We use cookies to give users the best content and online experience. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to allow us to use all cookies. Visit our Privacy Policy to learn more.

Manage Cookies
Resources for Businesses My BBB
Share
Business Profile

Auctioneer

Sotheby's

Headquarters

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

Find BBB Accredited Businesses in Auctioneer.

Complaints

Customer Complaints Summary

  • 12 total complaints in the last 3 years.
  • 2 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

If you've experienced an issue

Submit a Complaint

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. 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.

Sort by

Complaint status

Complaint type

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:03/17/2025

    Type:Service or Repair Issues
    Status:
    Unanswered
    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    My real estate agent became irate when I questioned the offer She threatened me with law She told everyone that we are divorcing which is not My real estate agent became irate when I questioned the offer. She threatened me with lawsuits and told me the buyer had more money than me.

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:07/24/2024

    Type:Product Issues
    Status:
    Resolved
    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    At the end of May 2024, I placed a bid online at an auction hosted by Sothebys for *** *** ***** ****** Epsom Mini ********* ** Palladium Hardware (the Auction Item), 2018. At the time I placed the bid, the Condition Report of the Auction Item stated Very Good - Moderate scratching to hardware. I carefully reviewed the pictures in light of those comments and did not see any scratching on the hardware.Prior to expiration of the auction, I went back to review the Auction Item online and noticed several concerning defects not readily apparent during my initial review. Accordingly, I immediately contacted Sothebys (via email) to request a withdrawal of my bid. Their response was that I could not withdraw my bid and that I should hope for someone to outbid me. Unfortunately, no one did and I was informed that I was the bidder of the Auction Item. Over the next several weeks, I had several email exchanges with Sothebys about my concerns about the auction and that I disputed that I should have to move forward with it. They threatened to take legal action against me. Therefore, I paid the outstanding balance and flew to ******** (from *********) to pick up the item. Upon inspection, the condition of the item was what I feared which was neither reflected in the pictures nor the stated Condition Report.I asked for my bid to be withdrawn prior to the fall of the hammer as acknowledged by Sothebys response that I should hope to be outbid by another bidder. Despite having no legal right to do so, Sothebys forced me to complete the sale and pick-up of the item, under threat of further fees and legal action. Either Sothebys was incorrect or intentionally and fraudulently induced me to complete the terms of the sale, contrary to the rights and protections I was entitled to under New York law. I incurred significant additional expense in completing the sale, even though I was not legally required to do so.

    Customer Answer

    Date: 08/18/2024

    At this time, I have been contacted directly by Sotheby's regarding complaint ID ********, however my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

     I returned the item (at my expense) and they accepted. In exchange, I they put a lifetime ban on my account. This is what I requested to happen prior to paying for a plane ticket to pick up the item. Accordingly, I incurred an additional $600 in expenses, but they have never admitted to whether or not they were at fault. They never showed where legally they had a right to force me to complete the sale in conflict with New York law. 

     

     

     

     

    In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

    Sincerely,

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

    Customer Answer

    Date: 10/03/2024

    Better Business Bureau:

    At this time, my complaint, ID ******** regarding Sotheby's has been resolved.

    I was not completely satisfied with the resolution, but do not want to waste any further time on this matter. 

    Sincerely,

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

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:12/14/2023

    Type:Product Issues
    Status:
    Unanswered
    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    I left an online bid for 2 lots at Sothebys ********* (Polychrome sale Dec 6, 2023) and received email confirmations that I had won both. An hour and a half later, they reopened bidding for the lots. No calls but they expect people to check emails 1.5 hours after the bidding closed and you receive email confirmations. They didnt bother to call. They reopened the bidding for 20 minutes which I missed. I demanded an explanation and they said they had IT issues, as if that was my responsibility. Im preparing a legal case. Please reach out to me if you had similar experience.

    Customer Answer

    Date: 01/07/2024

    Better Business Bureau:

    At this time, I have not been contacted by Sotheby's regarding complaint ID ********.

    Sincerely,

    * *****

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:12/13/2023

    Type:Product Issues
    Status:
    Resolved
    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    I consigned a photograph to be sold at auction by Sotheby's. Sotheby's estimated the value of the item at $5000-$7000. On October 5th the auction closed, the high bid for my item being $900.Sotheby's calculated that I was due a settlement payment of $241.********************* of Sotheby's claimed my check would be sent "The week of November 19th". It was not sent.Followed up with ********************* on November 29th, and she promised to send the check "overnight" on December 6th. The check was not sent overnight on December 6th.Followed up yet again on December 8th and was told the check was mailed on December 7th.It is now December 13th and no check has been received.

    Customer Answer

    Date: 12/14/2023

    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 and the matter has been resolved.

    Sincerely,

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



     

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:02/09/2023

    Type:Service or Repair Issues
    Status:
    Unanswered
    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    Lot 680 was won on December 16. Invoice paid December 21. ********************************* confirms item pa laced to pick up and travel December 22 I fly from ****** to *** and item is too large to travel carry on and not possible to travel as checked item.Invoice to ship item from *** to ****** is paid 1/18 Since this time, no tracking or proof of shipment provided after multiple requests to *********************************. As of February 8tg, no tracking info or proof of shipping.

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:01/26/2023

    Type:Service or Repair Issues
    Status:
    Resolved
    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    February 2022 I decided to contact Sothebys to sell a pair of earrings. April 2022 I signed paperwork through Docusign (Seller Agreement) sent by ************************* ****************************************** I was quoted a Buy Now price of $5000 and that I would receive 70% of that. I paid to ship my item to them so they could sell it (I am now learning that you shouldnt have to do that) It was shipped to ************************************* *************************************************** 4th Floor. Since sending this item in I have received no comminication from Sothebys. I have contacted them through the chat feature on the Sothebys Webpage. today 01/26/2023 the response "We can forward another follow-up to the department." I have inquired about getting MY item back since November 2022....its shouldnt be this difficult.

    Customer Answer

    Date: 02/20/2023

    Better Business Bureau:

    At this time, my complaint, ID ******** regarding Sotheby's has been resolved.

    (By clicking "OK", your complaint will be closed as Resolved.)


    Sincerely,

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

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:01/04/2023

    Type:Product Issues
    Status:
    Resolved
    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    I purchased a piece of artwork through Sotheby's Buy Now website on November 21, 2021. I contacted Sotheby's Buy Now agents via email on December 7, 9, 14 and 30th. I also called a spoke with agents at Sotheby's on December 16, 19, 20 and 21. The last call I made was today, January 3, 2023 . I was told that the problem was with the shipper. The agent at Sotheby's said he was going to see if shipment could be expedited, and also if I can receive some kind of reparations for waiting so long. He said he would get back to me by the end of the day. I also told him that if I did not hear back from him by the end of the day that I would be contacting the Better Business Bureau. I never heard anything back from Sotheby's.

    Customer Answer

    Date: 01/30/2023

    Better Business Bureau:

    At this time, my complaint, ID ******** regarding Sotheby's has been resolved.

    (By clicking "OK", your complaint will be closed as Resolved.)


    Sincerely,

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

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:11/03/2022

    Type:Product Issues
    Status:
    Unanswered
    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    On October 6, 2022 I paid $28 to Value My Stuff for an appraisal and that amount was charged to my credit card. I receive the receipt in an email along with the promise that I would be receiving an appraisal report shortly. It says, weve sent your request to one of our experts, and you will receive an email with your appraisal report. The ** number for this appraisal is: #****************** In the email it has a place for me to click on View My Account, but this brings me back to their websites front page and there is no way to contact them. Since they have several offices in ********, I have no idea which office I can call to find out where my Appraisal Report is.

    Customer Answer

    Date: 11/27/2022

    Better Business Bureau:

    At this time, I have not been contacted by Sotheby's regarding complaint ID ********.

    Sincerely,

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

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:10/13/2022

    Type:Service or Repair Issues
    Status:
    Unanswered
    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    Sotheby's ******** disappointed us throughout the whole process of selling our oil painting. Now, they do not return our painting back to ** although we already paid for the return shipping costs. The will also not respond to our emails. We strongly consider contacting the local police in ******** because of the suspicion of embezzlement. It seems they will not return our painting. The incompetence and lack of customer service are exceeding all expectations. From start to finish: this auction house is the worst place we have ever dealt with.

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:07/15/2022

    Type:Service or Repair Issues
    Status:
    Unanswered
    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    Purchased sneakers at $20,000 (retail $2700). Sale was initiated on a phone all with a salesperson while payment was done through a link emailed to **. No mention of any terms and agreement or sale; No mention of item being in ****** and therefore payment of $4100 would be due for duty tax. Requested they call DHL to have sneakers returned to them as we are unable to pay $4100 in duty tax as this was never mentioned (that item was coming from overseas). They are now harassing our family with legal threatening letters

Sotheby's is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.

To become accredited, a business must agree to BBB Standards for Trust and pass BBB's vetting process.

Why choose a BBB Accredited Business?

BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.

BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles.

When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.

BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. If you choose to do business with this business, please let the business know that you contacted BBB for a BBB Business Profile.

As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation. BBB charges a fee for BBB Accreditation. This fee supports BBB's efforts to fulfill its mission of advancing marketplace trust.