Mecum St.Charles 10/07

[Stefano]

I wish I had a world record sale to complain about. No doubt the auction scene can be a very taxing experience to both new and experienced participants alike.

In my 20 years of experience with Mecum, they have continued to improve their program and are with out a doubt one of the premier Car Auctions in the world.

800 cars is no small feat!

1) Complaining that a car was sold for more than your reserve and possibly a world record? (Only Colin can do that!)

2) Express Check in had a very early Deadline, it is not just about having all the paperwork done.

Like all of us who rely on technology, Mecum is not an exception. There were some computer operational issues, beyond Mecum's control, which may have slowed things down a bit, in the office.

3) Showing up late, when the Mecum Staff was focused on the Party/Event? They were still there to accommodate, but check in was officially over at 6:00pm?

4) Complaining that it took a few hours to get their money and paperwork? (This individaul has certainly never sold a car at other auctions where 30-45 days is the norm to get paid)?

5) All spaces inside and outside tents are accounted for, if you didn't pay for the privilege of having your car inside, I don't see a valid complaint about moving a car to a location where it doesn't belong, just to clean it?


You can always find something to complain about, but I would say mission accommplished in this senario!

[TimG]

I think the instant payment thing is great. We had cars checked in and in the building within one hour of arrival.

[tabooo]

Stefano,You said it all,thanks

[csx289]

Stefano nailed it. My take on this guy is that he has never been to an auction?

I had 12 cars at the sale and was told the Showcase or feature cars had to be there preferably on Wednesday but no later than noon on Thursday. So you show up 4 hours late and get mad that you had to wait to get somebody to help? Try that at Barrett-Jackson and see how they work with you!

Mecum is a great company, be that as it may, I have not noticed them being able to influence the weather. So if this fellow had his car outside (where the humidity is apparently magically lower that it is under an OPEN tent?) and it would have rained, then he would have been mad that those mean Mecum guys got his car wet.

800+ cars and a mainly volunteer ground crew, hey, one must be somewhat understanding. That's an awful lot of cars. Or, to put it this way, 800+ guys who all have "the best car in the auction" and want their needs/demands/paperwork/money/gate passes/freebies NOW!!

As for the auction company not working the bids or trying to get reserves dropped, umm, isn't that their job? To get your car sold? 99.9% of owner's reserves are set intentionally high so they can "grind" the auction company and make them work. Again, if this owner is upset about his world record result, I wonder how he would have felt at B-J in the mud pit last year where his car would have done about 20k less and he would have had to wait in line for 3 hours to even file a complaint? Or wait almost 2 months to get his proceeds just like I did this year. Oh, and at 10% less than the hammer rather than the 5% Mecum gets, not to mention after paying the entry fee that is 2x Mecum or the "tent fee" that Mecum doesn't charge.

All I can say is that I deal with every major auction company and Mecum is head and shoulders above the rest in my book. They have always treated me great, and I am talking about a 16 year history of doing business with them. The cars get checked in quickly, they work their tails off on the block getting top dollar, and when you leave you have a check in your hand. Sure, it might take a couple of hours to get into the office and get the check, but only if you leave during the busy times. I always check out early on Sunday or late in the day, and leaving with money is a lot better than leaving with nothing like every other auction company has you do.

Again, Stefano nailed it - sounds like sour grapes and nothing more.

Just my .02, paid same day, no auction hold

Colin

[kwhizz]

He was probably a Corvette Guy in a "Past" life......

Ken

[olredalert]

-------Stefano,,,I forgot your #4 (instant payout). Thats the best perc of all at Mecum and this nice fella didnt even know it happened, albeit a bit slower than the usual half hour with no traffic.......Bill S

[tirebird]

Wow,...I didn't know I would stir up a Mecum hornets nest by posting that thread from the Pontiac Registry. I think everybody is right in this case. Yes, the seller was a newbie who never sold a car at auction. Yes, he doesn't have an axe to grind for or against Mecum. He didn't know or didn't pay attention to the auction rules(about reserves, arrival, tents, payments, etc.) because he never played the game before. He accurately described what happened to him. Is that an accurate description of what every or even the average Mecum seller goes through, I don't know. I don't think his post was a complaint. I think it was more of here's what to expect if you sell your car at an auction. I think, for the 90% of special car owners who don't or won't sell their cars through an auction it was enlightening. Personally, I've sold or tried to sell several muscle cars privately(63 stingray, 69 Z28, 86 Grand National), and his experience was a lot better than using EBAY, Craigs List, or a consignment dealer. I, for one, would not hesitate to use Mecum and I'm thankful for all the imput from the members here and that Pontiac owner. Now I know what to expect.