Southwest Auctions And Icollector sent $700 worth of gold coins unsecured through the mail and stated it is not there responsibility they went missing Internet
Hi,
I joined a online auction site called icollector about 8 weeks ago. I bought 2 U.S 1/4oz gold eagles for just over $700 Australian from southwest auctions wich was being hosted by icollector.
After 4 more weeks had elapsed I recieved a email from the USPS stating that a parcel had been left and will be shiped to me. The parcel arrived 5 days later directly in my mailbox not requiring a signiture and when I opened it the coins were missing, thats when I noticed that the parcel had been cut open and taped back together.
I contaced southwest auction to tell them of what happened and to ask why they did not send them secure. They replyed that it was not there responsibility once the coins left the U.S and I Quote, how do we know you did not recieve the coins, unquote. In other words they are calling me a liar and a thief.
I responded by telling them that is was there responsibilty to ensure the sold items we delivered to the customer. Again there response was it is not our responsibility.
I contacted icollector next, they are the site that hosted the auction and they just ignored my emails. But they had gladly taken a 15% commision from my sale.
I'm at my wits end, I am only a small time collector with limited funds and the amount I spent on those coins set me back a couple of years worth of collecting.
Because I'm in Australia I am limited to what actions I can take.
Allan
Roxburgh Park
Australia
3 Updates & Rebuttals
iCollector
British Columbia,Canada
You misunderstand our service- complaint about the wrong company
#4UPDATE Employee
Wed, November 30, 2011
Hello,
I am an iCollector employee and I would like to clear up any confusing regarding the complaint about iCollector.
This complaint, firstly, is not a result of an issue between the individual and iCollector, we only provide the site and the software for bidders to buy from auctioneers.
It is free to use our site. The 15% charge you received is the buyers premium charged by the auctioneer which is standard in the industry for any online auctions. We do not collect this, the auctioneer does.
We do business with many reputable auctioneers so i apologize on behalf of the company that you did experience an issue with one.
When you place a bid on our site you are required to read all terms and conditions before you commit to bidding. This is where you will find information about returns, shipping or guarantees on the items. When a bid is placed, it is a formal contract- the same thing as putting up your paddle at a floor auction.
iCollector is not responsible for bidders who fail to read these terms and conditions but we are always willing to assist a bidder and auctioneer come to an agreement but we have no say in how the auctioneer runs their business.
I apologize on behalf of the auctioneer for not properly shipping the item but it is something we have no control over.
Thank you
Allan
Roxburgh Park,Australia,
Australia
DESERT TEAM COINS & COIN COLLECTING OF ARIZONA
#4Author of original report
Thu, July 09, 2009
I just recieved another email from those rats, they are threatening me sivil action if I tell my story. I wish I was there in the states I would sue them for as much as I could get. and that still wouldn't be enough. Instead of hounering the sale they would rather fight.
Allan
Roxburgh Park,Australia,
Australia
icollector doesn't care about its customers
#4Author of original report
Thu, July 09, 2009
I can't believe what they have done now. A couple weeks after I bought the original coins from icollector I bought 2 more. Now they are sending me an invioce asking for paying, mind you that is after ignoring my 2 emails asking for help.
The nerve of some people. Is there anybody who can help me?