ComplaintsforHiBid Auctions

• Initial Complaint

  12/20/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Encore auctions in ****** ******* uses Hibid as their selling platform. I believe HiBid needs to investigate or stop facilitating for encore auctions. Encore auctions do not post actual photos of the items they sell, just photos from the internet of the item if it was brand new. In my opinion their business practice is extremely fraudulent and a scam, reading further reviews of encore auctions on the BBB I am not the only one with this opinion. I recently tried to return an item that was visibly soiled (extremely unsafe since this item was for my baby), the item had final sale signs of usage on the box despite not being advertised as such. I have bought many items from this company, often they are broken which i have accepted since they were under $20. But this item was $100 they didnt even have the correct photo of the item online. I just want my money back and this company to start behaving ethically. When i complained to the costumer service representative he approached me with hostility and then just walked away from me mid conversation. Essentially I think encore auctions is operating a scam. They sell broken items and then refuse returns and hibid is helping them facilitate this.

  

  Business response

  12/29/2023

  Hello.  Like you mentioned in your complaint, HiBid is only the platform that sellers use, we don't actually have the inventory or get involved in your transaction.  In your specific instance, we have reached out to the seller to get more information.  If you read their Auction Details, they do list that these items they are selling are "Returned Merchandise" items.  These items are not inspected, they are returned from large box stores and resold.  Being returned items some of these can have minimal use.  They do not open the boxes and take actual photos, which is why they use the stock images.  All of this is listed in their terms and conditions.  It does not appear to be a scam of any sort, and none of your items were broken, they only had some minimal use prior to return which was listed in their sale terms.  

  

  Business response

  01/05/2024

  Thank you for your response.  We were unaware that you didn't recieve the item that you purchased, as that was not in the initial complaint.  If that is the case we'd encourage you to reach out to the seller with that information.  It is our understanding that they will work with you to correct the issue if that happened.  Our understanding was that you were disputing the condition of a used or returned item that you purchased that was not in the condition you had hoped.  HiBid is only the auction platform, we do not handle this inventory, so it would be best to reach out to the seller.  Our follow up with that seller did indicate that they did disclose that this item was not new, was not inspected upon return, and could have minimal usage.  There was no scam and it was disclosed as best they could.  Unfortunately there is nothing more we can do in that case.

  Customer response

  01/07/2024

  I reached out to the seller about the issue and they still refused(even within the 4 day return limit) As per the attachment i sent, which i guess you didnt care to read or look at. As the platform you should still be holding your sellers accountable to give people the items they purchased. It is unethical business on your behalf to help companies such as encore auctions scam people and I am debating to leave a review of hibid explaining this.

• Initial Complaint

  12/06/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I won items off this business. One a set of shelves and a tool bag but only one item showed on the receipt the shelves, which I have been charged for but have not received. I have contacted the business through email multiple times but have been ignored. I then was supposed to receive a jacket from another auction win but instead I have received slipknot vinyls and a car seat cover. The business completely ignores all correspondence.

  

  Business response

  12/29/2023

  Hello.  HiBid is the online software, we don't actually have these items, or handle the transactions.  But with that being said, we did reach out to the seller on your behalf, they let us know that they have refunded the two items that you have mentioned in the complaint.  We hope this is sufficient, but if you have any other issues they said you could reach back out to their customer service line.  Thank you.  

• Initial Complaint

  12/04/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  **** from Tracktown treasures doesn't like my reviews so he keeps threatening violence against me. Now he's started to threaten *******. He lied to us on several occasions. I contacted hibid. They never even responded.

  

  Business response

  12/29/2023

  Hello.  The reviews that you mention are not associated with HiBid, so unfortunately we cannot do anything about that.  We cannot control your communication with anyone else, but due to the back and forth threats between you and the party you mention, there is nothing more HiBid as an online platform can do to help you.  If someone is threatening you we'd suggest you contact the local authorities.  

  Customer response

  12/29/2023

   
  ********** ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: You have  no rules or code of conduct for your sellers? You allow them to threaten and cheat clients? Shame on you. 

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

• Initial Complaint

  12/01/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I bought a 925 turane . The auction description says as that it weight 4.5 ounces of 925 silver. I paid 500.00 shipping buyers premium sales tax a total of 838.38 this was was a high I’d auction that different auction company own. I’ve been doing business with hibiscus for many years. The auction bidness was the auction where I bought the casserole. When I got the casserole I test it and was not 925 but silver plate. I’ve call maybe 20 times and left many messages but no one has answered my calls.I’ve email no answer.

  

  Business response

  12/29/2023

  Hello.  I'm sorry but we have no record of anyone purchasing a 4.5 ounce 925 silver turane casserole from any sellers on our HiBid platform for $838.38. Unfortunately we are unable to help you here. Thank you.  

• Initial Complaint

  11/10/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Hello, this complaint is about a company that uses your platform. This complaint is specifically regarding "***************". I have purchased many items across various auctions on the HIBID platform and have experienced good service. On October 5, 6 Morgan Dollars in Auction 128-114 Invoice 2938 were bidded on by me and won. *************** ran one of 3 credit cards on file with HIBID, and notified me that card was declined. I emailed back immediately, providing an alternate card for the purchase. They re-ran the original card every time I emailed them with an alternate card. So, weeks go by, and I receive an email from ***************, on 10/18 with a link to pay for the auction via my checking account, I used the link and sent payment info in via electronic check ****. This was "seamless checks". I received an email from seamless checks on 10/23 indicating my payment was successful and that payment was successfully sent to *************** in the amount of 501.50. Since that day, I have been emailing, and calling regarding my purchased lots. I have heard NOTHING back. I am only resorting to this level because *************** operates on the HIBID platform and I am hoping to get this issue solved. Maybe exclusion from HIBID will get their attention. If there is any way to intervene with them, it is appeciated. I have had no response at all.

  Customer response

  11/21/2023

  It looks like USPS attempted delivery of my items just this morning!!!! THANK YOU. I believe involving BBB was what spurred ONE of a Kind Coins into sending my items. Thanks again!

  

  Business response

  11/28/2023

  Thank you for your feedback.  We will start an internal complaint on this seller to work on a resolution.  This seller is no longer an auctioneer on the HiBid platform and any complaint will need to be resolved with you prior to doing business in the future. Thank you.  

• Initial Complaint

  11/06/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On 26 October 2023 I put a few bids via Auction online platform ********* and I won a few Chinese vases from company Florida Antique & Fine Arts, Inc. After this I contacted via email to company that sold these vases and I offered to pay with credit cards for my won items. But they were adamantly - they said no, we can accept only wire transfer or check. After this I had doubts about authenticity of these vases since they were claimed as antique from collector ****** ****** ********* uncle's family (with stamps and red sealing-waxes). But since company rejected to accept credit cards I had doubts. Since usually fraudulent companies always don't accept credit cards, since first thing that consumer is doing when receives fake item is open dispute with bank. I asked a few experts, including experts from ********* and ********** and they politely rejected evaluate these items because they are non-original. After this I contacted this company and informed them that I decline to pay for won items, since items are not original. I was said that they can not accept false accusations without written documentation from a specialized appraisals from credible institutions such as *********. In answer I provided photoscreens from ********* and ********** auction houses about these items. Also I was said that If the successful bidder fails to pay the invoice, the buyer will be responsible for liquidated damages of 30% of the hammer price. In my case, the liquidated damages cost is $2,752.5. Otherwise, they have no choice but to mark this transaction as a dispute and it will show on my bidding record. Of course, I declined to pay for these items, since it has no sense to waste several thousand dollars on fake Chinese porcelain. And this company put a dispute on me and negative score on site ********** Since in their emails sent to me there are no any names, I made a small investigation and now I know that this company belongs to Chinese Lady by name **** ******* (she was born in China and I think all these fake items are from China, but they are all new and imitated in style of antique. And also in total she has 5 registered companies on her name in Florida that sell fake antiques (mostly Asian vases and reproductions of paintings from famous Chinese artists )- I'm providing names of these companies: -MY ANTIQUE COLLECTION, INC; - FLORIDA ANTIQUE & FINE ARTS, INC; -VENICE GALLERY, LLC; -CHARLOTTE'S AUCTIONS, LLC; -NT Auction & Gallery, LLC. And unfortunately via all of these companies people buy fake antique thinking that these items are original, but they are all new and imitated. She uses false collectors' labels and red paint just to deceive people. All the routines are artificially set, which is blatant deception. Artificial collector settings, artificial old labels, artificial old red paint. They have no physical presence as an auction house (Google them and check it out for yourself), but during auction sells it was written that they have floor bidders - it's made for stimulation of doing bids. I think it is a complete fraud and crime, since this lady fools non-experienced people to get their money (big money, since these items are expensive). I was really morally and emotionally injured and also I received dispute and negative score from her on site ********* (since this auction platform protects auction houses, but not bidders and therefore fraudulent companies misuse it). I’ve attached photoscreens- replies from Christie’s and Sotheby’s replies about these fake items as a proof

  

  Business response

  11/28/2023

  Thank you for your feedback.  We will start an internal process to investigate this complaint.  Feel free to call any time that you have questions about a seller and we will do our best to help work with you on those issues or provide you an update.  Thank you.  

• Initial Complaint

  08/18/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  08/08/2023 Hibid Auctions hosted an auction held by ***** ********. Lot 397, Parlor guitar. total amount paid was $385. including shipping. Neither Hibid nor ***** ******* disclosed the damage to the guitar neck. I feel that I have been defrauded.

  

  Business response

  09/22/2023

  Thank you for contacting HiBid Auctions. We regret to inform you that due to you filing a complaint with the PA  Attorney Generals Office regarding this same matter we are unable to provide you with a response using this platform. We would like to inform you that your complaint concerns have been addressed with the AG and we thank you for bringing this to our attention. 

• Initial Complaint

  08/14/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I would like to be clear that I understand buyers with a dispute with HiBid sellers is an issue buyers must undertake with the seller. I convey this to avoid HiBid advising BBB that this is the required step a buyer must take with the seller when a dispute arises. This complaint, however, is not about my ongoing quarrel with the seller! This complaint is about HiBid not enforcing their 2023 seller policies, specifically policy 2(d). To quote HiBid’s 2023 seller 2(d) policy: "You [the seller] agree to fully, completely, and accurately disclose all information relating to your Listed Items...". With the above said, please know even though a complaint accompanied by evidence was furnished to HiBid about YAP Auction (seller) using misrepresentation on the HiBid auctioning platform, to date HiBid has done nothing to address my complaint. Instead, HiBid has simply ignored my complaint and their contractual responsibilities. Furthermore, by HiBid refusing to enforce their own policy terms most likely this goes against the Nebraska Consumer Protection Act, the Nebraska Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act, as well as laws governed by the FTC. As such, I feel HiBid owes explanations to the following two questions… • How does HiBid enforce their 2023 seller policies, specifically 2(d)? • What is HiBid doing to address my 8/8 complaint about YAP Auction using deceptive advertising that duped me out of $633.33 for something that is worth no more than $50? I thank BBB for reading this complaint and I look forward to HiBid addressing the above two referenced questions. Additionally, I wish HiBid to be aware if their organization continues to ignore their lawful duties, as evident with the absurdly large number of complaints/reviews the BBB has received about HiBid over the same issue I am experiencing, I am sure the Nebraska Attorney General’s office will be interested in knowing details about HiBid’s overall business practices. ********** *** ******

  

  Business response

  09/22/2023

  We have reviewed your complaint numerous times.  HiBid is the online platform that auction companies use to sell items. Please see the section on "Listed Items" in our bidder user terms.  We also started our internal complaint process to review the Hot Wheel that you purchased from this seller.  After reviewing the complaint we are unable to offer you the resolution that you have requested.  

  Customer response

  01/03/2024

  There was no good faith answering by HiBid. Instead HiBid insulted my character, skirted answering the questions that were posed to them, and then dictated to the BBB they would no longer respond to my complaint? Again, that is not a good faith reply and for that matter nor was their response worthy of business with a BBB A+ rating. It was more like HiBid was bullying everyone including the BBB. To be clear, I am still waiting to hear what HiBid's EXACT policy is when auction houses on their platform use deceptive advertising that goes against both federal and state consumer protection laws, and how did HiBid conclude the auction house did not breach the HiBid Seller User Agreement when the auction house indisputably advertised something they were auctioning but in which that something was clearly not what they sold? Additionally, I see the BBB has had similar complaints about HiBid as the complaint I submitted so this is not a one-off.   

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

• Initial Complaint

  07/27/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Delivery Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I ordered $71 worth of online auction items on April 30. I paid in full and asked them to ship it. They agreed and when they tried to run my same credit card, for shipping, it didn't work for some reason. They claim they sent me the invoice for shipping but they did not. They sent me an email with nothing attached. They say now, because I have the invoice and didn't pay, they donated my $71 worth of stuff. They did NOT send the invoice they believe they did...and will not listen to me or respond to my requests. I would prefer the items I paid for, but at a minimum I want a refund of my $71 that I paid for!

  

  Business response

  08/23/2023

  Thank you for reaching out, and we are sorry to hear about the issues you've had receiving your items.  HiBid is the platform for auctions, but it does not actually have the inventory in question.  Each seller is responsible for those items and can set their own terms and conditions for their auctions.  Please reach out to that auctioneer to address any questions with the items you have won.  If you are having trouble with that particular company please reach out to us directly and we will be happy to try and help work out a resolution between you and the seller.  Thank you.  

  Customer response

  08/23/2023

   
  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,
  
  ******* *****

• Initial Complaint

  07/06/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  was on Hi Bid for years but 8 months ago would not let me bid everything is CORRECT on my end and visa end also , hi bid says its wrong visa number or wrong address tried everything to get you to let me on hi bid so I can bid on **** ******** ******** **

  

  Business response

  09/05/2023

  We apologize if you're having issues with the credit card you are using to register with on HiBid.  Unfortunately, HiBid is not the credit card processor, so we are unable to tell you exactly what may be going on with your card.  Please check with your bank or credit card company, or try a different credit card.  

*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. ↩