Crazy uncles

[CJDave]

Originally Posted by x2drich2000

I've been hesitant the last couple days to mention my conversation with Aaron on 7/7 as I really don't want to waste any more of my energy on it, But I will just simply add that our conversation also included what I perceived as a threat for slander/libel. I would also state, in my opinion, he doesn't care what the board thinks of his business or the impact . Furthermore, based on what he told me about the T204 Johnson when I asked about it and why it was not on the site any longer, I don't feel comfortable bidding in any more of his auctions.

Also, just to amuse myself, I tried locating the LLC on the NY Division of Corporation website and couldn't find it. For comparison, LOTG and Clean Sweep I found in seconds.

Seems like Aaron has a pattern of throwing out the slander/legal threat !!!

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by CJDave

Seems like Aaron has a pattern of throwing out the slander/legal threat !!!

He is far from the only one.

and thanks for telling your side of what happened.

[bobbyw8469]

So Aaron sold $750k worth of your stuff for only $250k? Do you think you will see the $250k at least?

[BRoberts]

I’m sorry this is happening to you.

[CJDave]

Originally Posted by bobbyw8469

So Aaron sold $750k worth of your stuff for only $250k? Do you think you will see the $250k at least?

Hopefully........but it took him until 2 weeks ago to fully pay me on the auction that closed on March 15th.

[CJDave]

Originally Posted by bobbyw8469

So Aaron sold $750k worth of your stuff for only $250k? Do you think you will see the $250k at least?

Hi Robert,

So in answer to your question from some time back...…..it is now approx. a month since the auction close and I have yet to see a dime !!!

It says in writing that I would be paid immediately. Just another nail in the proverbial coffin !!!

[Shoeless Moe]

Originally Posted by CJDave

Hi Robert,

So in answer to your question from some time back...…..it is now approx. a month since the auction close and I have yet to see a dime !!!

It says in writing that I would be paid immediately. Just another nail in the proverbial coffin !!!

I heard he hired a dump truck to hold all the pennies and you should see you consignor payoff in about an hour on your front lawn.

Get a shovel and some wheelbarrows ready.

[Mark17]

Originally Posted by CJDave

Hi Robert,

So in answer to your question from some time back...…..it is now approx. a month since the auction close and I have yet to see a dime !!!

It says in writing that I would be paid immediately. Just another nail in the proverbial coffin !!!

I recently sold a large collection of GU bats and payment took about 7 weeks. It was not a problem because I was in no hurry and the amount was under $15k, plus communication with the AH was excellent.

After an auction closes, it can take a few weeks for all bidders to pay, another week for the last payments to clear, a week to get the items delivered to the winners, and then most reputable AHs allow a week or two for the winners to return an item, if it was misrepresented.

So I think expecting the money after just 4 weeks from auction close might not be realistic. However, there is NO excuse for poor communication, especially considering the dollar amount you're dealing with.

Good luck!!

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by Mark17

So I think expecting the money after just 4 weeks from auction close might not be realistic. However, there is NO excuse for poor communication, especially considering the dollar amount you're dealing with.

Good luck!!

It's a simple formula really, do what you say you're going to do. If you say it may be 4 to 6 weeks then great I'll wait 4 to 6 weeks. If you say 5 days then it had better be 5 days because I'm likely counting on it.

FWIW our contracts are 14 business days.

[conor912]

Originally Posted by Mark17

I recently sold a large collection of GU bats and payment took about 7 weeks. It was not a problem because I was in no hurry and the amount was under $15k, plus communication with the AH was excellent.

After an auction closes, it can take a few weeks for all bidders to pay, another week for the last payments to clear, a week to get the items delivered to the winners, and then most reputable AHs allow a week or two for the winners to return an item, if it was misrepresented.

So I think expecting the money after just 4 weeks from auction close might not be realistic. However, there is NO excuse for poor communication, especially considering the dollar amount you're dealing with.

Good luck!!

Any AH that took 7 weeks to pay me would quickly be crossed off my list.

[CJDave]

Originally Posted by Mark17

I recently sold a large collection of GU bats and payment took about 7 weeks. It was not a problem because I was in no hurry and the amount was under $15k, plus communication with the AH was excellent.

After an auction closes, it can take a few weeks for all bidders to pay, another week for the last payments to clear, a week to get the items delivered to the winners, and then most reputable AHs allow a week or two for the winners to return an item, if it was misrepresented.

So I think expecting the money after just 4 weeks from auction close might not be realistic. However, there is NO excuse for poor communication, especially considering the dollar amount you're dealing with.

Good luck!!

Normally I would agree with that but I was told 14 days. It is double that now. No communication or anything. REA communicated with me, acted professionally and paid 6 figures in less than 30 days. LOTG communicated with me, acted professionally and paid 6 figures in less than 30 days. Crazy Uncle........well you know !!!

ABSOLUTELY NO EXCUSE FOR THIS !!!

[Tao_Moko]

Originally Posted by CJDave

Normally I would agree with that but I was told 14 days. It is double that now. No communication or anything. REA communicated with me, acted professionally and paid 6 figures in less than 30 days. LOTG communicated with me, acted professionally and paid 6 figures in less than 30 days. Crazy Uncle........well you know !!!

ABSOLUTELY NO EXCUSE FOR THIS !!!

One thing I learned early in life is that every decision you make is an OODA Loop. There's "no excuse" for you working with them a second time. This complaining is void of personal responsibility regardless of the lip service. These people clearly run a sh*t sandwich shack but you came back for seconds and ordered the full menu. There is an excuse for their behaviour and that is they don't care about you, your stuff or your business. Get in the fight man. Lawyer up, hire some goons, take action. Complaining will only get you more sh*t sandwiches.

[steve B]

Originally Posted by CJDave

Normally I would agree with that but I was told 14 days. It is double that now. No communication or anything. REA communicated with me, acted professionally and paid 6 figures in less than 30 days. LOTG communicated with me, acted professionally and paid 6 figures in less than 30 days. Crazy Uncle........well you know !!!

ABSOLUTELY NO EXCUSE FOR THIS !!!

Over/under on them not having all of it because some bidders weren't real?

[CJDave]

Originally Posted by Mark17

I recently sold a large collection of GU bats and payment took about 7 weeks. It was not a problem because I was in no hurry and the amount was under $15k, plus communication with the AH was excellent.

After an auction closes, it can take a few weeks for all bidders to pay, another week for the last payments to clear, a week to get the items delivered to the winners, and then most reputable AHs allow a week or two for the winners to return an item, if it was misrepresented.

So I think expecting the money after just 4 weeks from auction close might not be realistic. However, there is NO excuse for poor communication, especially considering the dollar amount you're dealing with.

Good luck!!

Hi Mark,

So I know you mentioned some time back that getting paid in 4 weeks might be unrealistic and from your past experiences it took as long as 7 weeks but with excellent communication. Now I have dealt with REA and LOTG, both extremely professional, both communicated with me throughout and both paid within 4 weeks (and both six figures). Now with Crazy Uncle I am at the 5-6 week point, no money, no communication, missing many $100Ks worth of items that were never returned, etc. etc. etc...…..would you agree I should start to be concerned?

[Yoda]

Dave, I have dealt with many auction houses over many years and have never seen anything so pathetic, bordering on criminal, than these guys. Perhaps your next step should be to pay them a visit, if you can find them, packing heat(bad joke). Your investment with these guys is significant, as I hardly need to mention. Hope they haven't pulled up stakes and are sitting on a beach in Brazil.

[Mark17]

Originally Posted by CJDave

Hi Mark,

So I know you mentioned some time back that getting paid in 4 weeks might be unrealistic and from your past experiences it took as long as 7 weeks but with excellent communication. Now I have dealt with REA and LOTG, both extremely professional, both communicated with me throughout and both paid within 4 weeks (and both six figures). Now with Crazy Uncle I am at the 5-6 week point, no money, no communication, missing many $100Ks worth of items that were never returned, etc. etc. etc...…..would you agree I should start to be concerned?

Without question you should be concerned. No doubt.

In my case I have dealt with the guy before, he's local, been around a long time, and as I said, never a problem with communication. I add up the time he allows winners to pay, the time shipping takes, his policy of allowing returns under certain circumstances, and I conclude his timelines are reasonable and acceptable to me.

That was my only point - that an auction house consignment isn't as quick as a simple ebay/paypal transaction.

I think you have a very serious problem and the non-communication is the loudest warning siren. I wish you luck.

[ajg]

Dave, I hate to hear stuff like this. If I may ask what was your commission deal with Crazy Uncle? -10%? Just looking for the reason why someone would give 1m +/- worth of items to a new auction company.

[CJDave]

Originally Posted by ajg

Dave, I hate to hear stuff like this. If I may ask what was your commission deal with Crazy Uncle? -10%? Just looking for the reason why someone would give 1m +/- worth of items to a new auction company.

It was 5%. But with the guarantee that I would be protected with reserves, I thought that there would be no losses. I guess his greed and incompetence when it comes to business got in the way. And that's not libel either.

[marzoumanian]

First, Dave, I want to say I am very sorry you went through this.
If it is any comfort, remember these four words: This too shall pass. Don't let this affect your physical OR mental health. Life is too precious.
Now to the point. Every week I listen to PSA's Great American Collectibles Show. The June 17, 2020 show (Podcast 189) featured none other than Aaron from Crazy Uncles. It is hard to pinpoint but I heard something in his voice, perhaps it was the hesitancy in it, the slight pauses, that signaled to me that I'll stick with who I currently use. There was also a bit of hype in his talk, but that's understandable; he's pumping up his June 15-27 auction.
Bottom line, you be the judge. I'm 64 so maybe my age also has something to do with planning to stick with the REAs of the auction world.
Somewhat ironically (if that's the right word!) I just wrote on my website, www.markearzoumanian.com, a two part blog (under "Love of the Hobby") on having a plan when selling your cards and sets and choosing the best auction house. I know this sounds like I'm trying to hype the website. Sorry. But if you can cull a nugget or two from what I wrote, it might be worth a few minutes of your time.
Enough said. When things go wrong for me, I always ask myself: What lesson did I learn from this?
Peace and stay healthy.

[CJDave]

Originally Posted by marzoumanian

First, Dave, I want to say I am very sorry you went through this.
If it is any comfort, remember these four words: This too shall pass. Don't let this affect your physical OR mental health. Life is too precious.
Now to the point. Every week I listen to PSA's Great American Collectibles Show. The June 17, 2020 show (Podcast 189) featured none other than Aaron from Crazy Uncles. It is hard to pinpoint but I heard something in his voice, perhaps it was the hesitancy in it, the slight pauses, that signaled to me that I'll stick with who I currently use. There was also a bit of hype in his talk, but that's understandable; he's pumping up his June 15-27 auction.
Bottom line, you be the judge. I'm 64 so maybe my age also has something to do with planning to stick with the REAs of the auction world.
Somewhat ironically (if that's the right word!) I just wrote on my website, www.markearzoumanian.com, a two part blog (under "Love of the Hobby") on having a plan when selling your cards and sets and choosing the best auction house. I know this sounds like I'm trying to hype the website. Sorry. But if you can cull a nugget or two from what I wrote, it might be worth a few minutes of your time.
Enough said. When things go wrong for me, I always ask myself: What lesson did I learn from this?
Peace and stay healthy.

Thank you Mark for the words and the insight. Very expensive lesson learned. I just hope others read my post and decide for themselves if this is a company to work with. Not saying they should or shouldn't before Aaron threatens to sue me again........just saying weigh all your options and decide for yourselves !!!

[Bicem]

Do you have the written/signed contract detailing the reserves/details?

Sorry this happened to you, unreal.

[bigfish]

Originally Posted by CJDave

Thank you Mark for the words and the insight. Very expensive lesson learned. I just hope others read my post and decide for themselves if this is a company to work with. Not saying they should or shouldn't before Aaron threatens to sue me again........just saying weigh all your options and decide for yourselves !!!

Dave, sorry you had to deal with this disaster. I have bought several nice cards from you and remember you’re meticulous spreadsheets and pricing.

Thank you for sharing this on the board. It will help us make informed decisions moving forward.

[Arazi4442]

Sorry this happened to you Dave. It's a genuine shame how some people conduct business in this hobby.

[CJDave]

Originally Posted by bigfish

Dave, sorry you had to deal with this disaster. I have bought several nice cards from you and remember you’re meticulous spreadsheets and pricing.

Thank you for sharing this on the board. It will help us make informed decisions moving forward.

Many thanks. I am honest with people, just hoping people would give me the same courtesy.

[bobbyw8469]

Originally Posted by marzoumanian

First, Dave, I want to say I am very sorry you went through this.
If it is any comfort, remember these four words: This too shall pass. Don't let this affect your physical OR mental health. Life is too precious.
Now to the point. Every week I listen to PSA's Great American Collectibles Show. The June 17, 2020 show (Podcast 189) featured none other than Aaron from Crazy Uncles. It is hard to pinpoint but I heard something in his voice, perhaps it was the hesitancy in it, the slight pauses, that signaled to me that I'll stick with who I currently use. There was also a bit of hype in his talk, but that's understandable; he's pumping up his June 15-27 auction.
Bottom line, you be the judge. I'm 64 so maybe my age also has something to do with planning to stick with the REAs of the auction world.
Somewhat ironically (if that's the right word!) I just wrote on my website, www.markearzoumanian.com, a two part blog (under "Love of the Hobby") on having a plan when selling your cards and sets and choosing the best auction house. I know this sounds like I'm trying to hype the website. Sorry. But if you can cull a nugget or two from what I wrote, it might be worth a few minutes of your time.
Enough said. When things go wrong for me, I always ask myself: What lesson did I learn from this?
Peace and stay healthy.

Mark...I ready your blog about what Dean at REA did for your 1968 Set!!! That is awesome!!! Most sellers wouldn't even go to that much trouble and would just sell the set as is. The fact that he was skilled enough to know what to look for speaks volumes.

[marzoumanian]

Glad you enjoyed the piece.

Dean is the man.

You know, none of us choose our parents. I will always be thankful that my late mom and dad provided me with a moral code to live by, NOT by the words they spoke to me BUT in their actions day in and day out, year in and year out.

Glad to see that Dean's parents provided him with a solid moral code, which I am sure he is passing on to HIS children.

It was a pleasure to tell the story.

Peace and stay healthy!

[hcv123]

Really sorry you are going through this. I hope it is speedily resolved at least somewhat to your satisfaction. I have a couple of questions.

1) There is supposed to be a consignment contract when you consign material to an auction house - Reserves if any are written in as part of the contract (the sheets you reference attached and referenced would I believe have a similar binding effect). Do you have this paperwork? If so, I believe you would have significant grounds for a lawsuit. If not, why not?

2) I totally understand (and support) your desire to help out a new business - That accounts for the first auction experience. I am perplexed after the details of your first experience with them why there was a 2nd?

[Orioles1954]

Originally Posted by marzoumanian

Glad you enjoyed the piece.

Dean is the man.

You know, none of us choose our parents. I will always be thankful that my late mom and dad proved me with a moral code to live by, NOT by the words they spoke to me BUT in their actions day in and day out, year in and year out.

Glad to see that Dean's parents provided him with a solid moral code, which I am sure he is passing on to HIS children.

It was a pleasure to tell the story.

Peace and stay healthy!

Good auction houses will go through each set and seek out those variations. It's really a win-win for both consignor/auction house and usually leads to repeat consignments. As someone who works for an auction house and has gone through thousands of 1950s-1970s sets, we typically have these sets memorized every which way and know what to look for. For instance, today I wrote a 1952 Topps partial set and went through my mental checklist of weird variations to search out. Nothing came of it but a good auction house will go the extra mile. It's always great when a company under promises and over performs. Glad it worked out for you!

[cannonballsun]

Originally Posted by marzoumanian

First, Dave, I want to say I am very sorry you went through this.
If it is any comfort, remember these four words: This too shall pass. Don't let this affect your physical OR mental health. Life is too precious.
Now to the point. Every week I listen to PSA's Great American Collectibles Show. The June 17, 2020 show (Podcast 189) featured none other than Aaron from Crazy Uncles. It is hard to pinpoint but I heard something in his voice, perhaps it was the hesitancy in it, the slight pauses, that signaled to me that I'll stick with who I currently use. There was also a bit of hype in his talk, but that's understandable; he's pumping up his June 15-27 auction.
Bottom line, you be the judge. I'm 64 so maybe my age also has something to do with planning to stick with the REAs of the auction world.
Somewhat ironically (if that's the right word!) I just wrote on my website, www.markearzoumanian.com, a two part blog (under "Love of the Hobby") on having a plan when selling your cards and sets and choosing the best auction house. I know this sounds like I'm trying to hype the website. Sorry. But if you can cull a nugget or two from what I wrote, it might be worth a few minutes of your time.
Enough said. When things go wrong for me, I always ask myself: What lesson did I learn from this?
Peace and stay healthy.

I read your blog. I found it very interesting and enjoyable. I especially like what you said about customer service should be the deciding factor in choosing an auction house. When an item goes to an auction, many factors decide how much it will sell for, most which are out of the control of the auction house.
I would say that this very pertinent to this discussion.

[chalupacollects]

Question:

Why would a district attorney be involved in what would be considered a civil case and not criminal??

Answer:

They wouldn't...

[CJDave]

Originally Posted by chalupacollects

Question:

Why would a district attorney be involved in what would be considered a civil case and not criminal??

Answer:

They wouldn't...

I imagine he tried using it as a scare tactic that he has friends in high places and he is above the law. But I don't get intimated that easily......or in fact at all.