Ambrose Bauer Auctions

Yes, bashing this AB seems to be a popular pasttime. I bought 2 postwar 2457 Lionel metal cabooses from them on eBay. Both auctions had many close-up photos covering every square inch. I paid the price for "excellent" condition, and that is what I received. I saw much lesser condition examples of this caboose at York for the same price I paid AB.

I've purchased from AB in the past and been quite satisfied.  Once I even had a problem with a description and they accepted my return. More recently when I pointed out to them that their identification of some British and European items was incorrect, they thanked me and changed the descriptions on the web site.  

Lew Schneider

I’m registered with them and get the email notifications for auctions but have yet to participate. Some of that at is just general apathy, but I’ve also been wary of:  a) the buyers’ premiums and b) shipping costs that seem to be a bit on the high side (I see you’ve solved that problem).  And while not a heavy ebay user,  have to say I’m pretty happy with my experiences there. I tend to shop around on price, stick with reputable sellers, and look for the best deals on shipping.

Glad to hear you had a positive experience with A-B. Maybe I’ll give them a shot one of the days.

I haven't had any problems with them and just completed my third or fourth auction with them. I've found the prices and condition to be better than other auction sites. I rarely use other auctions sites now because I've been disappointed so many times by the condition the seller claimed it to be in.

I have purchased from AB in the past, but will not buy from them in the future. The letters that Mr. Bauer sends out ripping other auctions companies did it for me. If you want to toot your horn and tell me why you are best to work with that is great. Live or die by your reputation, you do not need to bash the others. Just my opinion.

Regards,

Randall

Personally, I'm not interested in the AB auctions primarily because of the legal expectation to waive my legal rights in the event there is a problem with the transaction.  Here's an example from their website,

"JURISDICTION & VENUE: By registering at our Private Auctions, including the use of AuctionsBy™, you agree that the only judicial and/or administrative bodies with original jurisdiction and/or venue over any transaction arising from our Private Auctions and/or AuctionsBy™, and/or any action arising or relevant thereto, is the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.  Any Bidder who files any Administrative and/or Judicial Action in any other Court shall be liable to AmbroseBauer Trains for the Attorney's Fees, Court Costs and Travel Expenses incurred by AmbroseBauer Trains, Paul V. Ambrose and/or Drew J. Bauer in any action relating to the transfer, defense, or dismissal of said Action."

I think that if the really cut the legalese, they would have even more buyers at their auctions, including the ebay ones.

Secondly, I'm not even a member of the TCA, but I didn't think much of their suit against the TCA as a result of Doyle's book.

Jim

Jim:  All the legalese says is you must sue them in their home arena.  I don't plan to sue anyone. If there is a problem, I always try to work it out with letters or telephone.  Most  folks are pretty reasonable.  Always, as a consumer of goods, both new and used, one takes a chance.  Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.  

But, for the most part, the trains they auction are usually better than advertised.

I have won numerous auctions from AB auctions with no issues what so ever. I did have bids on 8 items last night but did not win any of them.

I haven't used their in-house auction, but I stopped buying from them on eBay several years ago when I received a fairly rare item that was damaged in shipping because of thoughtless packing. It was packed in a ton of plastic peanuts, but the parts of the item itself were not properly secured and the pieces banged around inside the box. I was able to fix it myself; I didn't even try to get compensation from them with that giant cloud of legalese and disclaimers they surround themselves with. I don't need to do business with a legalistic fog machine. 

 I agree Jim. I also wish they would get rid of. "In our opinion" in the descriptions

 Then they have to put it in there twice. Drives me nut's. 

 The auctions do go a little slower "In our opinion".

 Ever watch a Stout auction ? better be fast because it's time

 to rock and roll "In our opinion"

 I realize that there is legality to the whole procedure, but give it a rest.

 This is supposed to be a fun time. "In our opinion"

 Bottom line is they do a decent job. "In our opinion"

 Bruce...

These reports are all from buyers.  Do we have any happy consignors?