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Buying from Auction Houses....

yankeeno7yankeeno7 Posts: 9,252 ✭✭✭
in Trading Cards & Memorabilia Forum
Ok, I know this thread could turn into a barn burner but please refrain from naming names of auction houses with horror stories because it will only cause this thread to be removed or even members being banned (yes it has happened before)...

My questions are:
1. How many here buy from auction houses?
2. How concerned are you with shilling?
3. Has anyone had any problems receiving items after they have won?
4. Are most auction houses quick about delivery?
5. Has anyone ever tried to return an item they felt was incorrectly advertised? The outcome?
6. Has an auction house ever refused to sell you an item even if there was no reserve OR if it actually DID meet reserve?

Comments

  • MorgothMorgoth Posts: 3,950 ✭✭✭

    1. Too many, you need to call and talk to someone at the AH before you consign. Ask all the questions and concerns especially about non paying bidders, return policy etc.

    2. Very, Very concerned. Remember it's the wild west out there and they have ZERO oversight so what is to prevent them?

    3. There are lots of threads here and on NET54 about AH's not allowing returns even when the items were proven to be not authentic.

    4. Yes but they charge an arm and a leg for shipping.

    5. Nope

    6. Nope
    Currently completing the following registry sets: Cardinal HOF's, 1961 Pittsburgh Pirates Team, 1972 Pittsburgh Pirates Team, 1980 Pittsburgh Pirates Team, Bill Mazeroski Master & Basic Sets, Roberto Clemente Master & Basic Sets, Willie Stargell Master & Basic Sets and Terry Bradshaw Basic Set
  • BrickBrick Posts: 5,001 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Although I do not with the more expensive cards I have never and probably would not deal with an AH because their reputation brings a lack of confidence in the sale being on the up and up. In fact I try to not deal with any AH whether at an AH or elsewhere.
    Collecting 1960 Topps Baseball in PSA 8
    http://www.unisquare.com/store/brick/

    Ralph

  • WinPitcherWinPitcher Posts: 27,726 ✭✭✭
    I have never made a bid with an AH.


    Sorry can't answer your questons.


    Steve
    Good for you.
  • thunderdanthunderdan Posts: 3,036 ✭✭✭
    I purchase from several of the AHs from time to time. I think shilling is a legitimate concern given the lack of oversight. The items I've purchased have been at or below what I'd buy the item for on eBay, so that gives me at least some comfort that significant shilling did not occur on that item.

    Never had a problem with shipping time, though the amount they all charge for shipping is completely ridiculous. I only ever buy PSA graded cards whose holder is completely free from frosting where the flip is legit, so I've never had to return an item. I do worry about ever having to return an item as I suspect there would be a problem. Never had them refuse to sell me something.

    image


  • markj111markj111 Posts: 2,921 ✭✭✭
    I have occasionally bought from auction houses and have been very satisfied. I do not worry about shilling as I don't go crazy with my bids. Best deal-1966 #544 PSA 8 for about $225, including the juice. Other wins- 1959 PSA 8.5 Billy Hunter, PSA 8 60 Berra, and a raw 1967 lot that produced a bunch of 8s and a few 9s.
  • qualitycardsqualitycards Posts: 2,811 ✭✭✭
    1. Have done so many times w/ many houses
    2. The ones I'm concerned w/ shilling I rarely bid with
    3. Rec'd everything that I've won
    4. Rec'd lots usually 1 to 3 weeks after payment
    5. Never returned anything
    6. Won & rec'd every lot that I was high on
    image
    Website: http://www.qualitycards.com
  • proofer2proofer2 Posts: 186 ✭✭
    1. Yes
    2. Not. I have a maximum price I'm willing to pay, and if I get it for that or less, I'm happy.
    3. No
    4. Average
    5. No
    6. No
  • Cardman222001Cardman222001 Posts: 84
    1. Yes, mainly Mile High, Legendary and Memory Lane
    2. Concerned but I have a ceiling in mind for all laots I bid on and will not go over.
    3. No problems receiving.
    4. Quick
    5. Yes I have tried and been told no once and yes once.
    6. No refusal.
  • theczartheczar Posts: 1,590 ✭✭
    1. How many here buy from auction houses?
    2. How concerned are you with shilling?
    3. Has anyone had any problems receiving items after they have won?
    4. Are most auction houses quick about delivery?
    5. Has anyone ever tried to return an item they felt was incorrectly advertised? The outcome?
    6. Has an auction house ever refused to sell you an item even if there was no reserve OR if it actually DID meet reserve?

    1. I am addicted to those glossy catalogs. In the old days it glossy porno, now it glossy pictures of wonderful cards.
    2. To say it never happens is foolish. Set a limit and if you lose you lose.
    3. Never
    4. Two weeks or less. The more often you buy the better the trust you build and the quicker you get it.
    5. I have never had to return anything.
    6. The only person who messes with crazy terms is **** *******. I would avoid his overpriced cards and run away in the opposite direction. I have had times where I called the head people at Mile High, Memory Lane and Goodwin. Whether you think these guys are wonderful people or scam artists is beside the point. At least they have the courtesy and the respect for you as a money spending customer to talk to you. **** ******* would not ever call me back. I have zero respect for him and his outlandish prices. I have seen him buy cards on Ebay and a week later they are in his website auction at 2.5 times what he paid. (Of course it never sells because he paid too much on Ebay.)
  • yankeeno7yankeeno7 Posts: 9,252 ✭✭✭
    Thanks for responses
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