Gary Clark - Selling his stuff now

I am very sorry that Gary is no longer with us. I purchased a number of fine Gilbert items from Gary and Laura. Thanks for posting.

Sad to hear about Gary. His merchandise was always top shelf condition and often featured items for sale that were rarely seen but only heard about. If one desires Mint or LN condition for 60+ year old collectibles, there is a price to pay. It was always nice to see what items must have looked like when made. 

Rich

Gary's stuff is being sold by Cabin Fever Auctions.  I looked through the inventory and it looks like all of his Flyonel and most of his Gilbert stuff.  What I didn't see was his rare rare items.  Those will probably be offered to his select customers.  There are 17 days left to bid and here is the link.  Have fun!!

https://cabinfeverauctions.bid...om/ui/auctions/52851 

August 24 UPDATE -  I've removed this post because Cabin Fever is now shipping in-house.  Jeff

A big hearty thank you ScoutingDad for the warning!  Seems like in today's world there are quite a few businesses and even fellow model rails (heaven forbid) who will be found adding hidden charges to orders after they have been placed that show up on the invoice in really tiny fine print no less!.

The Bummer: If you want to cancel the order these Fly-by-Night Geezers will even attempt to charge you a "Service Fee" for the "hard work" it will take them to return the mercandise to their stock room. 

I can't believe anybody would yield to such a boggus request.  However, in this Century 21 Twilight Zone where we now reside I imagine anything's possible.

BE CAREFUL, the $$$ you save might very well be your own, and ALWAYS read the Tiny Fine Print BEFORE you sign any contract or order!

I did not know Gary, but my best wishes go out to his family. 

You have to be aware of what you are getting into any time you buy from an auction house.   But with that said, Cabin Fever is no fly-by-night operation.  These folks have been in the auction industry for years.   I  will say they only began doing full online auctions once Covid 19 happened.   Prior to that you could submit an email bid if you weren't there in person and after you paid they would drop off at the nearby UPS store.  They could surely use some shipping improvements but the people themselves and their business is very straightforward and reputable. 

@jhz563 posted:

I did not know Gary, but my best wishes go out to his family. 

You have to be aware of what you are getting into any time you buy from an auction house.   But with that said, Cabin Fever is no fly-by-night operation.  These folks have been in the auction industry for years.   I  will say they only began doing full online auctions once Covid 19 happened.   Prior to that you could submit an email bid if you weren't there in person and after you paid they would drop off at the nearby UPS store.  They could surely use some shipping improvements but the people themselves and their business is very straightforward and reputable. 

jhz563  -  I've bought from Stout and Trainz at their auctions and have never had an issue with their shipping charges. eBay sellers have to list shipping charges. I always consider total cost when bidding or making a purchase. Where is the total cost versus the "going rate". I've passed on many items I've considered when the bids get too high for me. I have found if you are willing to wait, the item will show up again in another place or time.  Interestingly, Stout had a number of lots which were re-listed at the last auction after being sold at the previous auction. Makes me wonder if the bidding is pushed higher by shills or just collectors who get caught up in the auction and realize they goofed and pass on completing the purchase.  

The Cabin Fever (CF) people may be nice, but the extra shipping charges were a shock (considering my past experience) and would not have happened with Stout nor Trainz. When you win an auction at either site, they send you an invoice. CF immediately charges the bid amount (surprise!), so total cost is an unknown.  For me that is very uncomfortable. 

Which gets back to the reason I went to CF in the first place. Their agreement to sell off the remaining MTH inventory caught my attention and I wanted to give them a try if something popped up, whenever the auction occurs. Now I will just add another $25 to the bid in addition to their fees to compare to the "going rate" for similar items. So lesson learned, but did want to give the forum a heads up on CF shipping practices, as I am sure there will be a lot of us watching that auction.  Jeff 

AUGUST 24 UPDATE - Cabin Fever is now handing shipping in-house.  Jeff

I have to jump in - sorry

Cabin Fever handled / sold a close friends large collection a little over a year ago

They were wonderful - not one issue - can not say / report any negatives at all

Also - The family was paid within one week of the various auctions - we did not expect that 

Scouting Dad

         Thanks for the heads up! I am not going to bid on any MTH auctions because of this unknown charge.

Thanks

Gunny

The size and weight of the item is known, along with packing requirements.  Why can't each item be listed with a maximum charge for domestic shipping?

@gunny posted:

Scouting Dad

         Thanks for the heads up! I am not going to bid on any MTH auctions because of this unknown charge.

Thanks

Gunny

Hi Gunny,  I am not sure I would not bid at all. I would adjust my bidding figuring something more added for shipping. My package arrived today. Philadelphia mail room did an outstanding job packaging my purchase. Really professional job. I was told their packing fee was $10. The box was roughly 12x12x12 inches and 3 pounds max. My eBay shipping would have been around $20. I paid $50. I would have really been upset if I bought a $30 car and and then added $50 for shipping. 

By the way, Cabin Fever does clearly state they do not do shipping and that they send it out - buyer is responsible for all charges and fees. It is buried down in their policy statement. No returns either - as is. I missed reading that part of the policy - my bad.  Jeff 

Ongoing saga with Cabin Fever Auctions - my item arrived today - some pieces broken and non-operating parts not visible in the photos, but at least nothing I cannot fix or replace. They claim everything is sold "as is", but do not disclose any defects. I sell enough on eBay and cannot imagine NOT calling out a clear defect. So despite their stated policy, I'll see how they handle this issue.  Both Stout and Trainz will either take the item back or negotiate an adjustment. Jeff

August 24, 2020  UPDATE:  I spoke with Cabin Fever this morning about the broken pieces. We have agreed to an adjustment. So despite the posted policy - they are willing to reach a reasonable settlement. Actually had quite a pleasant conversation, and in support of what others have commented - I agree they do seem to be "nice people" and want to do the right thing. 

Other important news - Cabin Fever has brought shipping in-house with the past week. So we can expect a somewhat lower cost for shipping.   Jeff