Brian - read the whole post - my problem wasn't with Mark's shipping charges, but his description of the chip, which I felt wasn't accurate. However, I do think the shipping charges are gouging - no question. I'd like to see shipping added to the code of ethics.

A chip that is in "nice condition" with zero cross-hatching left, as smooth as a stone and wouldn't stand on edge. Nice?! Not even close!

Now when I called him on it, he tried to give me the brush off, telling me that all the chips of that issue were very worn and then thanked me for the business, as if that was the end of our conversation. LOL.

Now wouldn't a 13 year member use the club's grading criteria?

When I expressed my feelings about the chip's condition, I got this response:

HI Sonny,

Sorry for the delay in responding- i have been gone for the long weekend.

I was surprised to receive you email, as the chip that you bought is generally found in used condition (The Official Casino Guide states that 99% of the them are worn and that a top example is hard to come by.) Also i didnt state that the chip stood on edge or had crosshatching remaining (please see the auction description.) If it did it would certainly be worth MUCH more that the $15.50 that you paid for it. It is a good sound example, with no damage and the price was a fair one.

Thanks for your bids and business,

Regards

Mark

To which I responded:

Mark - I received the chip Saturday, February 14th, looked at it and was not pleased with the condition. I wrote you immediately. "Nice condition"? I think we agree to disagree.

I wish you would quote the original email, so we can have a continuity to the conversation. I don't think you addressed the issues I raised.

Bottom line - the chip is being sent back; please send a refund when you receive it as outlined by the club code of ethics.

Thanks for your cooperation.

Sonny (aka Mark Sutton #6337)

And finally Mark closed with:

HI Mark,

I guess we do agree to disagree. I still think the chip was described accurately and if you needed more information to make a decision, then you should have contacted me prior to bidding.

I will refund your bid amount when i receive the chip, and would appreciate you refraining from bidding on any of my future auctions, as i do not want to have any other disagreements in the future.

Regards,

Mark

Ok - now you look at the facts as presented and then tell me. I should get the bid price and the shipping costs since the chip was misrepresented as nice when it should have been Poor .