Now that it would seem auctions are gonna no longer be held w physical shows ( due to covid but I doubt the trend will reverse ), is it probable physical in- mail auction catalogues will become a thing of the past w only online
auction offerings? I distinctly recall asking StacksBowers in person what it cost them for the typical auction catalogue- $35 including mailing & that was a decade ago - likely $40+ now. No wonder the auction houses only mail catalogues to active clients. And then there
is the pressure of getting the printed catalogues out in time, given the increasingly radically changing weather, huge flight cancellations & the increasingly undependable post office. The future impact of no physical auction catalogues ( or, at least, a change to actual “ request only “ for catalogues rather than mass mailings) will, in my opinion, have a negative impact on the hobby in terms of new collectors entering the hobby, retaining old collectors & even auction prices.
Comments
1960- 2015+. If that disappears and is relegated to online only, well I’m glad I was around to experience the good old days.
I know I need catalogs to help me figure what I want to buy.