Bidding War For Alice In Wonderland First Edition

[@Kilo007-e7x]

I’m an equities trader. Discipline is what makes the money. Your discipline is more admirable than anything here. I know what’s it’s like to put in so much time and energy to then feel a loss. I very much appreciate this video. Thank you!

[@samparkerSAM]

This is why I sell and collect antique arms... the action increases the value of my existing collection. However, I really enjoy books 📚 they are far more affordable with shipping cost. - for my collection habits, typically reference books or ones owned by notable people.

[@Cmdtheartist]

Well said.

[@barringtonofmorpeth]

An excellent comparison, and the keyword . . . Discipline.

[@TheDreamtimezzz]

You did well to stay focused and stick with your budget. Auction fever gets people into trouble. Thanks so much for posting. ❤😊

[@Antoine_Lamarque]

well said

[@Karyn-276a]

I agree. This is The reason why I don’t do this… I don’t have the Willpower to stand firm on price set

[@ilikemandalorians9861]

I would say do more of these but we don’t want you having mental breakdowns left and right 😂 That was intense!

[@billyjones6626]

All good Tom, discipline makes the margin.

[@FromErinsLibrary]

I'm a massive Alice in Wonderland fan and totally understood how gutted you were! Such beautiful bindings. There are other gorgeous editions out there!

[@garywait3231]

Tom, as both a rare books librarian (USA) and also a collector, I easily entered in to both your anticipation, excitement, and disappointment. I was so hopeful that your bids would be successful, as I thoroughly enjoy the videos of your experiences in the rare book trade, and follow them with great interest and enjoyment. Best of luck and success in all your future endeavors!

[@Tophermins]

Great video, Tom! It is easy to get caught up in the moment and go over budget, great to see your restraint and discipline. It is so genuine to show us your reaction in real time.

[@tomwayling]

Thanks Chris! We both showed restraint that day :)

[@dominofalling2038]

So sorry that you did not get to own those beautiful books, but you were wise to stop when you did. That other bidder went in aggressively and must have deep pockets. You did get to see the books in person, so that must have been a great pleasure. There will be other triumphs.

[@jusatin]

I think this is one of your best videos showcasing not only your massive passion for what you do but also your superb knowledge and professionalism. The disappointment you felt when not getting the books was not enough to push you over your edge. I esteem that highly.

[@keziski]

This is, bar none, the best channel on KZbin. I am so fascinated with every video you make!

[@dabenger]

This was a fascinating video. Thanks for letting us have a bts peek into the process.

[@maryannec.moravec6289]

This video was outstanding. Sorry for losing but I am so impressed by your analysis and self discipline. Thanks for sharing this.

[@rogerbarbee9519]

Great discipline, Mr. Ayling

[@jls4382]

What a ride but you know you did the right thing even though it hurts! Thank-you for bringing us along with you on your journey through this fabulous world of exquisite books. 🌹

[@patchup]

I respect your decision. You thought it through, made a plan, and stuck with the plan.

[@curlew-3592]

Not only are you a book lover, but an astute businessman, this is the road to success.👍

[@Maius26]

It’s always helpful for people to see the tough side of what you do, as well as the triumphs.

[@ekurisona663]

and there's no guarantee that the other bidder would have stopped had you bid once more

[@tomwayling]

Yeah I felt like they were out. You can hear them ask the auctioneer if they would accept £6200 rather than £6500 as the next bid. When he said no, and started to close the bidding, they eventually decided to go to £6500

[@ragnes18]

same thought

[@Alfonso162008]

@@tomwayling Interesting. So the bidding increments are set by the auction house beforehand? I have no idea how auctions work.

[@GrumpyScotsman]

You could sense the tension in the atmosphere. Great video once again, Tom. Looking forward to next week.

[@Silvercrypto-xk4zy]

i deal in rare coins and completely understand the gut wrenching decision to let it go and then the second guessing and what iffing for letting it go. good on you for sticking to you pre determined amount and not getting burned

[@samparkerSAM]

❤ Absolutely 💯 bidding against a collector is a terrible proposition... like bidding over on Morgan dollar rolls 😅 very tempting, however also nerve-wracking.

[@Banquet...]

Man, I feel your pain... I thought you'd got it!! I bid on a painting recently which went for a comparatively cheap £1200 (the estimate was £1500 - £2000) and this was by far the most I've ever spent at an auction. When I was the highest bidder at £1200 the auctioneer kept saying 'any other bidders?' - 'come on, this is a lovely painting'. I mean he literally went on for about 5 minutes trying to encourage someone to outbid me. The wife was shouting at the screen 'PUT THE HAMMER DOWN!!'. Very exciting, but couldn't go through that too often :)

[@KiwiExpressCream]

At least on eBay when the timer gets to zero the auction's over no matter the price. I guess it's his job to get as much as possible for the seller but yeah, I don't think my nerves could take that!

[@Alfonso162008]

So did you actually get the painting in the end or did someone outbid you?

[@Banquet...]

@@Alfonso162008 yes, I got it and it’s now hanging above the fire place looking lovely. (sorry I didn’t really finish the story did I?)

[@Alfonso162008]

@@Banquet... Nice! I'm glad you were able to get it and you're enjoying it now.

[@Banquet...]

@@Alfonso162008 thank you, that’s kind of you :)

[@haydenduvall162]

The tension... thanks for taking us on that journey, sorry you missed out.

[@daphnewassink6156]

Thank you for posting and taking us a long in the excitment, disappointment, and wonderful to see how you balance passion for the book, with expertise and professionalism. Sorry you didn't get it for a reasonable prize...

[@scottmitchell5513]

Thanks for letting us share in the thrilling pursuit of those books. Sorry it got away. But it looks like you made the correct professional opinion to forebear.

[@hambo357]

Great looking and just wonderful books! Sorry about the outcome, but you played it right!

[@Kjt853]

I could never be a rare book dealer. I’d never want to sell the books I’d acquired!

[@elizabethclark394]

Wow, intense and nail bitingly tense. Glad you got to see and hold them, but also proud that you stuck to your plan and didn't falter. ⭐

[@Gordo3958]

Another absolutely excellent and compelling video. As others have said, discipline is the watchword here and you did exceptionally well to keep within your budget.

[@robertnice3060]

Very cool. Your enthusiasm is infectious. Keep it up. I enjoy these types of videos.

[@edstevens701]

really interesting to see the auction process, and great to hear your thought process behind you're bidding. would love to see more videos like this one

[@iicydiamonds]

Thank you for sharing the process with us! They were definitely gorgeous books.

[@jackieking1522]

That was almost exciting and I think you did it right. You have to just believe they are both going to an even more loving home.

[@ianmurphy9955]

The age old battle of head and heart applies in this instance, heart wants both Alice and TTLG, head knows it's possibly not going your way as gutting as it was. There are going to be other times you'll get what you're looking for Tom I'm sure.

[@danielste-marie779]

Tom, I feel for you. I have had the same thing happen to me with a set of stamps I needed to complete a collection. They went for way more than I was comfortable paying. They sold for three times the catalogue value, where I normally buy at most half catalogue value. Staying focused is key. It can be easy to get caught up in the moment and bid way more than we should. You did well to stick to your guns.

[@markcainejenkinson6385]

What a painful,passionate and insightful look into book auctions. Thanks and better luck next time 👍🍺

[@codex3048]

25% buyer's premium is insane. I would have refused to bid for that reason alone.

[@WilliamBlakers]

I've seen them over 30%. Add on international postage, packing fees, exchange rates, and taxes and auctions can be a pricey way to get a book.

[@PastPresented]

25% is not unusual for online bidding to a brick-and-mortar auction house in the UK these days

[@GEMSofGOD_com]

25% is more than perfectly ok

[@GEMSofGOD_com]

Boring retail usually takes 30% across areas on avg

[@tomkandy]

It really isn't. Their overheads are substantial, they have to cover, a lot of staff, premises, those glossy catalogues don't print themselves. Ebay charge 10% and all they do is run a website.

[@debcarroll8192]

Those books were incredibly stunning! I am so sorry you didn't win. I just hope something even more perfect for you comes along.

[@reallydarlings-se2xf]

The world is but an enormous vending machine. New treasures will come to light!

[@harrodguy]

Aww your eyes filled up. I've been there many times. But you made a wise decision. You can't go above what YOUR market will bear. And you don't know to what lengths that other bidder would have gone too. There will be others but not these. Hold tight. I've often found my clients were bidding against me.

[@lindalarsson1436]

What's the most expensive?😊

[@wildcolonialboydetecting8335]

This is your best video yet Tom. You laid it all on the line and the tensions was palatable. Plenty of guts and more importantly good discipline. Never rue the one that got away and look forward to next discovery and your next live auction video.

[@lawrencecarlstrom3465]

I was a little gutted too. I genuinely wanted you to get the books, but, you made the right decision. It would break our hearts to see you go broke. Excellent discipline. Excellent video. Lots of drama and suspense. Hopefully you can do more auction videos. Thanks.

[@KaquolMeliReno]

God bless you! I love books myself but can’t afford a magazine! Is nice to know that people like you can save old books!

[@trevorsneath4665]

Totally feel you pain Tom, that was so close. It's like torture. Hope you find something wonderful to cheer you up.

[@TheSaintsInTheWillows]

14:35 I feel you at this mark. Been in that situation many times with 1 second away from winning and then getting a last minute bidder. You displayed amazing strength of will and discipline knowing your limit though. Highly commendable.

[@gardenplots283]

You have to set a price and stick to it no matter what. There is always going to be another great find.

[@endlesswanderer1753]

I was absolutely captivated the entire video. Alice in Wonderland is in my top five favorite stories... so if I had the money, I would have bitten. I was gutted with you. Beautiful books. I hope whoever bought them loves them.

[@jamesshannon7643]

This was quite a unique and fascinating look into your world. You were right in staying disciplined. To do otherwise would jeopardize your business. Thank you for sharing.

[@BigRed-dr6we]

Want & need - you wanted that more than you needed it Tom. Well done for staying focused & to your budget.

[@ENGLISHLitLov3r]

Commiserations. But it made for a great video. Your content is an absolute treat for book collectors, it really is. Top man! 👏

[@margarance]

That was a great insight into your world. Hard choices - but you held your nerve. Disappointing that you didn’t get it, but there will always be another book, that’s how it works.

[@moiraallen3841]

Being wise is better than being clever ! Good job today. You live to fight another day

[@mysteriousoul]

As someone who does this regularly, I admire your discipline and fully appreciate the visceral pain you feel when losing the prize. Brilliant video, thanks for taking us on the journey, better days ahead! 😑

[@JayeCole]

I avoided the comments until the end - the suspense was killing me! I am not sure I could have stayed as firm - that takes some resolve. I would love more videos like this one - it was a real nail biter!!

[@JohnnieAshton]

You were spot on Tom. I buy regularly at auctions, but to those who don't, always always remember, to be disciplined, but also, even if you know your market inside out, there are those . 1 who don't and might overpay, Auction fever, is the usual term. 2 but also those with deep pockets who are not buying to sell, but because they want that item, and couldn't give a fig, what the market will pay, they will bid to their limit.

[@kevbar1505]

You were so good at staying your hand even in facing your want was not being realized. Wise man! I understand the auctions and the pull. I'm a collector that dabbles in the auctions. I feel for you. Be happy and look for something else you can take on. You'll do it.

[@rubaaquila5806]

This was a lot of thrill. And it was still nice to see you stick to the plan you laid out earlier in the video. Book auctions are good content

[@CatsMeowPaw]

As an eager participant in local auctions, it's as important to know when to stop bidding as it is to win the item itself. So many times I've seen two bidders go to war with one another and pay double what the item was actually worth.

[@cjbrown3773]

Great video! Sorry for the disappointing outcome. Thank you for sharing and bringing these beautiful books to your audience!

[@sean7777a]

Hi Tom! Great video! I love watching your experience with this! I have just recently started to collect children’s early editions of literature that inspired Disney animation. I have been buying animation art at auction for over 30 years and have been an animation art dealer for just as long ….and I know what it feels like to be gutted as you say! I enjoyed this video! Keep up the great work with these!

[@AMDELLIS]

So useful thank you. Just went through my first auction - tons of learning - and helpful to see your reasoning through this.

[@scottmartin356]

I’ve overbid as a personal collector, and sometimes had regrets, but as a business man one has to have limits. On the other hand, one can’t win if one doesn’t bid! I enjoy the stories of the books, cheers!

[@LoantakaBrook]

Sorry you didn’t get the books. It is good you went in with a plan and know your limits.

[@879korn]

Very good video. A side of book selling one does not often see.

[@melissaoverland692]

Absolutely fascinating! Thank you so much for sharing this information and your real experience during the live auction! Tough decisions but I think you made the correct decision. Truly fascinating! Better luck next time! 👍✌️❤️😊📚

[@lewiskinser8320]

Sorry it didn’t happen for u. I’m very grateful for u to share this story with everyone tho. Love auctions and old books so getting a glimpse into ur market in UK was awesome to say the least

[@alessandrorossi1294]

Whoa this was awesome! I could watch you do this all day!

[@harbard_berserkr2952]

Love your discipline. Now you have more to add to the next purchase you find.

[@TeaBurn]

I've never bid on anything more than an ebay trinket through sniping to get the price as low as possible, so seeing an auction for expensive rare books is a first for me. I wonder why some people bid early and not just all wait until near the end to place their bid? Unless the auctioneer had a few sock puppet accounts to just get the ball rolling early, or there are just very impatient people with money burning a hole in their pocket. Wow, seeing that price rise and rise was nerve-racking. Unfortunate result, but at least you weren't caught in the trap which you would have later regretted.

[@luke-space]

You did extremely well to hold back on the Alice. I can see the collector in you would happily have paid the final price but you need the discipline you showed when buying to invest. I collect comics for myself and not to resell so I don’t mind overpaying for books that I know will not show up again. By splitting the books into 2 lots really throws off the margins to make a educated bid for the reason you identified…buy lot 1 puts you up to your neck to have to buy lot 2. In my experience, books always show up again so be patient. Great video

[@tylero8595]

Dont fret. I've lost multiple auctions. Set a budget. And follow it. I have not regretted missing an item through auction when I'm out bid. Especially for business. You made the right decision. It still stings though.

[@jackmiddleton2080]

I have been watching auctions on youtube lately for fun. I always imagine just a handful of billionaires buying up everything without much care. It is nice to think that many auctions are composed of bidders that are great fans of the items being auctioned and have a whole little journey attached to the auction day just for their one item of interest.

[@dougl945]

Saw a painting that my grandparents owned that left the family 40 years ago. It was at Christie’s in New York. They had a very low estimate. I was actually shocked. I tried to get it… it was the one piece in the auction that went far over high estimate. I hung in there with bidding until it was 4x high estimate and about the total I had in my savings account plus my highest available credit card balance. Then it hit me that I was being emotional. I dropped out of bidding. Heartbreaking but wise.

[@KristenStieffel]

I’m sorry you didn’t get the books, but good on you for sticking to your budget. I enjoyed the glimpse behind the scenes of the business.

[@Northumbergull]

Fantastic video! C'est la vie. You live to fight another day 👍

[@craigguiliano]

Been there many times. There will be another beautiful book to bid on in no time.

[@LG-qb3wk]

Your efforts are infectious and I'm so glad youtube shared your video with me. I am now a subscriber to follow your story.

[@manuelespinosa724]

Fun and informative!

[@Jimjameslewis]

Well done for sticking to your budget but I’m gutted for you that you didn’t get it. Also remember VAT on buyers premium adds an extra cost.

[@taxpayer1040]

As others have said well done in sticking to your figures. I have connections to an ancient art / antiquities dealers and they always fix the price beforehand and stick to it. It is not uncommon to be referred lots as the underbidder. It is also an example of why it is better to buy and sell directly with / too specialist dealers.

[@legogenius22]

As someone who knows the feeling of bidding on something that meant a lot, but lost in the end I absolutely commend how well this video captures that feeling. Though the feeling of getting to hold on to a quantity of money you truly intended to no longer have is pretty nice as well 😅

[@darrylthomaswilkinson]

Love your channel Tom. I got so excited when I saw the red binding, as we have a miniature version with that red/gold binding (slightly water damaged 1907). Probably worth nothing, but still nice to own.

[@andrewdriver3318]

Out come was unfortunate but this was a master class in restraint. It's at least going to someone who obviously appreciates it. Hopefully they got the other book, be a shame to split up siblings.

[@JimmyPatterson439]

The amount of time that the auctioneer takes to close out the bids is crazy. You did a great job staying calm, because I would have lost it. lol

[@feralbluee]

Just beautiful bindings. I love them myself - and especially because they’re the Alice books :) Poor sweetie - so sorry. . . But someone who knows did say that there are others out there. You did a great job at sticking to your limit - that’s integrity. So, next time, Tom.

[@renee_angelica]

Wow, so beautiful. Imagine reading Alice in that edition.

[@BambamGogh]

MORE OF THIS! Pls! That was intense and awesome. Subscribed

[@dpullen17]

While I have never even looked at books in those price ranges, each time I decide to expand the collection, we are running calculators to work out how much the next bid will actually cost versus the bid amount. In Canada, the average premium is 15-20% plus 13% in taxes. Then add shipping. A few times the price will be twice what the bid is, which ends my bidding much earlier than others. I was always wondering what the higher end sales were like, so tom, I really appreciate how much you shared in this video. Love all you materials and I hope one day to be able to get something from you.

[@tomconnolly7420]

Hi Tom, I love your passion for books, it really comes through in your delivery/presentation. If you do what you love it never feels like work. Thank you for sharing 👍

[@arghjayem]

03:35 could the tears be repaired? Washikozo paper or something ? Or would that adversely affect the value?

[@Snarky_Bird]

I completely understand how you feel, but YOU DID THE RIGHT THING. I used to buy and sell on eBay, and while books were my bread and butter, I would also buy designer handbags and jewelry under certain circumstances. I would set my initial bid at the absolute most I knew the item was worth. That way, if I did get outbid, it was okay because I felt like whoever won the auction was a sucker. You have no idea how much the person you were bidding against would have paid for that Alice, and then you would've absolutely overpaid for the next lot on principal. Just think of all the books you can buy with the money you saved!

[@melsmith5833]

I am so sorry you lost the books but am proud of you for not going over what you were comfortable with. I haven't seen book auctions before, why is there a buyers premium? The bindings were indeed lovely, but having an actual first edition would be exciting also. I have a 1901 edition, illustrated by Peter Newell. I found it at a thrift store.

[@johnsvideo3403]

My parents were antique dealers. Discipline is always key and stay within means. Of course when they sold they loved having someone who was buying with their heart! :)

[@kgsuniquerareandantiquebooks]

Wowowowow!! What an amazing book and binding.

[@luukmobile]

Discipline over ego. Well done.

[@gumshoe2273]

Wow. That auctioneer really lingered and worked the room when you were high bidder, and hammered it very quickly after you were outbid.

[@ynz3713]

This was so suspenseful!

[@jasonyu-gi-oh1056]

Man, I would have loved to own a first edition copy of this book. Alice in Wonderland is one of my favourite stories.

[@shimtest]

your passion for your job is infectious! good luck next time

[@zcarey89]

I haven’t felt that much stress and excitement from a video in a long time. So close, Sorry mate.

[@suz7196]

Damn I get stressed bidding on ebay for a bit of clothing! My heart was in my mouth for you and I can see why they went for so much as they were beautiful books.

[@Peoppell]

Bittersweet ending…but you made the right business decision….❤❤❤❤❤❤ There will be other AMAZING books to buy….😅😅😅

[@marcgoulding5230]

Jeez, I was on the edge of my seat! So sorry that it went like that.