[GrahamN]

I wasn't at the auction on Sunday, but from talking to Chas at previous auctions the main problem is the very late decisions from some people as to whether they are going to enter lots into the auction at all, and if they are, what exactly they are entering.

Generally there aren't too many of these, and Chas is able to work round any issues, but on this particular auction I understand that there were a significant number of lots that were withdrawn at the last moment, so I'm not too surprised that there were more problems than normal.

In an ideal world things would run like clockwork, but that would inevitably mean increased costs leading to either a non-viable business or buyers premiums, increased fees for vendors etc. I suspect most people would prefer an occasional hiccup rather than paying 15 to 20 percent more in buyers premiums as in more conventional auctions!