Poor Consignment Experience

[RichardSimon]

Originally Posted by cjedmonton

I'll speak in general terms so as to avoid "calling out" a respected auction house.

I have consigned a lot of lower end pre-war signatures. No HOFers. However, the lot included 3 tougher names that should realistically sell in the $300+ range on their own.

The auction house would only accept the lot if everything was grouped together. I agreed at the time.

Unfortunately, the auction title doesn't do the lot any favors (no key names mentioned). Moreover, anyone who might be interested in any single autograph aren't likely to place a bid on the entire lot.

The more I review the listing, the more convinced I am that the key names are completely lost in the fray.

I don't see anything in the consignment agreement saying I can't request to pull the item from the auction. There are no bids as we speak. However, the auction house did obtain JSA authentication, for which I am obviously on the hook for.

What would you do?

As far as I know auction houses pay TPA's a flat daily fee. You should not have to reimburse the auction house.

[HRBAKER]

You're the customer, pull your lot.

[shelly]

Tell them to shove it and get your stuff back. If not then post the house and see what happens. I bet you get your items back

[cjedmonton]

Well, things just got more complicated....someone placed a bid overnight.

[sports-rings]

[QUOTEWell, things just got more complicated....someone placed a bid overnight. ][/QUOTE]

This should not matter. Things get pulled all the time after a bid is made.

Better than pulling the item, hopefully the auction house will revise their listing to your satisfaction. I find most auction houses do very little research. When I consign an item I will provide them a written description at the time they accept my consignment.

Usually it's a win-win situation, with the auction house getting a better final price when items are described properly.

Good luck!

[cjedmonton]

Thanks for the insight. I will contact them when they open tomorrow.

I'm certain that if I let it run its course as it stands, we will both lose out.

[murphusa]

your contract may say that you will need to pay the fee against a estimate of sale