GAI Executive: 'The company is not going out of business.'
ArnyVee
Posts: 4,245 ✭✭
Compelled by growing posts filled with allegedly inaccurate information on industry message boards, GAI vice president of business development Steve Sipe reiterated Thursday afternoon that the California-based sports memorabilia grading and authentication company is not shutting its doors.
"The company is not going out of business," Sipe said adamantly. "Everybody's stuff is safe in a secure location. Our old landlord, we were negotiating, and the guy said 'you gotta be out,' gave us a notice and that's how it happened. It's just been a debacle."
According to Sipe, negotiations for the company's new lease lasted longer than anticipated, causing a delay in GAI's ability to reestablish phone and internet connections.
"Our IT guy is doing everything he can to get this thing fixed so the Web site's up," Sipe said. "We've got to have a location to be able to put the phone in and get it going. If you don't have a location to transfer it to so people can be in the building answering phones, what can you do?"
Collectors seeking information from GAI about their orders have for the past few days been unable to contact the company either by phone (disconnected) or via its Website, which was inoperable as of Thursday afternoon. Emails to the company went unanswered.
Sipe said he felt it necessary to reemphasize the company's stance today in an effort to put GAI's many customers at ease, all of whom have entrusted the company with varying parts of their collections.
"I'm just trying to help people understand that [GAI] is not going anywhere and that they're stuff is fine," he said. "The company's still there, it just had to move. Otherwise, I would let you know. Hopefully, by tomorrow, this will all be a passing moment.
"We'll get through it. I'm sure there are some upset people. I personally just wanted to take this upon myself because there's nothing worse than no information."
"The company is not going out of business," Sipe said adamantly. "Everybody's stuff is safe in a secure location. Our old landlord, we were negotiating, and the guy said 'you gotta be out,' gave us a notice and that's how it happened. It's just been a debacle."
According to Sipe, negotiations for the company's new lease lasted longer than anticipated, causing a delay in GAI's ability to reestablish phone and internet connections.
"Our IT guy is doing everything he can to get this thing fixed so the Web site's up," Sipe said. "We've got to have a location to be able to put the phone in and get it going. If you don't have a location to transfer it to so people can be in the building answering phones, what can you do?"
Collectors seeking information from GAI about their orders have for the past few days been unable to contact the company either by phone (disconnected) or via its Website, which was inoperable as of Thursday afternoon. Emails to the company went unanswered.
Sipe said he felt it necessary to reemphasize the company's stance today in an effort to put GAI's many customers at ease, all of whom have entrusted the company with varying parts of their collections.
"I'm just trying to help people understand that [GAI] is not going anywhere and that they're stuff is fine," he said. "The company's still there, it just had to move. Otherwise, I would let you know. Hopefully, by tomorrow, this will all be a passing moment.
"We'll get through it. I'm sure there are some upset people. I personally just wanted to take this upon myself because there's nothing worse than no information."
* '72 BASEBALL #15 100%
* C. PASCUAL BASIC #3
* T. PEREZ BASIC #4 100%
* L. TIANT BASIC #1
* DRYSDALE BASIC #4 100%
* MAGIC MASTER #4/BASIC #3
* PALMEIRO MASTER/BASIC #1
* '65 DISNEYLAND #2
* '78 ELVIS PRESLEY #6
* '78 THREE'S COMPANY #1
WaltDisneyBoards
* C. PASCUAL BASIC #3
* T. PEREZ BASIC #4 100%
* L. TIANT BASIC #1
* DRYSDALE BASIC #4 100%
* MAGIC MASTER #4/BASIC #3
* PALMEIRO MASTER/BASIC #1
* '65 DISNEYLAND #2
* '78 ELVIS PRESLEY #6
* '78 THREE'S COMPANY #1
WaltDisneyBoards
0
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
"There are no infidels in the grading room!"
"We are the #1 grading company!"
"Our registry/pop report/business will be up on Monday!"
Seriously, they are great guys but it's time to stick a fork in it. Hopefully Mike will end up back at PSA.
Always looking for Topps Salesman Samples, pre '51 unopened packs, E90-2, E91a, N690 Kalamazoo Bats, and T204 Square Frame Ramly's
<< <i>
"Our IT guy is doing everything he can to get this thing fixed so the Web site's up," Sipe said. "We've got to have a location to be able to put the phone in and get it going. If you don't have a location to transfer it to so people can be in the building answering phones, what can you do?"
>>
You contact your local carrier (Bell/Verizon/ or in their case Comcast) and you say 'hey, we're moving. We need our phone numbers routed to XXX-XXX-XXXX for the time being.
If a telecom vendor took this long to move a phone system to another location, their reputation would be ruined...
There's also something called Execusuites--all over the country. They set up offices and give you a receptionist to answer your damn numbers.
Putz
Forget blocking him; find out where he lives and go punch him in the nuts. --WalterSobchak 9/12/12
Looking for Al Hrabosky and any OPC Dave Campbells (the ESPN guy)
<< <i>"We'll get through it. I'm sure there are some upset people. I personally just wanted to take this upon myself because there's nothing worse than no information." >>
I like this quote, too bad he did not think that no information was a way to upset people two weeks ago.
Even if they pull through this and are not closing shop, they have lost lots of the trust of their customers
<< <i>
"There are no infidels in the grading room!"
"We are the #1 grading company!"
"Our registry/pop report/business will be up on Monday!"
Seriously, they are great guys but it's time to stick a fork in it. Hopefully Mike will end up back at PSA. >>
In my business (heavy industrial manfacturing) I have recently dealt with a couple suppliers who have relocated, and it has taken them in excess of a week to get everything back online including phones and internet. It is not easy to pick up shop get everybody moved and up and running the next day.
Give them some time and then make a decision.
J
<< <i>Give them some time and then make a decision. >>
They've had about 3 years to get it right. How much long should we wait?
whatever happened to bahgdad bob?thats more interesting to me, man was he funny,there are no americans in the country,it is a hollywood production, booom,bob runs off roof,3rd infantry coming -last i ever saw of him lol -i guess he was just doing his job so he wouldn't get killed by saddam in the pallett shredder-baghdad bob should have his own tv show or something, im thinking they got him
<< <i>
<< <i>
"Our IT guy is doing everything he can to get this thing fixed so the Web site's up," Sipe said. "We've got to have a location to be able to put the phone in and get it going. If you don't have a location to transfer it to so people can be in the building answering phones, what can you do?"
>>
You contact your local carrier (Bell/Verizon/ or in their case Comcast) and you say 'hey, we're moving. We need our phone numbers routed to XXX-XXX-XXXX for the time being.
Putz >>
Agreed....they sound like a bunch of idiots...who would want to do any business with a company that disorganized and unprofessional....geesh...
They are going to inform you that they are not going out of business, in the same manner they didn't tell you that they were being evicted.
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm
Still no contact info Sap errrr I mean Sipe...
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
"Our IT guy is doing everything he can to get this thing fixed so the Web site's up," Sipe said. "We've got to have a location to be able to put the phone in and get it going. If you don't have a location to transfer it to so people can be in the building answering phones, what can you do?"
>>
You contact your local carrier (Bell/Verizon/ or in their case Comcast) and you say 'hey, we're moving. We need our phone numbers routed to XXX-XXX-XXXX for the time being.
Putz >>
Agreed....they sound like a bunch of idiots...who would want to do any business with a company that disorganized and unprofessional....geesh... >>
If GAI were in a business which was not hobby related and did not have forums discussing up to the minute events, this move would be a non-issue. (Of course if they are trying to pull a fast one, this is a good thing).
Now if they run off with people's goods they deserve to be castrated and dealt with accordingly.
J
R73 1933 Goudey Indian Gum - Series 288 - Nos. 118
Also looking for 1953 Parkhurst & 1953 Quaker Oats Ripley's BION.
If you have any available for sale PM me
<< <i>Is GAI going to get a business license? - Didn't have one before. >>
Business Licences are primarily revenue generation tool for local municipalities. Not knowing the local ordinances where GAI was setting up shop, they may have not required a license. Some towns only require those business which deal directly with the public providing services which require inspection to be licensed (restaurants, taxi cabs, day care, etc.).
<< <i>Today's a holiday but not everyone has off....in fact my kids went to school today so the teachers are obviously working............ >>
Wow !! My boys got today off. Me....not so lucky.
<< <i>Well, their website is partially up (links and images aren't working, but the homepage is somewhat up). Thank heavens for small favors, I guess... >>
Guess it's one of those situations where something is better than nothing?
Personally, with all of the negative publicity, I wouldn't do anything half-reared at the moment...
<< <i>Today's a holiday but not everyone has off....in fact my kids went to school today so the teachers are obviously working............ >>
There's a first
The website is up. A website server such as this is cheap to use - only about $9 a month, a little more or less. I guess Mr. GAI must have found nine bucks in his sock drawer. LOL
<< <i>http://www.gacard.net/
The website is up. A website server such as this is cheap to use - only about $9 a month, a little more or less. I guess Mr. GAI must have found nine bucks in his sock drawer. LOL >>
Oh geez - I just checked the links - none of them work. What a first class joke!
"Not Found"
LOL
"If I ever decided to do a book, I've already got the title-The Bases Were Loaded and So Was I"-Jim Fregosi
Hey Warhound ---do some work before popping off about no license. Took me all of 2 seconds.
The information displayed here is current as of "NOV 09, 2007" and is updated weekly. It is not a complete or certified record of the Corporation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporation
GLOBAL AUTHENTICATION ACQUIRING CO., INC.
Number: C2874325 Date Filed: 5/10/2006 Status: active
Jurisdiction: California
Address
232 AVENIDA FABRICANTE STE 100 BOX 14
SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672
Agent for Service of Process
HARTFORD O BROWN
777 S FIGUEROA ST STE 470
LOS ANGELES, CA 90017
<< <i>Hey Warhound ---do some work before popping off about no license. Took me all of 2 seconds.
The information displayed here is current as of "NOV 09, 2007" and is updated weekly. It is not a complete or certified record of the Corporation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporation
GLOBAL AUTHENTICATION ACQUIRING CO., INC.
Number: C2874325 Date Filed: 5/10/2006 Status: active
Jurisdiction: California
Address
232 AVENIDA FABRICANTE STE 100 BOX 14
SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672
Agent for Service of Process
HARTFORD O BROWN
777 S FIGUEROA ST STE 470
LOS ANGELES, CA 90017 >>
Thanks for posting this information. This whole event is becoming an interesting study of internet rumor, speculation, and bashing. People seem to be taking single postings on internet message boards to be truth without verification of facts or confirmation.
J
<< <i>
<< <i>Today's a holiday but not everyone has off....in fact my kids went to school today so the teachers are obviously working............ >>
There's a first >>
RipublicaninMass, as the product of public schools and the son of a public school teacher, I find this comment offensive.
View Vintage Football Cards For Sale
<< <i>
<< <i>Today's a holiday but not everyone has off....in fact my kids went to school today so the teachers are obviously working............ >>
There's a first >>
LOL, my kids are in school too today
<< <i>Hey Warhound ---do some work before popping off about no license. Took me all of 2 seconds.
The information displayed here is current as of "NOV 09, 2007" and is updated weekly. It is not a complete or certified record of the Corporation.
>>
Actually, Carew29, what you listed is from the California Secretary of State's site. All that means is that GAI is current with its annual fees to the State of California. As the article mentioned, it is the business license for the City of San Clemente that they failed to obtain. That's an entirely different animal.
As someone else mentioned, it's really just a (BS, IMHO) source of income for municipalities. Nothing to see here with the "no business license" issue. But the "No one knows where they are, and their phone lines and website are down"--that's I'd be concerned about if I had cards with them!
<< <i>
<< <i>Today's a holiday but not everyone has off....in fact my kids went to school today so the teachers are obviously working............ >>
There's a first >>
I know one public school teacher that had off today
Steve Rocchi from GAI called me this afternoon (Monday, Nov 12). He said they are in their new office, same building, different suite, and they are beginning to work on order processing. They may need another day or two to get the phone lines and internet connections fully operational, but, for those of you with submissions in, I hope this will give you some peace of mind. Like many of you, I have submissions in right now.... I'm confident we will all get our cards pretty soon. Regards, ST
<< <i>Steve Taft just left this message on the beckett message boards a few minutes ago..
Steve Rocchi from GAI called me this afternoon (Monday, Nov 12). He said they are in their new office, same building, different suite, and they are beginning to work on order processing. They may need another day or two to get the phone lines and internet connections fully operational, but, for those of you with submissions in, I hope this will give you some peace of mind. Like many of you, I have submissions in right now.... I'm confident we will all get our cards pretty soon. Regards, ST >>
Thats good news for everybody that submitted
<< <i>
"There are no infidels in the grading room!"
"We are the #1 grading company!"
"Our registry/pop report/business will be up on Monday!"
Seriously, they are great guys but it's time to stick a fork in it. Hopefully Mike will end up back at PSA. >>
Baghdad Bob is a riot!!!!!!!!!!!!! Laughed my ass off!!!!!!!!!!
chaz
Steve
Maybe once they get operational they can explain how all the items got 'lost' over the years.
<< <i>Database, website and network upgrades are proceeding as planned. >>
<< <i> RipublicaninMass, as the product of public schools and the son of a public school teacher, I find this comment offensive. >>
You always have to open your mouth dont you? Tell ya what, I find it OFFENSIVE you can't take a joke. At least this time YOU weren't a pissin and moanin VIA Pm about my freakin sig line, yes a sig line. My mother is a teacher as well, and I have nothing for respect for educators. Educators are extremely underpaid, and have a very unrewarding job. BTW my mom teaches SPED kids (or "retards" just to twist the knife there buddy) Your "production" from a public school and son of a public teacher is nothing short of evident in your "I'm offended mentality". Guess what?? Thanks to the vet's of this country I have the right to say whatever I want! Is there a day when you aren't offended by anything you see? I am more offended by people saying they are offended. YOU encompass EVERYTHING that is wrong with this country. What's next no x-mas or hanukah jokes? I just WISH I knew what you had written there BEFORE you wet your pants, and had to edit it, did you ask your teacher parent if it was OK to complain?
edited for spelling, asked mommy if everything was ok
LMAO
Steve
Neither is just passing them from grade to grade cause their folks will be pissed if they are held back. I would say 75% of teacher Occupy space, ( a classroom) collect a check (be it for 180 days of work), and wait for their pension. I also know this first hand, since my mom has been a teacher for 30 years. So it was said in jest, but think about the people you work with. Do 3/4 of teachers care about motivating an unmotivated kid? WHY??? Would you actually get PAID more if you did? Don't take me for an ignoramous. Ever hear the old saying "those who can't do, teach?" Well there is some truth to some of those sayings. The teachers are the cornerstone of this country's education, and I see it failing. Guess what, you know what my dream is? To make enough $$ ELSEWHERE, to be able to go back to school and be a professor to actually educate student to NOT believe what the see or hear, to think for themselves, and to not be afraid to express an opinion diffrent than everyone else's.
So Here's to you NOW I AM OFFENDED! Hopefully you've already gone to bed, those lesson plans really take a toll on ya.