I purchased two pieces of art on a cruise from Park West Gallery. Only one piece arrived as promised and the appraisals did not arrive for either.
After calling Park West customer service many times about the missing art and appraisals they agreed to refund my money on the piece that had not been shipped.
Several days later I recieved the appraisal on the piece that had been shipped to me. The value on the appraisal was significantly under what the auctioneer verbally stated. When I complained to customer service I was told that all terms were clear in the catalog. When I stated no catalog was available, I was told I was mistaken because catalogs are always available. I explained that I specifically asked for a catalog and I was told at the auction desk that catalogs were not available. Customer service left me feeling I was mistaken. (Of course they were not at the auction.) I requested a refund.
Customer service then stated that all art was marked with appraisal figures. I explained that the pieces were blind auction items and I believed the auctioneers word. I made it clear that I am a business person and bought the pieces because they were Peter Max and offered at approximately ONE THIRD of appraisal. Customer service said they spoke to the auctioneer and I was the one mistaken.
I told customer service that I spoke to the auctioneer about selling the pieces for a profit and the auctioneer gave me advice on doing so...PRIOR to my final decision to buy. I also spoke to another attendee and stated,"If I can sell them for even one half of appraisal, I will make a thousand each." The attendee was another buyer and said there were thinking the same thing. I again asked for a refund.
Park West told me they will NEVER give a refund under any circumstances. They did offer to trade for other art, but that was not my intention in the first place. If my husband did not like the pieces, I intended to sell them at a profit to pay for the cruise. I believe a refund is a reasonable request and that I presented my case clearly and in a believeable manner.
Warning!!!! When dealing with Park West: 1) Write down all appraisal information at the time of the auction and double check it before paying, and write down the names of all you talk to. 2.) Do not count on getting your art or appraisals within 6-8 weeks as promised. 3.) If you have a complaint at a later date, remember they stated to me that they would never give a refund.
Jean
Portland, Oregon
U.S.A.
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