BP is there to cover the photography, cataloging of the item, the printing of many high color catalogs, and the inclusion on their website auction, and later archiving of it, I agree 17.5% is a bit steep, but that is actually negotiable if you spend enough with them. 5 figures and up at least, or get a dealers licence and avoid the tax when purchasing. I used to buy a lot from Heritage at auctions as a dealer, now days very, very rarely.
"Buy the Book Before You Buy the Coin" - Aaron R. Feldman - "And read it" - Me 2013!
ANA Life Member #3288 in good standing since 1981, ANS, Early American Coppers Member (EAC), Colonial Coin Collectors Club member (C4), Conder Token Collector Club member (CTCC), Civil War Token Society (CWTS) member, Liberty Seated Collectors Club (LSCC) & Numismatic Bibliomania Society member (NBS), USMex, Member in good standing, 2¢ variety collector.
See my want page:
http://goccf.com/t/140440