The Business Ethics of Brian Dwyer/REA

[mechanicalman]

I know much has been written about how honorably Brian conducts business, but in a hobby where most of the discussion focuses on bad actors, I feel like another positive story can’t hurt.

A couple months ago, I received a call from Brian who wanted to share some “bad news.” He informed me that the Blowout folks had just outed a card (1915 CJ Alexander SGC 8.5) as trimmed, a card I had won a year earlier for just under $20k. Without any hesitation, Brian offered a complete refund, which I accepted. I honestly don’t know what Brian’s recourse is, or if he’s likely to eat that amount. What I do know is that, if he hadn’t proactively reached out to me, I would have never known. He could have easily just waited for me to bring up the issue if I ever discovered it. And I don’t believe he was under any legal obligation to make things right. Bottom line, he wanted to do the right thing for one customer and the hobby, even at the expense of his bottom line. It’s a long term play, for sure, but as far as my future business is concerned, the long term returns will be fruitful.

Thank you, Brian and team.

[HOF Auto Rookies]

That's awesome! Absolutely love REA and never had any issues with them.

[Casey2296]

Great story, always refreshing to be reminded that there are still people with integrity. All of my dealings with Brian and REA have been very positive, he makes the effort to make a difference. We should all support people like that in our hobby.

[NYYFan63]

That’s a great story! Kudos to Brian and REA to be proactive and reach out to you!

Thanks for sharing.


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[parkplace33]

Brian is top notch.

[atx840]

Agreed, Brian is fantastic to work with, one of the best in the hobby.

[Bored5000]

Thanks for sharing. A story like that deserves to be made public.

[ejharrington]

That’s an example of why most of my hobby money is spent in REA auctions.

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by ejharrington

That’s an example of why most of my hobby money is spent in REA auctions.

Yep. Never a hesitation there both as consignor and bidder.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Outstanding. I am sorry the card turned out to be bad.

[mrreality68]

Originally Posted by ejharrington

That’s an example of why most of my hobby money is spent in REA auctions.

Wow. Great to hear about the positives since we only usually only hear the negatives. I always have great experiences with them as both a buyer and a consigner

[bobbyw8469]

I selfishly wished Brian worked at PSA.

[MVSNYC]

Thanks for sharing, Sam. Brian & team are top notch.

[Rhotchkiss]

Brian is a great guy and REA is a top-notch outfit. While there are several auction houses with notably commendable practices, in my opinion, as far as integrity, ethics, and customer service, no auction house/owner ranks higher (except maybe Crazy Uncle )

[Arazi4442]

Thanks for sharing and you're absolutely right, always very nice to hear stories about great people in the hobby when nearly every post includes in the opposite.

[Harliduck]

Originally Posted by Bored5000

Thanks for sharing. A story like that deserves to be made public.

Totally agree...and thanks for sharing. Very good to know...

[clydepepper]

While I'm definitely on the downward slope of my collecting days, I had totally satisfactory experiences with REA.

Top-Notch!!


Negative reports seem to come off keyboards so much easier these days.

It is vitally important to spread the good word when it is due.


I applaud the thread author and all who have supported with their very positive comments. BRAVO FOLKS!

.

[perezfan]

REA is cream-of-the-crop, no doubt. A class act all the way. Hope SGC compensated them fairly!

[Peter_Spaeth]

SGC 8.5 not PSA.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

He sets the bar high for any who seek to be considered an ethical auction house. Frankly, he's the best.

[aconte]

REA and Brian are the best!

[MuncieNolePAZ]

Have always had great experiences with REA and Brian.

Chad

[Blunder19]

Brian is a class act and a person who I appreciate for his character and honesty in this business

[Tabe]

That's definitely very cool of Brian to do that. THAT is how a business should conduct themselves.

[Mark17]

For them to be proactive like that, and on an expensive item, is really a remarkable thing! This goes way beyond just fixing a problem.

It is also cool that they are apparently monitoring blowout for altered items that may have passed through their hands - for the purpose of reaching out to remedy the situation. Guarantees from the TPG services might not be worth much but it looks like REA is an even better guarantee.

[ALBB]

thats top notch of Brian !

I often wonder what the hundreds of other guys do/ or will do with these doctored/trimmed cards that they paid huge money for..and now know the truth

[mrreality68]

Originally Posted by Mark17

For them to be proactive like that, and on an expensive item, is really a remarkable thing! This goes way beyond just fixing a problem.

It is also cool that they are apparently monitoring blowout for altered items that may have passed through their hands - for the purpose of reaching out to remedy the situation. Guarantees from the TPG services might not be worth much but it looks like REA is an even better guarantee.

Now let this be the buzz around REA and their excellent business acumen and let’s bid on all their Great items.

[ibuysportsephemera]

Brian is a great guy and a pleasure to do business with.

Jeff G.

[Jay Wolt]

Brian is one solid chap & his company is top notch!

[Johnny630]

Brian is Outstanding!! REA is Honest

[LOUCARDFAN]

100% agree which is why I consigned with them today.


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[phlflyer1]

Did a double take when I saw the title of the post as it wasn't clear whether this was going to be yet another tale of a bad hobby experience and was thinking that's not the Brian Dwyer I know...

Glad to know that Brian and REA went out of the way to do the right thing.

Thanks for sharing!

[jbsports33]

Another great story about REA and positive!

[shagrotn77]

I gotta say, this comes as absolutely no surprise to me. Brian truly is one of the good guys in the hobby.

[aro13]

Nothing but great experience with Brian as a consignor, buyer and even with referrals.

[molenick]

I also have had great experiences with Brian both as a buyer and consignor. But the best thing about him is that he is the only topic on Net54 that everyone agrees on!

[Hankphenom]

None of my business, but you might think about adding a word or two to the title of your thread to let readers know his ethics are stellar. I put off reading it for several days, bracing myself for some disappointment in someone I've always thought was among the best in the game. I wouldn't be surprised if some others never read it at all, just the headline, not wanting to be depressed about yet another tarnish to our beloved hobby.

[BRoberts]

I'll add to the compliments given to Brian. He certainly has the golden touch.

[bigfish]

Originally Posted by mechanicalman

I know much has been written about how honorably Brian conducts business, but in a hobby where most of the discussion focuses on bad actors, I feel like another positive story can’t hurt.

A couple months ago, I received a call from Brian who wanted to share some “bad news.” He informed me that the Blowout folks had just outed a card (1915 CJ Alexander SGC 8.5) as trimmed, a card I had won a year earlier for just under $20k. Without any hesitation, Brian offered a complete refund, which I accepted. I honestly don’t know what Brian’s recourse is, or if he’s likely to eat that amount. What I do know is that, if he hadn’t proactively reached out to me, I would have never known. He could have easily just waited for me to bring up the issue if I ever discovered it. And I don’t believe he was under any legal obligation to make things right. Bottom line, he wanted to do the right thing for one customer and the hobby, even at the expense of his bottom line. It’s a long term play, for sure, but as far as my future business is concerned, the long term returns will be fruitful.

Thank you, Brian and team.

Sets a standard for others to follow.

[Neal]

Brian and the folks at REA are the best.

[GoldenAge50s]

What a fine story to hear! I have known Brian since back in his days at SGC and this report just solidifies that REA will get my auction items when I make some final decisions to sell my key SCG sets.

[cammb]

What's he doing in the card business? LOL