The White Collection - redux

[TheBen]

Re: Shipping. I got a crack price for shipping 5 posters (almost $1,000). I called them out on it, and they disclosed they were intending to pack them flat instead of rolled in a thick, sturdy tube. After a little back and forth, shipping was reduced to just below $300 including insurance. Still too high, but that is the best I was going to do with them.

[718RSK]

I bought some smaller items. Shipping is going to be over $600. I asked them for a break down. $80 for transport from the auction location to their premise and $180 for packing…… I am in the wrong business

[Simonjjb]

I purchased 4 posters and a toolkit. After the Buyer's Premium and taxes, I felt a bit of Buyer's Remorse for the outlay. One of the posters is quite rare (I think) and doesn't come up for sale very often.
The toolkit, well I paid less than what the "restored" toolkits normally sell for, but still, I thought it was a lot of money.

Finally, the packing & shipping of the posters (they insisted on flat crate shipping) and the toolkit, came to $500! I thought that was a ripoff, and you're basically a captive customer to RM/Sotheby's.
Other than driving/flying to Texas myself, there didn't seem to be any other option for shipping.
I honestly think that will be my last online auction.
Live & learn, my $0.02.

I think this sums up what most people feel.

[cwrm4]

Well, that was quick. The place is already cleaned out and listed for rent (although the asking rates are about as inflated above market as some of the prices paid in the auction).

https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/319-...n-TX/30170430/

[JM9090]

In a previous post, I referred to a lack of transparency on shipping fees. At that moment , I already felt that we will have to pay prices ‘with a golden ribbon’”. Today, being 4 working days after my credit card was charged with the freight, good are not even yet shipped. Perhaps they still need to dug the gold for the riboon. If on ebay, you don’t ship with 24 hours, you get a negative review…
It is very nice that companies like Sotheby’s post on their website statement such as ‘Code of Business Conduct’, but you do not feel that this business is done in an ethical way. But for sure, they will not mind.

[JM9090]

In a previous post, I referred to a lack of transparency on shipping fees. At that moment , I already felt that we will have to pay prices ‘with a golden ribbon’”. Today, being 4 working days after my credit card was charged with the freight, good are not even yet shipped. Perhaps they still need to dug the gold for the riboon. If on ebay, you don’t ship with 24 hours, you get a negative review…
It is very nice that companies like Sotheby’s post on their website statement such as ‘Code of Business Conduct’, but you do not feel that this business is done in an ethical way. But for sure, they will not mind.

PS I have sent a reaction to cecilia.fletcher@sothebys.com, contact person on the website for Compliance and Business Integrity. Probably I will not get a proper answer, but this way of conducting a business does not feel ok.

[TheBen]

shipping will probably take up to 4 weeks...