Consignor Frustrations - Probstein

[jg8422]

Originally Posted by KC Doughboy

Leon, hopefully this is the appropriate forum for this topic. I'm sorry if it's not.

Today is the end of 6 weeks since Probstein received my cards and they still don't have them all listed!

I watched the number of consignors begin to explode on eBay and was pleased with the success a few of them were having. I researched a couple of them; talked to some members here on Net54, and exchanged messages with folks from PWCC and Probstein.

I decided to give Probstein a try so I loaded up a box. I wanted to see how successful they were with different types of cards, so I included graded cards, both high-end and middle of the road slabs. I sent an assortment of raw from 1951 - 1968. Included were 30-50 card lots of '52, '53, '55 Topps. I sent 10-12 mid-grade raw Mickey Mantle cards. I sent very high grade lots of '59 & '60 Topps, etc. Overall I packaged a couple thousand dollars worth of cards.

One of the reasons I chose Probstein was because Wes told me he usually has the cards listed within 2-3 business days. He explained that graded cards they receive get higher priority, but that the 2-3 business days was typical. (In fairness to Wes/Probstein, I didn't mail box to Wes' attention, just to main address. This caused a couple day delay)

Probstein received my cards the morning of Oct. 21st. Forty-One higher grade slabs were listed on Oct. 22nd. Then fifteen raw cards (mostly Mantle cards) were listed on Oct. 29th (most worth $40 - $150 each).

Since then... NADA... NOTHING... ZERO...
Only thing I've had since the beginning of November are responses to my emails explaining that they've been getting tons of graded cards to list, so mine aren't as high priority... that they are getting ready to list my other cards... that they have to group some of them... and a bunch of other excuses.

My experience with Probstein has been terrible. I wonder if they just got too big to give customer service or to honor their word? I packaged a larger lot of cards to send to Probstein, assuming the trial run went well... HAHA... not happening now.

The name "Probstein" now means "empty promises" to me. I'll update this thread as my experience continues.

Please let me know if you know of any consignors who actually do what they say. I look forward to finding a quality consignor. I hope you choose better than I did!



-This thread is not intended to discuss the risk/frequency with consignors of shilling, fake bids, fraud, etc. That is discussed in great depth on this message board. It is rather to share my experience and ask others for guidance in selecting another consignor- Er.ic Matt.hews

I have consigned with Probstein on 2 different occasions for a total of appx. 15k worth of sales. He listed my cards quickly and even allowed me to say when I would like them listed. Within 24-48 hours of the auctions ending I was emailed a spreadsheet with final prices, fees, etc. I had a check within 3-5 days thereafter. All of my items were graded cards and totaled about 300 items. I have had nothing but positive transactions with Rick and would still strongly recommend his services.

I have been to Rick's office in North Jersey and met him personally. We only chatted for about 20 minutes while dropping off items I was consigning with him. I was impressed with his demeanor and his willingness to chat with me and to show me some of his high-end items. Obviously I do not know him on a personal level, but I have been impressed with him on a business level.

Regardless of my experience, I admit the cards should have been returned to you within a few days of him receiving them. However, after seeing his office and storage area, I can see how busy he is and the sheer volume he deals with. That is his issue though and should not be the cosigners problem.

Jeff Gross

[KC Doughboy]

Update: My cards did arrive safely on Friday and all cards were accounted for.

In response to a couple questions earlier in this thread...

First, I dealt almost exclusively with Wes as he was the one (assigned?) to handle my cards.

Before I ever decided to send them, I asked about what cards to send, etc. I was told that they will typically put cards less than $10 into lots and sell those worth more than $10 as individual cards.

Of the cards he returned to me, there were numerous higher value cards, including a Mantle and several high # 1952 Topps.

When my cards first arrived, Rick personally pulled all of the graded cards and had them listed within 48 hours as 7 day auctions. About 4-5 days after the auctions ended, I had a check in the mail along with a detailed spreadsheet.
The second week they listed most of my raw Mantles, Clemente RC, Koufax RC, etc and again I received the check and spreadsheet about 4-5 days after the auctions ended.
That was the end of listing my cards and the end of communication with me.

I believe that Rick's business model is changing. I believe he has gotten busy enough that he can thumb his nose at any cards that are not quick and simple to sell, ie slabs and Mantles.
I don't blame him if this is where he makes his money and it's not cost effective to deal with any other cards.
I do blame him for failing to tell customers that they are changing philosophy.
I do blame him for failing to communicate.
I do blame him for failing to honor his word.

If you have graded cards or Mantle cards I believe Probstein will do a good job and do it quickly. However, if I'm only listing those cards for sale, I would do it myself. It doesn't take me very long to list a few cards and the potential 2-3% I'd save in eBay fees is wiped out by shipping and insurance fees.

Hopefully this answers all the questions that were posed.

Eric Matthews