I worked with a guy whose family ran a pawn shop. He said it was standard practice when guns come in on consignment to price them sky high... then a year later tell the family something like "hey we tried to get you as much as we could but no one wants it... we're feel so bad we'll do u a favor and give you $100 for it. "
Then it goes back on the shelf at a reasonable price.
He also said the standard is to offer someone 1/3 of what they plan to sell the item for... guns, jewelry, saddles, hammers, etc.
There are few bargains to be found at auctions, IMHO, but occasionally even a Blind Hog can find an Acorn...