Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>David Vargha</b><p><font color=blue>Leon -- This guy needs to be called out! I made the mistake of purchasing a raw card from this self-promoter extraordinaire and master of the "Cap Lock" style of auction writing . . . I won the card from him on eBay and it was altered, so I asked him for a refund. </font><br /> <br /><br />Mon, 14 Aug 2006 10:45 AM<font color=blue><br /><br /><br />This card came back from SGC as having been altered by color being added. Please advise what I need to do to get a refund -- thanks! - David</font><br /><br /> <br /><br />Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2006 15:44:39 -0400<br /><br /><br />I AM AN EXPERT AND THE CARD ISN'T ALTERED!! <font color=blue><br /> <br />Well, I am waiting to get the card back from SGC. "Experts" aren't perfect whether they work for a grading company or if they don't. I never ran it under a black light, but I will when it returns. On the slim chance that you did miss this one, how would you want to handle the return?<br /><br />David</font><br /><br /> <br /><br />Wednesday, August 16, 2006 6:31 PM<font color=blue><br /><br /> <br /><br />Brian -- Attached are the two scans of the card (front and back) from SGC. There is only one tiny area on part of a crease that is colored, but the card is definitely altered as it shows up under a black light. Now I realize that this likely happened years before you ever even acquired it, so I am not accusing you of anything in any way. All I am asking for is a refund of the price paid. Please let me know the best way to accomplish this. Thanks.<br /><br />David Vargha</font><br /><br /><img src="http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/9708/minofrontez2.jpg"> <img src="http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/6331/minobackge1.jpg"><br /><br />8/21/06 (via eBay):<font color=blue><br /><br />Hellloooo!!!!!!!! Answer my e-mails or . . . ?</font><br /><br /><br />Almost immediately:<br /><br />RETURN THE CARD AND DO NOT BID IN ANY MORE OF MY AUCTIONS!! <font color=blue><br /><br />Well, I did send him back the card per his instructions USPS insured with delivery confirmation for my protection. Here is the status of the delivery:<br /></font><br /><br />Label/Receipt Number: <b>0304 1560 0006 9423 1619</b><br />Status: <b>Unclaimed</b><br /><br />Your item was returned to the sender on October 11, 2006 because it was not claimed by the addressee. <font color=blue><br /><br />I telephoned this rip-off artist and he didn't return my call either. I have spoken with several collectors who have similar horror stories. I am only posting this here as a warning after exhausting all efforts to legitimately handle this between Brian and me. Thanks for listening to my venting.</font><br /><br />(Title Edited)<br /><br /><br />DavidVargha@hotmail.com

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>t206king</b><p>thanks for the heads up

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>John S</b><p>David,<br /><br />I am sorry to hear that your situation was handled in this manner. I have had nothing but positive dealings with Brian in the past (but was always a bit leary of his feedback). However, I will think twice about bidding on his items in the future. It always amazes me that sellers will allow their reputations to damaged rather than losing a sale. You even gave him an out by stating that the alteration was performed in the distant past and not by him. Will SGC grade the card as authentic?

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Brian</b><p>Thanks David for sharing. Too many people have bad experiences on ebay or the BST board here and never speak up...

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Bob Pomilla</b><p>Like John, I too have had positive experiences with this dealer. However, after this, I won't deal with him further. Sorry about your experience, David, but appreciate the heads-up.

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Al C.risafulli</b><p>I've bid on many of his auctions and he's seen my last bid.<br /><br />It's amazing to me what poor business skills some people have. Not only is it poor customer service, but all you have to do is look at David's feedback and purchase history to understand that you just lost an excellent customer forever.<br /><br />"Expert" indeed.<br /><br />-Al

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>kyle lentine</b><p>I have only delt with him a very few times, a while back. He took a long time to respond by email and resposes were usually one or two words, when more than one or two words were needed for a proper response.<br />Sorry to hear that happen.<br />Just out of curiousity, how much did you pay for the card

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Judge Dred (Fred)</b><p>I've won a couple of auctions from him with no hassles. I often wondered why I won the auctions with lower than expected bidding. This could be the reason why.

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>I have no problem bringing issues with individuals to the board. You can't remain anonymous in any posts in these threads though. regards

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>David Vargha</b><p><font color=blue>John: I think that they would if they were asked to.<br /><br />Kyle: About $250</font><br><br>DavidVargha@hotmail.com

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Tom Boblitt</b><p>positive and negative experiences with him. More positive than negative slightly. He's definitely computer challenged. He doesn't do his auctions justice with either photos or with descriptions and he's definitely difficult. I recently won 3 auctions from him on the same day minutes apart and he sends me 3 separate emails with 3 separate postage and handling charges totalling $14+ for basically 15-20 non-sport tobacco cards. Nothing bulky, etc. I email him asking to combine shipping and he drops it WAAAAAYYY down to $10.00. Not jazzed about that. That said, I did win some really nice non-sports A&G lots from him a few months back that went for a song. He's a former David Festberg (where the crap is he now........) protege I think. That would explain a LOT.........

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Dan Bretta</b><p>I had the same problem when I won multiple auctions from him quite a while back....It took him forever to finally reply to me with a combined invoice, but everything worked out in the end. Sorry to hear about this latest problem.

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>CATAQUET</b><p>Dave, there is no way i can give you a refund when you had the card in your possession for over two months and then you decide to return it because of a third party opinion. also, card is exchanging hands with 3 parties (who knows who). Most dealers do not give refunds when a buyer holds the cards for Two months. From my experience its usually a 7-10 day return policy, not over two months. Sorry.

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Todd Schultz</b><p>that response, my friends, speaks volumes.

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Anonymous</b><p>--

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Seth B.</b><p>- Edited - No point in stating the obvious.

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Jeff Lichtman</b><p>It's a freaking $250 card - give Dave a refund. I sold someone a mostly raw set for over 3K and the kid decided he didn't want it after receiving it. I agreed to an immediate refund. Life is short, you know?

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>cataquet</b><p>DAVID, I'll tell you what i am going to do. I am going to refund your $250.00 and i want you to keep the card. E mail me your address to my email address. Does that satisfy you. I hope it does.

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>JimB</b><p>Catequet,<br />You are not only losing one customer with a response like that. Act in your own self-interest and refund him the money.<br />JimB

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Frank Evanov</b><p>Thanks for the heads-up David. I will not bid on anything from this guy.<br><br>Frank

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>steve f</b><p> Do a hundred things right and noone remembers, do one thing wrong and noone forgets. I'd bought from you in the past and was pleased. Glad you're doing the decent thing and now realize that sending out for grading can take damn near a month at times. Good karma for you.

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Paul</b><p>Most stated return policies are not long enough for a buyer to send a raw card to grading, & recieve it back in time to return it. I'm not a seller, but will be someday. I would give atleast a 30 day return policy to allow for grading, but in reality I would do just about anything/anytime within reason to make things right. Also, I would give refunds on graded cards. David I hope it all works out ok. I know from this board that your one of the good guys in the hobby.

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>joseph</b><p> I won some low value cards and everything went ok except he' s slow to email you. Brian has received my last bid if this going to be his attitude on a bogus deal. Two months is a long time but if he doesn't stand behind his product, then he is just a scam artist.

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>bigfish</b><p>David,<br />sorry you had such a bad shake on this 250 dollar card!!! Your money should have been returned no questions asked. I will shy away from his auctions and thanks for the heads up.<br /><br />That myspace link is outrageous. The back drop is classic.

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>I have dealt with Brian C several times. He's a little brash but not a scammer. He does cards for a living. He did report me to ebay as a non paying bidder one time, on about a $30 card, after I emailed him saying I spaced it and was a few days late on payment. I told him that he really should contact buyers first in case of an honest oversight. He did apologize but not sure he understood what I was really saying. I think his (hi Brian if you are reading) customer service and bedside manner could use some work. For the record when I sell a raw card I give 90 days to get it graded...and of course guarantee all to be good.....unless otherwise stated. Many sellers lose money by their reputation.

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Anonymous</b><p>the first myspace.com baseball ad...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/tobeeecat" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.myspace.com/tobeeecat</a><br /><br />

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Al C.risafulli</b><p>"Many sellers lose money by their reputation."<br /><br />Exactly.<br /><br />In an arena where sales are made through an internet medium, in a hobby dominated by word of mouth, reputation is everything (for a seller OR a buyer). And when you sell a card to someone - particularly someone who's name is all over the hobby message boards and is obviously well-liked and respected - you'd think it would be a no-brainer to do the right thing, and not wait until it's splashed all over the boards.<br /><br />Do the right thing immediately, right off the bat, and you've got a customer for life. Wait for your error to become public, and you're stuck doing damage control. It's the same in any business, but particularly so in such a small hobby niche. <br /><br />We're all bidding on the same items from the same sellers all day long, using the same grading companies and then sharing our experiences on the message boards. Your actions define you, in more ways than one.<br /><br />-Al

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Judd Hamlin</b><p>more than I needed... and could use some eye bleach and mental floss to get those images out of my mind. The photos are a bit subtle tho...<br />Where is Festberg these days anyway?

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>T206Collector</b><p>It was my T206 O'Hara (St. Louis) and I got a great deal on it because it was not graded and because the scan was lousy and because the auction was not written particularly, well, professionally. When I made that purchase, the only reason I did it was because I work in the same city as he lives and if I had an issue, I could always file in small claims court. But I also understood that caveat emptor might apply. <br /><br />I definitely agree with the concept of keeping up customer relations as a seller for purposes of generating goodwill and all, but I think it is a little much to fully expect a refund on a card that SGC returns as color added two months after the sale. <br /><br />At some point, the buyer has to accept at least some of the risk of the sale. <br /><br />In this case, I would have refunded the money, no questions asked. But I would not have been particularly happy with the buyer's tone in his e-mails. I would have preferred he discuss potential solutions to make both parties happy -- perhaps a refund of some of the sale price -- especially given the fact that two months passed before the card was returned.<br /><br />Finally, if you buy a raw card on ebay, you should not assume that it will grade. Quite the contrary. If you buy a raw card on ebay worth more than $50, you have to ask yourself why the seller didn't spend the $8 to have it graded. Sure, there are plenty of legit high value raw cards out there, but still, that is a big red flag for me. Especially, when you are buying a raw card for less than top dollar from a questionable seller. You are just inviting trouble.

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Steve M.</b><p>not at all what I expected based on his ebay persona. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>peter ullman</b><p>that myspace ad is hilarious...mr mint jr! i've dealt w/tobeecat a few times...the outcome was always positive...but the process was tedious and he told me not to bid on any more of his auctions when i complained about not combining shipping! but yes...a handsome fellow! I'm not gay by the way!<br /><br />pete in mn

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Jason L</b><p>I tell ya what, life is too short to deal with mean-spirited people, and lots of other people have cards that I could buy...perhaps I will write to him and request to be banned, so I don't accidentally happen upon one of his auctions and make the mistake of bidding!<br /><br />Thanks for the heads-up, David<br /><br />Jason L<br /><br />edited to add: <br />Pete in mn, not that there's anything wrong with that!

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>John Harrell</b><p>He has stuff up for auction now on Evilbay and I was tempted to bid until I looked at some feedback and now heard from the board. Based on his self-promotion, sounds like he's cut from the Alan Hager cloth.<br /><br />John

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Tim Newcomb</b><p>This one brings up a bunch of thoughts so I'll just list them. I'm trying both to call it as I see it, and to be fair to all sides. <br /><br />1. I always cringe when Tobeeecat lists something I am interested in because of the pain of reading his auction copy and emails. He is obnoxious and lacks class. His feedback is terrible for good reason. That said, I'll bid if I want the item and will often get it for a half-decent price. I've never had any issues with the shipping or the items. They are no more overgraded than most ebay items are.<br /><br />2. Given tobeee's stated desire to be a "player," it makes no sense to refuse to refund the money for this card and keep a buyer happy-- especially given the danger that the disgruntled buyer will come on this board and call him a nasty name (which I DO think should have been edited from the message title) which will then bring a bunch of other people out of the woodwork and pile on by making fun of the guy's education, appearance, computer skills, and overall emulation of Mr. Mint. <br /><br />3. I'm no defender of tobeeecat's actions, and I have nothing whatsoever against David V., but as a principle I have to agree with T206 that it's unreasonable to expect a refund after two months on a subtly altered card that won't grade. <br />--On a card that's not authentic, yes, absolutely. <br />--On a card that's so obviously altered that the seller could not have missed it, and should have mentioned it-- that card you send back right away for a refund and don't try to grade. <br /><br />But in this day and age, I don't think you can expect to grab a rare card like that for a low ungraded price, send it in hoping to increase its value by 50-100%, discover it can't be graded, and demand your money back months later. That is putting an unreasonable burden on a seller.<br /><br />To me the fact that a knowledgeable buyer himself felt it was gradeable absolves the seller from the responsibility of knowing it was altered. If a buyer is willing to commit to saying he sees an alteration himself, he deserves an immediate refund. If he has to rely on a professional third-party opinion to decide, he doesn't, because the alteration was therefore too subtle for the seller to be expected to know. Hence the logic of the typical 7-day refund limit. <br /><br />The other side of this equation: if a seller tries to slab a card and it doesn't grade, this should be disclosed to prospective buyers.<br /><br />But to me this is the risk you take buying ungraded cards on the net -- Not unless the seller stated specifically that the card was unaltered and would receive a numerical grade. <br /><br />The card can be graded "AU" by SGC or GAI. That, to me, is all the buyer can expect in this situation. <br /><br />

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Al C.risafulli</b><p>I disagree with Tim and T206 here.<br /><br />To me, it looks like David didn't wait months to ask for the refund - he asked immediately. He was told by the seller (after some arguing and ignoring at least one email) that he could return the card for a refund. All that happened in late August, if you look at the dates.<br /><br />David may have waited a bit to return the card, but the seller should have taken it back anyway. He knew it was coming back, told David to send it, and then refused it when it finally arrived. Considering that David sent the seller scans of the card back in August, he could have easily opened the package and compared the card to the scan, in an effort to make sure nothing more was done to the card during that extra time.<br /><br />And I most definitely don't think of recoloring as a subtle alteration. Regardless of whether or not it takes a grading company to detect it, recoloring is typically an alteration that was made for purposes of deception. That's precisely what grading companies are for, and a buyer shouldn't be penalized for missing the alteration.<br /><br />-Al<br /><br />

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>John J. Grillo</b><p>I agree with Al and David. This is a "no-brainer" in my opinion. The Seller, whether or not they have a return policy, should not be selling altered cards unless advertised as such. The buyer is entitled to a refund--whether they waited one week or two weeks is irrelevant. The Seller agreed to the refund, the buyer shipped the card, and the seller refused the package from USPS. It's a shame the buyer had to go through all this stress and only a post on this public forum made the seller change his tune. <br /><br />

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Lee Behrens</b><p>This is not the first thread about Brian and his poor history, it is reflected in his feedback. If you bid on anyone with a feedback as low as his it is always a buyer beware because I seriously doubt whether the seller is going to change. It is the sellers loss because he is not getting top dollar for what he is selling.<br /><br />everytime Brian has came on this board he has never written anything that changes the fact he is a poor business man.<br /><br />Lee

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Judge Dred (Fred)</b><p>This is going to rehash an old topic -<br /><br />How long should a seller be bound for a return on goods? <br /><br />What if the seller provided a 30 day return policy? Is this sufficient?<br /><br />What if the seller gave 30 days no questions asked or 60 days for people that can provide a grading service flip that indicates an alteration? <br /><br />What happens if you buy a card that is advertised as ExMt from the seller but it comes back VG from the grading service?

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>John J. Grillo</b><p>Fred...What you have written above seems absolutely fair in my opinion.

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>T206Collector</b><p>My only point is that if the seller does not specify in his listing how long should he can be bound for a return on goods, then you should not assume that there is a return policy at all and you should ask questions first before placing a bid. After that, you are relying on your own expectation for a return policy which may or may not be shared by the seller and which may or may not be objectively reasonable. <br /><br />I do want to respond to this one: <br /><br />"What happens if you buy a card that is advertised as ExMt from the seller but it comes back VG from the grading service?" <br /><br />Oftentimes raw cards are sold raw for a reason -- they look ExMt, but have spider wrinkles. You have to factor this into your bidding on a raw card. You do not deserve a refund unless the seller guarantees that it will grade what he says it will -- which no one ever does precisely because they know they are grading more liberally than, say, SGC.<br /><br /><br />

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Rhys</b><p>The first few times I dealt with Brian, it was bad. Once I learned what type of a seller he was though, it wasn't too horrible. You just have to remember a few things. He doesn't take paypal, he WILL file a non-paying bidder complaint with ebay afer 7 days 0 hours and 1 minute have passed since the auction ended, but you also WILL get the card or memorabilia for about 1/2 to 2/3 of the price it will go for from another dealer. I have probably done over 50 buys from him on ebay over the last 5-7 years. Each time I have been more than happy with the product once it arrived, you just have to know what to expect if you are going to go down that road.<br /><br />Rhys

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>CATAQUET</b><p>David, i recieved your email with your address and a money order for $250.00 was mailed to you on 10/12. Again, keep the card i dont want it. I hope this relieves your anxiety and you can sleep better @ night. Happy Collecting to all.

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Eric PUgh</b><p>This tobyidiot is a complete and total moron. To the point of humor. <br /><br />I have dealt with Vargha and he is TOTAL class and integrity. Toby - read what people say on these boards, examine how you treat people and business, and then just do the opposite of your instincts for the rest of your life.<br /><br />It sucks to deal with buttholes like toby - thanks Vargha for the heads up as I will note never to buy from this clown.

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>BcD</b><p>He sells cards for a living!!!!!!!!!! He really has no idea what he is doing and is more like a flea market vendor. I have had seven negatives ( duplicates from two people) in 6000 feedbacks and he was one of them. I'll never buy again either from him either. He need to get his GED!

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Cobby33</b><p>NOBODY on this Board has perfect grammar, spelling, etc. In fact, nobody I've ever met (or read) possesses this quality. Sadly, though I teach a Legal Writing class, I'm far from perfect as well. <br />I cringe when I see poor grammar, spelling, syntax, etc., but there are as many people with special needs out there, as there are lazy people who don't want to take the time to be intelligible, so maybe we should ease up a little on that.<br /><br />Edited to add: I'll refrain from pointing out the subject/verb disagreement (or simply a typo) in a previous posting on this topic...

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Shooty</b><p>I've always had good luck with Brian's auctions. This doesn't excuse him from not taking care of other people, of course. When I liquidated some cards to raise cash for an expensive Negro league card I had a chance to buy, I got great returns on the cards I had bought from his auctions. I think with a little time, he could be making those returns himself. Here's hoping.<br /><br />--Chad

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>davidcycleback</b><p>Not concerning this partcular dispute, I think authenticity should be guaranteed for life-- with the caviat that if a buyer takes four years to return a 1969T Willie Mays he shouldn't be suprised if the seller rememebers neither the card nor the buyer. For a four year wait on a 69T Mays, the buyer should keep the the receipt and a convincing argument he is returning the same card.<br /><br />For condition, the return period can reasonably be much shorter, even a week, as any collector can make a reasonable judgment of the condition. When he receives it, the buyer can inspect the card, judge if the condition matches the advertised description and decide whether or not to keep it. If the buyer and the seller agree on grade, what's to argue? ... Now, if there was a seller's guarantee that the card would professionally grade at a certain grade, that would be different.<br /><br />For alteration, which sort of falls between grade and authenticty, the period should be in between, much closer to grading. While a seller should refund for undescribed alterations, it's fair for a seller to be paranoid about what did or did not happen to card since the five years he sold it.<br /><br />It should be noted that most arguments are settled beforehand when the authenticity/return period is stated as part of the sales description. Stating the terms saves problems for both the buyer and the seller. While my ideal guarantee is that authenticity is guaranteed until infitity, if an eBay seller states the buyer has a finite time to get it authenticated by a grader I have no argument with their policy.

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>If a collector buys a raw card intending to get it graded, I think it should be done as quickly as possible. That way if a dispute does arise it can be taken care of in a reasonable and timely manner. I've had collectors complain about cards that came back altered or with some problem and then admitted they waited a month or two before they sent them in. I think buyer and seller need to work together on this issue.

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Jason L</b><p>Lots of opinions here on this, and all seem reasonable, but from my own experience, I think that with the proliferation and accessibility of professional grading, you are better off entertaining a healthy dose of skepticism about the product if you buy raw.<br /><br />I don't know about others, but there is no way in heck that I can reliably receive a card, ship it off to PSA immediately, pay for quick service, and hope to get it back in time to comply with a seller's return policy. It's just not going to happen and that is one of my limitations that I have accepted - life is just too busy. So now if I buy raw, I am prepared to live with the consequences. Lesson learned. Raw Mantle came back trimmed. thinking about it now, why would any good-looking Mantle be raw? duh.<br /><br />At any rate, buy graded, check feedback, check seller's history of items sold, don't assume a return policy, check for reasonable shipping costs, make sure seller accepts your form of payment, close your eyes and click.<br /><br />one thing to count on as home equity withdrawals continue to drive escalating hobby prices - the more money involved, the more incentive exists to cheat...sad, but it really brings out the hacks<br /><br />Sorry for the long rambling...just recently stung, so I can relate to David's irritation<br /><br />Jason L<br />

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>davidcycleback</b><p>One thing to do is to become knowledgeable and experienced and be able to judge the<br />card yourself. One may not be able send all one's cards to PSA or SGC, but one can<br />can learn to judge grade, make a decent opinion on authenticity and see obvious signs<br />of alteration.<br /><br />Obviously, making sound choices about who to buy raw cards from is, well, sound. <br />And there's a difference between buying a raw 1974 Kelloggs Willie Stargell from<br />a stranger on eBay and a raw 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth. Just as there's a difference<br />between sending a total stranger $20 via PayPal and sending a stranger $125,000 via<br />PayPal (see other thread about T206 Honus Wagner where seller accepts PayPal only).

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Jason L</b><p>Agreed, although I would have to say it is still pretty tough for me to tell from a scan whether or not a card is trimmed...my own personal struggle, anyway...<br /><br />Jason L

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>davidcycleback</b><p>I was talking about when you have the card in person, after receiving it in the <br />mail. Being able to check it yourself if it's not practical to send it to a <br />grader.

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>chris nealis</b><p> About 2 years ago I was putting together a 1962 Topps set when I won $24 worth of cards from him. He wanted to charge me $9.60 for shipping uninsured. I sent him a private e-mail asking that the lots be combined and he sent me a nasty e-mail threatening to leave me negative feedback if I did not pay. Being only $9.60 I paid immediately but left him a neutral feedback the only time I have ever done so. Guess what the jerk did he retaliated by posting a negative feedback which I disputed and finally got removed.

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Edacra</b><p>This is all good for a discussion on ethics and business, but there's really nothing left to say about a Seller who agreed to take a refund and then refuses the package. Who cares what his refund policy is if he doesn't honor his own word.<br /><br />The biggest issue here is he refused the USPS return once he already authorized it.

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Cobby33</b><p>That happened to me too. I left neutral for a similar reason (oh- and he put tape all over the slab) and the jackass left me negative.<br /><br />No offense intended to anyone on the Board who practices this, but why wait until the buyer posts feedback, to post seller's feedback? The seller should post feedback immediately after timely payment. That's how I do it, becuase (1) I think it's right; and (2) I simply don't have time to monitor feedback. I do it when I ship and then I'm done with it.

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>Most sellers that wait to leave feedback are afraid they don't give good service (and are usually correct) and are afraid of bad feedback and no way to retaliate.

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>John</b><p>A lot of you may not know the true story of Brian and how he made his gigantic mark on the card-collecting hobby. But I will tell you………..<br /><br /><br />It all started innocently enough when Brian was paid by his local Macy’s department store $800 dollars for taking the “electric blue” sport coat and bad tie out of the store due to the fact that on one had bought the items in over 12 yrs. Lucky for Brian it was just his size, and the extra $800 bucks allowed him to snag up that 58 Topps set in the picture! <br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/piojohn3/junkforumimages/websize/1164825155_l.jpg"><br /><br />Who’s laughing now Macy’s!!!<br /><br />Brian ever the sharp businessman spent the profits wisely enrolling himself in ARU to learn from the master of card sharking, after graduating “Magnum Screw Laude”. <br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/piojohn3/junkforumimages/websize/papick_beem%20copy.jpg"><br /><br />Brian was able to obtain a position on the starship “Type Card Collector” where he worked along side our very own Captain Luckey. <br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/piojohn3/junkforumimages/websize/casttos3%20copy.jpg"><br /><br />During his voyages into the far reaches of space and Trenton NJ, he was able to obtain the world famous Vulcan find which highlights consisted of a T206 Bugs Raymond & a 1958 Topps common in VGEX.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/piojohn3/junkforumimages/websize/1143205064_l.jpg"><br /><br />However his time on the starship “Type Card Collector” did have its drawbacks due the enormous sex appeal of Capt Luckey, Ensign Brian was forced to take most of Capt. Luckey’s leftovers or pass offs. Ever the trooper Brian took it with stride and made the best of what was given to him.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/piojohn3/junkforumimages/websize/ensign_ricky%20copy.jpg"><br /><br />So I say to you Brian “My Space” no, absolutely no sir, more like “My Hero’!<br />

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Cobby33</b><p>Hey Leon-<br />Good point- guess there's nothing we can do about sellers reserving their right to leave retaliatory feedback, so I suppose as a buyer, the moral is to not leave any feedback if you have a bad transaction (unless of course the seller has already left pos. feedback)!

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Jason L</b><p>on the right side of the picture...<br />man, those pics are good work...

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Judge Dred (Fred)</b><p>hahahahahahahahahahahaha ---- Wonka, Wonka, Wonka, Wonka~~~!!!

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>warshawlaw</b><p>I've dealt with Brian in the past without problems. I've also dealt with Dave in the past and also have had positive experiences. I've even had nice visits (separately) with them at various Nationals. It is a shame that two guys who I think are among the good guys had this dispute, but that's how it goes. As far as this dispute goes, I think Edacra hit the nail on the nose: "The biggest issue here is he refused the USPS return once he already authorized it." That's definitely not right and Brian has apparently set it right now. If there is no question that the card is the same card and was not altered by Dave, it is stupid business to let someone be angry over a small deal that will generate a thread like this one. Brian got torched way worse than it was worth over this card, and now is out the card, the money and the reputation among several potential customers. I was at a party recently with a retail "mogul" who told me that his policy in his stores is to refund the buyer's money, no questions asked, even if he knows they are wrong, because the damage to his chain's reputation isn't worth a couple of bucks. <br /><br />As far as Brian's overall issues, policies, etc., go, I think some of the criticism of Brian's business is inappropriate. So what if he decides to use terse descriptions and less than stellar images, and doesn't give you the warm fuzzies with his customer service? It only hurts him in the long run since his cards sell for less than they might otherwise sell for. He's been around long enough and is well enough known by people who scour ebay for vintage stuff so that we know he sells decent material and often for less than market value. <br /><br />I also don't think the criticisms of David's motives for buying a raw card are correct. It doesn't matter what he wanted to do with a card that anyone perusing ebay had a shot at buying. Once the card is sold, the buyer is free to do as he pleases with it. We ALL buy and flip cards. <br /><br />Finally, and I know we've been down this road before, there is no good answer as to how long is too long to return an item. Like porn, I know it when I see it. For and among known people and friends, there is no limitations period. For a stranger in light of a clearly stated policy, any exception might be too long.

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>andy becker</b><p>agree with edacra. 100%.<br /><br />wonka, you made my day! <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14> <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14> <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Cy</b><p>My comments are stated not to take sides with David or Brian. I am just posting this to give food for thought.<br /><br />You cannot expect the card to be a graded card when you buy it raw. If you are buying a raw card, that is what you get. How many of you have bought a raw card graded VG then sent it in for grading and got back a grade that raised the value significantly? Did you then "do the right thing" and send the seller his cut of the increased value? If you aren't going to give up the extra value if it grades higher, then don't expect anything else if it grades lower.<br /><br />I am one of the few people here who actually likes raw cards. I read on the board where people stated "Why buy a raw card when you can get one graded?" Well, you buy a raw card because you may get a gem that is missed by collectors who only buy graded cards. I am lucky enough to have had Brian Weisner assist me in buying quite a few raw cards a few years back and we got some great deals. But I have also bought cards that were not as nice on other buys. You take the bitter with the sweet when you chance a raw card on ebay.<br /><br />If you think I am totally wrong, I understand. That is a valid judgement. But the next time you buy a raw card and you send it in for grading and it jumps two grades, do the right thing, send the seller his cut. Or don't complain when it comes back two grades lower.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Cy

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>I don't think, or I didn't see anyone, have a problem with buying a raw card and having it not be the grade advertised. That is one thing. Buying a raw card, without mention of alteration, and it being altered, is another thing....Thanks for chiming in...haven't seen you around for a while....best regards

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Anonymous</b><p>Vargie.<br /><br />man o man.....where's that bottle when you need one?<br /><br />ebay 101 my friend...you want graded cards...buy graded cards....it's not 1998 anymore.<br /><br />dredge the bottom of the barrell...buy from a seller that never offers graded cards or anything high grade...don't expect much bang for your buck.<br /><br />edited to add : glad you kids were able to work things out. <br /><br />

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Larry</b><p>This was the funniest my space I have seen, I really cried from laughter when I see this serious guy behind a stack of garbage cards holding up a common T206 and 58 T vg/ex with the subcaptions...This made my night so much more enjoyable! My hats off to those that made this possible!<br /><br />This was entertainment!

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Cat</b><p>The 58 Topps looks trimmed to me. Top to bottom there just isn't enough border.<br><br>________________<br /><br /><a href="http://www.audiocomedy.net/soundboards/jacket.shtml" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.audiocomedy.net/soundboards/jacket.shtml</a>

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Frank Evanov</b><p>EBAY 102..David wants unaltered cards and he deserves a prompt refund if he receives doctored cards.<br><br>Frank

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>JimCrandell</b><p>I have sent many altered cards back to dealers that I bought raw in the late 80s-early 90s that would not grade--many times years after I bought the card. Not once has a dealer(who is still in business) not taken the card back and given me a full refund.

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>runscott</b><p>Tobeecat is no secret to David or anyone else on this board. Sure, he does cards for a living, but as someone pointed out, it's a flea-market mentality. Most on the board, as evidenced by this thread, have dealt with him and understand his personality and just deal with it. It's amazing that some of you are trying to impart your values on Tobeecat - the great deals with him are there for a reason!

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Jason L</b><p>Hasn't this thread reminded anyone of Smellycat?<br />maybe it's just me....that happens alot.<br /><br />I will resist the temptation and stop short of drafting new lyrics...

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>kyle lentin3e</b><p>Same thing happened to me with steve verkman a few years back. Sent in a t205 chase to sgc and it came back trimmed. I had the card a few months and he would not take it back either. He said he had no scan of the card to verify it was the same one or not.<br />This is not an uncommon practice

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>David Vargha</b><p><font color=blue>Actually, I expected the card to grade a "10" which was how it looked in the auction scan and how it looked when I got it. So the conspiracy theorists that are thinking that I somehow was trying to buy a card really cheaply are badly mistaken. Did I hope to make a few bucks on it? YES! But only because I knew that as creased as the card is, it would sell for more in an SGC holder, even with a "10" grade. The wear looked honest and there was no evidence of trimming. Plus it was described as being from the</font> "CATAQUET PERSONAL ARCHIVE COLLECTION"<font color=blue>. How was I to know that his own cards were altered? <br /><br />He additionally advertises the following; </font><br /><br />FIRST AND FOREMOST, BRIAN CATAQUET WANTS THE EBAY WORLD TO BUY FROM HIM w/CONFIDENCE. <font color=blue><br /><br />and</font><br /><br />I HAVE BEEN REGARDED & CALLED AN EXPERT IN PRE-WORLD WAR 2 BASEBALL CARDS BY EDITORS IN OUR INDUSTRY's PUBLICATIONS AND HAVE BEEN ACKNOWLEDGED MANY OF TIMES IN THE HOBBY PUBLICATIONS & IN THE PRICE GUIDE OF BASEBALL CARDS.<font color=blue><br /><br />and</font><br /><br />I HAVE BEEN REGARDED & CALLED AN EXPERT IN PRE-WORLD WAR 2 BASEBALL CARDS BY EDITORS IN OUR INDUSTRY's PUBLICATIONS AND HAVE BEEN ACKNOWLEDGED MANY OF TIMES IN THE HOBBY PUBLICATIONS & IN THE PRICE GUIDE OF BASEBALL CARDS.<br /><br /><font color=blue>I simply figured that a card from an expert's collection would be unaltered. I also figured that if it somehow were, that he would stand behind it, him being the expert and all.<br /><br />You see, if one tries to go through life only looking for what he or she can legally get away with, then that person has established his or her morality consists of what they can get away with. I believe that the higher standard is to treat others as you would want to be treated. <br /><br />That is why when I sold a raw 1952 Bowman Mantle that was well over a year later discovered to be a counterfeit, I offered a full refund with no questions asked to the buyer who had brought it to my attention. I still had the scan and was easily able to verify that it was the same card. After I got it back, I then contacted the person who originally sold it to me. He apologized and gave me a full refund as well. To me, that is a better standard. And even though I have been ripped off a few times in the baseball card game, I would rather keep to the higher standard.</font><br /><br><br>DavidVargha@hotmail.com

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>BcD</b><p>The quotes you posted are typical Festberg commentaries. Cat-rat used to work and learned these advertising ploys from uncle festberg,the man who claimed to have created the grading scale.Hmmmm,wonder if he rerlated to Al Gore,the man who invented the internet?<br /><br /><img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Anonymous</b><p>Hey Guys, This is all very flattering. I love it. Happy collecting to all!!

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>walkscott</b><p>I have to add that this thread is really a hoot, especially given that Mr. Cataquet is reading it and doesn't even seem displeased about it!

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Dan Koteles</b><p>I have read his b.s for yrs and couldnt buy from some who adorns<br />himself so much. But, if you realize that his highest would be grade of card would be a 2 and the baseball ones are usually cut<br />in half (this is why you get 1/2 off on his deals) or the best ones are "birds and bees"....you'll be just fine in purchasing.<br /><br />GOod luck !

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>T206Collector</b><p>"[E]ven though I have been ripped off a few times in the baseball card game, I would rather keep to the higher standard."<br /><br />That's fine, but I don't think it's particularly fair to (a) expect others to live up to such standards; and then (b) publicly criticize those not willing to live up to these standards. It kind of makes your interest in behaving at a higher standard a little, well, ironic.<br /><br />"You should treat me like I would treat you." Okay, fine, but there is a reason we have laws setting the standard as opposed to nebulous personal and subjective beliefs about how individuals would like to be treated. Sometimes the law reflects these beliefs, sometimes it doesn't. But if we don't have an objective standard to live our lives, then we're just talking about anarchy here.<br />

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>Al C.risafulli</b><p>T206, I think you're forgetting that the seller agreed to take back the card and then he refused the package.<br /><br />Anyone questioning the motives of the buyer clearly hasn't had the pleasure of knowing the buyer. I realize the hobby is full of good, ethical people, but none moreso than David. On the other side we have a seller with weak feedback and a history of unsatisfied customers, who ignored emails and refused to live up to his word until he got pressure in this thread.<br /><br />-Al

Brian Cataquet (tobeeecat)
 

Posted By: <b>T206Collector</b><p>...I am really just referring to the expectation of a return under these circumstances when nothing was ever mentioned in the listing about such a policy. A subsequent request to return the card for a reimbursement that was inappropriately botched is certainly not beyond reproach.