SUBJECT: BEWARE Steve Verkman, Keith Vari, Leland’s, Clean Sweep & Paragon auctions

[oldjudge]

Originally Posted by Mark17

Telling stories is one thing. In this case, the reputation of one of the biggest and longest-running auction houses is on the line.

Asking for evidence, as I see it, isn't meant to answer the question whether the OP is being truthful. I see it as putting fresh eyes on the evidence. For example, the details of the cryptic "contract" that was posted. The "no additional fees" statement, followed by the ambiguous "60/40 split for auth."

Some of us, like me, look for inconsistencies. Some of us look at things through the eyes of an attorney experienced in contract law. Some look at it from the perspective of frequent consignors, comparing to their own experiences. Some from their work running auctions, or other similar businesses.

Basically, thinking people want more information to analyze, to more fully, and accurately, understand the full scope.

In short, this isn't sitting around a campfire telling stories. This is a subject that could shed light on the way a major auction house is currently doing business, for better or worse.

Yes, the Leland's name has been around for a long time but I believe the company was recently purchased by Verkman. I don't know how many of the old crew are still there or how much say they have in how things are done, but I think it would be wrong to attribute past pluses or minuses about the company to the new group. If I am off on this I would appreciate being corrected.

[Mark17]

Originally Posted by oldjudge

Yes, the Leland's name has been around for a long time but I believe the company was recently purchased by Verkman. I don't know how many of the old crew are still there or how much say they have in how things are done, but I think it would be wrong to attribute past pluses or minuses about the company to the new group. If I am off on this I would appreciate being corrected.

I agree. That's why it's important to understand their current method of operation.

[oldjudge]

I have spoken with Steve and he explained in some detail what went on with this transaction. As per Steve, there is no interest being charged, there was no cherry-picking, and representatives of Lelands, including Steve and his son, spent 20+ man hours at the consignors house reviewing the material. Also, the collection included things other than sports memorabilia. After hearing this, and some other facts, I think this has gotten completely blown out of proportion. Thanks to Steve for clearing this up.

[jayshum]

Originally Posted by oldjudge

I have spoken with Steve and he explained in some detail what went on with this transaction. As per Steve, there is no interest being charged, there was no cherry-picking, and representatives of Lelands, including Steve and his son, spent 20+ man hours at the consignors house reviewing the material. Also, the collection included things other than sports memorabilia. After hearing this, and some other facts, I think this has gotten completely blown out of proportion. Thanks to Steve for clearing this up.

Thanks for providing more information. Did Steve say how much was actually taken? Did it fill 2 trucks?

[mannequin1]

Originally Posted by oldjudge

I have spoken with Steve and he explained in some detail what went on with this transaction. As per Steve, there is no interest being charged, there was no cherry-picking, and representatives of Lelands, including Steve and his son, spent 20+ man hours at the consignors house reviewing the material. Also, the collection included things other than sports memorabilia. After hearing this, and some other facts, I think this has gotten completely blown out of proportion. Thanks to Steve for clearing this up.

But was the check cashed?

[bigfanNY]

Originally Posted by mannequin1

But was the check cashed?

20 plus man hours is a Very nice way of saying four guys showed up with 2 trucks took some items they were supposed to but some they were not authorized to take. Left 5 hours later without giving the consigner a list of everything they took and without his signature agreeing to anything. Then one guy left behind with the " contract" for him to sign. Basicly he if he didn't sign that he would have literally been left without his stuff or any proof they had taken anything.
I too am glad Steve cleared that up for us.
If representatives for the "New Lelands " think this is the right way to do business then they should have no problem everyone knowing about it. Exactly like Google reviews so next potential customer can make an informed decision.

[BobbyStrawberry]

Originally Posted by bigfanNY

20 plus man hours is a Very nice way of saying four guys showed up with 2 trucks took some items they were supposed to but some they were not authorized to take. Left 5 hours later without giving the consigner a list of everything they took and without his signature agreeing to anything. Then one guy left behind with the " contract" for him to sign. Basicly he if he didn't sign that he would have literally been left without his stuff or any proof they had taken anything.
I too am glad Steve cleared that up for us.
If representatives for the "New Lelands " think this is the right way to do business then they should have no problem everyone knowing about it. Exactly like Google reviews so next potential customer can make an informed decision.

On the whole, this thread does not paint the company in a positive light. For me, anyway.

[jayshum]

Originally Posted by bigfanNY

20 plus man hours is a Very nice way of saying four guys showed up with 2 trucks took some items they were supposed to but some they were not authorized to take. Left 5 hours later without giving the consigner a list of everything they took and without his signature agreeing to anything. Then one guy left behind with the " contract" for him to sign. Basicly he if he didn't sign that he would have literally been left without his stuff or any proof they had taken anything.
I too am glad Steve cleared that up for us.
If representatives for the "New Lelands " think this is the right way to do business then they should have no problem everyone knowing about it. Exactly like Google reviews so next potential customer can make an informed decision.

Only a few assumptions about what happened in your post. Interesting how many people are so quick to believe someone who just joined the board and posted his complaints then 3 days later hasn't bothered to come back on and provide any additional answers to the numerous questions that still seem to exist. I'm not saying the AH is blameless since the contract (as shown, anyway) is certainly lacking.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by jayshum

Only a few assumptions about what happened in your post. Interesting how many people are so quick to believe someone who just joined the board and posted his complaints then 3 days later hasn't bothered to come back on and provide any additional answers to the numerous questions that still seem to exist. I'm not saying the AH is blameless since the contract (as shown, anyway) is certainly lacking.

Could it be that they wrote up a more formal one when they got back to the office? That would make sense. I am sure for example Leland's has standard terms and conditions.

[raulus]

Originally Posted by oldjudge

I have spoken with Steve and he explained in some detail what went on with this transaction. As per Steve, there is no interest being charged, there was no cherry-picking, and representatives of Lelands, including Steve and his son, spent 20+ man hours at the consignors house reviewing the material. Also, the collection included things other than sports memorabilia. After hearing this, and some other facts, I think this has gotten completely blown out of proportion. Thanks to Steve for clearing this up.

We have so little as it is.

Why do you have to take away all of our fun with speculating endlessly about these events and the relative honor (or lack thereof) of the participants?

At least we can still demand proof for the veracity of these assertions.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by raulus

We have so little as it is.

Why do you have to take away all of our fun with speculating endlessly about these events and the relative honor (or lack thereof) of the participants?

At least we can still demand proof for the veracity of these assertions.

Maybe we can set up a link where each disputant can upload supporting documentary evidence or at the very least sworn declarations.