And most amateur sellers don't realize how complex it is, how long it takes until they get their money, and a lot of sellers drop out too. Auction is not the best strategy for most pieces.
Low estimates are a strategic risk. Two things to note: 1. A reserve price cannot be higher than the low estimate. Makes sense right? An auction house can't give an estimate of a reasonable sale price and then have a reserve higher than their own estimate...
I did the preview for the Phillips and Sotheby's auctions on Thursday and was at the Phillips auction live today. Saw all those pieces auctioned live. Very strong prices for most of the watches...the Journe and the Lange, lots 1 and 2 started strong out o...