[bigfish]

Originally Posted by EYECOLLECTVINTAGE

Hey,

I just wanted to get some thoughts on a few things.

1. I just want to give props to LOTG and RMY in particular as they do business the right way with the small things such as what I am going to explain.

Both companies have made money on my items from the buyers Premiums they have charged and in some cases a sellers premium.

I know this, they know this, and it's fine. It's business. Everyone has to eat.

What I love about them is that they do not nickel and dime you.

What I mean by this, is that when they receive something that does not fit in their auction from me, or that doesn't sell, the item is sent back to me at their expense not mine.

While the item not selling or not fitting their auction is MY fault not THEIRS, I appreciate the fact that they practice good business and did not try to drain every last nickel out of me. (ESPECIALLY LOTG as he sends stuff back and pays $50 S/H in some cases).

They give that small business feel which is comforting.


I bring this up due to the following situation.

I recently had an experience with a BIGGER auction house. (BIG ONE).

This company is very very profitable.

I gave them a few BIG TICKET ITEMS that actually did poorly in their last major auction. (less than 50% of their appraisal)

They know it, I know it, it's a fact.

They then gave me a appraisal on other stuff they had from me that didn't make that auction and was supposed to go in their next one.

This appraisal was very low in my estimation.

I kindly asked for them to send the items back. After about 2 weeks of waiting and asking and waiting and asking, I get a email that the items were sent back. Much to my surprise, the invoice says Note: Bill shipping cost to client.

So they made a nice chunk of my items last auction (I lost money and they have to know this by the final selling prices), now they feel it necessary to charge me additionally?

Wouldn't you stop for a minute and say hey, maybe we should try to keep this guy happy for future business?

I guess the moral of the story as so many people have said in here before is that MOST (not all) of the big boys could really care less about their customer service. Once they get your items, you aren't as valuable to them anymore.

It's America though and I get it... The rich keep getting richer at the smaller guys expense.

It's just comforting to know that some business owners still do things the right way.

I would like to get some thoughts on this experience, as well as hear of other stories like mine or not like mine.

Opinions are welcome, good or bad.

This is just my situation and maybe it's a one off thing?

Did you reach out to the auction house and express your side? If yes, what was their response?