That’s rough. However, every auction house has been stiffed. It does happen. In my experience (not as a consignor, but as an underbidder and from discussions with AHs and other collectors), typically the AH will inform the consignor and offer to go to the next highest bidder, most often eating the difference between the “winning” bid and the underbidder so the consignor is made whole at the winning bid. Sometimes when the underbidder does not want the item (and I have been that guy before), the AH may go on down the line, or they may offer to put the item in the next auction (often with a larger piece of the BP to the consignor), or, as Goldin offered, pay the consignor and keep the item.
I am sure Goldin will make it right. I agree with Peter, go right to Ken. My guess is he will see this thread and reach out to you. That said, I agree that 3 months is too long and I think you are right to be annoyed at this point.
|