The auctions I attend seem to estimate the price range where the gun sells. I think to low ball the price may get the sells there but it runs off the potential seller. If I took a Parker 410 in to sell and they estimated it at a low value, I would be inclined to walk away and talk to other auctioneers. Conversely, if they estimate it high trying to attract the sellers and they don't get the expected price, they lost me again.
I think from the sellers point of view, it is a sign of a good auction house when the estimated range is hit most of the time. Without sellers, there is no auction. I suspect auction houses have more trouble finding good sellers than good buyers, so they need to keep the seller happy. Accurate price estimates do that.
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