A bit of levity

[asphaltman]

If it’s who I think it is the shipping charge was no mistake. They’ll send out high shipping costs and then adjust for the 25% of customers that actually say something. They make plenty off the majority that grumble and just pay it.

[calvindog]

Shipping has become a profit center these days. Christies was awful if I recall.

[kateighty]

Originally Posted by asphaltman

If it’s who I think it is the shipping charge was no mistake. They’ll send out high shipping costs and then adjust for the 25% of customers that actually say something. They make plenty off the majority that grumble and just pay it.

Yes, exactly what I was thinking!

[sb1]

This wasn't Christies or Sotheby's, I have used both and have learned to arrange for pickup, but a fairly regular Antique Roadshow appraiser, that I did not even know had an auction.

When I called, he picked up the phone himself(somewhat surprising), when I expressed my opinion that the shipping was "outrageous" he told me to hold, upon which a very nice lady picked up, she and I had a cordial talk, in which she agreed it was a ridiculous charge given the lot value. As do most AH's in the city, they use an outside shipper and don't have direct control, but we shall see.

[AddieJoss]

Which AH?

[Fballguy]

Originally Posted by AddieJoss

Which AH?

Yeah...Why are people so secretive about who is ripping them off?

[sb1]

Not one that you will probably ever bid in, it was on I-Gavel.

[Leon]

I remember years ago, on the bay. It was when the consignment places were just starting and some were doing sales but not shipping (some still do that, most likely). They outsourced it. I won something like 10-11 York Caramels in successive auctions, E210s. The shipping was something crazy on each one. It was around $12 each and these were 50 - 100 dollar, raw cards, in the auctions (some great deals, price wise). I called and after getting nowhere paid around $120 shipping for 11 raw York Caramels. Each came in it's own box. I honestly don't remember if it said they combined shipping or not, I presume it said they didn't. It was still a good deal but not quite as good as if I hadn't gotten hosed on shipping. Since then I always look at shipping a little closer.