Online Stamp Auction Horror Stories

Hi Folks,
Have had some issues with a particular dealer in northern Quebec with whom I will no longer do business with. Wanted to solicit some opinions / feedback from y'all.

One of my many issues is the purchase of the lot pictured here in June.
Looked nice and the price was right but the gum side of most of the stamps on this "Superb MNH" was complete rippled / creased garbage. I actually gave most of the stamps away to other collectors for free. The only reason I purchased the lot was for the 8cent Medallion pair which I really wanted. I never received the pair. Have been trying ever since to get the dealer to send to no avail. The dealer acknowledged the issue but never replaced the stamps and basically ignored me.

I have had a few issues with this same dealer re: MNHVF advertised stamps that were actually cleaned up, regummed hinged stamps.
Refunds with no tax returned, Terrible customer service, ridiculous Shipping & Handling Fees, Poor packaging, Poor and very limited lot descriptions etc..

I apologize to some of you who are actually dealers, I'm sure most of you are honest business people and would not conduct business in the manner described above...I think this dealer needs to be taught a lesson.

Does anyone have similar stories..perhaps with the same dealer?
Would love some opinions on where to take my complaint? Media?
I really just want the stamps I purchased!

Thanks,
SG

It would help loads to know who the dealer is.
Without a name, the thread is a non-starter.

Londonbus1

I was reading this through my fingers over my eyes,
dreading what was coming.

I have only been buying online, ebay etc
for a few months, and I can say, all I have had is just
excellent service from everyone.
I have purchased some cracking deals.


Sorry to hear your bad experience.

Stampguy, this year I have been purchasing some lots from a company in rural Quebec and have been disappointed a couple of times but when I contacted the seller, he was very willing to make an adjustment which was satisfactory to me. What I have learned from interacting with this dealer is to check closely what I receive to make sure it is what was advertised.
Does you dealer's name start with a "K"?

I only buy from U.S. dealers. That way, if there's a problem, I can contact the Attorney General of their state and file a complaint. No business wants to hear from the Attorney General; usually the threat alone will remedy the situation.

I assume you are talking about an ebay dealer? Then your first recourse is to ebay themselves, they have a formal complaints procedure for their unhappy customers.

YUP! File a complaint with ebay (if that's where you bought that junk) Best of luck to you on your plight!

Thanks for the responses folks.

The dealer used to be on ebay but no more as he runs his own site. He did'nt like the ebay fees!!
So I have no recourse through ebay admin.

MHC99,I'm glad you're issues were resolved.

I should probably just buy through US based dealers as suggested here...heck I'm paying USD to this dealer here in Canada anyways!
Thanks
SG

Here is a thread elsewhere that discusses the auction website in question.

http://www.stampboards.com/viewtopic.php?t=13940

Thanks Plateflaw...looks like I'm not alone and that this business practice has continued for some time.

Although we compete at auctions, the stamp community needs to "stick" together to keep the business honest.

Again, I just want the medallion pair I actually purchased.

Irishjack & Rileysan, I think you may use the same dealer. I'm only a small collector...do you have any influence with this dealer to help me get my stamps?

Thanks,
SG

If you paid by credit card and didn't receive the material that you paid for you can file a dispute with the credit card company.

I believe that you have similar protection if you paid using Paypal.