How to get ripped off by SCP Auctions & Sotheby's

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Posted By: Jim VB

John,

Welcome aboard.

I think before you get too deep into this thread, you may need to go back and read all the posts in this and the attached threads from Ryan. Also look at his web site. This didn't start yesterday. He has been negotiating with SCP for months. Quietly, at first.

Almost a month ago he posted here to get some ideas on what else he could do. Up until the last day or so, he assumed that it would be worked out one way or another. SCP (Dan) finally told him there was nothing they would do.

As far as the scanner issue, sure your way is plausible. Another option is that the picture was re-touched by the printer. In either case, SCP is responsible, no one else. I have 30 years experience in the retail business. If you sell something through a catalog and it is not pictured as the item exists in real life, the seller is responsible.

If that's the case, SCP should fall on their sword and make the customer happy. The avenue they have chosen says to Ryan (and the rest of this board) that his future business with them is not worth a couple of thousand dollars. That is very shortsighted thinking for a company that hopes to remain in business long term.

The only other possibility is that the auctioneer was deliberately trying to fool the bidders. I agree that is not likely. I refuse to believe that anyone could be that stupid. If that could be proven, it would be a criminal case.

In no instance can I see Ryan being at fault. He bought an item based on the catalog representation and that representation was misleading, at best.

He deserves better.