Advice sought

[wolf2039]

Hi all --

I was hoping to tap into the collective wisdom of Net 54 for some advice. I am a long-time collector; but, am somewhat new to the process of acquiring cards via catalog auction. I recently was the successful bidder for a 1957 Topps set that was advertised as being in (on average) VGEX condition. I received the set a couple of days ago and while very few of the cards had creasing or other noticeable wear that you might expect to see with a VGEX grade, nearly all of the cards seemed to have lost most or all of their gloss and have an ever so slight stickiness to them as a result of being in plastic pages that appear to be less than the caliber of the ultra-pro pages of which I am mostly familiar. When you remove a card, you can even see what look like oil marks inside the slot on the page that formerly housed the card.

I am not sure whether the cards' condition warrants a complaint to the auction house; on one had, the cards have little to no creasing and visually look VGEX or better; on the other, they all seem to have damage -- that was not described in the listing -- that could cause them to have a materially lower grade than VGEX.

I'd really appreciate any thoughts on the matter the Board might have.

Thanks -

Brian

[Leon]

I realize this is a post war situation but the question is more geared towards how to handle a situation. I figure the main board will get a few more looks for the original poster. Just trying to help a board member....best regards

[Peter_Spaeth]

If this damage is widespread throughout the group and was not mentioned, you have a legitimate complaint.

[barrysloate]

You certainly have a right to discuss it with the auction house, but keep it friendly if you can. Buying raw, especially a set where the majority of cards aren't pictured, is a gamble.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

You certainly have a right to discuss it with the auction house, but keep it friendly if you can. Buying raw, especially a set where the majority of cards aren't pictured, is a gamble.

True, but if there is a particular type of damage across the set, it should be disclosed.

[barrysloate]

It absolutely should have been disclosed, Peter, but they are past that point now.

[smtjoy]

Agree with what was said above, try to work it out with the auction house, I would go into that conversation with an idea of what you expect or are looking to get out of them. Are you looking for a return or a discount?

Because of the non disclosure I think you are correct to bring this to their attention.

Please let the board know the results and the auction house in question when its finished. Its a huge value to many of us to know how each auction house handles situatitions like this.

Good Luck!

[wolf2039]

Thanks to all for the feedback -- I just contacted the auction house and described the problem. We mutually agreed that the best solution would be for me to return the cards. I will keep the board posted on how quickly I receive a refund or if, for some reason, I do not.

The auction house in question is Memory Lane.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Good result, and good customer service by ML.

[barrysloate]

They did the right thing. Good customer service.

[wolf2039]

I just wanted to follow-up to say that I returned my cards to Memory Lane and received a prompt refund.

[T206Collector]

Originally Posted by wolf2039

I just wanted to follow-up to say that I returned my cards to Memory Lane and received a prompt refund.

Mental note: Memory Lane is a Class Act

[sports-rings]

Nice to hear that an auction house did the right thing. Glad it worked out.

[E93]

Nice to hear about a quick, easy and fair resolution. Kudos to ML for not making it difficult.
JimB

[tbob]

Originally Posted by T206Collector

Mental note: Memory Lane is a Class Act

+1

Thanks for calling this to our attention. I am making a note that in the future when I buy a set of cards in sheets from any auction house or even on ebay, to always inquire before bidding about the possibility of "plastic leekage" from the sheets onto the cards.

[ethicsprof]

great news!!!!

all the best,
barry

[joeadcock]

Brian

Thanks for the information. As other members have said, helps me to see how auction houses resolve any issues such as these.

Frank

[calvindog]

Memory Lane isn't just classy -- they're suave as well.

[barrysloate]

Blue Velvet is a great flick.