Fanatics - Auctions - Looking for insight

[Fred]

I participated in a Fanatics auction and won an item.

The auction site indicates different methods of payment and the ability to keep the card in the "vault" or have it shipped.

I'm a very simple collector, I want to pay for it and have it shipped to me, I figure if I bought it, I'd like to enjoy it and hold it (albeit, in a plastic holder).

A notification of winning the auction lot was sent with an "invoice link". The link was selected and it indicated that I initiated a wire transfer and the item would remain in the "vault". I had no idea what that meant because I'm pretty sure they don't have my banking information and I certainly am not planning on leaving the card in a "vault".

An email (you can't call them) was sent indicating I would like to pay via credit card (and pay the 2.9% credit card fee) and have the item shipped to me. Fanatics team indicates they sent an email with payment method for a credit card payment but I haven't seen it yet (yes, I've checked my spam folder a few times). I've had several emails back and forth and the response I get is that a wire payment has been sent for the item.

I'm at a total loss here. Has anyone else had this issue like this or can anyone tell me what the best way to get hold of someone at Fanatics (preferably via phone call) to get this paid for?
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[ldrunner27]

I prefer to call as well but the chat function has worked for me.

[Fred]

So many emails and I've even tried to use the Live chat. I keep getting the same message. We'll send you an email with the payment method of your choice (CC). Still no email (yes, checked the spam folder). This is the first time I've bid in a Fanatics auction and the rate this is going, the last because they'll ban me because I didn't pay for an auction lot that I'm really trying to pay for. Live chat isn't helping at all. Do I just cut my losses and be banned from the auction house because I can't them to provide information for paying for the auction. Oh yeah, since the day after the auction the invoice indicates a wire transfer (which I never initiated) is in process. I've emailed and Live chatted that information to them also. INSERT EMOJI WITH HANDS THROWING UP IN THE AIR.

[AndrewJerome]

Hi Fred, I haven’t won anything from Fanatics, but the invoice link you previously opened is likely the only one you will get. That is likely why they keep telling you the same thing. I’m guessing there is a way to uncheck the vault option. To the vault is likely the default for shipping the card. If you can figure out how to change it to your address you should be set.

[sb1]

You should have an option at checkout to click Vault, or your address(you might need to add it to the system) create or click your home address and payout via Credit card, bank account or wire transfer.

Myself I am having my own issue with them. Won something for the first time in a couple of years, all my old info is still there and correct from PWCC except my sales tax certificate, they claim it expired in 2023, yet the chatbot clearly tells me "there is no expiration on a Texas Resale certificate" and the certificate that they had and the one I emailed(same original) has no expiration, yet they are still researching it in accounting

[Fred]

Originally Posted by sb1

You should have an option at checkout to click Vault, or your address(you might need to add it to the system) create or click your home address and payout via Credit card, bank account or wire transfer.

Myself I am having my own issue with them. Won something for the first time in a couple of years, all my old info is still there and correct from PWCC except my sales tax certificate, they claim it expired in 2023, yet the chatbot clearly tells me "there is no expiration on a Texas Resale certificate" and the certificate that they had and the one I emailed(same original) has no expiration, yet they are still researching it in accounting

Good luck with your mess with Fanatics. I'm sure if I could just speak with somebody, they'd understand. I typed the last emails REALLY SLOW to them so they'd have a better chance of understanding...

There was no option for anything. When I opened the invoice, there was an indication that a wire transfer was in process. That's the part that I don't understand. I never initiated a wire payment. When I communicate with the Fanatics team (a couple people now via email, at least 15 emails, and their Live chat, 4 sessions), I'm being told they can't do anything until the wire transfer is completed. Kind of a Catch-22 here. Can't change the invoice until the wire transfer (which I did not initiate) clears.

I'm about ready to just take the hit and be banned from their auctions for non-payment because I CAN'T get through to someone that will just clear the invoice and allow for it to be started over (and again, I didn't initiate the wire transfer they claim is in process). They don't have a phone number to call. All you get is email and Live chat (which has been useless so far).

Edited to add: I want the invoice to indicate ALL charges required to have the card shipped to me. I'm not going to pay for something only to have them put it in a vault and then leave me to deal with trying to get it shipped to me. I see how useful email and Live chat has been so far and WILL NOT get caught in that vicious circle of trying to get the card sent to me.
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[Peter_Spaeth]

I had a minor issue but a real (and extremely helpful) person texted me or called me and resolved it. I don't recall specifically how I got that to happen but it might have been by asking the live chat bot repeatedly to have someone call me, or for a representative. Did you try that already?

[Fred]

doubled up with the next response.

[Fred]

Every email and Live chat session includes a request to speak with someone. I can't believe how hard it is to pay them. I think today is the final day before the payment is overdue. As much as I'd like to have the card, this is just becoming a headache. I think if I don't get a call from them by COB today, I'll tell them thanks but no thanks and I won't be bidding in their future auctions (well, I'm sure they'll ban me anyway). This was the first Fanatics auction I bid in and it will be the last. Really sad.

[Leon]

I accidentally clicked the vault box when I recently registered. But if i ever win anything I'll get it changed. I like to be able to have my grubby hands on my stuff!!
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[gst6]

The "vault" emergence is all very silly. I assume it's for people who are strictly in it to hold and flip for profit later, given the convenience and tax advantage.

One thing to note with Fanatics is I believe there is a 3% fulfillment fee to ship to you after the auction, which drops to 1% after 90 days.

[toppcat]

Sounds like their end of month TPS reports will be out of whack.

[chalupacollects]

Try asking them to cancel the invoice and have them redo it…


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[philo98]

Referring to the credit card fee, I’ve always claimed this back from the credit card company and never been refused. It’s actually in the cardholder agreement that merchants can’t charge cardholders a fee to use the card. It makes it much easier if this fee is itemized on the receipt, but if not you can usually extrapolate it and send it to the card company. Whenever I file for a refund it just takes a few minutes to submit and everything online. Just contest the charge online (once it moves out of pending status).

I’ve lived predominantly overseas since the mid-90s and merchants overseas are notorious for charging this fee and it’s how I first learned that it was illegal. I applied the same concept whenever back in the US although merchants are much less likely to charge this in then US. If you are wondering who pays the fee, the card company will then bill it back to the merchant.

[chalupacollects]

Technically now the merchants are allowed to charge the fee. However, if your cardholder agreement says you don’t have to pay it than contesting it as you do is the right avenue…


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[Kidnapped18]

Ive never had that exact issue come up but I have cards in the vault and have cards that were shipped. Default is the vault so if you don't want your items there change it to have the items shipped prior to payment. You can also request to have items from the vault mailed to you once they are there.

As far as the payment method you must have filled in your information otherwise why would they automatically have it on file and it is probably your default method to pay?

1-855-438-9701 is still a good number for them

The chat function has worked well for me

Good luck paying and getting your item