Searching the Web turned up many on-line auctions featuring antiques. Most sold other merchandise as well, such as computers and consumer electronics. Most used a broad definition of antiques. In fact, the majority of antiques listed were really collectibles. A few sites did carefully categorize Beanie Babies, Furbies, sports cards, comic books, and the like as collectibles.
Reserves are nearly universal in on-line auctions.
Although many firms offer lower fees for unreserved listings, sellers are not yet confident enough to let the market processes work. On some sites the reserves are unrealistically high, as evidenced by the lack of bids. Good antiques at realistic prices, however, are showing up more frequently on some Web auctions. And some Web auctions are truly specializing in antiques. It behooves both collectors and dealers to look at these sites and become familiar with their methods.