ComplaintsforLive Auctioneers LLC

• Initial Complaint

  05/06/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I bought an item from live auction the item was defective I was able to return the item to company they acknowledged that they have the item and there was an issue with it they notify me I would get my hammer price amount refunded that was going on 6 months now that they said they were going to refund my money and they have the item so I don't have my money or the item I would like the hammer price refund that is owed to me that is fair I feel there's no accountability to anyone they can just do a consumer as they wish and I have a problem with this and I have the whole trailer emails were they agreed to pay me from December to May of 2024 I can't upload the information cuz it's on my phone that I'm talking to you on but I can provide information

  Business response

  05/17/2024

  Hi ******,

  I pulled up your complaint and I can see why you're disappointed with your experience with this sale.  Even though the auction house has already agreed to the refund, you have yet to see it in your bank account.  My colleague on the Bidder Support team reached out to the seller and was told a check was sent.  We have been trying to get proof of the refund but since they have not provided it, my colleague has escalated your complaint to the next level.  I will ask my colleague to follow up with the auction house and give you an update next week.  

  Regards,

  LiveAuctioneers

• Initial Complaint

  05/06/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Shipping damage of items won at auction and shipping handled by LiveAuctioneers partner. Items arrived with extensive damage and due to poor packaging and handling. Multiple photos sent of damage to items won. Cannot get claim for damages paid and it has been over 1 month.

  Business response

  05/06/2024

  Hi *****,

  We're sorry to hear about the delay in getting your refund for items damaged during shipping. I looked into your complaint, and I see that my colleague on the shipping team is working hard to urge the shipper to give you a return shipping label and, of course, the refund.  I will ask him to continue reaching out to the shipper to expediate the process.  We will update you as soon as possible.

  Regards,

  LiveAuctioneers

  Customer response

  05/08/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

  It has taken way too long to reach this point and it has been almost 2 months of back and forth to get this claim even submitted.  Insurance was placed on the items shipped and the insurance needs to be paid and I will not be sending the items back.  The entire point of the insurance was to protect the items from being damaged in shipment.  The items were poorly package by the vendor which then created extensive damage to my items.  Photos of the damage were submitted multiple times prior to even getting to this point.

  The matter needs to be completed by issuing a check to cover the damages incurred.  I have been very patient through the entire process and it now needs to be resolved immediately. 

  I appreciate the BBB helping to assist in this matter.

   

   

   

   

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

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

  Customer response

  05/21/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

   

  [Your Answer Here]

  It has taken now over two (2) months to resolve this issue and we are still waiting for a return shipping label.  At this point given the long lead time to even get a shipping label I cannot trust the shipping partner to resolve this complaint.  Multiple pictures have been sent of the damaged items and at this point the claim needs to be paid out regardless of shipping the items back.  Your contracting company was responsible for the shipping and failed to package the items correctly.  This is not my fault and I am now left with items damaged and no restitution.  I expect the insurance payment to be paid this week given the fact this has been in process for an extended period of time.  I had to reach out to the BBB to get this matter addressed.  This is not acceptable and as requested please have a check issued for the damaged goods.    

   

   

   

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

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

  Business response

  05/28/2024

  Hi *****,

  I'm sorry to hear about your issues with getting a refund for the damaged lot. After reviewing your case, I saw that the head of the LiveShipping team reached out to you personally at the beginning of the month to give you his guarantee that you will be reimbursed as soon as the item is returned.  I would suggest that you reply to his email if you have any questions about the refund or the shipping label.

  Regards,

  LiveAuctioneers

• Initial Complaint

  04/29/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I provided a pre-bid on Wednesday April 25, 2024 on an item on Live Auctioneers.com. On the following Friday, in the afternoon, another auction business, Milestone, put a ******************* on my registration which took me out of the Saturday bidding process. They claimed I had not paid for an item I bid on and won on April 9, 2019! Four years after I bid on the item, won, and paid for it. I know I paid for it because I have it in my possession. I tried to explain all this to Live Auctioneers but they did respond, but ignored my real issue. I sent an email to milestone and they have ignored me completely. After 7 or 8 text messages/emails Live Auctioneers finally took some action with an email and a copy to me. The email began with the salutation, Dear *****,. Clearly a form letter intended to shut me up and shut down my complaint. The item sold for $950.00, an amount at least $50.00 under my pre-bid. There is no doubt in my mind that I was scammed. Here is why. The item which Milestone claimed I owed for would never have been sent to me without me first paying for it. The claim was 4 years old and I never received any contact over those 4 years. I checked and I do not even have a registration with Milestone so I cannot even sign into their website. The black from ********* came on a late Friday with the auction scheduled for Saturday, a weekend in which I could not have been able to clear it though I tried. Live Auctioneers took the ******************* at face value without exploring whether it was true and verified nor were they willing to mediate the issue. Live Auctioneers simply blackballed me and prohibited me from any and all bidding. Then Live Auctioneers dummied up some email designed to appease me that began with Dear *****. I believe that some person or group arranged to buy the item for $950.00 way ahead of the actual auction day That someone did not intend to have any other bidder and when I did that person or group took me out so as to not mess up the deal. Furthermore, Live Auctioneers knew about the prior arrangement and played dumb. Either that or they really are dumb. What reputable auction house would take an unproven, unverified negative remark that was clearly challenged.No doubt I was scammed.

  Business response

  04/29/2024

  Hi *******,

  We're sorry to hear that you missed out on bidding on a lot over the weekend.  We can understand your frustration over this, especially as the item that was on dispute had already been paid for and received by you.  I looked into this case and it looks like the dispute has been closed, which means this will no longer negatively affect your registration to any future auctions.

  We would like to point out that only the auction house can decide who they approve to bid in their auctions. Unfortunately, your account on ****************** had very little activity, and coupled with the dispute, the auction house decided to decline your registration.  There were no signs of any fraudulent activity or bidding scheme between the auction house and the bidder who had won.

  If you have any questions about this, please email us at *******************************.

  Regards,

  LiveAuctioneers

• Initial Complaint

  04/24/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  They charge high fees and high shipping amounts which I paid. My item is light and small (brooches). It has been 2.5 months and the brooches have not arrived. I have written them and they have responded. Now it has been ten more days and no update. They say the items are held up at customs. Well they have insurance and I want my money back. They refunded me the shipping only. Not the service fees

  Business response

  05/02/2024

  Hi *******,

  I'm sorry to hear you're unhappy with your experience with this sale. When it comes to issues involving shipping, it can be a little harder to resolve as it involves something we have no control over. The auction house called the shipper to try to find out the status of the shipment but was informed they need to wait. Below is part of the auction house's email to support:

  "**** is unable to verify the location of the package and no action can be taken until 30 days has passed since the ticket was opened. We are disappointed that you are not able to hold bidders to our terms and conditions, which clearly state that customs compliance are the responsibility of the bidder. Obviously, we do not have any control over customs or **** and have done everything in our power to assist this customer."

  If you still need assistance with this complaint, we suggest that you reach out to my colleague on the Bidder Support team or email us again at *******************************.

  Regards,

  LiveAuctioneers

• Initial Complaint

  04/08/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I won 2 stereo speakers from ****************************************** in ******, **. The sale price was $300 plus auction fees for a total of $428.03. I ask for a shipping quote and get a bill saying to pay over $500.00 to ship to ***********, **. The speakers measure 36 inches tall by 18 inches wide by 13 1/2 inches deep. I said I have been disabled for 27 years and can not afford $500.00 plus dollars for shipping & requested another quote, the lady said another shipper would be over $500.00 also. I stated there is no way I can afford that and ask how I could recover my money. She said they would relist the speakers for sale in two months and if they sold, I would get 50% of what they sold for. I had to call them twice to find out about the follow up shipping charges. This seems awful suspicious to me. Can you please help

  Business response

  04/09/2024

  Hi *******,

  I'm sorry to hear you're unhappy with the cost of shipping for your won item.  I looked for your email to LiveAuctioneers to see what options are available to you but didn't find one.  Have you reached out to our bidder support team regarding this sale?  If not, you may email LiveAuctioneers at *******************************.

  Regards,

  LiveAuctioneers

  Customer response

  04/12/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

  I am writing you as requested per your email.  I texted the shipping company because they kept on wanting me to click on a link that would pay them over $500.00 to ship the 2 stereo speakers to my house from ******, **. to ***********, **.  The auction sent a text saying to disregard the text and they would remove the automated text.  They are relisting the speakers for sale in 2 months and the lady said they would charge me 50% of whatever price they sell for.  I think that is ludicrous.  I did not order a car to be shipped, for $500.00 I can have a new ****** shipped to me from anywhere ***. 

   

   

   

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

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

  Business response

  04/15/2024

  Hi *******,

  I'm sorry to hear this has not been resolved yet.  If you're not happy with the quote you received from the shipper, and also not happy with the arrangement with the auction house about listing the lot, you can look into arranging your own shipping.  Hopefully you'll find a shipper who can send the lot to you at a cost you're willing to accept.

  If you have questions about this, it would be best if you reached out to the bidder support team by sending an email to *******************************.

  Regards,

  LiveAuctioneers

  Customer response

  04/16/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

  [Your Answer Here]

   This answer still fails to address why I was not given a prior shipping quote I had requested plus over $500 shipping charges are ridiculous along with a higher than mafia extortion fee of now going to charge me 50% of whatever the speakers resell for if th

   

   

   

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

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

• Initial Complaint

  03/14/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Hello, I bid on a few items for an Ark ************* auction and one item through ******* on ******************* and won. I was pre-approved using a Bank of *********** credit card. I tried to make payment right away and it seemed to go through but then I got another notification and then another and another saying I hadn't made payment. I tried again with the same results and even tried using my second credit card through ***** I called the Bank of *********** and they confirmed that they had approved payment on their end but that it was getting rejected from the vendor's end. Once connected with the vendor, they said I can pay by wire transfer or PayPal, neither of which I am prepared to do for security reasons, first and foremost, but also because of the extra fees. As it is, I'm rather surprised at the extra fees on top of my final bid amount, the 7% sales tax for ******* AND a 25% bidders premium. I have written to both vendors that I am only prepared to pay directly with my credit card as I'm protected should something go wrong post-payment such as non-receipt of the goods. However, I'm being told they cannot process payment directly so now I feel I have no choice but to cancel my winning bids. This process has been disappointing, frustrating and very very time-consuming and I will not be using ******************* again.

  Business response

  03/27/2024

  Hi ***,

  I'm sorry to hear that you have not had a positive experience on our platform.  Unfortunately, there are times when our payment processor will not accept a charge because they "do not have enough information on our end to confidently let the charge stand."  In cases like this, we ask the bidder to pay the invoice using another payment method.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused but any additional payment attempts will also be declined.

  With regard to the sales tax and buyer's premium, those fees were stated on the auction house's policies and on the lot page.  If you have questions about this, please reach out to us at *******************************.

  Regards,

  LiveAuctioneers

• Initial Complaint

  02/28/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Feb. 7, 2024 $225.84 I am not looking for a refund but to have the purchase completed or for the parties involved to have complaints registered against them. Their only resolution after giving me no information for weeks is that they can refund me when all I want is to get the painting I was promised at auction.

  Business response

  03/12/2024

  Hi ****,

  We're sorry to hear that the auction house has canceled the sale for an item you won on our platform.  We can understand how disappointing this must have been, especially as you took time to do research before bidding on the lot.  Sale cancelations are strongly discouraged and is not a decision that the auction house would take lightly.  I reviewed your case and I saw that they had attempted to look for a replacement and also assured you that they would reach out if the lot has been located.  Regardless, your complaint has been logged so we can have a record of this complaint to ensure it is not a common practice by the auction house and their listing agent.

  Regards,

  LiveAuctioneers

  Customer response

  03/16/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********* and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

  [Your Answer Here]

   What a lovely and thoughtful response filled with Nothing.  I have emailed live auctioneers directly and trued every way to reach anyone connected to this scam. This empty message was the first contact you e given me* other that we received your email and will be with you.  Never heard back.  You are representing scam auction houses that deal in 3rd party sales. Advertizing items they do not possess or have control over.  NO ONE is taking any responsibility or doing anything!!!!  ****** never did anything other than hide behind an email chain of nothing.  They offered to me* to ask the ACTUAL seller that is refusing to send the painting I purchased through YOUR site and advertised through ****** * if they could arrange a replacement painting.  This was AFTER I told them that they could at least pretend to try to do something.  I should not be stuck behind a f****** email wall talking to a clerk that has no authority to do anything* when they dont even have the item. ******* and you are hiding a fraudulent seller claiming to have lost a painting when they are a major dealer in *******.  Shame on all of you for this thinly veiled fraud of a sale.  This is nothing more than a scam to defraud honest buyers.  This seller didnt like the price and is hiding the painting instead of abiding by the rules of auction* and your company along with ****** is hiding them* making you complicit in this charade.  They possess at least one other painting by the same artist that was listed on ****** a week or so before the auction I won that is from the same series and extremely similar. They had it listed on 1st dibs and all over the internet for around $4000. They are just toying with people trying to get as much money as possible passing it around to various sources.   These people have way too many paintings to just Randomly lose them when its convenient.  I reject your pathetic attempt to smooth over this issue and keep doing your business as usual. I didnt ask for the sale to be cancelled* I was forced into it and am letting you know that this is not honest* it is not the way to run a decent business.  Im sure you will find some way to squirm out of this and go on your way instead of doing something to punish this third party and ****** for false advertising and backing out of a legal and what should be binding auction sale.  

   

   

   

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

  
  Sincerely*
  
  *********************
  
  
  
  
   
  

  Business response

  04/03/2024

  Hi ****,

  It is common practice for auction houses to list items on consignment, which means they may not necessarily have the inventory in their possession.  Unfortunately, at times, items are misplaced, and transactions cannot be completed as a result.  We're sorry that the auction house had to cancel the sale.  In this case, we cannot force them to send you something they say they do not have.  We have logged your complaint, so we'd have a record of the cancelation.  These cancelations are strongly discouraged and logged internally so they can be monitored closely.

  I'd like to reiterate that our policy states we are a 3rd party website that connects buyers and sellers online. We act as mediator to make sure bidders and auction houses communicate with one another when an issue arises from a sale.

  Regards,

  LiveAuctioneers

  Customer response

  04/03/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

  [Your Answer Here]

   Thank you for your explanation of whats common practice and acceptable to you and your business.  That is very thoughtful.  Whats also common practice is running a business that delivers what it has advertised and sold.  Your 3rd party art dealer is a fraudulent company and you are hiding behind corporate policies and fear of consequences.  It is fraudulent to sell items not in your possession.  What you fail to grasp is that you, and both of these other dealers havent done a good job, in fact they havent done their job at all.  Because of that I AM THE ONE WHO HAS SUFFERED and is unhappy.  I do not accept your ******** corporate policies and excuses.  Ive outlined to you, and ****** 52 in multiple emails how this is wrong and is fraud.  You and ******** have chosen to hide behind an opaque wall of emails while you protect the fraudulent dealer that is holding out for more money to sell their painting when that is NOT how auctions work.  Your company needs to make good on this auction in some way, or I will further press on that you and your auction houses are running a fraudulent business.  Im quite certain that an operation as large as the one in ******* that held this piece I bought has a solid inventory system and its pretty hard to lose artworks.   Esp when that same painting was listed at the same time on 1st dibs and other websites at the same time as my auction.  This painting isnt lost so stop insulting me and waiting for me to go away.  You have wasted my time energy and left me disillusioned and wildly disappointed.  Do better and fix this as I will not be going away. 

   

   

   

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

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

• Initial Complaint

  02/20/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am a victim of fraud. I recently bought what looked like a complete set of ******************************************************** triplicates of common players. Instead, the deceptive 1989 Topps set pictured contained no value (175 baseball cards missing-most stars) **************************************************************************************************************************** You Won! 1989 Topps Baseball Cards Approx ******************** Near Mint Condition Looked like complete set (not near mint grading standard!)Auction house has no quality control!

  Business response

  02/26/2024

  Dear valued customer,

  
  We sincerely apologize for the unfortunate experience you encountered with a recent purchase made through our platform.
  Could you please take a moment to email us at ******************************* with the invoice number? This will enable us to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and address any concerns you may have.
  We eagerly await your response and the opportunity to assist you further.
  

  Warm regards,
  LiveAuctioneers Bidder Support

  Customer response

  03/05/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

  "Dear valued customer,
  
  We sincerely apologize for the unfortunate experience you encountered with a recent purchase made through our platform.
  Could you please take a moment to email us at ******************************* with the invoice number? This will enable us to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and address any concerns you may have.
  We eagerly await your response and the opportunity to assist you further.
  
  Warm regards,
  LiveAuctioneers Bidder Support"

   My complaint was that the auction: Invoice #*******Feb 10, 2024-Artifacts, Antiquities and ToysNorth American *****************-Total: $31.10. Sent set with most every star missing or hof cards pulled from "set". Also not near mint condition. Not even valued at $5>//NOT AS ADVERTISED!

   

   

   

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

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

  Business response

  03/21/2024

  Hi *****

  We're sorry to hear that the lot you received was not as described.  I looked for your email to i********************** so I can see what's been done about your complaint. However, I couldn't find your complaint in our inbox. Can you please send us an email with the Invoice number and the lot that you claim was misrepresented?  If you can give us as many details as possible about how it was misrepresented, it would be helpful when we contact the auction house. 

  Once we receive your email, one of my colleagues on the Bidder Support team will be happy to assist.

  Regards,

  LiveAuctioneers

• Initial Complaint

  02/09/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Bid on Live Auctioneers site/******************* for earrings. The day of the auction the Certificate of Authenticity for the ear rings value was 41K. I bid and won. I received the item in the mail and gifted to a wedding couple. When I received the original Certificate of Authenticity the value had been changed to $23K. I ask the auction house to credit me back the difference in value ***** percent less then what I paid for.....as a credit of *******. They said I could send the item back but I told them I had already gifted it to someone. This is a classic example of a bait and switch scheme by both Live Auctioneers and *******************

  Business response

  02/21/2024

  Hi ****,

  We're sorry to hear that the certificate of authenticity did not match the lot description of the pair of earrings you won.  It's unfortunate that this happened, especially as you gifted the piece of jewelry to a wedding couple.  We're sad to say that, occasionally, listing errors do occur.  In this case, the auction house was quick to accept the return for a full refund.  We understand that you're hesitate to return the pair of earrings because you've already given them as a gift, however, we cannot force the auction house to accept your proposal of a partial refund.

  If you do change your mind about the return, please message the auction house to let them know.

  Regards,

  LiveAuctioneers

• Initial Complaint

  02/08/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Last October, Latair Auctions, a vendor through Liveauctioneers, negligently shipped a painting I won from them, causing damage to it. I filed a claim and the post office's inspection of the item, the box it was shipped in, and the shipping materials, determined that the auction house was negligent, and my claim was denied. Despite this, ****** has refused to take responsibility by issuing me a refund in exchange for the return of the painting. Therefore, I contacted Liveauctioneers' customer support department in hopes of getting help to resolve the issue. Although I've been in contact with different Liveauctioneers reps since October; recently, the first rep escalated my complaint since ****** has continued to make excuses for not returning my money. Cherry P., the most recent Liveauctioneers rep I have been in contact with, has chosen to believe that ****** is appealing the claim denial, although I repeatedly explained that ****** missed the deadline in December. I also explained that ****** agreed to issue me a refund when I threatened Ben ***** the person operating as ******* with a lawsuit. So, although Liveauctioneers can issue me a refund and take other steps to prevent ******'s unethical business practices on its website, their rep is still waiting for the auction house to file an appeal that should've been filed within 30 days of Nov. 20, 2023, the day my claim was denied.

  Business response

  02/20/2024

  Hi ******,
  
  We're sorry to hear about the damaged lot and the delay in getting a refund from the auction house.  I see that my colleague on the Bidder Support Team has asked the auction house for an update on the appeal they said they filed and have asked for a turnaround time on their decision on your complaint.  As previously mentioned in your conversation with my colleague, LiveAuctioneers is a technology provider and our role in this matter is solely as a mediator to make certain both parties remain in contact while assistance is being requested.  We will continue to reach out to the auction house for their response to your complaint. I'll have my colleague update you as soon we hear back from the auction house.
  
  Regards,
  LiveAuctioneers

  Customer response

  04/09/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

  I made it clear in the documentation I provided to Live Auctioneers’ support reps and in my complaint to the BBB that Latair Auction House had missed the deadline to appeal the insurance claim. For whatever reason, the respondent to my complaint chose to ignore that information and likely didn’t take the time to review the documents I submitted, including the claim letter from the post office that showed that Latair had until December 2023 to appeal its decision. I submitted every email between me, *** **** who is doing business as Latair, and the bidder support team, to show that *** **** has continued to make excuses for the past seven months with no intentions to rectify the situation. The respondent for Live Auctioneers also stated that I was aware that its bidding support team is simply there to mediate. Once again, he ignored the correspondence in which the reps gave the impression that they would take action against Latair. One of the support reps even stated that my case was being escalated. To a customer, that means that the company is taking decisive action and getting someone with more authority involved. It also means that Live Auctioneers will be proactive in not only resolving customer issues but having in place a system to vet auction houses and to penalize them when they are involved in unethical business practices. Cherry, the rep that my case was forwarded to, mentioned that Live Auctioneers has the ability to issue refunds. But despite every email I forwarded to her in which *** **** (Latair) agreed to refund me, I still don’t have my money. To this day, *** **** has agreed to issue me a refund but hasn’t done so. So what the respondent to my complaint is really saying is that Live Auctioneers doesn’t have anything in place to protect the consumers who utilize its site. The reps simply state that they will continue to reach out to the auction house, although the last email I received from Cherry, dated March 12, confirmed that I’m on my own in trying to get my money back. Yes, there are risks when you bid on items, but this is a clear case of shipping negligence and the refusal to take responsibility on Latair’s part. So, I’m disappointed in the respondent’s dismissive response to my complaint and now I understand why so many complaints have been filed against Live Auctioneers. I’m certain that Live Auctioneers can do more to help resolve the situation; at the very least, the company can prevent Latair from doing this to someone else through its website (look at the auction house’s reviews). Live Auctioneers has the ability to return my money; instead, the company is allowing Latair to take advantage of bidders.

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

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

  Business response

  05/06/2024

  Hi ******,

  I'm sorry to hear you have been forced to go the legal route.  I reviewed your complaint and I see that we stopped mediating when you said the auction house contacted you about meeting up to pick up the lot and to give you a check for the refund.  We didn't hear back from you so it looks like my colleague assumed your complaint was resolved. If you want to reopen this case, please send us an email at *******************************.

  Regards,

  LiveAuctioneers

  Customer response

  05/11/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

  [Throughout this process, you have latched onto parts of my messages and email exchanges with ***************/ Latair that you believe absolve Live Auctioneers from any responsibility. Interestingly, in your previous response, you stated that you would continue to reach out to ***************/****** to try to resolve the issue. So, I'm confused by your latest admission that you stopped mediating, especially considering that I have proven that *** **** has lied and made excuses throughout the entire process. Therefore, I rejected your latest response, not because I still expect Live Auctioneers to take action, but because it is due to my own efforts that I'm close to a resolution. I had to travel to ************* to appear in small claims court Thursday, May 9, to present my case. Unsurprisingly, *** **** did not show, so the magistrate entered a default judgment. In fact, Ben **** left the state the day before the court case. I know this because as I was waiting for the damaged painting in Baggage Claims, his name was announced over the intercom, informing him that his international flight was soon departing and that he needed to get to the gate for final boarding. But again, you have proven that Live Auctioneers is not proactive in investigating auction houses for unethical behavior unless it impacts the company directly. After all the evidence I presented, I would like to think that Live Auctioneers (and Invaluable and any other related auction sites that Latair also uses since they're all owned by the same corporation) would see Latair as a liability. But as long as it doesn't affect your bottom line, you will continue to allow ***************/****** to get away with what I learned he had been doing to his customers for years. So, don't bother to send an empty, patronizing response about how you're glad that the issue is finally settled because you played no part in it. I will make that clear everywhere I can post a review about Live Auctioneers and Latair since I know that the BBB will close my case and, unfortunately, label it as "resolved."] 

   

   

   

   

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

  
  Signed,
  
  ***************************
  
  
  
  
   
  

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