Park West Gallery REVIEW: commitment to 100% customer satisfaction to resolve any and all issues. feel confident and secure about doing business with Park West - Over 1 million clients - the majority repeat customers, excellence in the art industry.

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Rip-off Report REVIEW: Park West receives a POSITIVE RATING from Rip-off Report -commitment to providing excellent customer service, pledges its commitment to 100% customer satisfaction - over 1 million satisfied clients - feel confident & secure when doing business with Park West Gallery

It is interesting that a lot of the complaints come from local artists who just want you to spend your money on their own art instead of with Park West or from people who claim to have had a bad experience with Park West but had a great experience with company ABC here is their website. Go to their website. Buy from me...ummm...I mean buy from them. Give me a break.



Yes, I expect that company of Park West's size will have a few problems here and there with getting orders out considering there are so many that they handle.



Here is a quote from the Better Business Bereau's website about Park West Galleries:



BBB Membership



This company has been a member of this Better Business Bureau since May 1981. This means it supports the Bureau's services to the public and meets our membership standards.



Customer Experience



Based on BBB files, this company has a satisfactory record with the Bureau. Any complaints processed by the Bureau in its three-year reporting period have been resolved. The number and type of complaints are not unusual for a company in this industry. This report reflects national complaint activity.



A Satisfactory Record means the company has been in business for at least 12 months, and properly addressed matters referred by the Bureau. The company does not have an unusual volume or pattern of complaints, or any government actions involving its marketplace conduct. The Bureau understands and has no concerns about the company's products services and type of business.



When evaluating complaint information, please consider the company's size and volume of business. The number of complaints filed against the company may not be as important as the type of complaints and how the company handled them.



The Bureau processed a total of 52 complaints about this company in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period. Of the total 52 complaints in the last 36 months, 20 of those were closed in the last 12 months.



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So, in the past 3 years they have only had 52 complaints or one complaint every 3 weeks. Lets see...they are on how many cruise ships? How many people are on these cruise ships? How many people buy something from them every week? How many people go to their land gallery? How many people purchase from their land auctions? All of these customers and only 52 complaints filled with the BBB. And, all of these complaints were handled satisfactorily according to the BBB.



Sounds like a reputable company to me.

I just got back from a Carribean cruise on the Carnival Victory. I am 24 years old and this was my wife's and my first cruise. I went to the first auction for the free champaign. I ended up buying an Anatole Kransnyansky serigraph of 350. The framing prices were much cheaper than if I would have gotten it framed at a local framer.



At the following auctions I ended up purchasing a Mouly and a Max. The Max was a Mixed Media and the Mouly was a serigraph of 300.



So far I have been very pleased with my experience with Park West. I only returned 1 day ago so obviously my art has not arrived yet. I will keep everyone updated on the progress.



The Park West employees seemed very knowledgeable about the art world and you could also see the passion they had for what they were talking about. Obviously every employee is different and more than likely the employees you work with will be different than the employees that I worked with.



I don't think Park West gives the impression that every piece of art is rare or collectible. In fact on the cruise that I went on the opposite was almost true. They had the regular lots that were either very large editions or by artists that were not famous. It was made very clear to me that these were not going to be of a huge amount of value any time soon if ever. Thomas Kincaid was in this regular lot group. He is a very popular artist but his editions are huge.



However they have other pieces of art that could be worth more in the future. These included Peter Max, Salvador Dali, Rembrandt, Picasso, etc. If you like a regular lot offering then you should purchase it but you shouldn't be upset when you find out that it is 1 of 10,000. If you pay $100 for something don't be expecting a masterpiece. Just have realistic expectations. I purchased a Marvin the Martian print for $100. Do I expect to be able to sell it for $100? No. Do I expect it to go up in value? No. Did I even bother to pay to have it appraised? No. I bought it because my wife likes Marvin the Martian.



Park West Galleries offers all types of art from $90 cartoons to $100,000 Picasso's. You can't expect a cartoon to be a Picasso.



By the way...I would recommend anyone that is considering purchasing a piece of art from Park West Galleries to talk to the employees before doing so. I talked frequently with the employees during my cruise and we formed a good friendship in doing so. I learned a lot from them during these informal conversations. Even though they are not allowed to say you should buy this artist or I think this piece will go up in value more than that piece if you talk to them about different artists or works of art you will get a feel for what they have a passion for. Ask them who they own. Ask them why they own it.



How does the saying go? You attract more flies with honey than with vinegar. Befriend the employees and you will get a lot more for you money. Of course this only applies if you are wanting to collect the more expensive and rare CP lots. If you see a regular lot that you like and you think the price is reasonable then buy it. You are purchasing it because you like it not so that it will go up in value. Who cares how much you could sell it for? Did you buy it to sell it? No you bought it so you could hang it in your house and enjoy it. Do that!

I am completely convinced that many of the pro-ParkWest postings on this site were aranged by the Gallery itself, in a misguided attempt at redemption.

I am a university professor of art connoisseurship (i.e., authentication and valuation of art) with a doctorate from Harvard. I have been following ParkWest Gallery's operations for some years and I have come to the following conclusions:



1. Virtually all of the items they sell are authentic.



2. Virtually nothing they sell is of any interest to the serious collector. Looking at the above postings, I see that many of their customers don't even understand the difference between a print and a painting! And people who collect Thomas Kinkade considering themselves serious buyers!



3. Virtually nothing they sell is rare in any sense of the word. Don't people ask themselves how it's possible that ParkWest has umpteen teams on umpteen ships (and on land) conducting umpteen auctions in a single week...and all of these auctions offer basically the same stuff? Has it occurred to anyone that the reason they don't let you just take the stuff home with you right away is that they have hundreds of copies of the identical item in their warehouse, and they want to keep the display copy for the next group of passengers?



4. Some of their business practices are extremely unethical. Providing outrageously high estimates of the values of the items they sell. (For example, Park West offers plates from Dal's "Divine Comedy" and gives "gallery values" in the thousands of dollars, when in fact these are trashy reproductions with no interest to anyone who knows anything about art.) Serving alcohol to prospective bidders.



5. Who in his right mind buys art on a cruise ship, anyway? It is a good way for ParkWest to take advantage of the party atmosphere, the captive audience...and the extremely hazy international laws regarding consumer fraud on the high seas.



6. My advice: don't buy from ParkWest. Don't buy art on a cruise ship. Don't buy art as an investment unless you REALLY know what you're doing.



7. If you sincerely think you've gotten a good deal from ParkWest, call Sotheby's in New York, tell them you'd like to sell, tell them what you have, and ask them how much they think you can get. Chances are, if you bought it from ParkWest, Sotheby's won't be interested, because Sotheby's doesn't sell common items.

In December 2006 I attended my first Park West auction. Yes, I did purchase works by Emile Bellet and Shan Merry. My works arrived in a timely manner. However,when I took the signed and numbered pieces in to be framed I was informed that no, they were not nearly as valuable as Park West had indicated.

However, I bought the works because I liked them. Not for the possible increase in value.

My advise, any time your a captive audience (such as on a cruise ship) and do not readily have the means nor the time to research a piece of art, don't buy it for an investment. Did they make works appear more valuable? Absolutely. Would I purchase from them again? Probably not. Only because they embellished the worth of art and I feel very disappointed in that aspect.

Thank you,

With such a flap about appraisals, I think it is worthwhile to know...appraisals in general aren't worth the paper they are written on. I was about to complain to Park West that I didn't want their appraisal for even the meager price they charged. The fact is...insurance companies don't care when you file a claim what the appraised value is, only what the actual cost of replacing it is.



The true value of something is whatever people are willing to pay for it. If you paid $50 or $5000...that is the value. The only documentation that is worthwhile is the certification of authenticity; the appraisal, aside from getting an idea of how much insurance to put on a painting, is good for starting the fireplace. So it really doesn't matter who gives the appraisal.



I don't care if it is the maintenance man at Park West filling them out. I've gone on a couple of cruises and bought art from Park West. I'm not disappointed. The Peter Nixons I just received are great....and comparing what I paid to what I see his work selling for elsewhere, not a bad price.

I have mixed review of Park West. I just got back from being on Carnival lines. I am an artist/ illustrator/ designer and painter, so my mom and I attended one of the actions at sea to CHECK IT OUT and get the free champagne. My mother has bought from Park West at sea prior and was OK!! with them (Shipping TOOK FOREVER and frames few choices).



Frames print etc where propped up on the seats in the theater and we were told to use a card for our requested pieces we wanted to go to AUCTION! HA! I never been to an ART AUCTION Like this before. ART WORK IS TREATED WITH RESPECT at REAL ART AUCTIONS. THIS IS NOT A REAL ART AUCTION. The pieces where AUCTIONED OFF like cattle!



The information was well hawked like a carnival ( AKA the SHIP line I was on). The Information about the pieces was incorrect and incomplete. I walked out of the auction disappointed about how the general public was being hipped into knowing and buying this art?????.



As a painter I wished they would give the proper terms to the type of ART??? they were buying. I believe in buying the real thing ( if able) go to local art shows and galleries and support artist that are alive today and paint it not for the money but the love of painting, because artist do not much or make any money for their paintings.



IF you want prints etc check out the internet Auctions (EB) and get a real deal and not pay a ton of money for shipping.



Oh, my mom did by a TAKE off ( rip-off) print framed that didn't have any glass. I have to today go get a piece of glass from my framer and Finnish it for her. GO FOR THE FREE STUFF ONLY!!!!! SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTIST!!!! BUY THE REAL DEAL!!!!

I read with interest the comments about Park West Galleries.



I came upon this website while doing a search for Park Royal Galleries out of VA. I am unsure if Park West is affiliated with Park Royal, but would not be surprised as they seem to have many similarities; too many for coincidence. Here's my abreviated story...



Back in late 2003 I attended an auction advertised in the Los Angeles Times as "Police Seized, Valuables to Auction", and the auctioneer was O. Kahn. I have been to similar advertisements in other cities (Orange County, San Diego) since then all held by the same group. Most of these auctions are held in hotel ballrooms, at golf course or sometimes in a vacated million dollar home. Sometimes its labled as an attorneys estate, or a doctors but other than the different "owners" everything else (content to be auctioned) is the same. I have found that this auctioneer is affiliated with Ibrewster who is an online purveyor of art. You can find proported orginals on the Ibrewster site that sold only days before at an O Kahn auction. Some of you may be aware of them...



Anyway up for auction were several of the same pieces noted previously in this thread; Piccasso, Manet, Miro, Degas, Max, Tarkay and on and on. During the auction, I got caught up in the excitement and ended up purchasing what I was lead to believe was a limited edition, hand signed litho, with a letter of authenticity from non other than Degas. Stated worth 4-7K.



After some time and research, I came to learn that what I purchased was a replica made specifically to decieve. As was most of what was being offered at this auction. I saw another ad in the OC paper by the same people 6 months later and attended with a friend. I saw several "original" Pissarros which sold at the earlier auction magically reappear 6 months later. Explain that... Anyway my attempts to return the piece went nowhere and I reluctantly accepted that I was scammed.



Aside from the curious similarities between Park Royal and Park West, I wanted to warn people against purchasing repoductions. While there are a FEW exceptions (etchings), repoductions are extremly easy to duplicate and fraud is rampant. My brother manages a large print shop with a state of the art million dollar printer that can reproduce almost anything. Find me the right paper stock and I could have a Rembrant to you in a few days. Hell I even hand sign it. I could duplicate a Kinkade (yuck), frame it and sell it with little or no chance of detection.



So now I stay miles away from any type of reproduction. Not only are they slocky, but they are reproductions and should have little value. Charging 100's - 1000's for a repo is outrageous...



I come forward simply because I remember all too vividly how horrible I felt once it was confirmed that my purchase was worth almost nothing. I felt like an idiot, betrayed and angry. So if I can help anyone from making a similar mistake, I'm all too willing...

My wife and I went on a cruise in Feb 2004 and I attended the auction to get soem things she wanted. The only 2 problems I had were my fault. I didn't bid on some things she wanted (which have since gone up in value) and didn't get an appraisel as I was just interested in the art, not the value. I had contacted PWG after recieving the art about getting an appraisel which they were happy to do at the price quoted on the ship. This Feb (2005) we went on a different Carnival cruise and I again attended the auction, spending considerably more. My only regret on this one was not bidding on a "mystery" piece which turned out to be one I wanted. The auctioneer, Rudi, was very helpful, knowledgeable and entertaining. I hate high pressure sales and will not buy something if pressured. This is not the case with PWG. Both times they were very laid back.



To people having problems with getting their art, this is a large company and things happen. Just keep on them and I believe they will do you right. To others that don't believe they paid the right amount: this is an investment and investments don't always appreciate. If they did we would all be millionares. From what I've researched, the ones I bought and a few others are actually more valuable than what PWG states. As Rudi said on the cruise, "It's only worth what someone is willing to pay for it."

My husband and I attended one of the Art Auctions and felt that the auctioneer was employing high pressure tactics and also being condescending to the audience. We saved the stateroom flier and later looked on the specific artists websites (Peter Max, Itzchak Tarkay) and found that some of the items that were being auctioned off were being offered for fixed, low prices on both artists websites. Frankly, people are being encouraged to vastly over pay.

I have purchased 27 pieces from Park West on 4 cruises and am dismayed only by the lack of sufficient wall space to display all (mostly Krasnyanski and Dodsworth). The serigraphs were moderately priced and in all cases the auctions were one of the highlights of the cruise. I spoke at length with the auctioneers and found them knowledgeable and enjoyable. I had no shipping problems, so I can't comment on trying to solve delivery or payment problems. But I do not use their credit card



Local museum-quality framing raises the stakes considerably (sometimes as much as 5 times the cost of the art). I have had a few of the Tarkay, Fanch and LeKinff gratis posters provided by Park West framed as well and have found specimens of the give-aways available locally and on the internet at prices in the $30-50 range. So I have no complaint.



It's unfortunate that the original, apparently groundless complaint was not resolved before going public.

I am very satisifed with my experience with Park West.



We bought around 10 painting while on a cruise. And, all were "as advertised" and welcome additions to our home.



Yes, the Peter Max painting that we bought arrived a little tardy. But, it came professionally framed and very securely packed.



Please people! Let's keep the rip-off-report just that. . .and not a forum to voice petty complaints.



Last I checked the employees of Park West were human and mistakes, backorders and delays happen in every company of their size. You're more than welcome to go into a boutique art shop for that extra personal service and extra expense.



I'm very satisified and whole-heartedly recommend Park West. I plan on adding to my collection in the upcoming months and will be using Park West.

I returned from a Carnival Cruise on November 13, 2004. During the cruise, I bought some art at the auction provided by Park West at Sea. Thinking I would have slightly late Christmas gifts for my mother and father, when the art arrived, I awaited the delivery.



Around December 7th, a friend, who was on the same cruise, and purchased art from the same auction, advised me that they had received their selections. Hopefully my art would arrive shortly.



After waiting a week, I called Park West, DE office. Well, to my suprise, the customer service person said my art had not been shipped yet due to a hold on it. I questioned her, since the cruise charge had been posted to my credit card and payment had been sent.



After checking with the accounting dept. I was told there was a "glitch" with the cruise line computers, and they had placed a hold on my account for some reason. But, now everything was okay and they would ship my art.



Now, what would have happened if I had not called and questioned the shipment? Would my art be held forever? or would it have gone into never, never land.



I feel someone dropped the ball here. If there was a problem with my credit card, don't you think someone would have called me from either the cruise line or Park West? No such luck. Now, instead of a slightly late Christmas gifts, I can have Ground Hog Day gifts. Oh Boy!

We recently returned from a Carnival cruise and had a wonderful time at the art auctions. We went in with eyes wide open! Ladies and Gentlemen, if you are buying art strictly based on appraisals, this is probably not the best way to go. If, on the other hand, you are purchasing works of art because they are pleasing to your eye and may hold some future investment value, we have found that Park West can more than satisfy you. Although we also experienced a couple of minor bumps in the road, Park West has gone out of their way to provide first rate customer service. They have made us feel like valued customers. We will absolutely purchase from them again and thank them for giving us fabulous walls to look at!

My partner and I were on a cruise this October 2004 and purchaes 15 pieces from Park West on board Royal Caribbean. One was an original Brodinsky that has since been appraised for more then twice what we paid. The auctions were fun and everyone was very knowledgeable. If one is going to buy fron an auction you need to know something about what you are buying. So far I am very happy with Park West.

My partner and I were on a cruise this October 2004 and purchaes 15 pieces from Park West on board Royal Caribbean. One was an original Brodinsky that has since been appraised for more then twice what we paid. The auctions were fun and everyone was very knowledgeable. If one is going to buy fron an auction you need to know something about what you are buying. So far I am very happy with Park West.

My partner and I were on a cruise this October 2004 and purchaes 15 pieces from Park West on board Royal Caribbean. One was an original Brodinsky that has since been appraised for more then twice what we paid. The auctions were fun and everyone was very knowledgeable. If one is going to buy fron an auction you need to know something about what you are buying. So far I am very happy with Park West.

My partner and I were on a cruise this October 2004 and purchaes 15 pieces from Park West on board Royal Caribbean. One was an original Brodinsky that has since been appraised for more then twice what we paid. The auctions were fun and everyone was very knowledgeable. If one is going to buy fron an auction you need to know something about what you are buying. So far I am very happy with Park West.

My wife and I went on a Royal Carribean Cruise for our Honeymoon in 1998. We attended three auctions by Park West and purchased 20 items during that time. The items all came to us between 21 and 28 days after we had been on the cruise. We have since had each peice appraised twice by different appraisers and the average value has increased over 600%. The bottom line is we had no problem with Park West from auction, to delivery, to our follow-up questions one year later. They are very good at what they do and are excellent representatives of their product.

I bought over $7,500.00 in art by Park West at Sea while on the Carnival Pride on July 4th Week. I attended each auction and the auctioneer was Elias Joseph.



After my first auction, I used the ships internet and logged on to Ebay and other internet sites. I found that things that I was paying more than $500.00 was selling for around $150.00 on the net.



I immediately met with the auctioneer the following day and told him about my investigation. He was actually astonished of the prices I was telling him. So he researched on the net for himself. He actually found me on the ship and explained the differences to my satisfaction.



Example 1: an original Takay on canvas advertised on Ebay for $150 was actually an original hand reproduction painted by masses of art students(reflected somewhere almost hidden in small print).



Example 2: Anatole Krasnyansky for $79.00 was advertised as original hand signed and numbered but when reading more carefully the ad description read an original offset lithograph(offset is another word for a first copy/reproduction- basically almost a poster).



Example 3: a Certificate of Authenticity reading; hand signed in pencil, Salvador Dali. Doesn't guarantee the same as signed by the artist.



Basically in each case the Auctioneer found for me was some sort of steering of art language to make the art piece sound good but near worthless or lower prices barely justified. I actually found an art website on HOW TO SELL FAKE ART ON Ebay legally.



Since the cruise I have a passion for art and have now invested more than 100 man hours of research by reading books and interacting with art galleries and visiting art museums. Since the cruise, I have purchased more art from Park West Gallery directly as well as attending three of their land auctions and purchasing additional works. I have collected more than 50 works of art since the cruise from Emile Bellet to Picasso to Renoir and believe me, I done my homework first. You don't want to buy on the internet unless their a well known gallery and yes you can still negotiate prices as much as 50% off from these well known galleries. The key is knowing art basic terminology and reading everything small and large print and asking blunt questions. If you don't get a straight answer, then don't buy. Prices are all over the board for same works of art.



I have found nothing wrong with Park West or their practices. In fact, many galleries resent Park West because they actually are big enough to have contracts with major current in demand artist, and the other galleries can't get new works of art until the artist contract expires or changes. Yes works from Park West has taken a full 8 weeks to arrive when asking for framing. I do recommend getting your pieces framed by Park West, they do a much better job and yes it's really wholesale prices that can't be beat considering the quality. FYI PWG Customer service is fine. I have asked them to mail me listings of art not yet posted and they did. I have even emailed the auctioneer after the cruise and he replied. I have left messages at Park West and they called me back.



Many of my works purchased on the cruise have already appreciated. I bought a Krasnyansky for about $350 and was recently offered $1200.00 by an art collector. I purchased a Marcel Mouly for $1100.00 and the same piece sold out at $2400.00. I hope this ease some nerves for consumers feeling buyers remorse.

We went on a Royal Carribean cruise in July 2004 (07/17 - 7/24). We attended 2 Park West at Sea actions. The auctioneer was Arthur Scheepers. We found Arthur to be very personable, professional, informative, helpful (in educating us) and to be quite genuine.



We fell in love with the style of a Russian painter named Anatole Krasnyansky. We purchased about $ 6,000.00 worth of artwork, including 8 by Krasnyansky. We have received all art that we ordered, within the 6 week time frame. We are extatic with the value that we obtained. Was it an investment? I would sure hope so. But, in the eye of this beholder.... the works are beautiful. Isn't that what matters when purchasing art?



For the person who purchased art that he/she has never received; Send a letter that informs the finance company that, "Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act, I am disputing the validty of this debt. I did not receive the merchandise in question and, hence, will not pay for it." I recommend that you also carbon copy your local Better Business Bureau, your state's consumer protection division and your local Attorny General/District Attorney. The goal is to get that which you are be being billed for.



Good Luck to all

I purchased 6 prints of Thomas Kinkdade on a July 2004 Royal Caribbean Cruise. I received all within 14 days. I did have a honest error, one print was a "small" when I purchase a "large" print. I wrote Park West, within 1-2 days they immediately phoned me to take care of the problem.

I returned the incorrect print and within 4 days I had my correct print image. Unfortunately they did forget the correction documentation for the new image, so I am awaiting that. Otherwise I feel they have been very good supplier.

Just today 8/11/04 I received a email from the Thomas Kinkade galleries assurring me that all Thomas Kinkade's sold through Park West Gallery are authentic Kinkade's with the stipulation that PW issue their own certificates for each artwork.



Happy in Swansea, Mass.

I purchased 5 pieces at the auction on the Norwegian Sun in May 2004. I am not an art expert but know what I like. I was very happy with the items and the price I paid. I got value for money. Shipping costs were a little excessive and may I suggest that items to be carried off are more clearly marked.

The auctions were fun, extremely informative and well conducted by the auctioneer.

i am a printmaking major ..and and artist by trade..

thers alot of factors involved when buying art.. i went on a carnival cruise and questioned an actual auctioneer about the printing that they were selling..they are misleading in the fact that they tell you the truth but not the whole truth..i am somewhat scepticle when it comes to buying prints..being a printmaker and all.. i know my stuff..when buying art i would highly recommend buying it straight from canvas or from an archival paper like rivews b.f.k. , becasue what you are buying is a copy of a canvas painting usually.



printmaking is a relatively new market and is gaining a new appreciation as time goes bye.it is a grey area. i advise to people that if you buy a print, make sure it is a print maker you are buying from.look at the paper.is it aged?brownish? old? you can dip paper into ammonia to make it brown..look for a watermark..otherwise it comes down to a signiature or a block signiature for authentication.eric avery etc.make their own paper and carve their own blocks.. prints "are" a viable source that appreciates over time.especially japanese..i personally bought a serigraph from a carnval cruise ship. i asked the auctioneer if it was from the movie and he said yes.. only to find out that it wasnt from the movie entirely.. i bought what i thought to believe to be an animation cel "production" from the movie yellow submarine with the beatles in it . he said yes it was from the movie.. but i found out it wasn't actually from the movie.. but was a cel based "from" the movie.i watched the movie and there was no point in the movie that i could pinpoint the exact location of the cel..these kind of things give printmaking a bad name.. if buying art or a print..look at the bottom.. if there isnt a 12/250 or edition "in pencil" numbering chances are its b.s...when i do my prints i sign personally and number the amount of prints that i have created.when a painter paints something there is only one of those images created.thats why it costs 1,000,000+$$ or whatever..printmakers make an image on a plate of copper or wood or plexiglass and destroy the original plate.. therefore making the prints valuable because they cant be reproduced.. thats how the whole dali scam happened..dali was old and just didnt get to destroying the plates..and its easy to mix colors and such to make the print again..and even easier to carve a persons signiature out of a block of wax or whatever to mass produce a signiature.with computers and all its really easy to make a die cast of a signiature and stamp away at at someones expense or whatnot.i did feel somwhat uneasy about the auctions on the carnival cruises..they get you drunk and throw color in your face.. of course you are going to buy.. but for the sake of all artists actually making art... i would say i would not choose them as an agent to distribute my works..they are misleading.if under oath they would crack.i am just trying to say in a nut shell that if you are going to buy art that it "is" a lottery. artists who are true to art usualy make no money and die poor and in debt..that is the price you pay being an artist. but those are the real artists.no one wants to hear about you until you are dead..they hype up peter max and all,,and he is cool on a cult status..like john waters or something.. but he is not the best.. the cruises are riddled with snake oil salesmen and they will sell you a thighmaster if you are willing to buy it.thomas kincaide is the bob ross of the art world..if you bought a print of his then you will make no money in the long run unless its an original painting. dali is just like a gucci handbag now-a-days. people have this weird notion that art is something that they can just pass around like a drunk girl at a party..no respect..it is penance in a way. do some research before you buy.. read the kelly blue book before you buy car...respect your local artists they will make you famous.. the masters have already made millions.. give money to the ones that are starving.

I got ripped off by that company too dusring my cruise. I found the same artwork on land for 250 cheaper.

My husband and I purchased two Brodinsky pictures whilst on board for approximately $90 each. These had to be sent to our home address at a cost of $75 - which i felt was somewhat excessive considering they were only delivered in a cardboard tube. Rather expensive for transatlantic delivery in my opinion. But the goods did arrive within 1 month of return. My only other criticism (which is partially my own fault for not being attentive) was that i was not aware that these pictures were limited editions - and of a large number a that.



But these pictures were delivered in good time, they look beautiful on our walls and from searching on the internet i appear to have made a good purchase. So really no criticisms of large proportions.



What i would say that if you are old enough to obtain a credit card it should fall somewhat on your own shoulders to have enough common sense to spend appropriately and take some responsibility yourselves.

I purchased a cartoon art item for my living room, a poster featuring all characters from The Simpsons (titled "Where's Bart?", #269). After having received it in the mail and having looked at various web sites on these subjects, I am a bit baffled as to how the appraisers contracted by Park West Gallery arrived at the prices that were presented to auction goers.



The "Where's Bart?" item was purchased at $180, and appraised at $630. Various web sites have listed this as an item that came out in 1998 celebrating the show's 200th episode and only 500 copies were made. One web site (see link below) has an unframed copy on sale for $700. The copy that received in the mail is not copyrighted 1998, but rather 2000. Also the COA states that it is part of an edition of 9500. Now if one of the original 500s that came out are selling for $700, how did the appraisers come out with a price of $630 for something that came out 2 years later and they made 9500 copies of it?



I will end by saying something nice about Park West Gallery. I received my purchase within two weeks after the end of the cruise, much much earlier than I had expected. I also found their staff to be pleasant, knowledgeable, and professional. And at my next cruise, I will certainly be attending their auctions ... but I probably won't be buying anything though.



One site sells "Where's Bart?" for $700.

[DELETED]

Dear Readers,



I have purchased a few works of art from Park West Gallery on various Carnival Cruises and I was not very happy about their Customer Service and Delivery Service. My artwork arrived about 5 months later, and after the artwork arrived it was different that what I have already purchased onboard.



One thing I have learned as I have been on various different cruise ships. Is that Big companies tend to forget about customers, and care only about financial profit. It was very obvious onboard the ship that the art director lacked the appropriate art knowledge required for art sales and art lectures. He was more like a hardcore "Car Salesman" trying to flog me a car.



I would also like to mention that I am now buying my art from a company called West End Gallery which is an excellent company, with excellent customer service. I purchased a few paintings from their auctions onboard P&O cruise lines, and onboard Radisson and I am fully satisfied.



I even bought on their website which is a very user friendly website. I would recommend all the unhappy customers to go visit their website and look at the quality art selection they have. [DELETED]

I have been attending the art auctions onboard regularly on various cruise lines. I have purchased artwork from Park West Gallery in the past. What astonished me the most was the lack of good customer service.



I recently went on a cruise line on Radisson Cruise Line and I purchased artwork from a large company called West End Gallery. I purchased a Gary Benfield Oil Painting which is incredible. What makes West End Gallery superior to Park West Gallery is their attention to Customer Service.



The artwork collections is more upscale. The art director was a professional person, not a "car salesman" type of person. I also purchased a couple of oil paintings later from them through their amazing website [DELETED]. It is an incredible web site.

I have been dealing with PWest for over three years and have purchased at sea and on land. My purchases have ranged from Peter Max to Dali to Rembrandt and I have had several of the high dollar pieces looked at by a local appraiser. Every piece I have bought from PWest, in the opinion of my appraiser friend, was undervalued and purchased at an excellent investment price. The appraiser also stated the provenance speaks volumes and I would have no problem selling for more than the appraised value given by PWest.

I was also very fortunate and always received all my artwork within three to four weeks of making the purchase.



I am an avid art collector and have been ripped off in the past. Therefore, I am now very careful and only purchase from PWest. PWest is a very large company and cannot afford to be selling anything but the real thing. PWest also has many competitors who will say anthing negative about PWest to get your business. If you want a true appraisal comparision, do not take your artwork to one of their competitors - it should be pretty obvious what the outcome will be.

Around a month ago, we received everything that we had ordered from Park West on our Jan 2004 cruise.



We were a tad concerned because the most expensive item was the last to arrive. But arrive it did and it is beautifully adorning our living room wall.



I had an enjoyable time preparing a half-way professional frame for our Warner Bros. cartoon lithograph, and I'm looking forward to framing the larger freebies we received.



In sum, we are delighted with our purchases and are sorry for those who are less than satisfied.

I just want to send praise to Park west Galleries. I saw this website and was surprised to see the numerous complaints about park west galleries. For the person who was finally helped with the dali painting I say congratulations. For the rest of the complainers, you have to be more forceful, If you have not received your painting ask to speak with a supervisor.



My wife and I had similar problems that were posted in the complaints, but i think you have to almost expect some quirks in a billion dollar a year company. This is not a mom and pop store that deals with just a couple of people. The gallery employs hundreds of people and they are only doing their job to what they are allowed. If someone can not help you, go to their boss and I'm sure you'll get exactly what you need.



My wife and I are Peter Max fans and just bought another couple paintings, and if you dont think you're getting a good deal check out Max's website.

Over the years I have religiously avoided the art auctions for 19 cruises...but having returned just today from the Carnival Victory where I attended all 4 Park West Gallery auctions (because they were giving away free champaign...hehe!), I have a thought to add to this discussion. I think anyone who spends (as we saw several times on this cruise) tens of thousands of dollars on a Rembrandt or a Dali painting at an art auction at sea ought to know what they're doing before they smack down that credit card for a $29,000 Rembrandt.



That being said, we bought three (and won two) works of art which already have spaces reserved on our walls at home--which, after all, is what most folks on a cruise are really looking for anyway I think. Truth is--I paid about $500 for five works...and that's not any more than I would have spent at a local store--isn't it about how it makes you feel? So long as you're not stupid (spending big bucks for something you haven't investigated would fall into that category I think)...what's the big deal? Seems pretty straight forward for normal folks.

The only experience I've had with Park West was on my honeymoon last August aboard the Carnival Victory. My wife and I attended the auction for all three sessions, had a wonderful time, and eventually purchased a Brodinsky serigraph, "Fields View." It arrived promptly, and we've since become Brodinsky collectors!



I was shocked at those who were spending thousands on Peter Max serigraphs - however, we spent the second week of our honeymoon in Stone Harbor, NJ. While there, we saw Max serigraphs in an art gallery for roughly TWICE the price as those on board our ship! For whatever else can be said about Park West, this shows me that in at least some areas (including those Max's and my Brodinsky), they are far less expensive than galleries.

The only experience I've had with Park West was on my honeymoon last August aboard the Carnival Victory. My wife and I attended the auction for all three sessions, had a wonderful time, and eventually purchased a Brodinsky serigraph, "Fields View." It arrived promptly, and we've since become Brodinsky collectors!



I was shocked at those who were spending thousands on Peter Max serigraphs - however, we spent the second week of our honeymoon in Stone Harbor, NJ. While there, we saw Max serigraphs in an art gallery for roughly TWICE the price as those on board our ship! For whatever else can be said about Park West, this shows me that in at least some areas (including those Max's and my Brodinsky), they are far less expensive than galleries.

The only experience I've had with Park West was on my honeymoon last August aboard the Carnival Victory. My wife and I attended the auction for all three sessions, had a wonderful time, and eventually purchased a Brodinsky serigraph, "Fields View." It arrived promptly, and we've since become Brodinsky collectors!



I was shocked at those who were spending thousands on Peter Max serigraphs - however, we spent the second week of our honeymoon in Stone Harbor, NJ. While there, we saw Max serigraphs in an art gallery for roughly TWICE the price as those on board our ship! For whatever else can be said about Park West, this shows me that in at least some areas (including those Max's and my Brodinsky), they are far less expensive than galleries.

My name is Bruce Hochman. I am the owner of The Salvador Dali Gallery,Pacific Palisades,CA.

I received a phone call from Jared Kahn who told me that everything he said against me and my gallery was under pressure from Bill Smith @ Park West. My Smith told him if he did this he would refund Jared his money.

In the art world it is a no-no for an owner of a work to be the appraiser of the work. CAUTION do not buy art work from anyone who is the appraiser of the art.

I recently posted a compliant about my artwork sent to the wrong person who claimed they never got it. Well, after a letter from the Park West attorney to this person they found the painting. Imagine that. Now after several months Park West wants to have it shipped back to them for examination before sending it out to me. I was told that the person that it was sent to ordered a like painting three months prior and the serial numbers were so similar that it caused the error in who to ship it to. And get this, the person (s) it was shipped to are also dealers in fine art, unlike me.



I have written the Park West credit card company to cancel this painting order and await a response. I also wrote Park West to cancel the order for the painting (even though I am keeping other art that I also purchased). They called me one week ago and said they would get back to me ASAP with a new total for my order. I have heard nothing and will keep you posted. SAD.

We are somewhat pleased and we are also somewhat dissatisfied with the treatment we have received from Park West SINCE we finalized our purchase contracts with them.



They have not responded to our telephone query and for purchases tht we made on a cruise ending 1/30/04, we have yet to receive the most expensive item, its appraisal and the appraisals for the previously purchased (and received) framed items.



I will of course check with the Division of Consumer Affairs at the Federal Reserve Board in connection with our options concerning payment of the entire credit card amount with the Park West "sponsored" finance company. I beleive that, under Truth in Lending laws, consumers do have such recourse (i.e., through the credit card or financing entity), notwithstanding the comment of an earlier communication you received and posted concerning this vendor.



I will call Park West again, hopefully with better results, to determine the location of our still "missing" purchase.



If we did indeed pay more than "the market" would dictate, then we can blame only ourselves for being gullible to excessive "puff" or inflated sales hype. If the vendor reneges on shipping the contracted-for product, well now, that's an entire different story and we have recourse there, caveat emptor notwithstanding.



I hope you don't think the preceding paragraph is a needless comment. I believe it correctly, albeit in a sweeping general manner, distinguishes a rip-off and an ill advised purchase.

I must speak out for Park West. We have been on three cruses and have bought 21 pieces of art/sports items from Park West. I have found the quality and customer service outstanding. My family is plaining our next cruise in Sept. and we will be buying additional works. The on board staff is professional and friendly. They have always answered all of our questions and we had recived our purchases with in two weeks of leaving the ship. Keep up the good work, I'll see you guys in September.

Eric, as you have no real knowledge of the situation, its seems your comment is worthless. Also, it is a personal attack on these people who seem to truly feel the work was misrepresented or simply did not have the work delivered. Corporate bashing? Wake up, man, the paiting was not delivered.

Eric, as you have no real knowledge of the situation, its seems your comment is worthless. Also, it is a personal attack on these people who seem to truly feel the work was misrepresented or simply did not have the work delivered. Corporate bashing? Wake up, man, the paiting was not delivered.

Eric, as you have no real knowledge of the situation, its seems your comment is worthless. Also, it is a personal attack on these people who seem to truly feel the work was misrepresented or simply did not have the work delivered. Corporate bashing? Wake up, man, the paiting was not delivered.

I have purchased art from Park West at Sea and am thoroughly satisfied; my opinion of the above complaints is that there always seems to be someone who has nothing better to do with his/her time than to bash corporate America. In this case, the idiot(s) should have known what they were buying. I mean, c'mon, did they REALLY purchase the art with the intent of making an investment? Get real, people, do something more constructive with your lives. You obviously suffer from what most of us call "buyer's remorse" and you should stick to spending at Wal-Mart ONLY.

I recently purchased several paintings from Park West at Sea on a cruise and to date have not received the appraisals that I paid for, OR the Peter Max painting I purchased (I am far past the 8 weeks time they said it be to receive the artwork). I called the company only to find that my painting had been shipped to another party who bought a similar painting last year.



The odd thing is that I did receive an appraisal on this piece, the one I have not received. A company rep has phoned the person who received the artwork who explains that she is not sure if they if have it (even though she signed for it).



The company officials who I have contacted have ignored me and passed me on to a support person who although helpful, is rather powerless in this situation. I have contacted Peter Max to get a response and have neard nothing. I have contacted the woman who sold me the painting on the ship and have been ignored as well. This company treats the shipping of fine art the same way a "book of the month club" ships product......lame.



In addition, I financed this painting by a company that Park West uses for 0% charge and have received my first invoice for a painting that I have never received. I called the finance company and they want their money because I entered into a legal contract with them.



In short, Park West at Sea seems to me to be an enterprise similar to an automobile dealership. You buy a car, and anything that happens thereafter has to do with someone else, NOT the person who sold you the car.



Again, I have written to everyone in power and NO ONE except for ONE support person has cared to respond. Don't waste you time or money with these people, they are simply interested in getting your money and getting rid of you.....or at least that is my experience

I was on a cruise last year and purchased 26 pieces during the art auctions held by Park West At Sea.



The auctions were fun to attend, I learned a great deal about art from the very knowledgeable auctioneer and the followup service from Park West was excellent.



Since my return from the cruise I have had the artwork looked at by several art experts(I work at a college and we have a great art department).



All of the teachers were impressed with the quality of the pieces and commented that they felt a couple were under-valued in the appraisal by Park West, rather than over-valued.



I am going on a cruise again on March 21st and am looking forward to purchasing more artwork from Park West At Sea.



They are not a rip-off - they are the real thing!



Regards

I have spoken with our client Jared regarding the concerns he posted on your website. I specifically reviewed with him every concern he raised. I supplied him with copies of documents that establish without question the authenticity and provenance of the artwork he had collected from Park West at Sea.



In our discussions, it quickly became apparent to both of us that he had been supplied with false information provided to him by one of our competitors who gave him two appraisals based only on photographs. These appraisals contained outright lies. Also, in the discussions he had with our competitor he was also lied to about many other factors regarding the authenticity and provenance of the artwork he had collected. Further, our competitor falsely and maliciously suggested that the very well known publishers of the artwork were under "criminal investigation" in Germany. Our client Jared was further falsely and maliciously told that a court case against Park West for deceptive practices was filed by a certain client. No such case ever existed. In fact this client is still active with us.



Park West Gallery is the largest seller of fine art in the world. We have a 63,000 square foot art gallery in Southfield, Michigan, an 181,000 square foot fulfillment center in Miami Lakes, Florida and have been fine art dealers for over 35 years. The competitor with whom Jared spoke has no gallery and operates out of a mail slot at a UPS store.



Jared told me directly that he was quite satisfied with our response and the efficiency and professionalism with which we handled the matter with him.



It is unfortunate that Jared, a new collector, has had his initial experience in collecting art tarnished by the outright lies and malicious statements of an unscrupulous competitor.



Senior Auctioneer

Park West Gallery

Since posting my initial message regarding the Salvador Dali artwork I collected from Park West at Sea I have had the opportunity to discuss my concerns directly with their Senior Auctioneer, Bill Smith.



As a result of that conversation and a further examination of copies of all of the documents he sent me that established the provenance and authenticity of the works I collected, I am now convinced that I have been the victim of receiving false and seriously misleading information provided to me by a competitor of Park West only for the purpose of unjustly and maliciously attacking the reputation of Park West.



This competitor even charged me $400 for two appraisals based on the photographs I sent him. I have now learned that the standards and practices of a professional appraiser require a personal examination of the artwork being appraised.



Park West Gallery has responded to me in a quick, professional and informed manner. They have completely satisfied my concerns as a client and I am quite happy with the outcome of our discussions. I only wish that I had called them directly before posting my original message on this website.