My Recent Experience with Stack's Bowers
Branchmint
Posts: 46 ✭
I have been a customer of Stack’s Bowers (Bowers Merena, Stack’s, etc.) for many years. Most of my experiences with them have been positive or at least neutral. For years I have received their regular auction catalogs, but it was only recently that I started receiving their “Collectors Choice” auction catalogs. Those catalogs are very bare-bones in their descriptions, with no photos and a stated no-return policy. Understanding that the material in these auctions would likely be low-end, I decided to place some bids in the June auction. I wound up winning nine lots totaling just over $7k. I mailed a check and received a package about two weeks later. As the descriptions made no mention of condition, I assumed low grades and was neither surprised nor concerned when my assumption proved to be correct.
The problem arose when I was examining my purchases and discovered that three of the lots were significantly not as described. It appears the cataloguer was not on their A-game when this catalog was put together. Unfortunately, I relied upon the accuracy of the minimal information provided in the descriptions when making my bids. One lot of Barber quarters was described as a specific number of a specific date and mint mark, but 10% were different than described. In another lot, about 60% were different than was specifically described. Finally, 100% of the coins in the third lot were different than the description. In each of these lots, the coins that did not match the descriptions were worth considerably less than the ones the description stated that I would receive. Imagine that.
Well, you don’t have to be an attorney to know that you can’t describe an apple and send an orange, so I called Stack’s Bowers to inform them of the problem. I spoke with a customer service rep seemed to understand the issue and spoke with a “manager”. Immediately, the “manager” dismissed me stating that there are no returns on this auction. Realizing that the “manager” completely lacked any comprehension of Stack’s Bowers’ responsibility with this problem, I again spoke with the customer service rep and asked to speak with someone higher up. She said that she would speak with the president and get back with me. The following business day, she called me back and said that the president agreed to “allow me” to return the lot that was 100% misrepresented, but that I was going to have to keep the other two lots. At this point, I realized what I was dealing with and decided that it was not worth fighting this any further. I returned the one lot and enclosed a letter asking Stack’s Bowers to remove me from both their e-mail list and regular mailing list. (They couldn’t even get that right, because just yesterday I received an e-mail regarding an upcoming auction.)
I’m sure that Stack’s felt like they were going out of their way to do me a favor, but the bottom line is – whether through ignorance or arrogance or both - they are in violation of the law. Contract law is very clear that a buyer is allowed to rescind a purchase when: (1) a description or representation is made of an item, (2) a buyer relies upon the accuracy of that description to enter into a contract, (3) the description turns out to be inaccurate or false, and (4) the buyer suffers damages as a result. In a nutshell, if you misrepresent something, you can throw your return policy out the window because it no longer applies. Even eBay knows that and allows buyers to return items a seller – regardless of the seller’s return policy – if an item is not as described.
Again, I was willing to swallow the medicine and move on. But a couple of days later, I decided to log into my account to print out another copy of my invoice. After logging in, I decided to look at my profile. Somebody at Stack’s Bowers had populated my address and e-mail address with “DO NOT USE, BAD CLIENT”. Don’t these geniuses realize that I can see that? I’m not sure how I got labeled as a “bad client” since the only thing I’ve done as a Stack’s Bowers client for all of these years is to participate in their auctions and always pay my bills as soon as I receive them. It must be because I returned a lot that was 100% completely misrepresented. I didn’t even argue with them when they (illegally) stuck me with two other lots that were grossly misrepresented. This classless gesture is the opposite of how a professional, upstanding company should handle the situation. Of course, based upon my experience, “professional” and “upstanding” have proven to be inappropriate adjectives for this company. I have restrained myself from expressing here what I feel are accurate descriptors.
I acknowledge that Stack’s Bowers has some quality names behind their company, but their Achille’s heel is their comically horrific customer service. There have been many posts on this forum regarding this, so I’m not bringing up anything new. What amazes me is that these marketing virtuosos have no problem tossing away a long-term relationship without a second thought if a customer calls them out on their mistake or costs them any money. At no point did Stack’s Bowers make an attempt to reach out to me and try to turn my complaint into a compliment. In the most fundamental of business marketing courses a student is taught that a negative experience stays with a customer much longer than a positive one, and the average unhappy customer will tell many more people about their experience than will a happy customer. This experience has already become a topic of several conversations. As an officer in multiple clubs and a frequent speaker, I’m sure I will significantly exceed the average.
Finally, to point out what many on this forum know to be true - there are several other quality options in this relatively small market (Heritage, Goldberg, Legend, Great Collections, along with a few local and regional auction companies). I am quite confident that I will not lament the absence of Stack’s Bowers’ e-mails or catalogs in my mailbox (assuming they eventually quit sending them). But should I ever have any regrets when I see their ads in Coin World or pass their booth at a major show, I’ll console myself with words similar to which they described me: “DO NOT USE, BAD COMPANY”.
The problem arose when I was examining my purchases and discovered that three of the lots were significantly not as described. It appears the cataloguer was not on their A-game when this catalog was put together. Unfortunately, I relied upon the accuracy of the minimal information provided in the descriptions when making my bids. One lot of Barber quarters was described as a specific number of a specific date and mint mark, but 10% were different than described. In another lot, about 60% were different than was specifically described. Finally, 100% of the coins in the third lot were different than the description. In each of these lots, the coins that did not match the descriptions were worth considerably less than the ones the description stated that I would receive. Imagine that.
Well, you don’t have to be an attorney to know that you can’t describe an apple and send an orange, so I called Stack’s Bowers to inform them of the problem. I spoke with a customer service rep seemed to understand the issue and spoke with a “manager”. Immediately, the “manager” dismissed me stating that there are no returns on this auction. Realizing that the “manager” completely lacked any comprehension of Stack’s Bowers’ responsibility with this problem, I again spoke with the customer service rep and asked to speak with someone higher up. She said that she would speak with the president and get back with me. The following business day, she called me back and said that the president agreed to “allow me” to return the lot that was 100% misrepresented, but that I was going to have to keep the other two lots. At this point, I realized what I was dealing with and decided that it was not worth fighting this any further. I returned the one lot and enclosed a letter asking Stack’s Bowers to remove me from both their e-mail list and regular mailing list. (They couldn’t even get that right, because just yesterday I received an e-mail regarding an upcoming auction.)
I’m sure that Stack’s felt like they were going out of their way to do me a favor, but the bottom line is – whether through ignorance or arrogance or both - they are in violation of the law. Contract law is very clear that a buyer is allowed to rescind a purchase when: (1) a description or representation is made of an item, (2) a buyer relies upon the accuracy of that description to enter into a contract, (3) the description turns out to be inaccurate or false, and (4) the buyer suffers damages as a result. In a nutshell, if you misrepresent something, you can throw your return policy out the window because it no longer applies. Even eBay knows that and allows buyers to return items a seller – regardless of the seller’s return policy – if an item is not as described.
Again, I was willing to swallow the medicine and move on. But a couple of days later, I decided to log into my account to print out another copy of my invoice. After logging in, I decided to look at my profile. Somebody at Stack’s Bowers had populated my address and e-mail address with “DO NOT USE, BAD CLIENT”. Don’t these geniuses realize that I can see that? I’m not sure how I got labeled as a “bad client” since the only thing I’ve done as a Stack’s Bowers client for all of these years is to participate in their auctions and always pay my bills as soon as I receive them. It must be because I returned a lot that was 100% completely misrepresented. I didn’t even argue with them when they (illegally) stuck me with two other lots that were grossly misrepresented. This classless gesture is the opposite of how a professional, upstanding company should handle the situation. Of course, based upon my experience, “professional” and “upstanding” have proven to be inappropriate adjectives for this company. I have restrained myself from expressing here what I feel are accurate descriptors.
I acknowledge that Stack’s Bowers has some quality names behind their company, but their Achille’s heel is their comically horrific customer service. There have been many posts on this forum regarding this, so I’m not bringing up anything new. What amazes me is that these marketing virtuosos have no problem tossing away a long-term relationship without a second thought if a customer calls them out on their mistake or costs them any money. At no point did Stack’s Bowers make an attempt to reach out to me and try to turn my complaint into a compliment. In the most fundamental of business marketing courses a student is taught that a negative experience stays with a customer much longer than a positive one, and the average unhappy customer will tell many more people about their experience than will a happy customer. This experience has already become a topic of several conversations. As an officer in multiple clubs and a frequent speaker, I’m sure I will significantly exceed the average.
Finally, to point out what many on this forum know to be true - there are several other quality options in this relatively small market (Heritage, Goldberg, Legend, Great Collections, along with a few local and regional auction companies). I am quite confident that I will not lament the absence of Stack’s Bowers’ e-mails or catalogs in my mailbox (assuming they eventually quit sending them). But should I ever have any regrets when I see their ads in Coin World or pass their booth at a major show, I’ll console myself with words similar to which they described me: “DO NOT USE, BAD COMPANY”.
0
Comments
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First off, to misrepresent something is WRONG. I would contact my CC and disputing after what they did to you. You already wanted off their list and they have already indicated, where you could see it, that they don't want your business for calling them out on their screwup, so you have nothing to lose by way of doing business with them.
I would also do exactly what you did and let other numismatic purchasers know so they can be careful. Obviously their CS and management staff have problems in understanding and handling issues. No need to deal with that type of problematic "service".
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
"Everything is on its way to somewhere. Everything." - George Malley, Phenomenon
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<< <i>That's just messed up.
First off, to misrepresent something is WRONG. I would contact my CC and disputing after what they did to you. You already wanted off their list and they have already indicated, where you could see it, that they don't want your business for calling them out on their screwup, so you have nothing to lose by way of doing business with them.
I would also do exactly what you did and let other numismatic purchasers know so they can be careful. Obviously their CS and management staff have problems in understanding and handling issues. No need to deal with that type of problematic "service". >>
OP stated he paid with a check.
peacockcoins
I wonder if it was a mixup at the packaging side of the house and someone just made off with a vastly better lot than they expected? There are numerous possible explanations, none of which make you a "Bad Client".
Whether or not it wins you back as a customer, it's the right thing for them to do.
Stuart
Collect 18th & 19th Century US Type Coins, Silver Dollars, $20 Gold Double Eagles and World Crowns & Talers with High Eye Appeal
"Luck is what happens when Preparation meets Opportunity"
I just left you a voicemail, please give me a call back at your convenience. I am horrified and shocked at your experience.
Thanks,
Brian
These auctions are geared to dealers buying in bulk, and they allow and encourage in person lot viewing. Personally, I think they should not call them "Collectors Choice", as the material is mostly bullion based or scratch and dent, with some cool stuff in between. The half page of terms on printed on Page 2 of the catalog clearly state that this is an "as-is", no returns auction. It's up to the bidders to examine the lots. If you have to travel, so be it - many dealers come in from the mid-west and southern US to buy, and they usually have them around the Long Beach Show to make it convenient for them. There are no pictures, and the catalog is just a general description of what's in the lots.
As for customer service, Stacks did make a clerical error when inputting one of my bids in the last auction. I e-mailed them, and they promptly corrected my invoice. The sealed bid sheet is manually keyed in by staff, and its was just a simple and inadvertent data entry error.
These are not full service auctions like the Americana, Baltimore and ANA auctions. I strongly recommend examining each lot in person if you are making a bid. The stuff is mostly dreck, and if you are paying up for any condition, you just need to see the stuff yourself.
==Looking for pre WW2 Commems in PCGS Rattler holders, 1851-O Three Cent Silvers in all grades
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<< <i>I think that the following should be stated for the sake of accuracy. I have participated in several of these, and its quite a learning curve. I earned the nickname of the "Lot Police" as I do point out when I think are major cataloging errors, and the management does listen and consider them. But, don't expect their top numismatists to take time around from Pogue and other high-end rarities to look at bags of wheat cents, worn out Barber and Seated silver, etc.
These auctions are geared to dealers buying in bulk, and they allow and encourage in person lot viewing. Personally, I think they should not call them "Collectors Choice", as the material is mostly bullion based or scratch and dent, with some cool stuff in between. The half page of terms on printed on Page 2 of the catalog clearly state that this is an "as-is", no returns auction. It's up to the bidders to examine the lots. If you have to travel, so be it - many dealers come in from the mid-west and southern US to buy, and they usually have them around the Long Beach Show to make it convenient for them. There are no pictures, and the catalog is just a general description of what's in the lots.
As for customer service, Stacks did make a clerical error when inputting one of my bids in the last auction. I e-mailed them, and they promptly corrected my invoice. The sealed bid sheet is manually keyed in by staff, and its was just a simple and inadvertent data entry error.
These are not full service auctions like the Americana, Baltimore and ANA auctions. I strongly recommend examining each lot in person if you are making a bid. The stuff is mostly dreck, and if you are paying up for any condition, you just need to see the stuff yourself. >>
Your comments do not apply. If the lot says it is a roll of 1943 Walker Half Dollars then you should get that....not a roll of 1962 Jefferson Nickels...just as an example!
Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners.
I realize what your complaint is.
==Looking for pre WW2 Commems in PCGS Rattler holders, 1851-O Three Cent Silvers in all grades
Successful, problem free and pleasant transactions with: illini420, coinguy1, weather11am,wayneherndon,wondercoin,Topdollarpaid,Julian, bishdigg,seateddime, peicesofme,ajia,CoinRaritiesOnline,savoyspecial,Boom, TorinoCobra71, ModernCoinMart, WTCG, slinc, Patches, Gerard, pocketpiececommems, BigJohnD, RickMilauskas, mirabella, Smittys, LeeG, TomB, DeusExMachina, tydye
I just left you a voicemail, please give me a call back at your convenience. I am horrified and shocked at your experience.
Thanks,
Brian
Sounds to me like this will be made right pretty quickly. Nothing more to discuss until we hear back from Branchmint.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
<< <i>I think that the following should be stated for the sake of accuracy. I have participated in several of these, and its quite a learning curve. I earned the nickname of the "Lot Police" as I do point out when I think are major cataloging errors, and the management does listen and consider them. But, don't expect their top numismatists to take time around from Pogue and other high-end rarities to look at bags of wheat cents, worn out Barber and Seated silver, etc.
These auctions are geared to dealers buying in bulk, and they allow and encourage in person lot viewing. Personally, I think they should not call them "Collectors Choice", as the material is mostly bullion based or scratch and dent, with some cool stuff in between. The half page of terms on printed on Page 2 of the catalog clearly state that this is an "as-is", no returns auction. It's up to the bidders to examine the lots. If you have to travel, so be it - many dealers come in from the mid-west and southern US to buy, and they usually have them around the Long Beach Show to make it convenient for them. There are no pictures, and the catalog is just a general description of what's in the lots.
As for customer service, Stacks did make a clerical error when inputting one of my bids in the last auction. I e-mailed them, and they promptly corrected my invoice. The sealed bid sheet is manually keyed in by staff, and its was just a simple and inadvertent data entry error.
These are not full service auctions like the Americana, Baltimore and ANA auctions. I strongly recommend examining each lot in person if you are making a bid. The stuff is mostly dreck, and if you are paying up for any condition, you just need to see the stuff yourself. >>
I have made some purchases, but never know what I will get - have never traveled to view lots, but would highly recommend if you plan on spending much more than melt.
Reading the terms and conditions, I am not sure I would even call these auctions. You make an offer and if it is highest, they usually accept it.
This is a reason I will NEVER buy "sight unseen". There are plenty of coins and bulk lots out there that I can purchase with pictures or seeing them in person.
This is a reason (among many other instances) I will never do business with SB.
I hope everything works out for you in the end...thanks for sharing.
The name is LEE!
Stuart
Collect 18th & 19th Century US Type Coins, Silver Dollars, $20 Gold Double Eagles and World Crowns & Talers with High Eye Appeal
"Luck is what happens when Preparation meets Opportunity"
<< <i>BranchMint: Since the Stack's Bowers representative (Brian) has reached out directly to you to make this right, I would (respectfully) strongly urge you to return his phone call and let him help you out. >>
<< <i>BranchMint: Since the Stack's Bowers representative (Brian) has reached out directly to you to make this right, I would (respectfully) strongly urge you to return his phone call and let him help you out. >>
And please realize that this is the firm's President, and it looks like he wants to speak directly to you.
==Looking for pre WW2 Commems in PCGS Rattler holders, 1851-O Three Cent Silvers in all grades
Successful, problem free and pleasant transactions with: illini420, coinguy1, weather11am,wayneherndon,wondercoin,Topdollarpaid,Julian, bishdigg,seateddime, peicesofme,ajia,CoinRaritiesOnline,savoyspecial,Boom, TorinoCobra71, ModernCoinMart, WTCG, slinc, Patches, Gerard, pocketpiececommems, BigJohnD, RickMilauskas, mirabella, Smittys, LeeG, TomB, DeusExMachina, tydye
Thanks, Brian >>
BranchMint: Based on the conciliatory and shocked tone of Brian's above quoted post, he seems sincere in wanting to right a wrong. -- Perhaps the Customer Service rep with whom you spoke did not accurately and clearly communicate your situation to Brian.
Now is your chance to explain it by speaking directly with Brian to both solve your problem, and for him to help fix some of the apparent quality control issues at Stack's Bowers, to improve the company and also provide better customer service to their collecting clients.
Stuart
Collect 18th & 19th Century US Type Coins, Silver Dollars, $20 Gold Double Eagles and World Crowns & Talers with High Eye Appeal
"Luck is what happens when Preparation meets Opportunity"
BranchMint - Brian is the President of the company. I'm sure he's far more concerned about the company's blunders than you are. And he deserves the courtesy of a reply. Besides, if anyone can help you resolve your problem, it's him.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
<< <i>Thank you for all of your comments. This was a lesson learned and it's time for me to move on. I do not intend to follow up with Stack's Bowers. I don't think it would accomplish anything or change my opinion. What should have been an unremarkable auction purchase turned into a costly and humiliating experience. And to top it off, I even had to pay for the shipping on the one lot they allowed me to return ! Anyway, thanks again to all of you who took the time to read my dissertation ! I hope it benefited somebody. >>
Your experiences were identical to my 2nd signature (major) auction with Bowers and Ruddy back in 1975. I entered mail bids based on the catalog descriptions (no photos) and surprisingly, won every lot. What was a bigger surprise once I got the coins was that every lot was over-graded. I was buried. I guess I shook the tree a bit when I asked to return every lot. They eventually agreed but suggested that in ALL future auctions I either preview the lots myself or hire an agent. Good advice. I didn't bid in another one of their auctions for 12 years...until they started having sales in nearby NY City (Bowers and Merena at that point). My case was helped by the fact that my very first auction with them they forget to enter my bids. And a key lot I should have won, went to someone else for 30% under my bid. At least I was made hole. Sounds like you might get there too. Call them. I still have my letter from QDB back then saying they were sorry for not entering my bids properly.
Don't take the loss on the chin, get made whole, and then move on. Just bidding on a regular Stack's auction is like playing with fire, sometimes you have fun and sometimes you get burned. A sight-unseen auction though?.... yikes.
So what, exactly, was the point of starting this thread? Just to complain? If that's it, why bother? Perhaps you spoke with a grumpy employee with an axe to grind who was half way to the curb before you called. Perhaps he lied about contacting "the boss". A reasonable person would admit that there is at least some small possibility that there is an explanation for what happened. I go crazy when my business is judged by my employee's mistakes without having a chance to fix it. If SB treated you like you say, it's a horrible mistake on their part. Not at least hearing what the president of the company has to say is also a mistake........
Everyone has a different level of risk tolerance, but bidding on $7k worth of stuff sight-unseen without being intimately familiar and experienced with the bidding format is out there a good distance beyond what I'd be comfortable with.
Who knows what the listing said and what the OP got and only he knows why he bought them, but the customer service rep is probably used to dealers who I would assume be the major buyers of this material.
When the complaint was posted here, the president of the company saw it and is apparently willing to work out a solution.
I got banned from Teletrade for returning a $1k coin that I didn't like when I saw it in had, and because I didn't give a reason why I returned it. And they had a "no questions asked" return policy.
I'd suggest returning the SB president's call and work out something and don't buy that type of material in the future.
Sounds like the OP is ticked, maybe rightfully
Decide not to talk to the Pres, you should delete this thread. They are making an attempt....yes they should have tried more upfront, but I still need more detail
Ike Specialist
Finest Toned Ike I've Ever Seen, been looking since 1986
If I understand correctly, the poster above (someone said he was the company president?) who is offering to make it right (now that you have gone public) is the same person you were told would only accept the return of 1 of the 3 "not as described" items. I respect your comment that the buck stops here, but in the off chance the clerk you talked to was lying, you might consider letting the above poster (company president?) know that employee's name so he can take the appropriate action, because someone at that company (either the clerk or the president) has cost them at least $1M in reputational harm.
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<< <i>Let's see. Something bad happens and you decide to go public with your story. It might very well be 100% true, but the other side hasn't been told yet. The president of the company publicly offers to contact you directly to work it out, but you decide to "move on" and refuse to return his call. Have I got it right so far?
So what, exactly, was the point of starting this thread? Just to complain? If that's it, why bother? Perhaps you spoke with a grumpy employee with an axe to grind who was half way to the curb before you called. Perhaps he lied about contacting "the boss". A reasonable person would admit that there is at least some small possibility that there is an explanation for what happened. I go crazy when my business is judged by my employee's mistakes without having a chance to fix it. If SB treated you like you say, it's a horrible mistake on their part. Not at least hearing what the president of the company has to say is also a mistake........
Everyone has a different level of risk tolerance, but bidding on $7k worth of stuff sight-unseen without being intimately familiar and experienced with the bidding format is out there a good distance beyond what I'd be comfortable with. >>
The point of the thread was to seek retribution without getting Stacks side of the story.
The forums have had this exact scenario occur countless times where a buyer gets all miffed and worked up over something, miscommunicates, misinterprets and then seeks to get the forum members to get all mob like and set the torches to the seller.
Some fairly hefty charges were made with only a verbal representation. No documentation such as the lot numbers, amounts bid, lot descriptions and items received. Nothing.
Just a single sided story.
The seller has reached out. Personally and NOT through a third party phone operator who may or may not have been relayed information that the Company President said to send one lot back and keep the other two lots. We do not know exactly WHAT happened on the other end of the phone line but...............the President of the Company has publically asked the OP to return his call.
If the OP does not, then its a done deal which, given what was presented, does not change my opinion of Stacks Bowers. It does, however, slight my opinion of the OP.
The name is LEE!
I knew it would happen.
"It takes 20 years to build a reputation and 5 minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently."
I can attest to Buffet's quote. I've been a HVAC contractor for 25+ years. Great customer service is crucial to a company's future. Without it, your customer base will shrink, rather than grow. Sometimes, it can be difficult to maintain a high level of service, especially without specific policies to handle all potential issues. Put policies in place that reflect your company values. Take care of your customers and they will take care of your business. 90% of my new customers come from referrals. I hardly do any advertising these days. The voice of my extremely satisfied customers do it all for me.
How many forum members perception of SB changed because of the OP's experience? The voice of the customer has been heard.
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Landmark Buffalo Collection
Instead of vg-f barbers? No one knows but the OP. At this point the flavor of the complaint is a little one sided for me to understand.
Understandable to be miffed when hung with the albatross of being called a 'bad customer'.
But to continue to pout and not return the call is inexcusable. OP looses all cred.
"“Those who sacrifice liberty for security/safety deserve neither.“(Benjamin Franklin)
"I only golf on days that end in 'Y'" (DE59)
<< <i>
<< <i>Has anyone else noticed that Brian is finally coming on here regularly and addressing problems with his company?
Wondercoin >>
with all due respect Mitch, Brian has only posted 3 times this being his third. >>
not exactly true, but third on that account
here is another thread that he started
http://forums.collectors.com/messageview.cfm?catid=26&threadid=937699&highlight_key=y
When one exaggerates a single point within their complaint, it is fair game to potentially assume other point(s) are also embellished.
peacockcoins
conclusion. Too many auction houses, shows, and venues to screw with a business that obviously doesn't have their house in order. As I mentioned before, won't blame you a bit for never looking back.
BranchMint: In reply to your above posted quote, you're planning to take the correct action. -- Please follow-up to let us know how your conversation goes with Brian, and how things get resolved (of which I'm certain they will).
Brian: I respect you for doing the right thing by publicly reaching out to BranchMint to discuss and (I'm sure) resolve the outstanding issue.
Honest mistakes can sometimes be made by a company even with good corporate QC practices. -- It's how they're handled with clients that distinguishes a quality company from an average one.
Stuart
Collect 18th & 19th Century US Type Coins, Silver Dollars, $20 Gold Double Eagles and World Crowns & Talers with High Eye Appeal
"Luck is what happens when Preparation meets Opportunity"
<< <i>Wow - a lot of comments over night ! Somebody asked for details. The lot that I returned was described as "Lot of 55 1897-S Barber quarters", but I received 55 1897-O Barber quarters. Big drop in value between the two. One of the lots that I had to keep was described as "Lot of 110 1904-O Barber quarters", but about a dozen were 1904-P. Not many coins at issue, but there is a fairly large difference in value on them. The third lot at issue was described as "Lot of 109 1905-O Barber quarters", but more than half - about 60 - were 1905-P, which, again, are valued quite a bit lower. I figure that my out-of-pocket on the two lots I kept was in the $250 to $300 range, so not a huge deal. But my issue was not so much with the money but with the fact that I was promised one thing and delivered another and SB did not see that as an issue. I relied upon their description of specific quantity and date/mint mark to calculate my bid. Their cataloguer was sloppy, but I should not be left holding the bag because of their mistake. I did check my account profile late last night and saw that they removed "DO NOT USE, BAD CLIENT", which I appreciate. I also noticed that my bidding limit is now -$2, but that's fine. Since Brian did reach out, I will be calling his office on Monday to follow up. >>
Thanks for the reply on specifics.
Be sure to let folks know what transpires on Monday.
The name is LEE!
do business with SB twice (separated by 15 years), and both times things were completely
bungled on their end. I have nothing but contempt for that company and based on what
I've read on these forums, there are plenty of people here with a similar perspective.