latest clean sweep auction

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Posted By: Steve

I just wanted to inform the board members that our latest auction closes on Wednesday May 30. As always, board members can email for free catalogs or they can download them as a PDF file on our home page.

This auction is truly special and includes the following cards of potential interest to board members:

(1) T216 Kotton Cobb and Eddie Plank PSA 4
(2) 20+ different E105 Mello Mints including Wagner and Lajoie. All have been PSA graded and there is even a common 7.
(3) Large number of Type 1 and Type 2 Red Cross cards, nearly all PSA graded.
(4) Big run of T216s, T213-1, 2 and 3, including major HOFers, all PSA graded.
(5) 1933 Goudey Ruth #144 Superb PSA 6.
(6) As referenced in a prior thread, a T215 Pirate graded Authentic Trimmed by PSA.
(7) Ungraded complete sets of 1933-1938 Goudey, 1939-1941 Play Ball, 1948 Leaf and nearly all of the Topps and Bowman sets.
(8) T206 Johnson Pitching PSA 7 and many PSA 5, 6 and 7 commons, stars and southern leaguers.

None of the material has ever appeared in another auction or for private sale and is all completely fresh to the hobby. These feature low minimum bids and there are no reserves or consignor bidding.

Check it all out at www.csauctions.com. Initial bids must be placed by 6 PM EST on the final day (Wednesday May 30). Early bidding is always welcome.


Thanks much,

Steve Verkman
www.csauctions.com

PS We will be running a small free buy-sell show in the Harrisburg area this weekend. Check our website for more information.

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Posted By: leon

So what is your guarantee nowadays? Do you stand behind everything you sell or just things that are real? I really hated the fact you didn't keep your word on the 1930 Goudey Ruth debacle. The fact you handled the whole situation extremely poorly spoke volumes to me. I am not saying I won't bid in your auctions but your credibility suffered badly, with at least me....

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Posted By: Dan Bretta

Leon, are you saying that the Goudey Ruth problem has still not been resolved?

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Posted By: Brian

Pretty bold to make this announcement, but not address the customer complaint aired on this board.

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Posted By: Peter Spaeth

I believe the matter was only resolved when the buyer was forced to hire an attorney and threaten suit to enforce the auctioneer's plain and unambiguous guaranty (which, as we discovered through the internet archive, was in fact posted on the website at the time of the auction in question despite the auctioneer's claim that it had only been added recently). Even then, it took weeks, and even then, my understanding is that the auctioneer was insisting the card be returned to him before refunding the purchase price and was refusing a simultaneous exchange through an escrow.

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Posted By: Jimmy Piccuito

I understand we all make mistakes, but I think Steve can help us all on the board and make his policies clear and understanding. Dealing with Steve has never been a problem for me, I just think Steve needs to know there was an issue and he needs to make the board feel better about bidding on his auctions again. Just a thought - I keep my listings separate on the B/S/T section - but seem to find some dealers are using the main board here for their auctions.

Steve - I do wish you well, and hope we can deal again in the near future

Jimmy

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Posted By: Jason L

it was recently printed or manufactured?
just wondering.

Providing an explanation of provenance would be a phenomenal idea given your recent auction issues, Steve.

Jason L

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Posted By: Dave S

Hey Steve--don't no how good your memory is...but perhaps you could reply back on this...
Some 3-4 years ago, I "won" a W554 Babe Ruth from Clean Sweep. Paid promptly as I always did on MANY of your auctions. Received the card only to find about 1/2" of the bottom border had been trimmed, not disclosed in your catalog. Notified you by e-mail immediately, only to get a reply from a female asst. that it would be looked into. Never got the reply. So after a few days I called, only again to speak with a female that told me you were out of town but would look into the situation on your return. Never heard back. So, being the hard-head that I can be, packaged the Ruth and sent it back with a (I thought) cordial explanation of the situation. Sent with delivery confirmation by the way...To this day I've never heard back from you. Never a refund, never even an acknowledgement. Class act, good luck with your auction!! Hope you were lucky enough to re-sell the Ruth...

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Posted By: J Levine

I have to give Steve credit for having the huge balls (wonder if they are in the auction) to come on and announce his auction after the debacle recently. The good news is I have been banned from bidding in Steve's auctions for several years now and rarely have to worry about it (when I do really want something, I just get a proxy bidder for me). Not sure I will even do that anymore after the situation that happened recently. Luck to Steve and very good luck to anyone who is not completely satisfied with a purchase from him.

Joshua

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Posted By: Anonymous

.

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Posted By: Mike Snyder

I wouldn't even think of bidding on such high-price items that are not even graded!
AHHH! And then take the chance that the card(s) is/are trimmed and be treated like the above poster?
To put it simply, I have never been burned with ANY of the graded cards that I have bought in the past.

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Posted By: Peter Spaeth

As we all know from the 1930 Goudey episode, PSA has no clue so the fact that they graded cards much lower than Clean Sweep means nothing.

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Posted By: leon

On the 1930 Goudey Ruth fake card I was trying to help the buyer (and Steve) out by somewhat mediating...since it seemed like neither party trusted each other. Steve finally agreed to live up to his word, only after all of the bashing on the board. So the buyers lawyer and I spoke about a way to make everything better. They would send me the card, Steve would send me a check, and when I had both, I would send the respective parties their items. The buyers lawyer even said the buyer would come back on the board and say everything was squared away, they were friendly again, and all was good between them and they wished each other the best. Sounds ok, correct? I called Steve and told him of the proposition. Steve said "NO WAY". I have to have the card returned to ME, at which time I will send the check out (or words to that effect). I told Steve I thought he was, basically, an idiot...and adios....and I bowed out. Steve Verkman is one of two auction companies that I will not allow to be a paid advertiser on the board due to his lack of integrity. I almost deleted this thread immediately when I saw it but thought there could be board members that would want to know about the auction. regards

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Posted By: Steve Murray

for not deleting it right away as it affords us the opportunity for more Clean (sic) Sweep Auction bashing.

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Posted By: Peter Spaeth

Apparently he wanted free publicity, so he has his wish.

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Posted By: JimB

I had a bad experience with Steve about ten years ago and have not bid in his auctions again, despite his often offering items I would otherwise bid on in other auctions.
JimB

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Posted By: Steve

(1) The winning bidder of the 1930 Ruth card was issued a complete, total and full refund.

(2) As previously posted, this is our policy and we believe it is completely clear.

the end
March 29 2007 at 5:45 PM
Steve (Login SteveVerkman)


Response to Mark Haverkos Final Answer to 1930 Ruth Card Controversy
In order to bring this difficult situation to a close, we will issue a complete refund for the full purchase price if the card purchased at auction is returned to us at our offices in New York.

Let me make our policy clear on this going forward just for the record:

We will accept returns of any items rejected by a major grading service as we have always done (and which very rarely comes up). For items where we feel the grading services may not be able to ascertain authenticity, this will be fully disclosed in the description and the sale will be clearly noted "as is".

(3) This will be my final post on this forum regarding this subject. Anyone that has any questions, concerns or otherwise, please feel free to email at info@csauctions.com or call our office. We want to personally thank the many members of this forum that continue to support our auctions.

Steve Verkman
Clean Sweep Auctions

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Posted By: Peter Spaeth

Any comment on Dave S.'s Ruth or DR's "NM" set?

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Posted By: Dave S

Anyone question the power of this board? I just...after all these years...received an e-mail from Steve himself asking for a few more details of my earlier post. Sent him a response (hard to recall all details of ancient Auction!) as he requested...so we'll see what goes from here..

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Posted By: Dan Bretta

It sounds like Steve has had some problems, but anyone who sticks around to try and correct them, even after many years is okay by me.

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Posted By: Dave S

Just received reply from Steve, and as Dan stated, appears as if he is making an honest attempt to re-store his dignity. Bottom line, after years of frustration and my M-F'ing him, he has professionally tried to satisfy my complaint...

"I have attached a scan of the card. Of course, we do not have the card to measure but the top border is much larger than usual, meaning that this may well have been full size but cut that way.

Please understand this is the first that I have heard of this (at least that I can recall) after so much time and I do not also recall seeing the card in our offices again but I suppose things can happen.

With all of this said and under these circumstances, I will hope you are open to a full and unlimited house credit for the full purchase price plus $10 for return shipping. You can grab something right away on our online store or check our latest auction."

Sincerely,
Steve

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Posted By: leon

That is a nice gesture on Steves part. I think he (hi Steve) has made some movement in a positive direction.....As I said before I am still bidding in his auction. I just think the Goudey Ruth situation was handled poorly....I am sure a lot of folks think I have handled some stuff poorly too....though, as Steve is doing, I always try to make it right....

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Posted By: Jeff Lichtman

"Just received reply from Steve, and as Dan stated, appears as if he is making an honest attempt to re-store his dignity."

That is a funny line.

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Posted By: ScottIngold

I don't understand how anyone can support a seller like this. To me honesty is important.

With all of the good guy's i just don't see the point of dealing with someone of questionable character and ethics. I think i'm being charitable with that statement.


I guess to each there own.

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Posted By: J Levine

Is it genuine remorse and a feeling of trying to make things right for Steve or is it that he has a fear that his auctions will tank if enough board people stop bidding?

With guys like Barry S., Trevor H., Scott B., Ryan C., etc. running auction sites and ebay auctions with better service, better prices, and just nicer guys, I refuse to buy from someone who only makes good on things only after being brought to the public (and then flogged for it).

I recently had a problem with a "larger" auction house and it was resolved in 48 hours without anyone publically knowing.

I applaud Steve for now trying to make good on saving his business but as my grandma used to say, "A tiger can't change his stripes."

Joshua

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Posted By: Peter Spaeth

Hopefully this "remorse" will include making DR whole on his 50 percent overgraded set. No card less than EX-MT. LOL.

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Posted By: Anonymous

.

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Posted By: Dylan

Sounds to me like I will stick to graded cards only with CSA auctions. Perhaps later on if more goodwill to buyers is shown i could venture into other material...

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Posted By: JimB

Steve e-mailed me a little while ago inquiring into what my problem was with him ten years ago. I appreciate his current efforts to turn things around.
JimB

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Posted By: ScottIngold

Day late and a dollar short IMO. But again to each there own i guess.

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Posted By: J Levine

Steve also emailed me as well. I was honestly shocked he did and strangely happy as well. Steve did explain some things to me and I sent him a response on some of our past problems. I do hope that we can work things out and if his customer service improves I will be the first to eat crow. I also want to make clear that I did order something from Steve a few months back (before the Goudey issue) and was extremely surprised that he sold it to me in the first place and very satisfied with the transaction.
Thanks for the email Steve.

Joshua

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Posted By: Dave S

No Josh...I'm already the 1st to eat the crow! I sent Steve a list of a few T206's of interest to settle my problem. He immediately e-mailed me back telling me the cards would be shipped tomorrow. Requested 2 specific cards and his choice of a couple of others...sending me the higher $$ of the two as well as handling charges. Actual total cost exceeded what I'd paid for the Babe. IMO beyond my expectations...
Yes, it's tough to "let bygones be bygones", and I'd have never in a lifetime believed I'd do business with the man again..and maybe I won't..but at least, whatever his motivation, have to admit that I certainly may...
I'll give him the benefit of the doubt that maybe, as he said, his staff never directly told him of the problem.
I'm not aware of the Goudey topic so can't comment on that. Can only say that I think he handled my situation as professionally as he could...years afterward. Thanks!

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Posted By: mr. moses

Steve. He may be a bit caught up with himself at times but it is not for me to judge him as a person. I can however look at the way he does business and make my decision to do business with him or not. I have sold him things and bought from him once or twice as well. He has been in the hobby for 10 years or more and while I won't conjecture on the Goudey issue as I'm uninformed, I will say that I don't think he's killed anyone (at least I haven't heard of it). The fact that he probably needs the business from the members here not withstanding; and whatever might have prompted him to NOW address issues being brought up about some past dealings - I applaud ANYONES attempt to move forward while doing the right thing no matter what the motive is. Many people have made mistakes in their personal and business lives. It is important in our social structure to allow for an expression of contrition......
As for the issue of DR's Zoo purchase and dissatisfaction with the grade description of the raw set; I posted some thoughts on the non-sport side. If you are inclined I offer the link here. I'm not saying DR is in the wrong-I just offer a reasonable interpretation (well my thoughts anyway) of the grading thing.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/526604/thread/1179279758/last-1179353911/%28500%29+Vintage+Non+Sports+PSA+Submission+Result s

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Posted By: Lee Behrens

I still would like to get my E107 Briesch Williams, that I won from him and some how lost the card and sent me a totally different E107 in the other auction I won. He refunded my money but only told me he would "take care of it next time". I never understood this, Why would I purchase again when the first experience was no good.

Steve, If you are looking to make amends I am willing to pay the $160 for another E107 Briesch Williams in Fair, presentable shape. I think that is reasonable since that is what I won in your auction. If amends are made I will gladly let everyone know.

My past experience with Mr. Verkman,

Lee

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Posted By: Alan

Steve

Just come to the network 54 dinner to have a few cold ones with everyone.

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Posted By: Herman Taube

Why is this guy STILL allowed to post here and get free advertisement for his "company"? Haven't we proved that this man has absolutely NOTHING to offer the users up here and he continues to be a detriment to this industry? How many posts do we need to read of all the bad deals that have been done by CSA? When is it going to end? Someone needs to put a stop to this. I am absolutely disgusted by the continuing posts I see of the mea culpas from this user.

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Posted By: leon

It's been a board rule that auction companies can post about their auctions when they come up, in moderation. Thanks for trying to help run the board though. While we are at it why don't you tell us about your lawsuit with Steve when you made the fake website with a witch on a broom called Clean Sweep? How well did that work out for you?

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Posted By: Herman

Yeah, I saw the site. Very funny. I wish I could take credit for it but I didnt think of it fast enough. Wasn't there a toothbrush on there too? It still puts me on the floor...

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Posted By: leon

So you were never involved in a lawsuit in any way, as a witness, or anything, with Steve Verkman and/or Clean Sweep Auctions? That's not what I heard....but I could be wrong...

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Posted By: Herman

Sorry, I wish I could take credit for something that had to do with suing SV. If anyone out there has a future suit against CSA, I BEG you to contact me.

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Posted By: leon

Someone told me there was a lawsuit about that fake website....I thought it was your name but am sure I am mistaking with some new info I just received......my apologies....

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Posted By: TONY

I do not know CSA or have never dealt with them personally BUT based on what I've read here there is NO way I would ever even consider bidding in one of their auctions........You know the ole axiom, "if u play with fire, u will get burned" ........Unless he rectifies ALL claims against him to everyones total satisfaction, why anyone would deal with him is amazing....But u watch, I wouldn't be surprised to hear another collector come on here in the future & tell us their horror story......Except u shud have known better, but of course u were getting a deal......I'll close with remember........"Greed Kills"

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Posted By: Larry

I do not understand what Mr. Taube is inferring in his post and I never heard of a Mr. Taube before this thread so I suspect this is an alias...

Steve may have made a mistake of judgement regarding the provenence and handling of the "1930" Ruth Calendar card incident but he did finally make amends and has been trying to do that with others that seem to have a complaint from the past. Better later than never does apply here. A strong person that has forgiveness is better able to understand a person that has good overall qualities but makes a mistake. Steve is no way in the category of another major auction house that used tactics far excessive and deceitful than can be ever stated about CSA.

I have always had good transactions with CSA, and there may be those that have not or do not like dealing with him, and maybe never will, but no one should think that he has not tried to make amends and unlike others who hide behind under their rocks, behind the scenes, masked by a cloak of deceit, Steve is no way in that category....that is the point of this post.

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Posted By: Dave S

Received in this a.m.'s mail the cards that Steve had agreed to send in restitution for my previous problem. All were accurately described and well-packaged. As mentioned earlier, something I'd have never expected after quite a few years. Anyway, can only say that in my situation, he has remedied a deal that I'd long forgotten. And much appreciate that effort on his behalf!

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Posted By: dan mckee

. How do you get to the full thread without responding to the piece you found during the search?

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Posted By: Lee Behrens

No Response from Mr. Verkman here. Don't let these goodie stories sway you eventually it will turn sour.

Lee