Bonhams Reviews 190

Unacceptable! Could'n sell a painting and now want money simply to give it back to me.

I am deeply disappointed. I took in an 18th century Dutch Silver teapot, the gentleman excitedly came back to tell me one had been sold for Eur 1600.- (AND SHOWED ME THE PAPER) and with the exchange rate it should be about £ 1,100 TO 1300 .- I was informed that there was a 15% commission, not that VAT would be added bringing that to 18%, nor another COST OF loss warranty would be added. (the illustration fee I agreed to of 10 plus VAT) perhaps it was on the lengthy contract they gave me to sign without the time to read through.
Although I was against the reserve of £800.- and said so, they are the professionals, and SHOULD know what they are doing.
l got for this wonderful piece 629.60 ONLY.
THIS IS A BATE AND SWITCH. The Christie's sale was the carrot!
having just spoken to them I was told
1) silver is not selling like it used to 2) the previous sale was through CHRISTIES. 3) sorry but that is just too bad.

Thus I have understood, DO NOT USE BONHOMES, THEY DO NOT HAVE THE CLIENTELE WHO CAN PURCHASE NOR APPRECIATE BEAUTIFUL THINGS. Use Christies or Sotheby's. which is what I will do in the future.

Bonhmans supposedly gives you a free valuation as well as a description of your object by email. To cut a long story short, I sent them an email with pictures in regards to having an old Belgium vase to be valued and identified. The best they could do was to send a reply stating it would be best if I sold it online. There was absolutely no description of the vase(even though i emailed them all the identifying marks).....I guess they are only interested in making money and since my vase was put at an estimate of between £50-70 all they could do at best was to send a smutty reply. Now, if it was worth £8000 I am sure their reply would have been more courteous. I guess its one rule for the rich and one for the poor....shame they have not moved with the times.