Ghosted P2-39
- 23 hours ago
- 3 min read
The energy was off the charts at the recent Top 300 Auction! In this unfiltered episode, Susan and Randy recap jaw-dropping bidding wars, massive record-breakers, and items that went for many times their starting prices. They also dive into the upcoming lineup for June and drop some serious truth bombs about what happens when winning bidders try to "ghost" their legally binding contracts.
Show Highlights:
Behind the Scenes Personal Updates [[01:48]– Randy shares some personal banter regarding listener emails about his weight loss journey and his brand-new, ultra-short haircut inspired by Shark Tank.
A New Industry Record Shattered [[04:30 – The crew celebrates breaking an industry auction record with Lot 92, a Valley Reliance Dice Game slot machine that hammered down at an incredible $22,000.
The Unbelievable Trunk Find [[06:40] – Proving that new collectors and amazing attic finds are still out there, an unrestored Valley Reliance machine brought in by a consignor in the trunk of their car climbed from a $500 starting bid all the way to $9,000.
The Top Sleeper Items & Multipliers [[07:57] – A countdown of the top five items that absolutely crushed their initial bids, featuring a 1902 John Gun Brewing sign, a stained glass lamp, an early fan motor, and a Wolf's Head motor oil sign that went for 27 times its starting price.
No Reserves Mean Real Deals [[10:13]– A look at a stock ticker that jumped from $2,500 to $9,500, illustrating how Donley's 80% unreserved auctions create massive opportunities for both buyers and sellers.
Something for Every Wallet [[12:33] – Susan explains the strategy behind including lower-end items alongside high-ticket lots so that anyone can participate, whether their budget is $50 or $150,000.
"Be Like Mark" & Post-Auction Reality [[13:43] – A shoutout to the ultimate model buyer ("Mark") and an inside look at the monumental logistics, packing, and shipping work that begins after the hammer falls.
Saying Goodbye to a Piece of History [[16:02] – The emotional departure of the Wild West Town carousel, a staple at the amusement park since the late 1980s, which is officially packed up and heading to its new home in Texas.
Don't Be a Ghost: The Legality of Bidding [[17:47] – A serious heart-to-heart regarding buyer's remorse. Susan and Randy explain why a bid is a legally binding contract, how ghosting hurts consignors, and how banned accounts pave the way for "Ghosted Goods" auctions.
The Stacked June Online Lineup [[19:25] – Previewing three upcoming online-only auctions: the Ghosted Goods event (luxury Rolex watches), Vintage Toys & Trains, and Relics of the American Old West (featuring authentic Battle of the Little Bighorn dug relics).
Want to browse the catalogs, catch the next big bidding war, or learn how to consign your own treasures? Head over to Donley Auctions and make sure to subscribe so you never miss an unfiltered episode!
Visit us at: DonleyAuctions.com
Donley Auction Services
815-923-7000
8512 South Union Road (entrance on Marengo Road)
Union, IL 60180
Donley Auctions is a team of experienced auction professionals dedicated to creating a fun and exciting auction experience. With a rich history connected to the original Union Phonograph Show, the Seven Acres Museum, and Donley’s Wild West Town, Donley Auctions offers a diverse range of items for both seasoned collectors and newcomers. Specializing in firearms, militaria, coin-op, phonographs, cars, motorcycles, petroliana, antique advertising, architecture, coins, sports memorabilia, early inventions, and more, we are the place to get top dollar for your high-quality antiques and collectibles. We host live and in-person auctions monthly, complete with complimentary food and beverages, as well as online auctions at DonleyAuctions.com, where you can bid from anywhere in the world. Our friendly atmosphere, combined with our commitment to providing an engaging auction experience and expert shipping, makes us the go-to auction house for buyers and sellers alike. Whether you're looking to buy or sell, Donley Auctions is the place to be!