Experience With Vance Auctions

I just received two huge auction brochures from Vance Auctions for their upcoming auction on Nov 30, in response to my registration request with them through Stamp Auction Network. In a previous post some time ago, I had asked for any recommendations for sources of Canadian stamps that garnered a few replies, but no mention of specific dealers or auction houses other than the usual online sources - ebay, stamps2go, etc.

Are there folks who have previous experience with Vance who can offer any feedback or advice concerning their auctions, whether it be the quality of their material, the auction terms, how the auctions operate, customer service, or any other relevant factor? I've seen some scattered comments from past years after doing a search on SCF - some good, some concerns about winning bids, reserves, published realized prices, etc. Would greatly appreciate any input on recent experience either by post here or private message - many thanks.

I recently bid with them on SAN and had what I thought was the winning bid. Heard nothing. Contacted them and was informed that the actual winning bid was submitted directly to their website, not through SAN. This bid was not evident on SAN. I don't know if this is commonplace or not with auction houses on SAN that are based on the bid-by-mail model, but it was disappointing and not a little irritating.

I bid through Vance direct and do not use SAN at all. I have never has a problem with Vance dealing direct.

I have also bought some unsold lots after the auction has ended and have always been pleased.

I've bid with Vance a few times with no problems. It is a mail sale, so having the high bid on SAN doesn't mean that you will win the lot because they are also getting bids by mail, fax, e-mail etc.
Other auction houses that I have used that specialize in Canadian material include R. Maresch & Son, Eastern, Sparks, and Longley auctions.

I've won a few things on Vance's auctions. They have been fine to deal with. The material (at least what I've managed to get through; I've mostly gotten collections and lots, and nothing Canadian) has been as advertised, and everything has been packed very well. It takes them a few days to ship things out, but I'm not complaining; with the number of items in each sale, if they were too quick, then I'd worry.

I've bought from Vance for a decade or more. Never a problem. Vance Carmichael is a second generation stamp dealer in Canada and his son is also working in the business. His sales are mail sales and he owns the material offered. While I have bid through SAN, I generally bid directly with Vance. I find they offer a wide range of material at varying price levels in their every six week sales. The firm is often present at larger stamp shows in Ontario.

Have bought and bid with them in the past. As a small time collector/seller their prices are on the high end. Never had a problem..the best part when you call them- a human being answers the phone--when I get some funds ahead I really want to buy a large world wide lot--good material to sell--

SAN provides some nice services, but when bidding I have found it is always better to contact the auction firms directly. It may sound like auction buying using online tools is smart - but I have seen problems that can be avoided. My experiences with Vance have always been excellent.

Purchased an Australian cover, item as described, prompt shipment no issues

Thanks again to all who posted for your comments - both positive and cautionary. I look forward to trying my hand in this auction if I identify material that looks interesting and affordable. As always, if anyone else has any observations on Vance or any other source for Canadian stamps, it would be greatly appreciated.