Auction?

[swinstan]

Has anyone else had emails about a charity on-line auction for pbc. Seems to be jewelry and art and is run by someone called Charlie Williams. Can't find anything on the PBC foundation website but the links from the email are showing the foundation logo. Something about it doesn't feel right. There's no info to say these items were donated for fundraising and nothing about how much of the sale goes to the PBC foundation. Hopefully, I'm entirely wrong about this but any info would be helpful.

[kimphoebe]

Not seen anything bout that you right to be cautious

[emerich]

Hi Swinstan

Yes,I've had an email about it too. Like you can't find any info online. Could be someone fundraising individually for pbc, but like you I'm wary. Shame if they are genuine, but you have to be careful. I've replied to the email asking for verification. I'll let you know if they reply.

[Jo_Br in reply to emerich]

Yes it was announced on the site its all above board. Lovely antique and art. I got a pin number and had a look earlier. Money raised goes to PBC.

Original email came from the PBC Foundation, if you logged on then an email came today, mine went to spam as well, but it is fine.

Email here,

A very exciting and unique opportunity, exclusive to our registered users, is coming your way on OCTOBER 5 2017

A supporter of ours is holding the first annual online CHARITY ART AND DIAMOND AUCTION

This is an AUCTION with a difference, you will get the rare opportunity to purchase luxury items way below market value and at the same time you will help the organisation raise much needed funds A WIN ! WIN ! Situation for everyone

TO RUN ONLINE ONLY OCTOBER 5TH - OCTOBER 20TH

Diamond Jewellery | Contemporary Art | Objet d’Art

Registration will be open from OCTOBER 5 where you can access your unique PIN number and browse all the lots.

Just log onto: auctionforpbc.co.uk

Your participation will be greatly appreciated.

The PBC Team

[Hidden in reply to emerich]

yes i have and it legit

[swinstan]

Thanks Jo_Br but what do you actually mean when you say money raised goes to PBC? Is that all of it, every penny? Or is it any profits made? Or is it maybe just commission? I have logged on and looked at the items but I have also looked at Charlie Williams' website where he seems to do this anyway. Sorry if I sound picky but if anyone makes an offer that sounds too good to be true, it's usually just that - too good to be true. How can anyone offer these things at below market value unless he is domating them free of charge.

[Kate50 in reply to swinstan]

I'm with you swinstan something doesn't seem right and there is nothing on the pbc foundation website or their Facebook page that I could see and I'm sure something like that would be well publicised, so proceed with caution would be my advice maybe PBCRobert could clarify if this is indeed genuine .

[Jo_Br in reply to swinstan]

I got the email from the PBC Foundation informing me of the auction. Are you in the UK, have you watched Bargain Hunt? If so Charlie Williams is an auction house I am presuming people have donated goods to his online 'Auction House' I am not sure of fees if any, maybe he does a certain charity each month/year setting aside fees. The auction house is legit, I checked. The big auction houses often do this much as a celeb will do a fundraiser. If so I imagine the fees will be set aside as this is the norm. Ask PBCRobert I have no doubt in this form of fundraising whatsoever, but always a good idea to check!

[emerich]

Thanks for that Jo_br. Off to have a look!

[butterflyEi]

Hi swinstan

I also thought it a dodgy email so face book messaged the PBC Foundation separately when they confirmed it is genuine. Perhaps an announcement here by PBCFoundation would be helpful to both the Foundation and it's service users.

[swinstan]

Checked on line for Charles WIlliams Auctions and there are some concerned peple out there. The company does seem to do this regularly as a business so I'm not thinking it's a scam but maybe a way of getting charitable supporters to buy his goods and maybe even being tempted to pay a little over the odds because " it's for charity". Again, I'd very much like to know the deal with the PBC foundation before I consider buying anything. It's easy to be carried away with an auction and pay more than you intended, especially in a good cause.

[PBCRobert Partner]

Thank you all for the messages and the queries.

First off, the auction is genuine. It is not widely publicised as it is exclusively for members of the Foundation. The 2 main reasons is 1) our members have access to amazing offers not available elsewhere with which they can support our work 2) we are confident any member who bids on an item will go through with the purchase and not disappear on us as can sometimes happen at online auctions open to public.

In terms of moneys to the Foundation... It's a little complicated but the general shape is thus.

If an item sells for the reserve, we get 25%. The other 75% covers cost of the item plus sellers' admin, fee, etc.

If the item sells for above reserve, we get the 25% as before. We then get 90% of the sum over the reserve. The other 10% goes to the auctioneer. I shall go and double check I have all the details but that is my understanding.

The auctioneer is someone who knows the Foundation well and who has supported us before in a number of ways. He has sourced quality items and provided them for auction at cost.

Some members of HU will not recieve the emails because they are not registered with the Foundation. I believe, if they register with the Foundation in time, they will recieve the info for the auction.

I hope this information helps.

Yours, as ever,

Robert.

[Jo_Br in reply to PBCRobert]

Thank you, sorry I should have scrolled, I tagged you. Its good to see it all and I hope wads of cash is made. Great chance to own some gorgeous pieces and great that 25% of sales are given to PBC. How nice of the owners.

[PBCRobert Partner in reply to Jo_Br]

Just to clarify: 25% of the reserve price. If it goes above that, then we get 90% of that also.

[swinstan]

I sincerely hope I'm wrong about this auction but valuations of £1500-2000 for what are in some cases just framed prints or valuable diamonds being offered without a clear statement of colour, clarity, cut and carat make me uncomfortable - and the carat size quoted seems to be made up of much smaller diamonds. This seems to be the sellers website and it doesn't look like items were donated to our charity. charliewilliams.com/. It's his business.

I researched my favourite item, a Dali print, and found that I could buy it online for £25, although this is unframed. As much as I want our charity to benefit, personally, I would rather donate directly.

[PBCRobert Partner in reply to swinstan]

Thank you for your reply.

We are all in favour of direct donations. Unfortunately, we also have to look at other forms of fundraising also.

Most fundraising initiatives have a cost to them. A fundraising concert might have to hire a venue, lights, soundman, etc. A fundraising auction needs an auctioneer and stuff to auction.

Charlie is someone who has donated previously to the charity. He is using his expertise and his business to raise much-needed funds for the charity to be able to do what we do.

That said, if people choose to donate directly, then all funds are gratefully received. You know what we do, how ew do it and why we do it. And absolutely, we are in need of fincanical support to help make that happen.

Yours, as ever,

Robert.

[charliewilliams in reply to swinstan]

Dear swinstan You seem to have a very cynical view of my work that's a real shame as all I was trying to do was help the organisation, The Dali you refer to is a very rare limited edition collectible with a big price tag the frame and mount alone is nearly £400

all the diamond jewellery is authentic and all come with an independent valuation from a very respected industry valuer and gemmologist by putting unnecessary doubt in peoples minds you are denying the charity of much needed funds if you have any questions that you need answers to it would be so easy to drop me an email instead of this approach, I can answer fully to any questions you may have

I don't normally reply to open comments like this but I was so upset by your remarks it

needed a reply.

I have just driven back from my Auction duties in Exeter over the weekend ( a 12 hour drive to Edinburgh ) and this is not the comments I was expecting, I seek no praise for helping people but I do object to this kind of attack for a charitable act

I invite you to withdraw your remarks otherwise I will be contacting my friends at PBC to ask if they want to withdraw my free service

my email address is [e-mail]

[badpiglet]

Just noticed in our local newspaper an advert for a Charlie Williams Auction today, in Exeter (Devon). What caught my eye was the type of items listed - the same type of stuff as the PBC auction - unless I'm mistaken. Fantastic to support PBC - but as long as the prices aren't hiked up to begin with???? Maybe jumping to conclusions but Charlie Williams Auctions is a business and is naturally out to make money.

If anyone's interested, the viewing begins at 1pm and the auction is at 2pm, Mercure Exeter Rougemont Hotel, Queen St, EX4 3SP.

It doesn't seem to be listed on the Charlie Williams site but is listed on the site below

charlesphillips.com/

[badpiglet]

Further to my post above & looking at the Exeter auction, the starting prices for the PBC auction, the Charles Phillips website, I’d just like to agree with you swinstan. A distinct feeling of unease. Think I’m going to send a donation to PBC this week and have nothing to do with the ‘auction’.

[charliewilliams in reply to badpiglet]

Dear badpiglet please refer to my reply to swinstan I hope this allays any fears you may have please feel free to email me direct if you need any honest clarification rgds Charlie

[badpiglet]

Dear Charlie Williams,

I honestly think swinstan and I didn't mean any harm - we, I think, are just fairly normal, suspicious shoppers. If you are selling goods whether in a shop or online or in an auction, it is normal to expect some critique. Swinstan said she was uncomfortable and I said I was uneasy. You have NOT been attacked. We're 'small-fry', just 2 people voicing a perfectly legitimate opinion and you must have a customer base of many, many thousands as you seem to hold an auction somewhere nearly every weekend.

If your goods are fantastic and great value for money, you have nothing to be concerned about.

If I hadn't by sheer coincidence seen your advert in the paper, advertising the same type of goods with 1 hours viewing and no catalogue, I wouldn't have posted anything.

If anyone is interested, I see (on your charlesphillips.com website) that you're holding more auctions this weekend, on Saturday at the Hilton Milton Keynes Hotel and on Sunday at the Marriott Forest of Arden Hotel.

[charliewilliams]

Dear badpiglet. Firstly I really don't like having to answer to a forum and was hoping you would email me or phone me direct, I am only giving this in depth reply If this helps to finally conclude matters

My Job is holding Auctions every week, ( 42 weeks per year ) I have customers all over the UK , I have done this for 30 years. That is what I do !!!!

Yes I am holding Auctions this weekend in Milton Keynes and in Birmingham, this information was published on the website you took the information from. I did hold an Auction in Exeter last Sunday which was very successful, the one hour viewing period was sufficient for the amount of lots , I met some very nice people and everybody seemed happy with their purchases )

I will also be holding Auctions in England for the next 8 weeks , this information will also be published in advance usually on a Monday preceding the auction weekend, this is the normal format.

I agree with you that I should accept critique and of course I have to and do deal with this professionally when it arises ( it's all part of the business ) but I don't expect to receive it when I am carrying out a non publicity seeking charitable act !

The main thing that infuriated me was the quality and the value of the goods that was being brought into open question thus inviting doubt into the legitimacy of the Auction and deterring other potential bidders.

My motives for helping the charity were also questioned. A simple enquiry to PBC head office would have confirmed everything.

I can assure you the goods I sell are fantastic value and I have nothing to be concerned about, in the case of PBC Auction goods ,I really have no concerns as I will receive none of the profit

For the avoidance of doubt, I was approached by PBC to hold this event I am friendly with the CEO. I supported the PBC annual fundraising dinner last November in Edinburgh. I purchased a table for 10 , I actually donated a Picasso limited edition collectible for the Auction which was valued at £1,500 I bid for it myself and won the bid at £2,000 !! It hangs proudly in my front lounge.

I also won other Auction lots My total contribution to PBC for the event was over £4,000 , I'm only a supporter!

You can still hold down a commercial job and help a charity at the same time All I have done is procure items from longtime contacts at very low prices so as the charity could receive all the generated profit, I also offered to waive my normal commission. I put a lot of personal time into putting this online Auction together.

Due to my busy Auction calander I am only home in Edinburgh 2 to 3 days per week so this has been quite stressful meeting the online Auction deadline

I again offer to answer any questions you may have by email instead of the manner we are doing it in or if you prefer please contact PBC direct and I can relay replies to them

I am now preparing to travel to Milton Keynes to hold my Auction so will not be able to participate further in this forum

[e-mail]

Kindest Regards Charlie

[badpiglet]

Dear Charlie Williams,

There is absolutely no need to get your knickers in such a bundle. If you hadn't replied to swinstan, the original post and all it's replies would have been ignored as 'an old post', especially as most using this forum, apart from you, has a lot more to think and worry about in life beyond Dali posters and diamond rings.

Contact you personally? Ye Gods no, this subject is in the open, on a forum looked at by a group of very intelligent people who happen to have a serious illness. Questions and your enlightening replies should be here, to be seen by everyone.

Good luck to you for this weekend's auctions and the PBC auction. I repeat, if your goods are fantastic and great value for money, you have nothing to worry about.

[charliewilliams]

Dear badpiglet. Just to reiterate (once again). I have nothing to worry about. I am trying to help people who are ill , I was only putting the record straight.

If you say nothing other people could read into that and make a wrong conclusion. I hope you understand that my integrity is also very important to me so I've no option but to defend

I hope I've allayed anybody's fears who may read this

Please bid if you can, even if at the starting price only

PBC will get 25% of that price as a minimum and you will get a great bargain. Any successful bid is paid direct to PBC. A Win Win for all !!!!!!

I was very much hoping to make this an annual event.

Regards Charlie

[PBCRobert Partner]

I feel a little for Charlie here, which is why I am replying.

1) Yes, he is someone who mixes in circles where diamonds and limited edition Dalis are an option.

2) Yes, many people affected by PBC are unable to work or are in a difficult position financially.

3) Yes, the Foundation is facing financial difficulties as are many other charities and are fighting for every penny we can get to ensure we do what needs to be done for those affected by PBC.

1) So Charlie mixes in circles that we don't. He is a professional auctioneer and gets to see pretty and expensive things week to week. He is also someone who has volunteered his services in order to take some of that accrued wealth from people who mix in those circles, and direct it to help pay for the work that we do. He has had questions asked here and he answered them here. I wouldn't say he had his knickers in a twist. He was just trying to explain who he is, where he is and what he is trying to achieve for the Foundation.

2) PBC isn't fussy who it affects. It affects people of all races, of all social circles. Some struggle to make ends meet, particularly when unable to work. Others are well off. Unfortunately, being a charity we rely on those who are better off to help donate more so we can support those who are not. This is our reality and we embrace this. We understand this.

3) We are helped as an organisation by donations. For us to do what we need to do, then more donations would help enormously. However, it has to be donations. We are absolutely against charging people with PBC for information and we will do everything we can to ensure we never charge for that. There are two exceptions, see footnote below*. In order for that to be the case, we rely on others' generosity to support you, us, them: anyone affected by PBC.

Charities are facing difficult times and we, as a sector, are looking at new and innovative ways to raise much needed funds. We are also reliant on volunteers' generosity: giving their time, their enthusiasm and their expertise to help us do what we do.

As someone who knows Collette personally, her struggles, and what she strives for with the Foundation, Charlie offered all of the things in the paragraph above. I understand the questions raised in this thread but I do wonder: if someone was a digital designer, for example, or a copywriter and they offered their time and expertise, would they face the same level of "healthy cynicism"?

We appreciate you raising your concerns and I personally love that you are looking after each other and the name of the Foundation. Hopefully, now you can see this is a genuine attempt to offer limited availability products to those who would like them and to help raise funds for us.

So, I understand that most of us are not in a position to spend hundreds and hundreds of pounds on something pretty (me included) but there are also many who can. So, if you can then buy up anything that catches your eye and support us, please. If you can't, and you want to donate directly, then that would be gratefully received also. If you can do neither, then be part of the community, use our services and join us where and when you can. It's all we ask.

Yours, as ever,

Robert.