Mecum Des Moines Auction Cancellation 2013

[Ronald L.]

Re: Mecum Des Moines Auction Cancellation 2013

Most states tax title transfer and have for 50+ years, nothing new.

On ebay - what you will find, if you're into this is that when the seller answers, it will be with the sellers email - it is a lot different that a regular auction where anything close to an email is removed from the communication, or outright blocked.

[Tom B.]

Re: Mecum Des Moines Auction Cancellation 2013

It sounds like Iowa has created a fix for a problem that doesn't exist. The result will be the loss of the millions of dollars that these auctions bring into the local economies when these auctions move to more friendly states.

[Kent S.]

Re: Mecum Des Moines Auction Cancellation 2013

It sounds like Iowa has created a fix for a problem that doesn't exist. The result will be the loss of the millions of dollars that these auctions bring into the local economies when these auctions move to more friendly states.

I agree. Regarding faked cars - they can be purchased from individuals, dealers, Craigslist, ebay, various internet sites, and, of course, auctions. It is and always has been a buyer's responsibility to make sure he's getting what he pays for. Auctions offer a potential buyer a place to view in person a number of cars he may be interested in. I can't see how requiring Mecum (or any other auction company) to take possession of the car via title changes the process other than making it unworkable for the seller and the auction house. Just my two cents.

[Michael J.]

Re: Mecum Des Moines Auction Cancellation 2013

I agree. Regarding faked cars - they can be purchased from individuals, dealers, Craigslist, ebay, various internet sites, and, of course, auctions. It is and always has been a buyer's responsibility to make sure he's getting what he pays for. Auctions offer a potential buyer a place to view in person a number of cars he may be interested in. I can't see how requiring Mecum (or any other auction company) to take possession of the car via title changes the process other than making it unworkable for the seller and the auction house. Just my two cents.

I think these big auction houses, like Mecum, BJ, etc. should not be let off the hook on selling fraudulent cars, after all they make huge commissions on these things and rake in millions of $$ at every auction. Sure you should do you due diligence on various aspects of the car, but most amateur collectors are not VIN tag and markings experts nor will they know all the laws of their states wrt titling and registration around VIN inspections. I think the fix is simple, the states should just require a clause in any auction contract that if the car is deemed fraudulent and can't pass VIN inspection in any state, the auction house must refund the money ASAP, no questions, no options.

[Dick W.]

Re: Mecum Des Moines Auction Cancellation 2013

Under strict interpretation of tort law, the auction firm would be held liable only if they did not disclose known material defects such as a restamp, bogus trim tag, any thing known to them that might affect value.

The firm puts the item into the stream of commerce and indirectly facilitates sales according to a ruling by the Texas Supreme Court.

This statement does not mean that I condone game playing involving any method of marketing but merely quoting law. I operate my business following a very strict code of ethics and do not condone those that don't. Some people conduct business ethically and some cannot even spell ethics. This is not unique to this hobby, but to many far too many professions. Just look at the list of least trusted professions and you will see used car salesmen and realtor's at the top.