Auction Houses

[sportscomicfantasy]

I know a lot of you like me buy at auctions. After all the recent talk about mostly bad and some good auctions talked about in the threads, I have a question.

What are the auctions you like the best and why? Big, small, private, or corporate, doesn't matter.

What auction house have you had problems with using them or just won't because of what you see them selling or how your items were packaged etc?

Also, this is probably on a previous thread but can anyone tell me what happened to Steiner? They were not my favorite as I had some small problems with them on shipping and packaging, but I bought a few things from them.

I have heard several people talk about how good 'Love of the Game' is, but I haven't bid on their auctions yet.

Now for me, I think that REA, Heritage, and Goldin are the ones that I use that I feel are the best. However, there are other auctions that I probably buy more from because I am able to get lower priced items.

[perezfan]

It depends a lot upon what you're selling/consigning. But here's the Top 15 for what I collect (memorabilia more so than cards). Strictly based upon my personal experiences...

1. REA
2. LOTG
3. BST
4. Huggins & Scott
5. Inside the Park
6. RMY
7. Lelands
8. Hunt
9. Heritage
10. Grey Flannel
11. SCP
12. Goldin
13. Mile High
14. Memory Lane
15. Wheatland

Also... I recently tried Birmingham/Aquarian for the first time, and like them a lot for lower priced items and affordable singles. Have heard similarly good things about Brockleman and Sterling. And as for Insane Uncle... not so much. :rolleyes:

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

I buy from REA, Sterling, Brockelman and Hunt (though with them it is more work to make sure I have good info) with no problems. That's not an indictment of anyone else, just an endorsement of places where I have repeated good experiences.

[x2drich2000]

I'm bored so I'll give you a run down on my impressions. I'll break them down in 3 basic categories; great, eh, and never again.

Great
- REA - Never an issue, solid packaging, exceptionally quick shipping, offers to bring anything to shows for preview, answer questions.
- HA - Never an issue, bomb proof packaging. Some don't like the bidding rules regarding who can bid on lots and the house bidding. Never seemed to bother me though. Shipping time varies - I've had some lots take a while to ship, other seemed to ship before I paid.
- LOTG - Great customer service, answers question promptly, one of the best catalogs. Fair BP and shipping. Goes the extra mile - would bring winnings to shows to pick up/pay when reasonable.
- Brockelman - Quick shipping, goes the extra mile (at one point I had the wrong zip code on my shipping and they offered to reship for free when it was completely my fault.) Very low BP & shipping cost
- Birmingham - Honest to a fault, will point out every flaw even during in person auctions, really caters to lower end cards that other AH's would overlook or group together. Fair BP & shipping. Very highly recommend for those on a tight budget or just getting their toes wet in pre-war.
- H&S - never had an issue, very courtesy, shipping is high but goes extra mile by bring lots to show to pay/pick up, promptly answers emails
- Sterling - quick shipping, prompt service. Had 1 issue where I was sent the wrong card, but quickly apologized and got the correct card reshipped to me promptly. Which is how an issue should be handled.

Eh
- Clean Sweep - personally never had an issue, though I've heard others have. To me the reason they don't get into the upper category is due to the fact they won't bring winnings to shows - everything has to ship and they only take check/MO. This has resulted in taking longer to get cards as a result. I've also felt multiple times as shows that I didn't matter..."you can look in the catalog to see if we have any."
- Small Tradition - Personally never had an issue, however, the trimming scandal bumps them down for me and makes it so I will be hesitant to bid, but won't say never.
- Hunt - Have received cards trimmed (it was trimmed so bad I just laughed and moved on) that were not advertised as such. Website is difficult to navigate, lacks pictures, but they will answer questions promptly. Also will not bring lots to shows even when the show is 20 min from their office. What really drops them to me though is the attitude they had with the Philly Show. For anyone that isn't aware, Hunt is involved in promoting the show. At one point, they threatened dealers to not allow them to set up at the show if they set up at any local show in order to stop competition.
- Wheatland - Previously used outside shipper which was insanely expensive. I believe that has now been brought completely in house which is a good thing. I did receive one lot of over 200 1960's cards and about 70% had red marker or ink of some type on the edges edge and that wasn't disclosed.

Never again
- Crazy Uncle - I don't think I need to say anything based on the other threads.
- Goodwin/anything related - 1 really bad experience. One a lot of T3s and one of the cards was missing. Was promised they had it and would ship multiple times. Card never arrived. After about a month of empty promises, they finally issued a partial refund, but that wasn't even sent when promised.

[Snapolit1]

As far as consigning, have consigned different things to LOTG, Goldin, Birmingham and Brockleman and have had very good experiences with all of them.

[sportscomicfantasy]

It depends a lot upon what you're selling/consigning. But here's the Top 15 for what I collect (memorabilia more so than cards). Strictly based upon my personal experiences...

1. REA
2. LOTG
3. BST
4. Huggins & Scott
5. Inside the Park
6. RMY
7. Lelands
8. Hunt
9. Heritage
10. Grey Flannel
11. SCP
12. Goldin
13. Mile High
14. Memory Lane
15. Wheatland

Also... I recently tried Birmingham/Aquarian for the first time, and like them a lot for lower priced items and affordable singles. Have heard similarly good things about Brockleman and Sterling. And as for Insane Uncle... not so much. :rolleyes:

Wow, quite a list, thanks. And I thought I bid in a lot of auctions. LOL

[sportscomicfantasy]

I'm bored so I'll give you a run down on my impressions. I'll break them down in 3 basic categories; great, eh, and never again.

Great
- REA - Never an issue, solid packaging, exceptionally quick shipping, offers to bring anything to shows for preview, answer questions.
- HA - Never an issue, bomb proof packaging. Some don't like the bidding rules regarding who can bid on lots and the house bidding. Never seemed to bother me though. Shipping time varies - I've had some lots take a while to ship, other seemed to ship before I paid.
- LOTG - Great customer service, answers question promptly, one of the best catalogs. Fair BP and shipping. Goes the extra mile - would bring winnings to shows to pick up/pay when reasonable.
- Brockelman - Quick shipping, goes the extra mile (at one point I had the wrong zip code on my shipping and they offered to reship for free when it was completely my fault.) Very low BP & shipping cost
- Birmingham - Honest to a fault, will point out every flaw even during in person auctions, really caters to lower end cards that other AH's would overlook or group together. Fair BP & shipping. Very highly recommend for those on a tight budget or just getting their toes wet in pre-war.
- H&S - never had an issue, very courtesy, shipping is high but goes extra mile by bring lots to show to pay/pick up, promptly answers emails
- Sterling - quick shipping, prompt service. Had 1 issue where I was sent the wrong card, but quickly apologized and got the correct card reshipped to me promptly. Which is how an issue should be handled.

Eh
- Clean Sweep - personally never had an issue, though I've heard others have. To me the reason they don't get into the upper category is due to the fact they won't bring winnings to shows - everything has to ship and they only take check/MO. This has resulted in taking longer to get cards as a result. I've also felt multiple times as shows that I didn't matter..."you can look in the catalog to see if we have any."
- Small Tradition - Personally never had an issue, however, the trimming scandal bumps them down for me and makes it so I will be hesitant to bid, but won't say never.
- Hunt - Have received cards trimmed (it was trimmed so bad I just laughed and moved on) that were not advertised as such. Website is difficult to navigate, lacks pictures, but they will answer questions promptly. Also will not bring lots to shows even when the show is 20 min from their office. What really drops them to me though is the attitude they had with the Philly Show. For anyone that isn't aware, Hunt is involved in promoting the show. At one point, they threatened dealers to not allow them to set up at the show if they set up at any local show in order to stop competition.
- Wheatland - Previously used outside shipper which was insanely expensive. I believe that has now been brought completely in house which is a good thing. I did receive one lot of over 200 1960's cards and about 70% had red marker or ink of some type on the edges edge and that wasn't disclosed.

Never again
- Crazy Uncle - I don't think I need to say anything based on the other threads.
- Goodwin/anything related - 1 really bad experience. One a lot of T3s and one of the cards was missing. Was promised they had it and would ship multiple times. Card never arrived. After about a month of empty promises, they finally issued a partial refund, but that wasn't even sent when promised.

Fantastic, thanks for the insight into why you like and don't like companies. It will help me if I want to add another auction or make sure I don't add the wrong one!

[hcv123]

As much of my response echoed what Rich said - I "borrowed" and edited.

- REA (consigned and bid)- Never an issue, solid packaging, exceptionally quick shipping..
- HA (consigned and bid)- Never an issue, bomb proof packaging. I don't like the bidding rules regarding who can bid on lots and the house bidding. Shipping time varies - I've had some lots take a while to ship, other seemed to ship before I paid.
- LOTG (bid only) -I had a shipping issue which they did't take accountability for which was ultimately resolved. Fair BP and shipping.
- Birmingham (consigned and bid) - Honest to a fault, will point out every flaw. Really caters to lower end cards that other AH's would overlook or group together. Fair BP & shipping. Very highly recommend. Scott is a great human being.
- H&S (consigned and bid)- never had an issue, very courteous.
- Sterling (bid only)- quick shipping, prompt service. Only won items in 1 auction so far
Mile high (bid only) - smooth
Memory Lane - (bid only) - smooth
- Small Tradition (bid only) - after trimming scandal broke - I inspected prior winnings and found a high grade Clemente Kahn's card that was clearly trimmed (graded by PSA as a 9!!!!!!!) - I contacted ST and they took it back no questions asked and refunded me promptly.
- Hunt (bid only) - Website is VERY difficult to navigate, lacks pictures, but they will answer questions promptly.
- Wheatland (bid only)- 1 lot received not as described - returned and refunded (needed to follow up for the refund a few weeks after return). Other lots great. Chuck seems very service oriented - probably thin team behind him. Not a fan of their auction closing process - lots end 5 minutes apart + 10 minute rule.
Lelands - good experience

Never
- Crazy Uncle (Neither bid nor consigned) - I read the outcome and comments of their first auction and made the decision not to get involved with them. Reading the outcome and lack of service in their second not sure there will be a 3rd, but will not participate if there is.
- Goodwin/anything related - (bid only) - after the recent email fiasco - wouldn't touch them with a ten foot pole.

[timn1]

I would write my opinions down, but They are so close to what Richard says here that I will just say +1.

Tim

I'm bored so I'll give you a run down on my impressions. I'll break them down in 3 basic categories; great, eh, and never again.

Great
- REA - Never an issue, solid packaging, exceptionally quick shipping, offers to bring anything to shows for preview, answer questions.
- HA - Never an issue, bomb proof packaging. Some don't like the bidding rules regarding who can bid on lots and the house bidding. Never seemed to bother me though. Shipping time varies - I've had some lots take a while to ship, other seemed to ship before I paid.
- LOTG - Great customer service, answers question promptly, one of the best catalogs. Fair BP and shipping. Goes the extra mile - would bring winnings to shows to pick up/pay when reasonable.
- Brockelman - Quick shipping, goes the extra mile (at one point I had the wrong zip code on my shipping and they offered to reship for free when it was completely my fault.) Very low BP & shipping cost
- Birmingham - Honest to a fault, will point out every flaw even during in person auctions, really caters to lower end cards that other AH's would overlook or group together. Fair BP & shipping. Very highly recommend for those on a tight budget or just getting their toes wet in pre-war.
- H&S - never had an issue, very courtesy, shipping is high but goes extra mile by bring lots to show to pay/pick up, promptly answers emails
- Sterling - quick shipping, prompt service. Had 1 issue where I was sent the wrong card, but quickly apologized and got the correct card reshipped to me promptly. Which is how an issue should be handled.

Eh
- Clean Sweep - personally never had an issue, though I've heard others have. To me the reason they don't get into the upper category is due to the fact they won't bring winnings to shows - everything has to ship and they only take check/MO. This has resulted in taking longer to get cards as a result. I've also felt multiple times as shows that I didn't matter..."you can look in the catalog to see if we have any."
- Small Tradition - Personally never had an issue, however, the trimming scandal bumps them down for me and makes it so I will be hesitant to bid, but won't say never.
- Hunt - Have received cards trimmed (it was trimmed so bad I just laughed and moved on) that were not advertised as such. Website is difficult to navigate, lacks pictures, but they will answer questions promptly. Also will not bring lots to shows even when the show is 20 min from their office. What really drops them to me though is the attitude they had with the Philly Show. For anyone that isn't aware, Hunt is involved in promoting the show. At one point, they threatened dealers to not allow them to set up at the show if they set up at any local show in order to stop competition.
- Wheatland - Previously used outside shipper which was insanely expensive. I believe that has now been brought completely in house which is a good thing. I did receive one lot of over 200 1960's cards and about 70% had red marker or ink of some type on the edges edge and that wasn't disclosed.

Never again
- Crazy Uncle - I don't think I need to say anything based on the other threads.
- Goodwin/anything related - 1 really bad experience. One a lot of T3s and one of the cards was missing. Was promised they had it and would ship multiple times. Card never arrived. After about a month of empty promises, they finally issued a partial refund, but that wasn't even sent when promised.