Park West Galleries Fraudulent billing, threatened, and ignored ripoff Southfield Michigan
Do Not Buy from Park West! They only care about the almighty $$ and not you as a client. I purchased several paintings on a cruise ship and it has been a nightmare. Of the 4 I bought I took two off the ship and have no problem. Of the other two (which were sister pieces by the same artist) one was out of stock. The other was not sent until 13+ weeks after the end of my cruise!
When buying art from Park West on a ship each invoice clearly states a delivery time between 6-8 weeks. They never notified me about a delay. Due to their blatant delinquency in delivery and disregard for me I refused to accept the piece. I informed the company of my decision. They have charged me a $75 buyer's premium fee for a piece I cancelled because they were over 5 weeks in delivering it.
My phone calls and messages have gone unreturned. My letters have gone unanswered. Members of the company have threatened to trash my credit rating if I do not pay the extra $75. Why should any customer pay for a company's failure?! This isnt even a policy that is included on any invoices or manifests. I even specifically tried to contact Albert Scaglione directly but have been deterred. All I want to do is pay what I rightfully owe and be done with this company.
Ironically enough, a month or so after the cost of the painting was removed from my due account (except for the $75) the same painting I had cancelled arrived at my door. I did the right thing and immediately contacted Park West to arrange return of the piece. If I was dishonest (like some people) I could have had a $500+ painting for only $75.
In addition, one of the appraisals for a painting I took off the ship had the number of the painting printed incorrectly. I informed them of this and they said it would be taken care of. It has been 5 months and nothing has been done! Do your self a favor and buy your art from a company that respects every client and respects the service they provide. I have discovered the people at Park West to be mean and greedy.
Matthew
Colorado Springs, Colorado
U.S.A.