There has to be a better solution

[Exhibitman]

Well, they need your phone number in case something happens with one of your bids or consignments and your email is down. I've never been cold-called by an AH, so I don't think that is a realistic concern that they would abuse a phone #, but if you are concerned give them your work #, which is what I do. I agree there is absolutely no reason for collecting a SSN, DL # or other significant ID number. If you call someone there they will waive that for you.

[markf31]

While I agree about your concern with having to provide a SS number for registration, having to provide a phone number and other hobby/auction references is as much for your own protection as it is for the protection of the other bidders and consignors. Having a name, address and credit card on file does not guarantee you'll pay at all. You can easily cancel the credit card or claim it was lost/stolen and have the bank issue a new one with a new number so you can skip on your obligation to pay and now the AH is unable to process the transaction. This is why most AHs do not accept credit cards, they only use them to verify your name and address and require a check, MO, cashier check or money wire. Heritage is an exception and not the rule in that they accept credit cards for payment on auction items.

[wonkaticket]

"(I'm talking to your Heritage!)"

Leave the Scot/Irish out of this beef with the auction houses.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by wonkaticket

Leave the Scot/Irish out of this beef with the auction houses.

Too late - Scottie's already read it.

[martindl]

Patrick,
You sound old.

You make good points for a new system. Run with it. I for one would appreciate it (I'm old too).

Registration is necessary obviously and having unique id's and passwords makes all the sense in the world. Email and even a cell phone number makes sense nowadays too. ssn is silly. Remember when you used to have hobby references to bid online or by phone? Life is way easier now.

[auggiedoggy]

Originally Posted by martindl

Patrick,
You sound old.

You make good points for a new system. Run with it. I for one would appreciate it (I'm old too).

Registration is necessary obviously and having unique id's and passwords makes all the sense in the world. Email and even a cell phone number makes sense nowadays too. ssn is silly. Remember when you used to have hobby references to bid online or by phone? Life is way easier now.

Used to have hobby references? Robert Edward Auctions still asks for two hobby references.

[Jewish-collector]

Hakes withdraws the money directly from your credit card for any lots you win.

[martindl]

Originally Posted by auggiedoggy

Used to have hobby references? Robert Edward Auctions still asks for two hobby references.

I didn't know this was still a requirement. I've been with most AH's for so long that it's not come up on my radar, so assumed it was a thing of the past.