The Auction Place

Review: On May 17, 2013 I visited the Auction Place facility and asked about cosigning some items to be sold at auction.I was provided a document titled Consignment Contract. I listed my name, address, phone number, date of consignment and the items to be sold on the consignment contract sheet provided by [redacted]. I was told my seller no. was [redacted], which I entered on the consignment contract sheet. I asked about the column titled price and was advised that it should be used only for items to be sold with a reserve price. I entered a price of $25 each for two 1950s floral painted porcelain lamps, $15 for one snowbaby collectible labeled Celebrate 20.88718 and one snowbaby collectible labeled Servants Heart [redacted] to be sold with a reserve price. These were the only items assigned a price on the Consignment Contract sheet. [redacted] and a male assistant took the items and put them on the shelf. On May 23, 2013 I attended the auction. I was displeased as the lamps and snowbaby collectible which had been assigned a reserve price were sold without any reserve mentioned. The two 1950s floral painted porcelain lamps were sold together at $7.00. The snowbaby collectible was sold at $2.00. Two sets of matching pitcher and bowls were sold separately and not as a set. I noted the price at which each of my items sold. I noted that two of my items were announced with a lot number of 1000 which was different from my number of [redacted]. I was later told that my seller no. had been changed to [redacted] approached me and I stated that items which were consigned with a reserve price were sold with no mention of the reserve. [redacted] said they realized that and that was the reason the second Snowbaby had not been put up for auction. I asked what happens with the items that were not sold. [redacted] said the items would be collected and could be picked up or they would be sold at the next auction. I asked if I could take the items not sold with me that night and she said, yes I could. I was extremely alarmed and disappointed that the sale of my items at the price I had requested had been treated with disregard. Being concerned with further mismanagement, at the end of the auction, I collected the remaining unsold items.On May 29, 2013 I called and spoke to [redacted] about issues concerning items I had consigned on May 17th, 2013 for auction. I questioned the three reserve items I had listed and stated that the items were auctioned with no mention of a reserve. She said the reserve was not realized until after the Snowbaby was auctioned without a reserve. She said that was the reason the other Snowbaby was not put up for auction. She stated that the items would be compensated at the reserve price. I said the lamps were also auctioned without a reserve mentioned. I stated that several items were announced with the wrong lot number and asked if she cross referenced and confirmed items sold at auction with the consignment lists. I asked about payment for the items sold and she said the checks would be sent out within 10 days. She said they were awaiting until credit card payments by buyers were processed and cleared.I received payment for some of the items sold at auction on May 23, 2013 in a check in the amount of $54.60 by mail A document titled Consignor Settlement of 5/30/2013 listed items totaling a net of $54.60. On June 14, 2013 I spoke with [redacted] and stated that I had not received payment for 10 items sold at auction on May 23, 2013. She said it would be best to come in and go over the records. Past conversations had resulted in ambiguous and vague responses that did not make sense. I stated that they were on-site at limited unscheduled times and asked if you she had an email address. She said yes and provided the email address of [redacted]. I sent a message to the address provided which addressed the items that were sold at auction and remain unpaid. I received no response to the message.On June 28, 2013 I sent a certified letter with details of the unpaid items and request for payment to The Auction Place, c/o [redacted] VA [redacted].On July 9, 2013 I sent a certified letter with details of the unpaid items and request for payment to the companys registered agent, [redacted] at the address listed as [redacted], VA [redacted].I have received no response to these letters. The following items were sold at auction on May 23, 2013 and I have not yet received payment.Lamps, 2 (Porcelain, handpainted floral design, brass bases)These items were listed on reserve at $25.00 each. The reserve was not mentioned and the lamps were sold without a reserve for $7.00 for the pair on May 23, 2013.Tonka Front LoaderThis item was sold at auction for $ 12.00 on May 23, 2013. A Tonka Fire Engine was also sold at auction on May 23, 2013 for $17.50 which was included in the payment of $54.60.Bucket, wooden (painted with blue flowers)This item was sold at auction for $17.00 on May 23, 2013.Shoes, Clarks, NavyThis item was sold at auction for $2.00 on May 23, 2013.SnowbabyThis item was listed on reserve at $15.00. The reserve was not mentioned and the Snowbaby was sold without a reserve for $2.00 on May 23, 2013.JarThis item was sold at auction for $3.00 on May 23, 2013.Fishing Lot (hooks, bait)This item was sold at auction for $17.50 on May 23, 2013.Vase, designer (CDC, off white)This item was sold at auction for $3.00 on May 23, 2013.PitcherThis item was sold at auction for $6.00 on May 23, 2013.There were two items listed for two separate matching pitcher and bowl sets. One was a dark brown and light brown pitcher and bowl. One was an off white and pink pitcher and bowl. The pitcher for each set was auctioned and sold separately from the matching bowl. The bowl for the brown pitcher was sold at auction for $2.00 on May 23, 2013. The bowl for the off white/pink pitcher was not sold.Desired Settlement: Payment of amount due for items sold at auction.

Business

Response:

Dear [redacted]

I have received your letter on November 21, 2013 and left a message with you concerning this case. I only check my mail at the physical address maybe once a month.

I will enclose a copy of the consignors sheet and it will show you all of the items that [redacted] bought in for consigment.

I will also enclose a copy of the consignors invoice that I have paid [redacted] for the items that sold.

But the main problem here is that she tought all of her items that did not sell at the end of the auction night. Which was May 23, 2013.1 told her that she could but I need to help her or she needed to write down what she took. So The Auction Place would be able to know what all items did not sell. [redacted] said no problem and then I went to go and get paper for her and I got caught up in a check out transaction that took about 15 minute and [redacted] at that time had left with her items and let me no information.

I have explained this to [redacted] several times and have asked her to send me a list of the items that she took home with her. But I have not received any papers from her.

My hands are tied at this point. My records are not showing that any more of [redacted] items sold.

We have over 80 consignors since March 28, 2013 when we opened The Auction Place. We do have issues a couple of times with an item getting sold under another consignors number, but we are able to fix then with the steps that we take and have no complaints.

[redacted] if there is more information that you need or would be interested in having to help solve this matter please contact me. My cell phone number is at the top of the paper.

Thank you