An expensive art piece (signed, framed) described a reprint of a Canadian artist in an ambiguous way such that different interpretations could be made as to the provenance, which of course affects value. Ontario consumer protection law clearly states that false or misleading information is illegal, but they ignore this by stating (interpreted) in their terms of sale that they can say anything they want, and too bad if you are not smart enough to catch the ambiguity after the fact. When I tried to explain this immediately by phone after the sale, they slammed the phone on my ear. I do certainly intend to pursue government intervention but wanted the public to know about this promptly. What arrogance to think they can describe anything false, misleading or otherwise illegal within an internet ad auction to then justify such absurdity ONLY because they write such in their terms. I note that some auction houses in this area have a stipulation for poor wording in their terms, but not this company. I caution any internet auction buyer to beware of any auctioneer or auction house, like this one, who claims they can put anything in an ad without any recourse from a buyer… if so then like me now, I hope you will run as fast as you can the other way.
Furthermore but less urgent… this artist is deceased for which there are often appraisals attached to prints. From what I have since learned, those written appraisals are NOT reflective of resale value, but are for insurance purposes only. In fact actual resale values seem to be around 10% or 20% of what the appraisal value shows. Indeed, this trend is confirmed not just for this auction house but for hundreds of items found on other sites, on eBay and elsewhere….most prints don’t advertise anything close to appraised value. All buyers everywhere should know about this and not be fooled by any auction house (or art gallery) flaunting inflated values. It would be more accurate if the auctioneers were to openly state that sale values are not reflected by the appraised values…imagine if they were honest with us huh! Since they are not, bid accordingly and I hope from here forward you, like me, will do your homework before bidding.
A piece of topaz gemstone was also purchased. It also had a ridiculous appraisal value, actual value less than 10% of appraisal, which I later found to also be true all over the internet for similar items. These insurance appraisals are deceptive which seems to me to reflect a huge worldwide scam, which no one seems to be addressing. That the auction house made no attempt to clarify this during the sale seems an insidious type of dishonesty as I see things. I for one will NEVER AGAIN rely on written insurance appraisals.
The third auction item is not a problem.
I have read lots of warnings about online auction house issues and about fraudulent payment issues associated as well. Online auctions are a growing trend but there doesn’t seem to be any regulation as my first issue demonstrates. Sadly that it was difficult to find a place to report this as well, which is not a good thing for it will not change until we speak up openly about it. I hope I have helped you not be scammed as I was.
AuctionNetwork Reviews
I purchased a piece of art and 2 her items.
An expensive art piece (signed, framed) described a reprint of a Canadian artist in an ambiguous way such that different interpretations could be made as to the provenance, which of course affects value. Ontario consumer protection law clearly states that false or misleading information is illegal, but they ignore this by stating (interpreted) in their terms of sale that they can say anything they want, and too bad if you are not smart enough to catch the ambiguity after the fact. When I tried to explain this immediately by phone after the sale, they slammed the phone on my ear. I do certainly intend to pursue government intervention but wanted the public to know about this promptly. What arrogance to think they can describe anything false, misleading or otherwise illegal within an internet ad auction to then justify such absurdity ONLY because they write such in their terms. I note that some auction houses in this area have a stipulation for poor wording in their terms, but not this company. I caution any internet auction buyer to beware of any auctioneer or auction house, like this one, who claims they can put anything in an ad without any recourse from a buyer… if so then like me now, I hope you will run as fast as you can the other way.
Furthermore but less urgent… this artist is deceased for which there are often appraisals attached to prints. From what I have since learned, those written appraisals are NOT reflective of resale value, but are for insurance purposes only. In fact actual resale values seem to be around 10% or 20% of what the appraisal value shows. Indeed, this trend is confirmed not just for this auction house but for hundreds of items found on other sites, on eBay and elsewhere….most prints don’t advertise anything close to appraised value. All buyers everywhere should know about this and not be fooled by any auction house (or art gallery) flaunting inflated values. It would be more accurate if the auctioneers were to openly state that sale values are not reflected by the appraised values…imagine if they were honest with us huh! Since they are not, bid accordingly and I hope from here forward you, like me, will do your homework before bidding.
A piece of topaz gemstone was also purchased. It also had a ridiculous appraisal value, actual value less than 10% of appraisal, which I later found to also be true all over the internet for similar items. These insurance appraisals are deceptive which seems to me to reflect a huge worldwide scam, which no one seems to be addressing. That the auction house made no attempt to clarify this during the sale seems an insidious type of dishonesty as I see things. I for one will NEVER AGAIN rely on written insurance appraisals.
The third auction item is not a problem.
I have read lots of warnings about online auction house issues and about fraudulent payment issues associated as well. Online auctions are a growing trend but there doesn’t seem to be any regulation as my first issue demonstrates. Sadly that it was difficult to find a place to report this as well, which is not a good thing for it will not change until we speak up openly about it. I hope I have helped you not be scammed as I was.