More than forty percent of the buyers were new to Sotheby's. Peter Kraus of Ursus Books, New York City, thinks the idea of a dealer partnership with Sotheby's is a good one. Kraus does not see a huge volume of material coming out of the woodwork but notes that dealers always have things they need to sell. The dealer partnership appears to be a clever way for Sotheby's to get ready inventory. Not every dealer approached signed up immediately, and not all those who signed up checked the box that allows Sotheby's to use their names.
Some dealers are opposed to the whole idea.
I'm not in the auction business. If I want to sell at auction, I want to choose which auction is the best venue. I don't see the point of sending something to auction we no longer want with our name on it. The majority, however, see on-line selling in a more positive light. You can use it as much or as little as you choose.