Buyer Beware
I had never been to an auction until recently and thought it sounded an intriguing prospect for an afternoon of entertainment.
I initially went as I wanted to buy a nice pair of earrings (which I had seen on-line and were described as modern diamond drops). They sounded and looked lovely. On auction day I was all prepared, having registered and done my research, as well as worked out my budget – I was ready to buy. When the earrings came up for sale, it turned out to be only a 2 horse race, so the bidding didn’t end up too frantic and I purchased the earrings at a good price under budget. I was happy.
Part-way through the auction I decided that I would go and pay. There was a pretty long queue waiting so I diligently watched further items going under the hammer, until something caught my eye. I thought it looked to be a great buy and a bargain price so quickly joined in the bidding.
By the end of the bidding I was rapt to be the proud winner of Lot No. 188 and said to my friend, ‘oh my goodness I can’t believe I bought that ring for such a reasonable price’. I had already made big plans in my mind to put onto Trade Me and sell for a profit. I had no intention or needed any more rings but thought it was the bargain of the century. You can imagine my shock and horror when my friend asked what Lot I thought I had been bidding on and I said 188. He informs me that I was actually bidding on Lot 186!! What on earth had I bought that I so didn’t need or want. More importantly, why wasn’t I wearing my glasses so that I could actually see clearly what was staring back at me!! It is a question I will continue to ask myself for many weeks and months to come.
I was scared to go find out what I had won, and initially explained to the Auctioneer that I had bided on the wrong item. He was sympathetic but advised that I was beholden to buy. However he said as Lot 188 had got passed in, I could purchase that item instead. This story unfortunately doesn’t have a happy ending as Lot 188 was worth over $20,000 whereas Lot 186 was worth just over $5000.
I on the other hand have learnt, that I won’t be going back to an auction anytime soon and at all costs will wear my glasses at all times.
Does anyone want to purchase a lovely 18 caret white gold diamond solitaire ring?
Yellow Tulip
Great story
No thanks
Best not to pretend
we are who we were
Wear your glasses dear
Hope the baby sitting is going
Well
Al who also wears glasses now
Al Pond
021 2013131
I guess we all have to age gracefully .. you and me being no exception.
Point taken – I will remember to wear glasses in future. Harvey.
I have realised that I must wear glasses at all times from hereon in … and so agree – best not to pretend anymore!! Harvey.
Beautiful ring by the looks.
I guess that could easily happen to anyone, whoopsy!!
It is a lovely ring (thank goodness) and hopefully someone else will like it as much as I would have!!
Oh, I do feel for you Helen, what a dreadful mistake! I hope you manage to sell the ring soon. By the way, did it fit you?
Am hoping that it finds a new home soon and unfortunately didn’t fit my fingers … On the bright side, it could have been worse !!
hilarious! 186 and 188 look a lot alike when you have to squint! What are you selling the ring for?
Yes, I have learnt my lesson and surely will be wearing my glasses in future. I just want to sell the ring for what I paid for it. Oh well…