ComplaintsforHiBid Auctions

• Initial Complaint

  03/23/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  From March 1st 2023 to January 9th 2024, our company was a target of fraud on the Hibid auction platform. Enormous bills were ran up on the Hibid platform and were never paid for. On top of this, there was significant check and credit card fraud against our company that Hibid allowed and refused to do anything about. Then, they overcharged our company around $300,000 that they withdrew from our bank account over a several week period. As soon as the money was withdrawn, they suspended our account so we had no access to do "bad-bidder chargebacks" to recover the funds that were fraudulently removed from our account. We would like to work with Hibid to resolve this matter regarding the money withdrawn. If the matter is not resolved promptly, we will be forced to make adjustments and seek judicial relief. Lastly, please see attached a document that has been provided by our legal team and a retired secret service forensic agent.

  

  Business response

  03/25/2024

  Thank you for contacting Hibid. Our records indicate that your account was terminated pursuant to our terms and conditions *********************************** *************************************** **************************************** which you affirmatively accepted. Additionally, based on the letter you have attached, you are being represented by an attorney. Please have your attorney, address any further communication in writing to the following address:
  

  *** ********* *** ********** ***** ********** *** ****** ****** ******** ** *****

   

  Thank you and have a great day.

  Customer response

  03/25/2024

   
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  

  My Lawyer will be contacting your legal department.

  Sincerely,
  
  **** ********

• Initial Complaint

  03/11/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  On 07 January, 2024 I was the successful bidder on ****** ****** ********* **** *** ******* ***** using the HiBid Auction platform for which my ********** was charged $19.60 CAD (transaction date 17 January, 2024). I waited a few days but did not receive a receipt for my purchase (usually provided via email) and so I called ************** and spoke with ***** on 26 January, 2024 to find out when my painting would be shipped and how I might go ahead and pay for the shipping costs (I had requested that *** ******** ship the painting to one of my friends who lives in upstate New York). *** indicated on the phone that they were just recovering from a bad winter storm and subsequent flooding and that was why things were taking longer than usual to process. I told him not to risk his life bringing the painting to the shipper over the next few days and he thanked me for that. It is now 08 March, and after emailing on 23 February, 2024 and leaving voice messages on the *** ******* business line on both 05 and 08 March, 2024 asking for an update, there have been no responses at all. I am upset that despite my initial patience they don't have the decency to even respond to my email and or phone calls for an update. At this point I don't think they want to ship my painting to me despite having paid for it already (I am ready and willing to pay the shipping costs but they won't respond to my email/calls). Anything you could do to make this transaction be completed would be greatly appreciated.

  

  Business response

  04/02/2024

  Good Morning,

  Thank you for your feedback and we are sorry to hear that you are yet to receive your painting.  We will start an internal process to attempt to reach out to this seller regarding your purchase, and request that they follow up with you on a shipping update for the item.  We appreciate you reaching out and appreciate you bidding on HiBid.  Feel free to call our 800 number for any future updates on this request.  Thank you.  

  Customer response

  04/02/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********* and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  **** ********

  Customer response

  04/11/2024

  Following a request through my Credit Card company, *** ******** has reimbursed the $19.60 CAD I had initially paid for the ***** painting.  Although not ideal (as I did not receive the item I had researched and bid upon), at least I have my money back. Many thanks for any steps you have taken to date to try and rectify the situation, it was greatly appreciated.  **** ********

• Initial Complaint

  03/06/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Delivery Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  2-24-24 5:37 pm Hibid & Centsational Auctions LLC Wilmington Delaware I won 3 items from an auction that I paid for the items, 25% buyers premium, plus shipping and handling. I only received one item and not the others. They never gave me a tracking number for the other two on the invoice. I tried emailing they’re giving me the run around and I called the number but it’s weird nobody answers, it just plays classical music right away. No answering system and no actual person picks up. So I’m at a loss

  

  Business response

  05/17/2024

  Hello.  Thank you for reaching out.  We're sorry to hear about the purchase and transaction issues you've had with an auction company on HiBid.com.  HiBid.com is the auction software and platform that companies use to host and conduct their auctions.  We are not involved in the actual purchase or shipment of the items.  If you'd like us to try and reach out to the auctioneer to help find out the status of your items please call us at ###-###-#### and we'd be happy to help you try and find a solution with the seller.  

• Initial Complaint

  03/01/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Delivery Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I won a bid through encans en ligne on the hibid auction site. They called me to try and get my credit info over the phone which I don't do, as all auction sites on hibid go directly through hibid for payment. So then they blocked me from bidding and gave me a bad credit rating on hibid. I have emailed them a few times, remaining calm and professional, stating I would pay for my win through hibid. They said, "lol, if you can't pay you shouldn't be bidding ". I found this very unpleasant. I then replied I will pay no problem, but I'm not giving out my credit info to a stranger over the phone. And told them I'll be contacting the better business bureau about this matter. They replied, "lol do you want the phone number?" As if they're implying there won't be anything done about this through the better business bureau. I have the emails saved if needed. Thanks

  Customer response

  04/09/2024

  I haven't heard anything from them either

  

  Business response

  05/17/2024

  Hello.  We are sorry to hear about your problems with a purchase form an auction company that uses the HiBid.com platform.  HiBid.com is only the software platform that auction companies use to conduct and host their sales.  We are not involved in the transaction of the actual items.  Unfortunately we are unable to help you with payment.  Please see the auction companies terms and conditions for their payment requirements for each sale.  We'd suggest reaching out to that seller and offering some additional methods of payment if you are unable to give them your credit card information.  Thank you.  

• Initial Complaint

  02/14/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Hibid protects frauds and actually promotes the illegal activities that occur on their platform. They allow auctioneers to commit fraud with zero consequences. I know I am not the only one that has been taken advantage of. Google is a powerful tool. Complaint after complaint. This is in regards to **** ******* ** ****** ***** *** ***********s. He charged me my max bid when no one else bid on the item. This resulted in roughly $550.00 extra dollars that he received when no one else bid on the items. Then it took three months and a call from our local police department to get him to send anything to me. Once I received the box it was junk. I was charged $1200.00+ for the stuff I bid on. Well a couple items were kinda what I bid on and everything else was fake or junk. I don't know what it's gonna take but I want a percentage of my money back like $1000.00 or I'm going to be forced to contact the attorney General, ftc, etc until I get some results.

  

  Business response

  02/23/2024

  Good Afternoon.  Thank you for your feedback on a seller using our software platform.  We will start an internal process to reach out to this seller and look into the issue.  HiBid does not have these items, we only provide the platform to perform auctions.  We certainly don't promote any fraudulent or illegal activities. 

• Initial Complaint

  02/05/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Won auction items on hibid.com platform. Auction seller said items sold below expected price and will not honor hibid contract. Seller auction is ******** ******* ***** via hibid platform. Lot 66 and lot 79 on February 3, 2024.

  

  Business response

  02/13/2024

  Good afternoon.  HiBid does not have these items and we are unable to confirm the auction company from your pictures, but we would still suggest you reach out to that seller or consult their terms and conditions.  Each auction company sets their own auction terms and conditions.  These can vary by sale and by seller.  The terms and conditions typically cover their reserves and how they are handled.  They vary based on a number of conditions.  We hope this helps point you in the right direction. 

• Initial Complaint

  01/31/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I bid on am auction and won the auction. Waited for my invoice to go pick up the item but never got it. Instead the item was put up for auction again and I was put on as first bidder. I emailed the auctioneer and they replied saying I was outbid. I gave them an explanation that I bid on the item when there wasn't much time left on the clock and it was in my profile as winner. I never heard back.

  

  Business response

  02/22/2024

  Good Afternoon - HiBid is the platform that auctioneer's use to conduct their auctions.  We do not actually host or run the event and we do not have the items being sold.  Each individual auctioneer controls their sale and sets the terms and conditions related to item reserves.  Please reach out to that specific company with any questions related to an item selling or not meeting the reserve.  Thank you.

• Initial Complaint

  01/19/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This company needs to, at a minimum, provide a feedback system for vendors. There is absolutely no recourse if an auction does not deliver an item. Last spring I won several items on auction, upon arriving to pickup they had given the jewelry I won to someone else. They stated they would get it back and mail it to me. I have emailed and texted several times with no response. Hibid has no option to file a complaint, leave a review, etc. Will never make a purchase through hibid again, it's not safe.

  

  Business response

  01/30/2024

  Good Afternoon - We are sorry to hear about your experience and the mix up of your items with an auction company that was selling through HiBid.  We do not have the items, and we not involved in the transaction, so we are unable to refund you on your purchase.  In the future, please reach out to us when this happens and we can do our best to help find a resolution with that seller.  With this particular purchase being last spring, nearly a year ago, unfortunately there is very little we can do at this point.  Thank you.  

• Initial Complaint

  01/04/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Unfortunately many, many, many products advertised for sale/auction on HIBID are not honest or accurate. I've attached one example of many whereby the listing for a 1924 $20 S**** ******* ****** ***** was listed as genuine with a value of $2250 to $2500; unfortunately several reputable coin dealers have cited that not only was this false advertising but the coin I received after spending $2100 was only worth ~$60 for gold spot price as the coins was a small replica. This unfortunately is a trend with this outfit as there are several other coins sold with, at a minimum, misleading and therefor deceptive advertising.

  

  Business response

  01/04/2024

  Good Afternoon - We have reviewed your feedback.  HiBid does not have the inventory, or get involved in the payment transaction or the shipping, but we have started an internal process to review this purchase with the seller. Based on what we have recieved from the seller, this item was never actually shipped to you after the sale was over, because your credit card was declined.  Therefore there would be nothing to refund.  If you have any other questions about the status of that item please reach out to the seller for any further details.  Thank you.  

  Customer response

  01/04/2024

   
  ********** ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  Clearly the previously uploaded coin images and bid lot # are de facto proof that I did receive said item in question. The only other explanation is there is another lot I purchased which would be the exact same amount and date.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** *******

  

  Business response

  01/30/2024

  Good Afternoon - We are unable to confirm that the coin in your images was the same coin in this auction.  After our review with the seller, they confirmed this was not sent to you due to payment being declined.  We'd encourage you to reach back out to then, we do not have the inventory in question or handle the transaction and therefore are unable to issue you any refund.  Thank you.  

• Initial Complaint

  01/01/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  HiBid lacks "markup" policies required by new federal consumer laws and permits/supports sellers to illegally use undisclosed shipping and "handling" markup strategies. Three times I bid on items listed by HiBid sellers whose web statements do not inform buyers about shipping and "handling" practices that increase the actual total cost of their merchandise. Specifically HiBid and these internet sellers 1. Do not always state if a seller or "third party" performs available shipping services. 2. Do not always state before a bid or buy if there is an added "handling" fee 3. Do not always state the amount of the "handling" fee making it impossible for the consumer to make an informed purchase decisions. In one instance I bid $5 for an item because the seller's web stated total cost for the item would be determined by three variables; winning bid ($5), a "premium" and a (TBD) shipping fee. The first invoice of $5.70 was for the item + a stated premium fee. The second later $20 invoice included the third expected $10 shipping fee and a hidden unexpected $10 "handling" fee. In other words the highest cost of my purchase came from hidden "handling fees" . 4. When I complained about hidden costs one dealer stated "I use third party shipping so that is not my problem". 5, On one occasion when an item I bought from a HiBid seller was delivered broken (insured USPS Priority maiI) the seller and his identified third party shipper refused to complete the federal form required for me to get a refund or send me an itemized "shipping and handling" fee statement so I could complete the form. In this case I obtained a valid refund only because my debit card company refunded the total cost of that item without a shipping and handling fee.

  Customer response

  01/14/2024

  This reply is sent in response to your inquiry about whether the merchant responded to my complaint about item costs not stated in a HiBid online auction.

  The answer is yes --and no.  My complaint was; Hibid, a large online merchant, encourages and allows sellers who rent space on the Hibid platform to  write terms of sale for internet purchases without always revealing hidden costs, e.g., "handling costs", that will affect the value and true cost of an item.  As an example I stated I bid on a $5 item the seller (Ned ***** ******) listed for a winning bid+taxes+  premium+ shipping.  The seller listed no other added costs or fees.   My credit card was quickly billed the expected $ 5.70 (winning bid + taxes).    The expected invoice arrived AFTER I BID AND WON included an added $10 fee for "handling", making the true cost of the item twice the known cost and likely more than the (unseen)  item's market value.   Prior to writing BBB I spoke multiple times to HiBid customer service and sent emails and then spoke with ***** ****** about the hidden "handling fee".   I got two very different responses; HiBid staff said the seller was at fault because HiBid tells all its sellers listings must specify all costs for on line buyers and "we will have to escalate this so everyone follows the rules".    When I spoke to ***** ****** the said "HiBid said we did nothing wrong" but agreed to refund my money ($5.70) and did so 1/12/2024 AFTER receiving the BBB complaint. 

  Did BBB help me? Well, I got my $5.70 1/12/2024-- after I complained to BBB. I thank BB for their intercession.  I also lost two weeks to shop and buy a like item somewhere else on line. Most importantly, though HiBid was/ cannot be forced by BBB or any other legal agency to, like **** and ***** insist sellers reveal all costs in their listings and control sellers who fail to meet listing rules.   I don't feel like a winner and I strongly feel on line merchants (HiBid) and sellers (***** ******) will intentionally and successfully become richer by misleading and deceiving their on line customers.  

  ****** ******
  

   

   

   

  
  

   

  

  Business response

  01/15/2024

  *** *******
  Thank you for reaching out to Hibid.com with your concerns. Upon a detailed review we were unable to find any accounts associated with the information you have provided. We were not able to locate any information pertaining to your complaint nor could we verify whether or not you have used the services. Your complaint alleges a lack of markup policies which could not be corroborated. Furthermore, Hibid is not a seller, broker, or shipper.  The “new federal consumer protection laws” you reference could not be corroborated. The policies which you are referring to are directed at the wrong party because in this case it would be the seller as stated in our terms.
  We are unable to provide you with your desired resolution because what you are requesting is beyond the scope of our services.
  
  Sincerely,
  *** ******** ***

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩