Christies - World Class (Pains in the Ass)

[Snapolit1]

I've bought a decent amount of stuff from them. Now I need to speak with someone to verify my account, because the drivers license scan doesn't match the proof of residency scan. Maybe because I moved in the last few years. Crazy, but it happens. Nuts. No way I'm calling them and dealing with additional documents, etc. Hard pass. There are about 75 auctions in the next 12 months I plan to deal with where I don't need to go through these hoops.

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

I just spit my drink all over my screen after reading the title!

[Snapolit1]

I mean I get the whole need verifying ID nonsense and all that if I was representing some guys from the other side of the world who wanted to anonymously buy a $425 million dollar piece of modern art, but I'm not. I'm just trying to buy a few cool baseball pieces for a few thousand dollars. Seemingly very low risk that I am money laundering for Iran or Saudi Arabia.

That in a nutshell is why its so hard to deal with them. They treat every transaction like you are trying to buy the Mona Lisa.

[sb1]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

I mean I get the whole need verifying ID nonsense and all that if I was representing some guys from the other side of the world who wanted to anonymously buy a $425 million dollar piece of modern art, but I'm not. I'm just trying to buy a few cool baseball pieces for a few thousand dollars. Seemingly very low risk that I am money laundering for Iran or Saudi Arabia.

That in a nutshell is why its so hard to deal with them. They treat every transaction like you are trying to buy the Mona Lisa.

With a buyers premium and shipping costs to match....

[MVSNYC]

I had to update my account/contact info, so I called them yesterday...They were very nice and helpful, and updated all of my info, and made sure I was registered to bid. If you haven't already, just call their NY office (212-636-2000), was simple and fast.

[glchen]

Originally Posted by sb1

With a buyers premium and shipping costs to match....

In one of their previous auctions, I won an 8x10 photo for $1000. The buyer's premium was 25%, which added $250 to price. Then shipping was an additional $179, so I had to pay $1429 total. Compare this with my recent Heritage Auctions invoice which was ~$36K, which also had a photo roughly the same size (incl holder) and the total shipping, handling, insurance was only $98. Granted, Christies packaged the photo like it was the Mona Lisa, but it was still way overkill.

[BRoberts]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

I've bought a decent amount of stuff from them. Now I need to speak with someone to verify my account, because the drivers license scan doesn't match the proof of residency scan. Maybe because I moved in the last few years. Crazy, but it happens. Nuts. No way I'm calling them and dealing with additional documents, etc. Hard pass. There are about 75 auctions in the next 12 months I plan to deal with where I don't need to go through these hoops.

I am sorry you are going through this.

[Exhibitman]

With all that farcical, bogus security to prevent non-existent fraud you'd think you were trying to register to vote.

[doug.goodman]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

With all that farcical, bogus security to prevent non-existent fraud you'd think you were trying to register to vote.

Ha!

[MVSNYC]

Well, Steve, you weren't wrong about them...

So, after my earlier praise of their customer service...they really dropped the ball yesterday. I was all set up for them to call me when certain lots came up, so I could bid with them over the phone, during the live auction...well, the phone calls never came. Kind of really unacceptable.

After the auction, I checked my email, and it appears (during the auction, not prior), they were requesting proof of funds/bank statement (which I've never been asked to provide anytime prior, with any auction house). I was never told earlier this week (when I was on the phone with them) that they needed that...Instead they send an email (not a call) during the auction? Anyway, I wasn't able to bid after all.

A fellow board member/friend (a big time collector) ran into a similar situation (maybe he'll post here with his story)...anyway, rather disappointing.

[rman444]

My email conversation with them over the past few days:

Me: I tried having my password sent to me, but I did not receive an email to reset it.

Christie's: I am forwarding this to our online assistance team who can help you reset your password. We will get this sorted out ahead of tomorrow’s sale.

Christie's (at 5:57am yesterday morning): Dear Mr. Wong, I have issued a password reset link to your email address. Please note this link will be valid for one hour. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.

Me: You sent a link that expires in 1 hour at 5:57am? Really?

Christie's (at 5:27am this morning - after the auction is over): Dear Mr. Wong, I have just sent along a new link. Please let me know if you should need any further assistance.

Me: Maybe my last email was not clear enough. Sending me a link to reset my password at 5:30am that expires in 1 hour does not help me. I am in California and am asleep during that time. If you want me to bid in your auctions, send me a link that either does not expire, or send it to me during the day when I am awake. Otherwise forget it. It shouldn't be this hard.