Does anybody else buy at auctions?

[JewelledEscalators]

Hi,

In the past, I bought some gemstone jewellery at auction houses (online) and found them to be great value, but as of late, the prices are so high! I don't know who's bidding them up these prices, but it's almost retail prices in some places (or at least it can be cheaper if you buy from other individual sellers). The buyer's premium is also so high, as well as shipping. No more bargains to be found. This is particularly off putting as unlike buying from shops and online sellers, all sales are final and a lot of the time, you can't see the items in person.

Are the prices just a general reflection of coloured gemstones and gold prices going up so much in the last 5 years, or is it specific to auction houses? I am sad as I no longer buy things now.

 

[Bron357]

I used to buy a lot from auctions but the price of gold now and the buyers commission of up to 30% puts me right off. Especially seeing as these days they are all done online so it’s not the same fun and atmosphere of an in person auction. Also here in Australia most jewelry is sold without lab reports or valuations so you do need to view in person but because of the on line format sometimes you aren’t even allowed to do that or you get some random 2 hours mid week. And the quality is also down, lots of more junky type pieces.
I do still browse and buy on ebay as there are no buyer fees. I’m not buying expensive pieces so I’m happy to take a punt for a couple of hundred dollars.
Buying internationally even pre loved involves 10% GST on purchases up to $1,000 which thankfully eBay collects as you pay, though it used to be 0%. If I buy from an Aussie seller it’s 0%. Because buying items over $1,000 involves customs declarations and processing fees plus expensive insurance I rarely buy over $1,000.
I also browse Facebook marketplace - not for the faint hearted - and even Gumtree which is like Craigslist I think. Sadly there are a lot of scammers out there but for the most part a bit of common sense and choosing lower value items makes it safer.
All in all, not as much fun as it used to be but every now and then I find a treasure.

 

[JewelledEscalators]

I used to buy a lot from auctions but the price of gold now and the buyers commission of up to 30% puts me right off. Especially seeing as these days they are all done online so it’s not the same fun and atmosphere of an in person auction. Also here in Australia most jewelry is sold without lab reports or valuations so you do need to view in person but because of the on line format sometimes you aren’t even allowed to do that or you get some random 2 hours mid week. And the quality is also down, lots of more junky type pieces.
I do still browse and buy on ebay as there are no buyer fees. I’m not buying expensive pieces so I’m happy to take a punt for a couple of hundred dollars.
Buying internationally even pre loved involves 10% GST on purchases up to $1,000 which thankfully eBay collects as you pay, though it used to be 0%. If I buy from an Aussie seller it’s 0%. Because buying items over $1,000 involves customs declarations and processing fees plus expensive insurance I rarely buy over $1,000.
I also browse Facebook marketplace - not for the faint hearted - and even Gumtree which is like Craigslist I think. Sadly there are a lot of scammers out there but for the most part a bit of common sense and choosing lower value items makes it safer.
All in all, not as much fun as it used to be but every now and then I find a treasure.

Yes totally agree with what you're saying. I haven't tried Facebook marketplace but might have a look!