Auction Problem

[ballparks]

I am looking for people's thoughts as to what I should do and what is fair. Perhaps others have been in this situation before. I just purchased a couple of great tickets in an auction. I've attached the photo. When they arrived, one of them has a rip in it that was clearly not present in the original photo. In people's experience or opinion, what should I do about this? I have contacted the auction house but have not heard back yet as it's still the weekend.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

I know I don't do partial refunds.You can return it for a full refund (hopefully) but I wouldn't count on a negotiated settlement though it might be possible.

[doug.goodman]

That's a bummer. Seems like a partial refund would be fair.

Doug

[ballparks]

Originally Posted by doug.goodman

That's a bummer. Seems like a partial refund would be fair.

Doug

How much would you think is reasonable. It's publicly available, so I can say that it was $4848 with BP for the pair (one lot).

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by doug.goodman

That's a bummer. Seems like a partial refund would be fair.

Doug

The ticket is not from me, just to be clear.

The reason we don't do partial refunds is, let's say the tickets were a group lot and he really only wanted one and figured he could get a discount by destroying the one he didn't want. It just opens up a lot of cans of worms. If something is returned he would have another opportunity down the road to purchase the item at an appropriate rate as it would likely be sold in a future auction with a new description.

[perezfan]

I've received partial refunds on several occasions. Sometimes for items not as described, and sometimes for items that were damaged in transit. If you still want these tickets, I would inquire about a partial refund... with a dollar figure in mind.

That rip would bug me to no end, but everyone has a different level of OCD.

Was it well protected? Can you tell if it happened in transit, or do you think someone at the AH damaged it prior to packing/shipping? Given what you paid, I would think that an $800 - $1,000 refund is a very fair number to request. Then you can see where it goes from there.

Hope this helps, and best of luck!

[perezfan]

I just noticed which AH is involved. They are a bit difficult, but could possibly compromise with you. I have had mixed results with them, and have a few friends who were made whole (but only after a long "back and forth" ordeal).

Please keep us posted, and let us know how this turns out!

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards

I know I don't do partial refunds.You can return it for a full refund (hopefully) but I wouldn't count on a negotiated settlement though it might be possible.

I agree with no partial refunds for many reasons. I have had many similar problems myself. I have either returned for a refund when possible or kept the item. I was mad but still happy with the item at the price.

[Jcosta19]

So to be clear, they are going back on their promise to have it restored, and then determine the difference in value?

So they expect you to still have paid the full value of the undamaged ticket and also half of the restoration? (That is not minimal or unfair, that is ludacris)

Has the restoration already been done? And who has possession of the ticket at this point?


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[Mark]

It's very surprising and disappointing that they are delaying so long and going back on their promise. Did they explain why they are altering their offer? (surely it's not because we are now "post-covid".) I wish that you could send the issue to an arbiter to settle it.

[ballparks]

I really do wish there was an arbiter that could 'rule' on this. I am for sure not prepared to pay more than what I did to win the auction for an item to be restored and at lesser value than what I even paid for it initially! I did pay a $717 BP for the auction, so trying to get another $350 from me does seem petty.

That said, $700 seems also crazy. They offered another option that they felt not as good for $160 but there should be a happy medium?

The resolution was delayed from Covid as the restoration places as well as the auction house were not working on site for a couple of months. I am more interested in getting the item done properly versus just 'getting it in my pocket fastest'.

I hate that this has happened. I really feel powerless.

Originally Posted by Mark

It's very surprising and disappointing that they are delaying so long and going back on their promise. Did they explain why they are altering their offer? (surely it's not because we are now "post-covid".) I wish that you could send the issue to an arbiter to settle it.

[Bugsy]

Total garbage. I would just request to return the entire lot and ask for a full refund at this point.

[Jcosta19]

I sympathize and am sorry you are having to deal with this.

Is it at all possible that so much time went by that the auction house could have forgotten the previous agreed upon terms or even mixed your situation up with another customer?

I'm probably giving them the benefit of doubt for no reason, but if by any chance the above offer was communicated through email only and not from the same person (I believe you said owner) who offered the original plan then I would make sure you speak directly and remind them of the previous conversations, if not already done so.

I hope somehow this works out in the long run.

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[thetahat]

Just FYI, this auction house is near me, I once won a pennant only to get it and find that the bottom tassels were glued into place (with the threads loose beyond them). I was flatly shot down when I contacted them with displeasure. They said I had the option of inspecting it in person at the live part of the auction (I bid via internet) or asking about it. Really lame.

[Bugsy]

Originally Posted by thetahat

Just FYI, this auction house is near me, I once won a pennant only to get it and find that the bottom tassels were glued into place (with the threads loose beyond them). I was flatly shot down when I contacted them with displeasure. They said I had the option of inspecting it in person at the live part of the auction (I bid via internet) or asking about it. Really lame.

I was told the same exact thing with a lot I won. They offered to send the item to their conservator at my expense. I still don't understand why they blame they buyer when they could either take it out of the seller's end or their own pocket. After all, the seller and auction house both had the item in-hand to inspect, not the buyer.

[conor912]

Get a full refund, let them deal with the hassle of reselling (i assume the consignor has long been paid, so reselling will be at a loss to the AH), and never bid wit them again. They lose money and worse, a customer.....in the end, you’re out nothing bu aggravation. This is the only solution thats not gonna leave a bad taste in your mouth.

[Gorditadogg]

That is really BS. They are counting on you to want to keep the tickets. I guess you don't need to get the item restored right? You could just take their $350 and be done with it. Hopefully they don't have a side deal with the restorer to get a kickback on the $700 so they shouldn't care if you restore it or not.

I'm not saying that $350 should be enough, it's probably not. And it sucks that the AH does not want to make it right, they should foot the bill for the whole $700.

Hope you get a fair resolution.

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[ballparks]

So, I ended up going with a company separate from the auction house who would do the restoration cheaper. They gave me $400 for the issue. I am generally powerless against a well known auction house, despite collecting for 30+ years.

The ticket is getting restored and looks terrific. That doesn't take away from the issue that it was restored, likely reducing the value, but at least I have it intact and it will display well.

The only way I will ever find out if I got taken is if I sell it, which I will have no intention of. This is a terrible experience overall for me, and as they always say - let the buyer beware.

[perezfan]

Next time we as customers consider bidding with them, perhaps we should HUNT for another auction house. Unfortunately that's often the only way to avoid getting taken.