce the risks by underbidding, because I can't inspect the lot first hand.
You can double click the image in the lot description and zoom in from there. The pics are pretty good resolution.
Eric
Eric,
Thanks for your response.
I see they charge about 19% plus a charge for handling and postage, which I can understand as they have to make money, but it would be nice to know an estimated price.
I might try it out on this auction coming up.
Dick
They list an estimated price range. The buyer's premium is often forgotten about when buyers make their bids. It can cause the final price to be higher than street. Seen it many times. My experience is that most collectibles sold at auction bring more towards the higher end, and beyond. It can be hard to find a good deal at these auctions, but its possible.
I happen to like the bundled lots at RIA.
RIA really likes the high dollar items, and they often bundle several lower priced pieces to move them out faster. Unless they have gone up recently the buyer's premium is 17.5% if paid by credit card, or 15% for cash or equivalent.
The estimated price doesn't necessarily have anything to do with what any item will actually sell for.
The R in RIA stands for rebuilds, restorations and refinished. At least that is what I saw there
I just glanced over a couple of the M1A1's and see they have bayo band shadow, but now sporting type 1 bands. Also seeing plenty of the later style Cast front sights and some really shiny wood.
FWIW,
CH-P777
I've bid on a few items at RIA in the past and they still send me a nice catelog of the lots.
Unfortunately, the prices they get for items seems to be at or above 'market' price WITHOUT considering the buyers premium and shipping. It's really tough to find bargains or even reasonably priced items, in my experience. I still enjoy looking at the lots, but I've pretty much given up on bidding.
Sometimes the bidder isn't always looking for just a bargain. Maybe a piece that completes a hole in a collection. Or even just a certain serial number range. And when they find that piece they might bid more then it is worth to make sure they get that item.
I know I have paid more for something because I had to have it.
Jim
dittos!Quote:
Originally Posted by jjjxlr8
---------- Post added at 07:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:31 AM ----------
dittosQuote:
Originally Posted by JimF4M1s
I bought an NPM that came through RIA.
I put a bid in for 2 Carbines ( LOW PRICE ) I couldn't control my self as I have the Carbine sickness .
I know I will not win but just wanted to see how things work.
Dick
I have bought 1/2 dozen carbines at RIA over last1/2 dozen years. As long as you know what you are bidding you are ok. I have bought mint guns they said were refinished and have see what they called original being some the likes of riverbanks stuff. Last two sales highest priced guns sold were refinished with fake cartouches. As a buyer you had better know what you are bidding on as auction house sellers neither know nor care as long as they have bidders.
wtmr, your last statement says it all.
I have purchased through RIA and here are my thoughts:
Customer service is awesome and if you have the gun shipped the packaging is the best of all the auction companies I have used. Unfortunately, they use interns to do the grading/descriptions. However, this has helped me snag a few bargains. As noted above; know what you are looking at. While I agree the 'bundling' can be irksome, you have to remember that they are representing the 'seller' and their only goal is to get maximum dollars. As with any auction, bargains can be found but you have to be patient.