christine g.

My problem with Artfact.com is that they give the auction houses too much power. I bought an item--3 native american clay pipes-- from Garth's Auction in Ohio that turned out to be brand new. It was in the middle of an auction of antiques and only had a brief description so I assumed they were antique. I had an expert look at them and he said they were new. Garth's refused to cancel the sale and instead gave me a "non-paying bidder" strike, which now is a roadblock to my getting approved to bid by other auction houses. Even worse, ones I talk to, agree with Garth's. There is a HUGE problem among auction houses in NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY for what they sell. It is a whole new ballgame out there with Internet bidding. A bidder has to be cautious even when buying in pertson. But buying on the Internet is a minefield. The only safe way to buy is to BE ABLE TO TRUST THE AUCTION HOUSE to be accurate, or take the item back. Some of them purposely post only scanty photos and descriptions, so they can't be held responsible. This is shady and unprofessional. Garth's is to blame for not saying straighht out, that the pipes were new. Artfact is to blame for hosting
Such unethical businesses. I am the victim and now I am being hurt. BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL if you use any of these "live" auctions. No one will take care of you--even if THEY are wrong.