What a Shame

Just because you are a big auction house, there’s no guarantee that you won’t miss the target

A rant by Ralph Finch

Cowan’s Auctions, of Cincinnati, has been in the business for more than 25 years, but, maybe with the virus, it’s hard to get good help. Or, maybe it’s hard to hire people who know anything.

Despite having sold a ton of stuff over the years, including some incredible merchandise, on Nov. 8 the fi rm off ered what they called “Glass Target Balls.” Not one, not two, but SIXTY of them.

I sent them an email that said, “Shame on you.” Of the lots, almost all were fi sh net fl oats, three were lightning rod balls, and four — only four — were actual target balls.

Cowan’s claims to off er “over forty auctions each year, with annual sales exceeding $16 million. We reach buyers around the globe, and take pride in our reputation for integrity, customer service and great results.” Maybe the fi rm should cut back on quantity and focus more on quality, and maybe integrity. Wes Cowan (the founder) would surely be embarrassed.

And, did the “target ball experts” reply to my email? Two weeks later, nothing. Th ree weeks later, now four … And calling the company doesn’t seem to work either. Finally, on Dec. 1, I connect with Cowan’s, and Eric Duncan, the marketing direct for Cowan’s, who replied: “We appreciate you bringing this to our attention and we are in the process of removing the incorrectly catalogued lots from the auction. I’d also like to apologize for no one getting back to your initial email. A month is certainly far too long to have to wait for a response and I will look into where the breakdown in communication occurred to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

At last, the antique world is safe (and Cowan’s is safe from me). And after a lengthy exchange of emails, complaining about my @#$%^ computer, and praying for a cure to the virus and that the pizza delivery man stays healthy, Eric kindly added: “Even though you were pointing out some errors we made, I have to say this has been one of the most pleasant and enjoyable email exchanges I’ve had in months. May your pizzas always make it to your door safely and your IT support arrive in a virus-free Spring. Happy Holidays!”

TOP: Eighteen of the sixty so-called target balls offered by Cowan’s. Despite that “little” error, it is a great auction house with great merchandise. BOTTOM: Cowan’s glass orbs. Four are real target balls, but the three largest are lightning rod balls.