SKINNER INC

A really badly managed auction house. I bought two rugs from them and sent them a check since they charge for C.C. payments. Included with my invoice I sent my resale #. I had bought previously from them and they had my resale #, The invoice # of my purchase in 2020 was Sk00108904. It showed my resale # and no tax. This time around even-though as abundance of caution I had send the check along with a copy of my resale # some one who is oblivious to sales tax laws was requesting resale # of only Massachusetts and not California. His name as he told us over the phone is Paul. I had hired and paid for a public transporter to pick up the goods so I had no choice but to pay with a credit card. I will be disputing this of course. DO NOT BUY FROM THEM.

They were very easy to work with and they did a great job. I have recommended them to other people.

I have a long-standing relationship with Skinner dating since the mid-1990's. I buy and sell through them at Discovery, 20th Century Design, Silver and other auctions. I just consigned there but only because there is no other auction house in the Boston area of their reputation and caliber.
That said, I am frustrated at the increasing lack of service, communication and access to their staff. I used to be able to call, discuss the items for consignment and come in with them. As someone who has a history with Skinner, I believe I should still be able to do that. Instead, I spent an enormous amount of time photographing items and submitting them through their web application only to receive NO RESPONSE EVER for most of them beyond acknowledgement of receipt.
The items they did respond to they will only sell if they will bring in more than $200 at Discovery and $500 at a Boston auction. So I was forced to bundle things (specifically fine silver) that I have seen do better individually or in smaller lots through other auction houses in other parts of the country. Bundling lots tends to bring better prices to the buyer and takes up less administrative costs for the auction house. But it stinks for the seller.
Also, Skinner would not see me with items for two different types of auctions (textiles for Discovery versus silver) in the same appointment. They would have forced me to come back twice! What a pain in the neck and how totally inconsiderate to the seller! I decided to consign some things through other auctions houses because of this. If you put a reserve on something, they will charge you 10% of the reserve if the item doesn't sell. So you could end up owing them money (not just the photography fees, which are fair). I don't know anyone else who does this.
While Skinner's staff remains expert and fine to deal with when you can get a response or appointment, the experience of consigning has become frustrating and unpleasant overall. They need to improve how they deal with people and vastly improve their consignment process.  I feel like I've come to hate an old friend who has changed irrevocably for the worse.

They couldn't appraise one and was told to bring it to the office in Boston. The appraiser came to my house to check out the painting, and I have still not gotten a appraisal and she looked at it in December. I called her to followup and she said she would get back to me but has yet to.