4 years ago
I know what you're thinking when you see 1 star on...
I know what you're thinking when you see 1 star on an auction review.
"Someone got sentimental about their cards they collected for 40 years and they sold for less than expected."
Well, you'd be wrong. I m helping my old man sell his collection. So, I have no emotion tied up in this whatsoever. I simply want do business with people who care about people they service.
This review is based solely on the performance of Jordan Gilroy, Director of Acquisitions who handles consignment at Lelands. If you're considering doing business with them, I'd read this review and make your own informed decision.
1. If you are a collector selling your merch for the first time with auction, you probably have a lot of questions. Don't expect Jordan to be forward with this information. I had to send over basic questions before we started. These are questions one would think would be in a FAQ section or part of a basic onboarding process.
- Did you receive the collection (knowing he did after tracking with fedex)?
- How much do you think the collection is worth?
- What is the schedule A sellers reserve amount? I don t feel comfortable agreeing to a confidential min. that has yet to be determined.
- What are the grading fees?
- Will you be listing all of the items on your website?
- Is there an extra fee for photography?
- Can you explain why we are charged to insure the items while in your possession? Do you have an insurance policy that covers your facility and the items you receive?
- What is the date of the auction at which our items will be sold?
- How long do you wait before sending back unsold items?
Yes, these are questions that NEEDED to be asked. I waited 3 (business) days to get a response. If I didn t ask these questions, they would not have been answered.
2. Some other things that I would think would rub anyone else the wrong way:
- Jordan expected a final auction bid and in actually we received MUCH less. This is the nature of auctions of course. Your items are only worth what someone is willing to pay. But, for a professional who does this often, this was a poor estimation.
- When I had questions regarding the performance, I was ignored. My mail was returned, but direct questions in the email re the performance was ignored. Called, no return call. What happened? Corona-virus? Lack or traffic? Was it the company you chose to grade the items (SGC)? Guess we will never know.
So, my overall impression is when you do business with Lelands, at best you get someone who is a very poor communicator. At worst, a coward who only wants to take your money and be done with you.
Disappointed to say the least. Not because of the final auction price. But, because the first experience with (by most other accounts) a reputable auction felt more like we arrived in a run down pawn shop in Vegas. My father has collected for over 40 years. We will take his items elsewhere.