I like internet bidding so I don't have go to any auctions but....
The downfall is a 23% buyers premium. Every 100.00 will cost you $23.00. It is getting ridiculous..
I remember Bonhams started that years ago so I stop buying there. Who wants to bid 50K on a car then pay another 12K in buyers premium then shipping the item.
I know the web sites all charge for using their auction platforms.
The charge is 5 percent and then there is the credit card of 3 percent.
The auction houses just keep putting those fee's on the buyer. Which in effect kills the item for the seller. I am comfortable with 15% as I think most people are. In the end the higher the auction house charges the lower bidders are willing to pay. At least that is the way I see it.
The best yet is Mecum Auctions. I sold cars and motorcycles at Mecum for 8%. Beat that. World Wide, World Class.
I think more and more people will just use ebay in the future, it just works fine at 13%.