GREY FLANNEL AUCTIONS

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Posted By: Mark

Just got off the phone with Grey Flannel Auctions. I spoke with a TJ (or perhaps JT.. not sure which). I had won a Lot of 6 Vintage Bats in their last Catalogue Auction. All Bats were simply described as "Uncracked".

After receiving this Group Lot very late (they simply forgot to send it, despite having sat on my payment for close to a month), I explained that none of the Bats were properly described. Grey Flannel's Senior Manager robotically stated "All SALES FINAL - NO RETURNS". When I asked him how they could use such misleading descriptions, he failed to answer, and clearly could not have cared less.

He invited me to post here (telling me exactly how to spell Grey Flannel), so that is what I'm now doing. Attached are pictures of just 2 of the Bats Grey Flannel describes as simply "Uncracked". One has over 100 deep worm holes (and IS cracked) - the other has a 9 inch gash of missing wood out of the barrel (both completely undisclosed).

Grey Flannel offered no compensation of any kind, and no remorse whatsoever. In addition, the Bats were shipped with no protection or padding... all 6 just thrown into a box and shipped as-is, despite my requesting that they be individually wrapped (outrageous request?)

Sorry for the long post, but wanted to make all Forum members aware of this company's dreadful customer service, and call out a company that values profits over its long-term and devoted customers. Here are the "UNCRACKED" bats...

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Posted By: Dan Bretta

Sorry to hear it Mark. I've never dealt with Grey Flannel as I've heard too many bad things about them. I've watched some of their auctions with interest, but never been tempted to bid on anything just because of their bad dealings.

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Posted By: Alan

Mark -

This board is somewhat magical in the fact that posting a problem on this message board has an unbelievable amount of influence to all of these auction houses, grading companies, and dealers. They know that these board members are their best customers and they want to keep everyone on here happy.

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Posted By: Joe K.

Thanks for posting Mark. That sucks. I too have watched some of their auctions with interest, and have bid several times before but never won. I will definetly think twice before bidding with them again and may just avoid them all together if this is what can be expected from them.

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Posted By: Andrew S.

Mark, that is disgraceful customer service. I'll never bid with them.

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Posted By: Mike H

IF...they every hope to appeal to advanced collectors it is critical to accurately describe items up for auction. This is a perfect example of what doesn't happen with premier houses like REA.

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Posted By: Brock G.

That is ridiculous that damage like that would not of been mentioned. I've never given them any of my business in the past and likely never will if this is the kind of customer service they offer. Really sucks.

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Posted By: Mark

Thanks so much to all for your thoughtful responses. But rather than garner any sympathy, I just wanted to issue a warning to all who read this, about this disturbing outfit. It really is incredible that Grey Flannel could care so little about their long-time customers, or their image in this rather small community of collectors.

Mike, you're absolutely correct... this would NEVER happen with REA (or with Mastro, Lelands, Hunts, Sotheby's, Bob McCann, Huggins & Scott or any of the other first rate Auction Houses). Even on Ebay, a seller would NEVER risk getting a "negative" with a complete failure to disclose major flaws such as these.

I just have to wonder what Grey Flannel's rating would be on Ebay, with a highly inaccurate one-word description of what they are selling, coupled with a "No Returns" policy. And what a strange coincidence that the "problematic" sides of each item were obscured or hidden in every picture they posted!

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Posted By: Tom Boblitt

about them to bid in their auctions. Incredible that they didn't detail the bats' issues to begin with and even more incredible that they wouldn't rectify the problem after the fact. Maybe even offer a few $$ and you keep the lot so everyone is happy. There's PLENTY of competition between auctioneers out there. It will come back to roost on them soon.............

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Posted By: Jimmy

I never had a chance to bid on any of the items through this company. I do know they deal in a lot of sports memorabilia which I buy and sell. They tend to have lots of vintage sporting goods, but I have always used Hunt Auctions when I am looking for those types of items. It really is tough when you have problems like this; it makes many people think twice about bidding on items and effects collector confidence through other sites that may have good customer service.

Jimmy

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Posted By: Rhys

Pretty amazing. In contrast, I just bought a game used Hienie Groh bottle bat from Lelands. They went so into depth about the condition flaws that I was scared to get the bat. When I got it the other day I was very pleasantly surprised at how nice it was, it was WAY better than any of the bats you have shown and they must have spent 2 paragraphs detailing the flaws!

I think sometimes people dont realize how small of a community the Sports Collectibles hobby really is and how quickly negative press can circulate.

Rhys

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Posted By: Mark

Completely agree with you, Rhys...

Lelands is a classy organization, and is always fair and accurate with their descriptions. Plus they treat their customers with dignity and respect. There is a good reason that Leland's has been around (and thriving) for so long...

And BTW... congrats on the Groh Bottle Bat!

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Posted By: Jodi Birkholm

The higher a profile you have, the more criticism you face. Larger auction houses have the most attention focused on their sales and affairs. Conversely, some small-time dealers can go on deceiving honest collectors for seemingly many years without facing the consequences they so richly deserve.

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Posted By: leon

no need to comment...this is self explanatory....

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Posted By: Brian

Thanks for sharing your experience. At least many more can learn from your situation.

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Posted By: Tony Andrea

Thanks for the heads up. Pitiful........
I will stay away from them, you can bet on that.

Tony

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Posted By: Jimmy

Rhys,

Interesting you mention the game used bat from Leland’s. I just listed a game used bat on eBay and items such as gloves and bats and other types of memorabilia need detailed descriptions and pictures. The larger auction houses do well with those types of items and when I have a real nice valuable piece of memorabilia I will send it to them. Most of the time I get items that are worth less then what auction houses will take, so the items end up on eBay. The fact is there is no excuse for what happened, and I have had similar issues with smaller auction companies which is why I just list the items myself. When you use consignment services you expect that descriptions and customer service is taken care of for you. We still have a long way to go in this hobby, when it comes to doing the right thing, and this makes it hard for companies that do have good customer service. I understand things happen, but we can always try and resolve the issue and that is what makes me upset about this issue the most.

Jimmy

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Posted By: Rick

Sounds like a similar experience I had with GF earlier in the year. I won an NFL jersey that I determined couldn't possibly have been worn by said player. Fortunately, I hadn't paid for it before I called them to ask for any other verification of provenance that they may have to help authenticate the jersey. I was told that they weren't obligated to provide me with any more info than was in the listing and that all sales were final, and if I didn't pay for the item I would be hearing from their attorney. Suffice to say, they didn't get a cent of my money and I never heard a word from any attorney.

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Posted By: Greg Theberge

Sorry to hear about this. It never ceases to amaze me how any company can have such poor Customer Service (in any field) and not realize that, in the end, it will come back to haunt them. It all comes down to integrity and whether or not you're a decent human being. It's as simple as that Grey Flannel. Seems pretty classless to me. One more bidder and consignor they don't have to worry about here in Rhode Island.