Complaints

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.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/14/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  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 recently made two transactions with LITTLEJOHN auction company. Once was for $995 and the other was for $826. One of the lots purchased contained a can of metal shavings mixed with a lot of mice f**** We left the can behind and was told we would be suspended from future auctions if we did not take it. The auctioneer was very rude and demanding about this. Later when we left we reviewed the terms of the auction and it does not say anything about taking everything in a lot. There are multiple negative reviews on ****** concerning this practice. Link to auction terms *****************************************************************************

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/14/2023

  I recently made two transactions totaling $1800 from LITTLEJOHN auction company. After my bids were placed and the auction was over my card on file was charged. At the auction pickup I asked for a receipt and invoice for my purchase. The auctioneer refused to provide this at the location. I have since requested through the companys email address twice for the receipt with no response.
  
  Contact by the business

  Business Response

  Date: 09/25/2023

  Friends,

   

  I've attached the two invoices for the items/auctions mentioned in the complaint by Mr. *** so that everyone has full context.

  If I'm understanding the complaint correctly, it seems that Mr. *** bought all of these items, arrived at the two pick up appointments and RECEIVED all of the items.  As far as I can read, there are two issues within his complaint.  One is that he was told that if he didn't take the items that he purchased he might be prohibited from bidding at our auctions in the future.  The second is that when he asked the team member on site for a copy of his invoice they refused.  (He also claims that he has emailed and asked for the same invoice.)  

  Both of those issues are addressed below:

  Purchased Items  - Yes, we do require that all purchased items be removed by purchaser.  Our entire business is built around helping families/businesses liquidate their items and clear the space.  Our buyers do, in fact, remove the items they purchase.  That being said, I have record that Mr. *** left a table, a suitcase, and I'm not sure what else in the middle of the driveway of this auction and waved at our employees as he left.  He was not charged a clearing fee for that, and picked up items at another auction the very next night.  I don't believe anyone said anything to him about his behavior the previous night.  As he incurred no harm for his actions during either of these auctions, I can only imagine that he is filing this complaint because he has been suspended from purchasing with us in the future.  (I stand by that action as we have to subsequently pay additional labor to clean up any left items.  We choose to keep good bidders bidding, purchasing, and helping our sellers to achieve their goals of emptying the spaces.)

  Invoice - Mr. *** was AT the pick up via directions included WITH his invoice.  Our team does not take printers to the job sites.  The team member did not so much "refuse", but rather physically could not provide another copy of the invoice.  As well, I am the person who would receive the email request for another copy, and I have no record of such a request following those auctions.  Finally, as a bidder on the HiBid platform, he could simply pull up his auction purchases anytime to see his invoice.  (Much like ************* or any other on line purchasing site.)

  Other Items Mentioned:

  Bucket of metal shavings mixed with mice f**** - Yes, I believe this bucket was included with the various key cutting materials/tools that Mr. *** purchased.  The bucket of shavings would of course be included.  Some people turn those in for cash.  (I expect that many purchases from basements, garages, and workshops have mice droppings)

  Google reviews - I have included ************** ****** review.  I cannot stress enough that WE cleaned up the mess he left and nothing happened to him at these two auctions as a result.  We have simply chosen not to do business with him in the future.  (As for others, there seems to me to be a reasonable mix of reviews good and bad going back years.  If I saw something concerning, I would address it with my team.  We've been around since **** and have a very good reputation.  I stand by it.)