Bidder Reviews for Sant'Agostino Casa d'Aste SRL (12)

We are pro dealers and since we are being ignored by the auction-house here I am following up on my complaint about a chair that is most likely a fake. Our request to send us original photos from the very chair were not reacted upon. There are no imprinted marks in the leather (normally that is a number). Contrary to what has been said by Ms. Paola.

I am a professional buyer and bought items worth totalling 14k. From 6 allegedly matching chairs, one was almost certainly added later and not part of the original set. It is in bad condition with damage to the seat, which one can not repair. Also the imprint in the leather was missing and the stitching of the leather is uneven, which let me doubt its originality. All chairs have a stink to them as if they were stored in a wet basement for a long time. A 5k light we bought has a deformation beyond repair or we need to restore the whole piece from scratch. All in all rather disappointing and I will think twice if I am going to buy from this auction house again.

When I first won the auction, there was a great level of communication, I personally picked up the item myself in Italy from the USA. I let them know the date and time I would be arriving, and when I got there, they had no clue who I was or what I was coming to pick up. It's fine, miscommunications happen especially with a language barrier. Everything went well. It wasn't the best or friendliest service I've ever gotten after forking over quite a bit of money, again I was understanding of the unique situation and cultural differences. I asked if they had any other items for purchase and Paola said no, however many pieces in the showroom (that were also listed online) were available for purchase. I can only assume she didn't want to sell me anything else. After paying, I received a paper copy of the receipt, I emailed them a day later asking if I can also get an emailed copy for my bookkeeping and any hiccups during travel. This is where it got a little strange. Paola declined to send me a copy stating she had already given me one in person, my email was very simple and professional. I can't say the same for the other party. Personally, I didn't understand why it would be an issue to begin with. I sent my request for a copy a second time, stating I simply want a hard copy just in case there are any issues when I fly to the USA with the auction piece. Paola ignored my email, I waited then pushed a 3rd time and I then received a copy of the receipt with no other information besides the attachment. Was this professional? Not at all. This makes me very hesitant to purchase high-priced items from this auction house simply because of the lack of professionalism. Not sure if it was a biased action towards me or simply how they conduct business. If you're reading just be aware. The high action house premium reflects little to the quality of service. They have stunning pieces but I am disappointed by the employees that represent this house and the treatment I received.

The condition report i received did not include the fact the chair legs had metal braces attached to the legs due to problems and that there were very obvious signs and evidence of severe woodworm in the chair legs