This is why auctions are motivated to sell at any price. Not in my best interest.

This is really interesting. So how on Earth are they even close to the country fur buyers prices in that case? Let alone beat their prices, in my experience of course

This is really interesting. So how on Earth are they even close to the country fur buyers prices in that case? Let alone beat their prices, in my experience of course[/quote]

Over the years I been told by a lot of country buyers that they go to auction to buy certain goods because it costs to much in the country to buy the same stuff.

Who has local fur buyers? I have lived in PA since 1946. I started selling furs in about 1956. For about 20 years 1980-2000 I had a local fur buyer. For the past 10 years I have been trapping in Maine. There are several fur buyers in Maine and several in surrounding states. They come together and have "local" auctions several times each year. Here is why I ship. 2013 Sale: I averaged $132 for fisher and $107 for marten @ NAFA the local sale had $50 marten and $85 fisher. The next year 2014 sale I had $159 fisher @ NAFA local auctions had about $80 fisher. That is why I ship.

Well don't let Simple Math logic and reason get in your way. LOL

Because the country buyer also has handling, shipping, paperwork expenses they need to cover and they need to take some profit between what they pay and their selling price. At the auction that is called commission, in the country it is called profit margin.

It is also called fees which in many cases are much greater than the commission, which means an auction can make money selling for the fees and have little incentive to sell less for higher commissions. It is called fee loading.

Well I certainly think we need all three big options. The country buyers and auction houses and the state auctions just to keep everybody honest. Or more honest anyway