Damonie Fkw
map-marker La Quinta, California

Art work canceledParkwest kept money

Updated by user Mar 29, 2013

I have to say that after working with the customer relations dept and Lisa Hershberger of ParkWest Galleries I amcompletely satisfied with the way they nresponded to my complaint. They were easy to work with and completly did their best in resolving the complaint.

It was a pleasure to work with them in taking care of the situation. More companies should have this kind of personnel working for them. I have to really give them an atta boy for working hand in hand with me.

I would never be afraid to purchase artwork from them in the future. Once agasin thank you for making this a very good experience working with you

Neale H Siegel

Original review Mar 16, 2013
Recently we were aboard the Celebrity Cruise Ship Equinox. We bought $41,000 worth of Peter Max art work. When we returned home due to personal reasons we had to cancel the order. Park West kept 15% of the money as a cancellation fee. When the art was purchased we were told we had 40 days to cancel the order or exchange art work. Nothing was ever said as to the 15% fee to cancel, as a matter of fact Received an email from the head person on the ship, Conrad, saying it was never mentioned because he never expected us to cancel the art. The art never left the warehouse and could be sold at another time by them. I am at a loss as to why Celebrity lets them do this to people sailing with them. I was sent a credit if I want to buy any art from them in the future, what a joke. I will not buy from them and would like to see my money returned. I advise everyone going on a Celebrity to stay away away from the art auction. nothing but a scam and rip off.
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Loss:
$6506
4 comments
Guest

Pretty sure that exact statement is bold in the rules section and is rule number 1.

Guest

I have bought from them several times and the cancellation policy is on the contract in several spots. Its not hidden in anyway.

Guest

This is what happens when you don't read what you sign! Don't blame the other company because you can't read the contract you just signed!

Damonie Fkw
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-627844

Sorry to say Jeff, but that part of the contract was well hidden. I am sure you have not perused all the things you have signed. But I guess we are all not perfect like you.

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Kylin Lfp

Purchased art on a cruise and received inferior product

We purchased ten pieces of art from Park west gallery on a cruise ship and did not receive what we bought . We have been deceived by a great deal of hype at the auctions . When we purchased pieces we were not told that what we saw was not what we would receive . Inferior pieces less than poster quality . Framed with plastic not glass as advised and most pieces loose in frames as not backed properly . Raffle prize not a piece of art but cheap poster with signature different from original artist . Buyer beware of Park West Gallery as they are professional ***-men . VERY ANGRY AT DECEPTION OF COMPANY . Do not purchase off them
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Loss:
$5000
2 comments
Guest

excuse me for not reading my post before submitting, sometimes I get ahead of myself.

At the auction we were told that the value of these pieces were at $1200 apiece. That was not true.

Guest

I was recently of the RC cruise in Barcelona. July22, 2014.

I purchase a buyer special were you choose 1 of 4 auction piece for $160. I chose one of the Bellet piece. I like this artist and have won the piece that's in my collection several years ago. So I knew what I like and went for.

At the auction we were the any one piece is value at $1200. So we I went to make arrangement for my selection I asked that question and was told "no, the value is only about $550". I said that not what the auctioneer said. Then I question the different signature of the Artist, I notice the first letter B was not the same on several piece of his work and that even some of craftsmanship in the painting look different.

I was assure that if was sign my the Artist. Even though I didn't believe him, I figure oh well, I have a piece of art for 160. I didn't do the framing, I told them I will go to Michaels and do it myself when I get home and save a lot of money. Which I did, Michaels had a sale on frame and they cut my matting and my total came to $43.

Don't be to eager to buy, all of my first picture were won. Which include Tarkay, LeKniff and Bellet. So I feel like I came out a winner. I did notice this time that the give away's were not as nice as before.

And on the last day auction they gave out no picture, said they ran out. (really).

And in order for your art to have great value they have to be available to the world and not just on a cruise ship. Think about it before you spend thousands or just wait on the raffles.

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Damonie Fkw
map-marker Palm Springs, California

Parkwest Gallery Consumer Relations were great in working out problem

I had recently entered a complaint against Parkwest Galleries and how they were not understanding to a complaint made about art work purchased on a recent cruise on the Celebrity Ship Equinox. Well I want to tell everyone that I was contacted by Parkwest personally and had a chance to discuss my problem. What a very understanding group of people they are. I worked with Lisa Hershberger over the phone and she completely and expediently corrected the problem I experienced. I have never before worked with a company like this or their personnel who so much wanted to have a happy coustomer. My hat is off to Lisa, Parkwest Gallery and all the people who helped in solving my problem. This is a company that I would not be afraid to do business with again--- They really care.
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2 comments
Guest

What department do you work for at Park West????? Media spin?

Guest

I have been working with Lisa as well. I have to say she is not helpful and I still have not had anything resolved. I have damaged and unwanted art and nobody is responding to requests to return.....I guess it all depends on who you are.

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farrow
map-marker London, England

Park West Over priced art work

My wife & i Sailed on the Freedom of the seas last year. Spent tens of thousands of dollars on a rembrandt etching only to find its real value was minimal, they deceived & conned us.Dan.H.

Park west auctioner Assured us the art work was a great investment as we were buying at sea.

When the art work was delivered we sent it to sotherby's fine art department for appraisal and was shocked to be told it fell below there £3,000 minimum starting level. We did get our money back but it was anxious times.

Please make friends and family aware as thay may not get a refund. B.F.

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Anonymous
map-marker Boynton Beach, Florida

False Promises

Purchased a print with frame on May 26, 2010. Was promised delivery in 8 weeks, 10 at the most. While on another cruise [Aug 07 thru 14] I enquired about the delivery date & was told that someone would send me the info by e-mail. After waiting for a week I called the tel. # on the invoice, & was told that they are awaiting a shipment of frames and it will be shipped as and when the same is received. When I pointed out that 12 weeks have elapsed since the date of the order, I was curtly told that I will have to wait as long as it takes. I will never buy anything from these shysters.
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YVETTE P Ohf
map-marker Merida, Yucatan

You may not get what you purchase!

I was on a Royal Caribbean, Voyager of the Seas three week cruise from Barcelona to Texas in November/December 2009. I have been on 16 cruises and on many have attended the auctions as I enjoy some of the art and comments by the auctioneer. I have previously bought one *** which was fine as I had in hand exactly what I had purchased.

But on this last cruise I broke down and purchased a mystery, three Itzchak Tarkay lithographs. All three were lovely, numbered and signed. They had to be shipped to me, they would not let me take them off the ship which costs much more money as they had to be sent to Mexico. When they finally arrived, I received two of the lithographs but the third was not a lithograph, was not signed and numbered by the artist, was actually quite ugly and dark and looked like nothing more than a poster, something I could buy at Wal-Mart. I was angry beyond words as in my mind destroyed Park West credibility.

The bottom line is what you think you purchased is not necessarily what will be mailed to you. I emailed them asking them to forward to me the third lithograph, signed and numbered by the artist, the third item I had purchased and was told by the auctioneer that these were the three lithographs, signed and numbered that would be received but never heard from them. I emailed again asking the same thing and it has been weeks and no reply whatsoever. Their customer service is as worthless as the service they provide. When I made my purchase, I was told they were each worth $900. I said that I thought it quite impossible to sell them for that price. He said, well, this is just for insurance purposes. So they are into majorly ripping off insurance companies.

I intend on taking many more cruises and most likely Park West will be onboard and I will attend the auction and at the beginning of each auction, I will ask the auctioneer "why is it I did not receive what I had purchased and will elaborate? And why is it that customer service did not have the courtesy to respond to any of my emails asking again for the item that I had purchased.

In the future, I will attend each of their auctions, enjoy their cheap champagne and make my comment which I think if anyone has any sense will think before raising their number and purchasing an item that will be shipped.

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6 comments
Guest

Good for you. Keep letting people know.

Guest

You're lucky you got your art. Still waiting 5 months later. We cruised with a number of people and 4 who purchased art are still waiting

Guest

In reply to Steve who must work for Park West, the issue was not the mailing, the issue as described is that what I purchased was not what was mailed. If I had received the three that I thought I was purchasing, it would have been fine although since living out of the country I was charged an additional $130.

I dont understand your comment about 200. Also not the issue. I just want what was being sold. The same day that I had written my complaint, I received an email from someone from Park West with a pathetic explanation and after several emails I gave up as there was no resolving the bogus purchase.

I have within the last two month been on cruises with Princess and Royal Caribbean and neither use Park West. There was a very negative comment made by one of the participants in the auction about Park West.

Guest

I bought the same mystery. 3 Tarkay's but I only recieved 2 and the third was nothing but a poster.

Very dissapointed but I learned my lesson once bitten twice shy.

Yvette I wish you had been on my cruise I would not have made this mistake. At least I never got them framed.

Guest

I likewise purchased a Tarkay Oil painting, that was displayed at the auction. The standard theme of three women sitting around a table chatting.

It was a nice and large painting that would would enhance any area it was hung in.

What was delivered, JUST BEFORE disembarking was wrapped in paper to my Cabin, was much smaller 17"x 21" then the size at the auction exhibit.

The women looked smaller and more cramped with less background. Not worth the price!

Guest

I understand why you would be upset about most of that, however of course the works have to be shipped. Its an edition how else will they sell it?

The one on the ship is like a floor model. They cannot have 200 of the same prints to be carried of the ship.

They do have works that you can carry off. These are usually the best deals and what you see is what you get.

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Kdekreon
map-marker Sacramento, California

Park West never sent me my $11,000 of art.

In the spring of 2007 I "purchased" four pieces of art from a Park West auction on a cruise ship. Upon returning home and realized that the Salvadore Dali was a forgery. I called them right away to stop them from shipping me the remaining three prints. They refused to refund my money and said that I would only received a store credit for the remaining three items. I called them again recently, as I have repeatedly done over the last three years. Now they tell me that they do have a return policy but that my puchased were made too long ago to qualify. So what about the $7000 worth of art I never recieved? How can there be a "no refund policy" for art that is clearly nothing more than forgery? Your guess is as good as mine. Don't let this happen to you. I worked very hard for that money and they have no right to treat me this way.
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Loss:
$11
6 comments
Guest

How did you now it was a forgery? Please give more details because this way it is way to easy to bash a company without proof.

Guest

Ummm weezy, they just lost a huge lawsuit because they were selling fake Salvidor Dali's, you obviously are affiliated with them, besides if any of person on this planted knew the REAL ALBERT they would definitly think they just met the devil and would NEVER buy from him.

Guest

Your research is terrible then because they have never been found to sell forgeries. Matter of fact the class action law suites you speak of got dropped by the courts. Before you go out there and speak of what you know you need to make sure you know the truth.

Buyers remores!

Kdekreon

I didn't realize it was a fake until I got home and started to do some research on art.

There are class action law suits pending against them and the cruise lines.

They have made a fortune selling fake Dali. It's amazing.

Guest

I'd file a claim at small claims court and see what happens. It'll be the best $50 you ever spent.

Guest

You returned home and realized that the Dali was a fake? How did you know it was a fake when you werent looking at it?

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Anonymous
map-marker Austin, Texas

Stalling in providing framed art

Bought three paintings 3/18/2010 on cruise ship. Still attempting to get two of the three. Only one delivered. When I follow up with them, and push to rush framing, etc., they say "would you like your money back?" Gee, not a warm and cozy feeling that I'll ever get the paintings. I did talk to a representative from Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and it appears they are canceling their contract with Park West. I think that is a very good idea. I've looked at on-line complaints and Park West does not have a good reputation.
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3 comments
Guest

I auctioned an oil painting, but received a paper print yesterday, one month after we left Carnival Freedom. We was on the cruise Christmas of 2014.

Park West is still cheating on Carnival cruise line now.

I think we should go to court for a justice. Sue Carnival together, it know what Park west doing.

Guest

I was just on a cruise and Park West is still selling art. Guess the contract wasn't cancelled.

Kdekreon

Trust me --- get your money back!!!!!

Anything you buy from them is worthless!!!!

They stole 11,000 from me. Three of the pieces were never shipped and the forth was a Dali forgery.

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Anonymous
map-marker Staten Island, New York

Park Sore Gallery - NCL Cruise Scam

Run, do not walk away from this auction. They present "artwork" that is extremely over-inflated in price and *** you into "bidding" for pieces with hidden costs. The real issue begins when you get back to their office and they hit with framing, matting, shipping, insurance and administrative fees. You start off with with artwork @ $500 which magically ballons in price to $1,200. If you try to get out of it they state they have on video tape. Don't buy it, don't sign anything and walk out and make a formal complaint to NCL, whom I beleive is in on this as well. These are *** artists in suits...you have been warned.
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Anonymous
map-marker Berkeley, California

Park West Gallery (Carnival Cruise)

Park West purchased that I took home from my cruise were fine, but EVERYTHING I purchased that was shipped came with problems: one litho had to be returned for reframing because it had something under the glass; a medallion I purchased came, but was not a good specimen (a late run). I returned the print for reframing, and after providing photographs of the lack of detail on the medallion, they finally agreed to exchange it for an earlier run that was clearer. I purchased Muhammad Ali boxing shorts, and although I was told that I would receive the set I bid on (which had a very large signature), they tried to send me a set with a tiny signature. I insisted on the original. When it came, it was tacked horribly through the silk. When I sent pictures and asked that they reimburse me for having it mounted correctly, they ignored my emails. My recommendation is to only purchase what you can carry away with you. If you do have it mailed, be ready to send it back. "˜ No great deals to be had here – just fun at the auction, and frustration when you get home.
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1 comment
Guest

JUST PURCHASED ITEMS QUITE CONCERNED

Park W
map-marker Coudersport, Pennsylvania

BBB Rating and Customer Reviews

Park West Gallery is pleased to enjoy an excellent rating with the Better Business Bureau for customer service. Learn more at:

http://www.bbb.org/eastern-michigan/business-reviews/art-galleries-dealers-and-consultants/park-west-gallery-in-southfield-mi-7266/

To see positive reviews from actual Park West Gallery customers, please visit our Customer Service blog at:

http://www.parkwestportal.com/

Park West is committed to customer service and satisfaction and encourages you to contact us directly via phone at (877) 440-**** or from our website at:

http://www.parkwestgallery.com/customer-service.aspx

Full Disclosure: this information has been posted by Park West Gallery. To visit any of these sites, copy and past the link into your browser.

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5 comments
Guest

I am a Park West customer yet because I have a complaint I cannot post on the Park West portal site......I think you should look deeper than their website if you are researching Park West. There are news articles about the fraud and lawsuits from Fox News and USA Today.......Don't let them scam you like they have so many of us.

They will tell you (after you purchase of course) that their art is not an investment and you cannot sell it for what you are purchasing it for.

It is only worth the price they ask because it is coming directly from the gallery. Look on ebay......all of those people bought from Park West and are desperately trying to recover some of their cost.

Delila Evh

Park West engages in schemes, which within the United States would be deemed as fraud. I have previously purchased several items from Park West and been very satisfied.

However the practices used to promote its auctions on Carnival Cruise Lines is deceptive at best and more correctly fraudulent. One would think with all the problems with its ships, Carnival would not invite dissatisfaction due to its vendors. The truth works well.

Yet, neither Carnival nor Park West has even bothered to respond to the questions and situation that was brought to their attention while I was still on board. :(

Kdekreon

You are right. Clearly the word of the BBB is about as worthless as the Park West "art."

Guest

How is it possible that a company with an extensive history of selling fake prints and prints with forged signatures has an excellent rating with the BBB? I guess the BBB has itself become a scam.

Guest

park west are all crooks!

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mandan
map-marker Albany, New York

Park West framing not conservation framing

I am a custom framer and I have just informed a customer that the many Dali artworks that he has purchased over the years are damaged due to tape. When the pieces were framed, Park West used acid free materials but then TAPED the pieces to the matting. This is a very big no-no in conservation framing. There is no way the tape can be removed from the original artwork without damaging it further and the fact that it has been taped ruins it's potential value. Most people would not question the framing and I think Park West knows this. Open up the back of your artwork and check how it has been mounted. It should be in small plastic conservation corners (like photo corners). Good Luck!
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1 comment
Guest

Disappointed with my framing in that they have not used art glass, so there is a huge amount of reflection.

I am going to have to pay to have it replaced by a competent framer.

Justyn Clh
map-marker Toronto, Ontario

Park West Thieves

Park West is in the business to steal your money. They offer a return/refund policy but when you ask them for your money back they won't return it. I purchased artwork from them during a cruise in 2008. Upon returning I discovered the artwork was worthless. I called to cancel the order but Park West Gallery wouldn't cancel the order, which hadn't been shipped. Eventually I spoke with a manager who agreed to cancel the order and issue a refund less 15% (approx). I refused to accept that and to date have not received a refund. They have my money, I have no artwork, and they don't care. Do not do business with this company - they will steal your money and sell you ***!
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Loss:
$15
6 comments
Guest

That is because they are not forgeries. Not once has it been proven that they sell forgeries.

Matter of fact the courts through out the cases about this.

Sounds like major buyers remorse to me!

Kdekreon

That is a bold lie. I spent $11,000 on four pieces. Three of them were never received and one was a forgery.

I never could have imagined that they would sell fakes.

Over priced is one thing. Forgery is another.

Forgery is theft and when you buy in international waters on a cruise ship you can kiss your money goodbye because you have no recourse.

So for all of you ex Park West liers, the back of the invoice doesn't day a word about forgeries!!!!!!!

Guest

I was an employee at Park West Gallery.

I agree that their policies are "read out at auctions," and are printed on all of the materials. But, the sales pitch has been fined tuned and honed to such a great degree that they lead their customers into believing that something has been stated, implied, or represented, when in reality it has not.

The best you can do is spread the word to others. Let everyone you know that Park West does not care about you--as you can plainly tell from the responses provided by others who are or have been affiliated with Park West.

Guest

I used to work for Park West, the terms are clear, you sign the conditions when you purchase the art, it is read out at auctions and is on all the PPW you have and have signed - including your bidder card. Which bit did you not understand about all sales are final?

Guest

If you would have READ the paperwork you signed when you obtained your bidder card, you would have read ALL SALES FINAL. You have buyers remorse.

Try buyer a new car, then, one week later ... after the paperwork has been signed, financing has been arranged, call the dealer and ask for your money back.

Guest

Hey, so my brother used to work for Parkwest. And not that I or him or the supreme advocate for Parkwest, but we do want to emphasize that if you are a *** consumer you will be a nothing more than a poorer, and yes, still *** consumer.

First off, if you bought something over $500 they'd surely refund your money. But for people who spend very little like you most surely did, on something ridiculous like a Kinkaide, then you should not expect a refund at all. Secondly, ...well there is no secondly. Buyer beware.

Read the fine print.

And remember that not every business is in it to make you happy. Some just want money.

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Didi Kkl
map-marker Naperville, Illinois

Park West = BAD customer service

We purchased two paintings from Park West on NCL Cruise line to Alaska 06/08. One painting arrived about 10 weeks later and the other one just never showed up. After many many phone calls (first, it was hard to find their number), all we got from the costumer service is "I don't know where your painting is", " I am trying to locate your painting", " I can't guaranteed when it will be shipped", " No, you can not talk to my manager", " No, you can not cancel your purchase"....etc I don't understand why can't I cancel something that I do not even received?? When I asked for extension on the payment expiration date because i do not want to pay if I don't receive my painting especially when Park West don't even know if they have my painting or not, the answer was " No, you may not". (What's new?) There is a tip if anyone out there got ripped off. You can contact GE bank who collect the money for Park West. You can cancel your purchase through them. I found that out because I got no help from Park West so I tried to see if GE bank can help me. And they can!
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Loss:
$1800
2 comments
Guest

To clarify ... GE Money Bank is the company who handles the private label credit card for PWG.

If you paid via some others means, you have to abide by the original contract.

As for the contract I signed, it provided me with 13 months free financing ... starting with the date I received delivery of the item. Of course, if you are foolish enough to start paying right away - that's your stupidity.

If they tell you something you cannot do - make sure you KNOW what you can do. You obviously did not read the contracts.

Guest

Park West Gallery has made a living out of deceiving people.

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Anonymous
map-marker Tampa, Florida

Park West

Park West stood by their agreemenet and because of my financial hardship, cancelled the painting and credited my invoice..Customer service worked with me until this correction was resolved. Though I will never buy from Park West again, I am pleased with the way they handled my situation..I would not recommend any auctions aboard any cruise ships..The cruise line takes no responsibility to correct the problems with Park West.

If you're interested in art, my best advice would be to buy from a well known gallery. There are many galleries around who deal with local artists.

I have found these galleries to give the best deals and you never know how far the local artist will go in his/her art and what his/her paintings would be worth later on..

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2 comments
Guest

There is nothing of "value" that can be obtained from Park West. Their prices are egregiously inflated.

Will some of the art appreciate in value? Possibly, but there is an incredible amount of built-in profit that has to be surpassed by rising values before the customer realizes any potential gains.

Other galleries carry artists like Peter Max.

If you are looking for work from a Park West contracted artist, you have only to look at eBay for such--and at bargain prices. This tells you that much of what you purchase at Park West is not valued outside of a Park West auction.

Guest

Local galleries sell local artists. If you are looking for value, and collectables, your local JOE's GALLERY likely will not have Peter Max, Tomasz Rut, Tarkay ...

because your local gallery does not have the buying power to deal with, or buy from those artists.

If someone buys something, because they are drunk - it's a bad decision - regardless. Don't blame the alcohol on the gallery.

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