I wonder if Stacks was going to admit to him that his coin was shipped to the wrong buyer. I'm betting they were hoping for a quick return by you and then a quick ship to their buyer, perhaps with a few "handling delays" if he questioned them. By calling him as you did you may have severely damaged their relationship with a major customer. If Stacks reads this thread, I doubt you'll be getting any bones thrown your way.
Sean Reynolds
P.S.: Not that I don't think the buyer deserved to know what had happened, just that it was Stacks' place to tell him, not yours.
Incomplete planchets wanted, especially Lincoln Cents & type coins.
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
I thought it was "my place" to get to the bottom of this debacle and see if the other buyer had received my coin, in lieu of the one I had. If he hadn't been traveling he might have been able to answer that question.
If he doesn't have my coin, maybe one of the readership here might have and could have notified me.
I'm not interested in being "thrown a bone" - that was never my concern.
EDIT: Tuesday - 9/6/2011: Just spoke with Ron Castro of Stack's Bowers and they had my coin all along [ wonder why he didn't let me know - so I wouldn't have worried ] and it was shipped out Priority Mail last Friday. He expects my coin to arrive either today or tomorrow.
So... I'll hold off going to the Post Office until after I receive my mail today - as I sure as shooting don't want to miss this package !!
Mike Hayes ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
The error of recording the correct Bidder information could have initiated on the floor and a correction to that information may not have been passed onto the shipping dept in a timely manner .
I don't quite agree with your direct contact of the actual buyer, as you probably understood, your action would only further embarrass and potentially complicate further relations between Stack's/Bowers and this " Buyer " . Doing the " Right Thing " here ended when you promptly notified the " Shipper " of the mishap and returned the item to them, at their cost. Sometimes " Going the extra mile " , does more harm than good.
I'm glad you didn't know that I was the one who put the frog in mary alice's lunchbox in kindergarten.
My first reaction would have been "Holy Crap!™" followed by my second reaction, "Holy Crap!™"
<< <i>Ha! I think Mike should be given a buyer's credit of at least $1000 and buyer fees waived for a year! >>
Maybe he'll get one of those big cans of popcorn -- one section caramel, one section orange dust, one section yellow dust.
I hope you're able to disclaim all liability for that coin once it hits the PO. It would suck to have Stack's/Bowers or the actual buyer end up coming after you if it grows legs at the PO.
I hope you're able to disclaim all liability for that coin once it hits the PO. It would suck to have Stack's/Bowers or the actual buyer end up coming after you if it grows legs at the PO.
Good point. It would make sense to have photgraphic proof of that package being sealed and handed over to the USPS. I'd have probably done it in the company of my local dealer just for the added verification. Last thing one needs is an empty package showing up on S/B doorstep.
<< <i>Would it have been proper for the OP to ask the auction house to come and get the coin? >>
You could do that, maybe it is even legal, but you are kind of cutting off your nose to spite your face when you treat an auction house like that - they aren't going to be real easy to deal with after that.
When dealing with a big faceless corporation it is different.
My brother ordered a computer from one of the well-known mail order places, they shipped him two by accident. They wanted him to bundle up #2 and haul it back to the depot. He said no, you come here, so they came to his house and took care of it. And I am sure he could order from them again, the billion dollar companies don't care about crap like that.
Pissing off Chris K. and Chris N., that I would worry about
I spent an hour in line at the Post Office to get that package out... and to top it off, it rained like Cats and Dogs all the way to the other side of town [ half hour drive turned into 45 mins !! ]... and another 45 minutes home... not happy about that.
2 1/2 hours of my time - plus gas & wear & tear on my car. I'll be curious if I'll ever get even one "thank you" from them.
BTW - my 1889 Quarter did show up at my house before I went to the Post Office to mail the Half Eagle back to them.
Mike Hayes ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
<< <i>Would it have been proper for the OP to ask the auction house to come and get the coin? >>
You could do that, maybe it is even legal, but you are kind of cutting off your nose to spite your face when you treat an auction house like that - they aren't going to be real easy to deal with after that.
When dealing with a big faceless corporation it is different.
My brother ordered a computer from one of the well-known mail order places, they shipped him two by accident. They wanted him to bundle up #2 and haul it back to the depot. He said no, you come here, so they came to his house and took care of it. And I am sure he could order from them again, the billion dollar companies don't care about crap like that.
Pissing off Chris K. and Chris N., that I would worry about >>
<< <i>Would it have been proper for the OP to ask the auction house to come and get the coin? >>
You could do that, maybe it is even legal, but you are kind of cutting off your nose to spite your face when you treat an auction house like that - they aren't going to be real easy to deal with after that.
When dealing with a big faceless corporation it is different.
My brother ordered a computer from one of the well-known mail order places, they shipped him two by accident. They wanted him to bundle up #2 and haul it back to the depot. He said no, you come here, so they came to his house and took care of it. And I am sure he could order from them again, the billion dollar companies don't care about crap like that.
Pissing off Chris K. and Chris N., that I would worry about >>
I wouldn't equate a computer with an 1821 half eagle. If that coin is indeed worth six figures, I would at least suggest someone come out and get it. I wouldn't want to put that in the mail.
WOW!! Just getting "back into gear" and what do I see... a really nice '89 Quarter and a '21 Type 2 Capped Head $5. I think that $5 might pair well with someone's '34 crosslet 4 $5 Classic Head. Too bad the someone isn't in the same ballpark as the '21
I was pleasantly surprised to hear that they are issuing me a $500 credit towards my future auction purchases.
I greatly appreciated that gesture and look forward to meeting up with "the powers that be" at the next show.
For what its worth - I have been tracking the Express Mail Package I sent them - and it still doesn't show as delivered. I requested an eMail notification from the USPS when its signed for. Granted, it was just shipped on 9/6 - but I just want to hear that its safe and sound. The party I shipped it to has yet to contact me.
Mike Hayes ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
I think they may have read this thread...saw my suggestion of $1000 and figured they could swing $500 and still make you happy. Glad they did the right thing!
"If it's not fun, it's not worth it." - KeyMan64 Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners.
Between the buyer's juice and seller's fees they received, I think Stack's could have done a lot better than $500 imo...especially given the value involved and the potentially huge mess that could have resulted from their mixup. That said, it's gratifying to see an instance where honesty and morality are rewarded. Kudos to you MFH, for doing the right thing.
<< <i>Between the buyer's juice and seller's fees they received, I think Stack's could have done a lot better than $500 imo...especially given the value involved and the potentially huge mess that could have resulted from their mixup. That said, it's gratifying to see an instance where honesty and morality are rewarded. Kudos to you MFH, for doing the right thing. >>
I agree, it was magnanimous on Stack's part to give the $500, and yes they could have done much better, maybe add a gold coin to the reward. But what else was there to do but return the coin? That coin at retail could pay off what's left of my mortgage, but what would the OP do? Crack it out and sell it? That coin was probably photographed nine ways to Sunday. No choice but to turn it in.
<< <i>I agree, it was magnanimous on Stack's part to give the $500, and yes they could have done much better, maybe add a gold coin to the reward. But what else was there to do but return the coin? That coin at retail could pay off what's left of my mortgage, but what would the OP do? Crack it out and sell it? That coin was probably photographed nine ways to Sunday. No choice but to turn it in. >>
Yeah. I mean, the $500 will be forgotten and gone before you know it. Feeling good about doing the right thing -- for the right reasons -- and sleeping well at night about it is something that will keep "paying" a lot longer.
I hope you feel that the $500.00 sufficiently reimbursed you for that 2 1/2 hrs you devoted to returning the coin to Stack's/Bowers. I guess they did say " Thank You " . Stack's/Bowers is a class act and they strive for perfection in all aspects of their business.
I'm still waiting for my two quarters, even though they were paid for right after the sale. And as of yet no indication in my invoices that they've been shipped. Maybe they got detoured in a SNAFU too? Need to give them a call tomorrow
I wonder how that $500 compares to what they gave the winner of the 1821 $5 for his "troubles"....
(Sorry if I'm being too cynical in this thread, I don't know why this situation is bringing out the worst in me)
Sean Reynolds
Incomplete planchets wanted, especially Lincoln Cents & type coins.
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
I was pleasantly surprised to hear that they are issuing me a $500 credit towards my future auction purchases.
I greatly appreciated that gesture and look forward to meeting up with "the powers that be" at the next show.
For what its worth - I have been tracking the Express Mail Package I sent them - and it still doesn't show as delivered. I requested an eMail notification from the USPS when its signed for. Granted, it was just shipped on 9/6 - but I just want to hear that its safe and sound. The party I shipped it to has yet to contact me. >>
Here is your chance to be a big shot. I'm serious here. Thank them for the kind gesture, but tell them you understand mistakes happen and you would rather they donate the $500 to the Make a Wish foundation. Win, win, win!
<< <i>Here is your chance to be a big shot. I'm serious here. Thank them for the kind gesture, but tell them you understand mistakes happen and you would rather they donate the $500 to the Make a Wish foundation. Win, win, win! >>
<< <i>Only $500 and its not even cash.......hmmm..........cheapo! >>
Yes, just an invitation to get Stack'sed.
Given the choice between a $500 credit, and making Stack's (or their representative) retrieve the coin from me, I would have been tempted to choose the latter.
I kinda agree with RYK...I realize that they didn't technically have to offer OP any reward at all, but rewarding honesty with something that's only good if you spend more money with them... isn't much of a reward imo.
<< <i>I kinda agree with RYK...I realize that they didn't technically have to offer OP any reward at all, but rewarding honesty with something that's only good if you spend more money with them... isn't much of a reward imo. >>
A $250 gift certificate to Morton's or MFH's favorite restaurant would have been a small price to pay MFH for the hassle, time, and responsibility. If I had spent 2 1/2 hours, I would have invoiced them for $750 for my time. I do not owe them any favors.
Comments
<< <i>They need to throw MFH a bone for getting their fat out of the fire. I say next auction purchase buyers fee is waived. >>
Ha! I think Mike should be given a buyer's credit of at least $1000 and buyer fees waived for a year!
Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners.
LOL - tell that to the powers-that-be at Stack's Bowers.
I do like the No Buyers Fees for a year though.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
<< <i>
<< <i>Wow I would of kept it. >>
And you would have been in your total legal right to do so .. IMHO
Not that it would have been morally correct .. but financially well LOL >>
Your HO is absolutely wrong.
My Early Large Cents
<< <i>LOL - tell that to the powers-that-be at Stack's Bowers.
I do like the No Buyers Fees for a year though. >>
Or maybe your quarter for FREE if they ever find it.
Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners.
Sean Reynolds
P.S.: Not that I don't think the buyer deserved to know what had happened, just that it was Stacks' place to tell him, not yours.
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
debacle and see if the other buyer had received my coin,
in lieu of the one I had. If he hadn't been traveling
he might have been able to answer that question.
If he doesn't have my coin, maybe one of the readership
here might have and could have notified me.
I'm not interested in being "thrown a bone" -
that was never my concern.
EDIT: Tuesday - 9/6/2011:
Just spoke with Ron Castro of Stack's Bowers
and they had my coin all along [ wonder why he
didn't let me know - so I wouldn't have worried ]
and it was shipped out Priority Mail last Friday.
He expects my coin to arrive either today or tomorrow.
So... I'll hold off going to the Post Office until after I
receive my mail today - as I sure as shooting don't want
to miss this package !!
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
I don't quite agree with your direct contact of the actual buyer, as you probably understood, your action would only further embarrass and potentially complicate further relations between Stack's/Bowers and this " Buyer " . Doing the " Right Thing " here ended when you promptly notified the " Shipper " of the mishap and returned the item to them, at their cost. Sometimes " Going the extra mile " , does more harm than good.
I'm glad you didn't know that I was the one who put the frog in mary alice's lunchbox in kindergarten.
<< <i>Ha! I think Mike should be given a buyer's credit of at least $1000 and buyer fees waived for a year! >>
Maybe he'll get one of those big cans of popcorn -- one section caramel, one section orange dust, one section yellow dust.
I hope you're able to disclaim all liability for that coin once it hits the PO. It would suck to have Stack's/Bowers or the actual buyer end up coming after you if it grows legs at the PO.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
It would suck to have Stack's/Bowers or the actual buyer end up coming after you if it grows legs at the PO.
Good point. It would make sense to have photgraphic proof of that package being sealed and handed over to the USPS. I'd have probably done it
in the company of my local dealer just for the added verification. Last thing one needs is an empty package showing up on S/B doorstep.
roadrunner
when there is a screw up of that magnitude -all bets are off and it's every man for themselves
<< <i>Would it have been proper for the OP to ask the auction house to come and get the coin? >>
You could do that, maybe it is even legal, but you are kind of cutting off your nose to spite your face when you treat an auction house like that - they aren't going to be real easy to deal with after that.
When dealing with a big faceless corporation it is different.
My brother ordered a computer from one of the well-known mail order places, they shipped him two by accident. They wanted him to bundle up #2 and haul it back to the depot. He said no, you come here, so they came to his house and took care of it. And I am sure he could order from them again, the billion dollar companies don't care about crap like that.
Pissing off Chris K. and Chris N., that I would worry about
I spent an hour in line at the Post Office to get that package out...
and to top it off, it rained like Cats and Dogs all the way to the other
side of town [ half hour drive turned into 45 mins !! ]... and another
45 minutes home... not happy about that.
2 1/2 hours of my time - plus gas & wear & tear on my car.
I'll be curious if I'll ever get even one "thank you" from them.
BTW - my 1889 Quarter did show up at my house before I went
to the Post Office to mail the Half Eagle back to them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
<< <i>
<< <i>Would it have been proper for the OP to ask the auction house to come and get the coin? >>
You could do that, maybe it is even legal, but you are kind of cutting off your nose to spite your face when you treat an auction house like that - they aren't going to be real easy to deal with after that.
When dealing with a big faceless corporation it is different.
My brother ordered a computer from one of the well-known mail order places, they shipped him two by accident. They wanted him to bundle up #2 and haul it back to the depot. He said no, you come here, so they came to his house and took care of it. And I am sure he could order from them again, the billion dollar companies don't care about crap like that.
Pissing off Chris K. and Chris N., that I would worry about
The question was more light-hearted than serious.
<< <i>Would it have been proper for the OP to ask the auction house to come and get the coin? >>
Or drive it out there in an armor tank.
Don't want to raise any flaggs?
How in the world do you mail a 6 figure coin without insurance??
The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!
My Jefferson Nickel Collection
<< <i>
<< <i>Would it have been proper for the OP to ask the auction house to come and get the coin? >>
Or drive it out there in an armor tank.
Don't want to raise any flaggs?
How in the world do you mail a 6 figure coin without insurance?? >>
Stack's, as well as most other dealers and auction houses, use
private insurance companies.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
<< <i>
<< <i>Would it have been proper for the OP to ask the auction house to come and get the coin? >>
You could do that, maybe it is even legal, but you are kind of cutting off your nose to spite your face when you treat an auction house like that - they aren't going to be real easy to deal with after that.
When dealing with a big faceless corporation it is different.
My brother ordered a computer from one of the well-known mail order places, they shipped him two by accident. They wanted him to bundle up #2 and haul it back to the depot. He said no, you come here, so they came to his house and took care of it. And I am sure he could order from them again, the billion dollar companies don't care about crap like that.
Pissing off Chris K. and Chris N., that I would worry about
I wouldn't equate a computer with an 1821 half eagle. If that coin is indeed worth six figures, I would at least suggest someone come out and get it. I wouldn't want to put that in the mail.
__________________
Craig
Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners.
Update:
I received an email from Stack's, et al:
I was pleasantly surprised to hear that
they are issuing me a $500 credit towards
my future auction purchases.
I greatly appreciated that gesture and look
forward to meeting up with "the powers that be"
at the next show.
For what its worth - I have been tracking the
Express Mail Package I sent them - and it still
doesn't show as delivered. I requested an eMail
notification from the USPS when its signed for.
Granted, it was just shipped on 9/6 - but I just
want to hear that its safe and sound. The party
I shipped it to has yet to contact me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners.
RIP Mom- 1932-2012
<< <i>Between the buyer's juice and seller's fees they received, I think Stack's could have done a lot better than $500 imo...especially given the value involved and the potentially huge mess that could have resulted from their mixup. That said, it's gratifying to see an instance where honesty and morality are rewarded. Kudos to you MFH, for doing the right thing. >>
I agree, it was magnanimous on Stack's part to give the $500, and yes they could have done much better, maybe add a gold coin to the reward. But what else was there to do but return the coin? That coin at retail could pay off what's left of my mortgage, but what would the OP do? Crack it out and sell it? That coin was probably photographed nine ways to Sunday. No choice but to turn it in.
<< <i>I agree, it was magnanimous on Stack's part to give the $500, and yes they could have done much better, maybe add a gold coin to the reward. But what else was there to do but return the coin? That coin at retail could pay off what's left of my mortgage, but what would the OP do? Crack it out and sell it? That coin was probably photographed nine ways to Sunday. No choice but to turn it in. >>
Yeah. I mean, the $500 will be forgotten and gone before you know it. Feeling good about doing the right thing -- for the right reasons -- and sleeping well at night about it is something that will keep "paying" a lot longer.
I'm still waiting for my two quarters, even though they were paid for right after the sale. And as of yet no indication in my invoices that they've been shipped. Maybe they got detoured in a SNAFU too? Need to give them a call tomorrow
roadrunner
(Sorry if I'm being too cynical in this thread, I don't know why this situation is bringing out the worst in me)
Sean Reynolds
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
<< <i>Only $500 and its not even cash.......hmmm..........cheapo! >>
Yeah MFH I'll give you $50 hard cash for your $500 future credit!
<< <i>Update:
I received an email from Stack's, et al:
I was pleasantly surprised to hear that
they are issuing me a $500 credit towards
my future auction purchases.
I greatly appreciated that gesture and look
forward to meeting up with "the powers that be"
at the next show.
For what its worth - I have been tracking the
Express Mail Package I sent them - and it still
doesn't show as delivered. I requested an eMail
notification from the USPS when its signed for.
Granted, it was just shipped on 9/6 - but I just
want to hear that its safe and sound. The party
I shipped it to has yet to contact me. >>
Here is your chance to be a big shot. I'm serious here. Thank them for the kind gesture, but tell them you understand mistakes happen and you would rather they donate the $500 to the Make a Wish foundation. Win, win, win!
<< <i>Here is your chance to be a big shot. I'm serious here. Thank them for the kind gesture, but tell them you understand mistakes happen and you would rather they donate the $500 to the Make a Wish foundation. Win, win, win! >>
People are so generous with other peoples money!
My Early Large Cents
<< <i>
<< <i>Only $500 and its not even cash.......hmmm..........cheapo! >>
Yeah MFH I'll give you $50 hard cash for your $500 future credit!
--------------------------------------------------------------
BS- you'll be happy to know I'll put it toward the 19-S -
--------------------------------------------------------------
The package was signed for - so - all's right with the world
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
<< <i>Only $500 and its not even cash.......hmmm..........cheapo! >>
Yes, just an invitation to get Stack'sed.
Given the choice between a $500 credit, and making Stack's (or their representative) retrieve the coin from me, I would have been tempted to choose the latter.
RIP Mom- 1932-2012
<< <i>I kinda agree with RYK...I realize that they didn't technically have to offer OP any reward at all, but rewarding honesty with something that's only good if you spend more money with them... isn't much of a reward imo. >>
A $250 gift certificate to Morton's or MFH's favorite restaurant would have been a small price to pay MFH for the hassle, time, and responsibility. If I had spent 2 1/2 hours, I would have invoiced them for $750 for my time. I do not owe them any favors.
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"