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:04/27/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore 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 purchased an airman pds400s air compressor from purple wave auction on April 10th. I picked the item up and the seller was not the one there to load the item or answer any questions. In the auction photos there is a red 3/4 inch air hose in the compressors storage compartment they have a photo of it specifically. I was not able to get the doors of it open to look at it until after I got home as they were stuck shut. Once finally opened I was able to determine the hose was missing. I drove a 6 plus hour round trip to pick this up. I called purple wave immediately after I noticed it was gone. I was told they would check into it and they would get back to me the next day they call and inform me that they talked to the seller and tell me I’d have to go and get one from the seller. Which I’m not able to drive 6 plus hours to get it. They also tell me that this is a new seller and he didnt want to include the hose even though purple wave went and photographed this item themselves and should have obviously told the buyer to move anything. He didn’t want to sell it that time I asked if there was any other options for a resolution and was told no it wasn’t their fault, which I think differently. So I’m missing a hose that should have been included and then on top of that the video that they have online turns out to not even be of this item and I would have had no way to know this because it’s up so close to the engine. The engine in the video runs well, and there is no air leaks and the unit that I have there is air leaks and the engine does not run smoothly like the one in the video it was misrepresented
  The compressor also had a bungee cord in the photos attached to the throttle linkage and a rod missing that was there when I got it home obviously something had been done to this after the pictures were taken to conceal a defect,. I would like compensation for the missing hose in the misrepresentation of the items condition in the video and photos

  Business Response

  Date: 05/21/2025

  Purple Wave, Inc. is in receipt of the complaint filed by the buyer regarding their recent auction purchase and provide the following response:

  
  Our Efforts to Resolve the Matter

  
  Purple Wave, Inc. has undertaken significant efforts to resolve this matter in a reasonable and equitable manner. Specifically:
  (1) We arranged for the pickup, transportation, and delivery of a compressor hose to the buyer's location to remedy a portion of their concerns.
  (2) Purple Wave acknowledges that an incorrect video of a similar piece of equipment was inadvertently attached to the auction listing. However, it is important to note that the written description and photographs in the listing accurately represented the item the buyer received, consistent with Section 9 of our Terms and Conditions which states: "The Buyer understands the written descriptions may not reflect information otherwise provided by the photos or videos."
  (3) In a further good faith effort to resolve this matter, Purple Wave offered to rebate the buyer's premium, conditioned upon execution of a standard release of claim and waiver, which is consistent with our established business practices and legal protocols.

  
  Legal and Contractual Framework

  
  Per our published Terms and Conditions, which the buyer explicitly agreed to prior to placing any bids:
  (1) "EVERY ITEM IS SOLD ON WEBSITE 'AS IS' - AUCTIONEER AND SELLER FURNISH ALL ITEMS TO BUYER AS IS, UNSUPPORTED, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. AUCTIONEER AND SELLER DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE."
  (2) "Bidders are strongly advised by Auctioneer to use care to satisfy all questions or concerns about the auction process, bidding process, or Items before placing a bid... It is the Buyer's responsibility to inspect Items prior to the auction... The Buyer accepts the condition of the Item by bidding on the Website. Bids cannot be removed once a bid is placed."
  (3) "The Buyer understands and agrees that the Auctioneer does not perform mechanical inspections on Items and the listings are not intended to be substitutions for independent inspection by the Buyer."

  
  Conclusion and Request

  
  Purple Wave stands by the terms under which this transaction was conducted. The buyer had ample opportunity to inspect the item before bidding, and our Terms and Conditions clearly state that items are sold "as is, where is" without warranty of any kind. While we regret that the buyer is dissatisfied with their purchase, we have made reasonable attempts to accommodate their concerns, including the delivery of a replacement part and an offer to rebate the buyer's premium.  We respectfully request that the buyer reconsider our settlement offer, which includes execution of a standard release of claim and waiver, before proceeding with a chargeback for goods received or initiating legal action.

  Purple Wave remains committed to fair and ethical business practices and continues to serve the auction community with integrity.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/30/2025

  
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ******** the business has contacted me and resolved all issues with this complaint please close out the complaint. 
  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  
  
  ***** *****

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/11/2024

  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.

  Around august 23, I bought a truck off of the auction site PurpleWave. I have bought vehicles from them for years and have never had any real problems with the vehicles. In my most recent auction purchase I bought a truck that contained a belt issue (squeaky belt , at most thought it would be a pulley) so I thought it would be a cheap fix and I’d be on with a new solid truck. The seller was in Missouri, and I’m located in Oklahoma City so it was going to be about a 5 hour drive which I thought would be doable if the truck was running how it SHOULD be. When it came down to arranging the pickup time , the seller offered to bring the truck via trailer to Tulsa Oklahoma. He had stated his trucker was picking up another vehicle there so it would save me a couple dollars on gas and time. At the time, I thought it was just a nice act (Putting the pieces together now, it was definitely premeditated). Once I got to Tulsa , the trucker seemed a little off, not looking at me in the eye and was making awkward conversation. When we settled the paperwork and I drove the truck the oil light immediately came on. At the time I thought it was just low on oil. I kept driving it and I soon realized it was leaking oil and had lost power. Luckily I was 25 minutes from the city so I put some oil in it and drove slowly home. Getting off the highway the engine finally gave out on me the street. I am reaching out because purplewave did not want to help me with this scam. I understand their auction is “As Is”, but it is not fair to lie about how the vehicle “Is”. The truck had engine problems, and when I bid for it the description just talked about the belt issue. The customer service representative was super unhelpful and unprofessional. All she would say was “Sorry”. I am very frustrated and feel betrayed.

  Business Response

  Date: 09/12/2024

  Purple Wave is an auction company specializing in Ag, Construction and Fleet equipment.  Annually we sell more than 50,000 items.  All sell No Reserve.  All sell As-Is.  We advertise the limitations of listings and the buyers responsibility for inspection prior to placing any bids.  We do our own listings (we don't allow our sellers to self list) and advertise what we see while in direct observation of the equipment.  We do ask our sellers to disclose any safety, mechanical or component issue they are are aware of.  *** ******* has purchased items from our sale multiple times.  He is aware, understands and agrees to our terms prior to placing bids.  While we want to provide all our customers the best auction experience, we do not guarantee used equipment.  Purple Wave rejects any and all demands *** ******* has regarding a refund.  

  Terms and Conditions agreed to prior to placing bids are as follows: 

  Bidders understand that items are sold "AS IS", "WHERE IS"
  BIDDERS UNDERSTAND THAT ITEMS SOLD ON ****************** ARE SOLD 'AS-IS, WHERE-IS', AND WITHOUT WARRANTY. PURPLE WAVE, INC. (PURPLE WAVE) AND SELLER FURNISH ALL AUCTION ASSETS TO BUYERS 'AS IS' UNSUPPORTED, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. PURPLE WAVE AND SELLER DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. CONSUMER RIGHTS VARY FROM STATE TO STATE. CERTAIN STATES INCLUDING ALABAMA, CONNECTICUT, KANSAS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MINNESOTA, MISSISSIPPI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, WASHINGTON, AND WEST VIRGINIA, LIMIT WAIVERS OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES. THE DISCLAIMERS AND EXCLUSIONS WILL NOT APPLY TO THE EXTENT CONSUMER WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS ARE PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW.
  
  Bidders understand the limitations of listings
  Purple Wave attempts to give its customers an industry leading experience by providing detailed equipment listings. Listings include written descriptions, photographs, location, and consignor information. Equipment descriptions are based on our direct observation and information provided by our selling customer. All information is intended to be as accurate as possible. However, we recommend customers inspect prior to bidding. Purple Wave listings are not intended to be substitutions for inspection. The details provided may differ on equipment based on information provided by the consignor. An error or omission in the listing will not change the results of the bid. It is the responsibility of the buyer to conduct any inspection and examination necessary to satisfy the buyer of all material facts before placing a bid. Purple Wave is not responsible for any statements about the item made by the Seller.
  
  As a bidder, you understand that some of the limits of our inspections are:
  Mileage and hours in listings are representations of what is on the meter. Purple Wave does not verify authenticity of mileage/hours nor do we verify the operational condition of the odometer/hours meter.
  Emission systems may have modifications. Purple Wave does not inspect components or guarantee a vehicle will pass state emissions tests.
  Operating weight appearing in some listings are manufacturers specs. Weight may vary due to additional features and options.
  Accessories (interior/exterior, ancillary) may be listed in the description, however, may not be verified for operational condition such as A/C and heat, audio equipment, lighting, power seats, etc.
  Cosmetic damage/body damage, such as dents, cracks, scratches, rust, stains, and tears may not be included in the descriptions, however may exist.
  Purple Wave does not test or inspect batteries or electrical components. Vehicles and equipment with batteries may require a jump start or a even battery replacement at the time of removal.
  Purple Wave does not offer any guarantees regarding the performance or condition of batteries in any item being sold at auction.

  Business Response

  Date: 09/30/2024

  Purple
  Wave provided over 50 high resolution pictures of the item.  We listed
  the vehicle with faults disclosed by our seller (belt noise) and didn't
  observe any other issue during our direct observation of the item.  Had
  the check engine light, oil light or any other indicator been present, it
  would have been added to our listing.  From the information presented, I
  don't see how Purple Wave could have advertised this vehicle any
  differently.   Unless you can provide me information proving the listing was inaccurate during our data capture (direct observation of the vehicle) our original stance of "No resolution" will remain unchanged.  We rely on the accuracy of our observations at the time of data collection, and without concrete evidence to the contrary, we must maintain our initial assessment.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/01/2024

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

  I don’t understand how it’s possible the inspectors did not notice the immediate low oil pressure warning that came on when vehicle was put into drive , I understand the check engine light not being noticed because it was dimmed , as if trying to hide the light and the only way to notice was after dark when you could feintly see.  I am not trying to pull a fast one, I am just just trying to receive what is right after being unreasonably wronged.  Can provide proof of the vehicle knocking the SAME day if you wish for more proof.
  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  
  
  ******** *******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/28/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore 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.

  A vehicle was purchased through Purple Wave Auction in 7/2024. We have purchased MANY vehicles (over $100,00.00 worth) through the company, so had a level of trust. We purchased this vehicle on their site from ******** ***** *n Sullivan, MO. We do realize this was an AS IS auction, however, there were multiple issues with the vehicle that were not disclosed to us via the dealership or Purple Wave- including damage not depicted on photos, need of very costly mechanical repairs, and odometer rollback. We contacted both the dealership and Purple Wave, both refuse to remedy the situation or help in any way. We are stuck with a vehicle that we can't drive and are going to have an issue with registering with the state since the odometer is not accurate.

  Business Response

  Date: 09/26/2024

  Purple Wave agrees to resolve the issue for the requested amount of $840.  This offer to resolve would be conditioned on a release of waiver and claim and that all published current complaints be modified to show this issue has been resolved between the parties involved.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/26/2024

  
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********* I have not been provided the waiver to sign. Once I receive the waiver and the refund, I will find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 

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

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/29/2024

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore 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.

  We purchased a Club Car golf cart on 3/5/24 from Purple Wave Auction. We drove five hours one way to pick up the cart. Once we arrived, we were told the batteries were bad. The listing showed a video of the cart running and driving. The description only stated the head lights and parking brake issues, nothing was listed about the batteries not working. Six batteries were purchased on 3/13/24 for $1,044.54. We are a small farm in Oklahoma and this is a major expense for us. We would not have purchased the cart had we known the batteries weren't good. On March 12th I notified Purple Wave of the battery issue and they finally responded on 7/8/24 stating it was a listing error on their part and offered to pay us their commission of $180, or we could list it and try to sell it. The cart isn't worth the purchase price, tax and cost of the new batteries which totals $3,207.69. We were more than patient with the company giving them almost four months to open an investigation and finally respond to us. I submitted a copy of the receipt from ********** **** ***** to Purple Wave showing proof we purchased new batteries. A copy of their email is listed below:
  
  ****,
  
  My apologies for the delay in responding to you. Judy is no longer with Purple Wave, and I was asked to step in and help with some issues that she had been working on. In reviewing the issue with our IR Specialist, who has been included in this email, the original offer of refunding the buyer's premium or refunding everything. If that is the option, then you would need to be helpful with the relist. While yes it was a listing error on Purple Wave's part, the above mentioned options are what is typically offered. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
  
  Thank you,
  ****
  
  ************** [**************]
  
  
  
  *** ***** *****
  Manhattan, KS 66502
  ************ |
  ************ toll-free
  ************ fax
  Headquarters is open
  Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/12/2024

  Our listings are from our direct observation of the item.  They are not intended as substitutions for inspections and may be missing details that you could expect in a retail type exchange.  Our listings have location and seller contact information so our bidders can investigate the item as much or as little as they like.  From my understanding of the issue, you had been offered a refund of the purchase price ($2163.15) conditioned that Purple Wave could relist the asset from it's current location. The other option (if you were wanting to keep the golf cart) was to rebate the buyer's premium ($180).   In an interest in putting this issue to rest, I am willing to increase my rebate offer to $500.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/16/2024

  
  
  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,
  
  
  
  **** *******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/06/2024

  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.

  Purple Wave Auction stated / photographed and represented the equipment knowingly committing fraud.
  Purple Wave directly defrauded for profit. Not enough space to fully explain.
  I am going to sue in court
  The fuel injection pump leaked fuel -steady stream- a $6500 repair- see attached video. There was absolutely no way that the person from Purple Wave inspecting this backhoe did not or could not see the diesel fuel flowing from the bottom of the engine.
  Please see listing add attached - the only deficiencies stated were - a/c belt has been removed and glass is cracked.
  In fact the door glass was missing - front lower glass is shattered - there are holes in the r/ - and l/h concave corner pieces of glass - and each every other piece of glass has cracks. The picture for taken for the auction page were strategical in the angles to not show the extent of the damage. I contacted the seller previous to the close of the auction and asked him if there were and issues that were not disclosed on the sales posting - and the seller said there was not - that it was a 400 hour machine as was advertised. This machine is worn smooth out - almost all the hydraulic cylinders leak-also told me that the engine covers were not on the machine - but would be installed and included when the machine was transported- I never received the engine covers - between the glass and the missing engine covers - seller agreed in writing to include- that is another $6000 - Purple Wave no help.
  Auction was scheduled to end at 10 am - they continued to extend the time of auction each time there was another bid. The last bid I placed at 9:59 am was for $14,500. Although is was my fault that I continued to bid higher and higher, the final bid was run up to $23,500.
  It is my belief- that I cannot prove - that the seller of the equipment and or agent of Purple Wave intentionally ran the bid up because at my last bid the auction closed immediately- not at the 5 minute extended interval that it had before.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/08/2024

  Purple Wave had the item listed for nearly a month.  Our listing had a video and sixty high resolution pictures.  In addition to the pictures and video, our seller's contact information was included so anyone with interest in the equipment could personally inspect or call the seller to ask questions.  The item closed correctly during the auction.  The item extended several times during the final moments of the auction, the final bid was placed at 10:12 it closed at 10:17.  Your last bid was placed at 10:12.  You were not bidding against our seller or a Purple Wave employee.  You were bidding against other customers that were trying to win the bid. 

  Our listings aren't meant to be substitutions for inspection.  We encourage personal inspection on every item we sell.  We don't get creative with angles and views. We also don't manipulate close times.

   I will contact the seller to see if the engine guards were ever shipped out.  Once I know, I will contact you back.  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/03/2024

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore 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 purchased a vehicle from Purple Wave auction, 3 weeks later I receive a title that has clearly been altered. Service Ok (Tag Agency) absolutely would not accept. Purple wave Management suggested I work with the seller to resolve. PW inspects and holds the title, distributes funds and charges to do so. In their own Internet Auction agreement Purple Wave says it takes Power of Attorney to execute any documents necessary to transfer or document transfer of the property sold at auction.
  Purple Wave is responsible for inspecting and researching the title for alterations, leans etc.
  I believe. I do not believe PW did its job and want commission back.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/12/2024

  I have visited with the customer and we have a go-forward plan to resolve the issue.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/15/2024

   
  
  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,
  
  
  
  **** ********

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/01/2024

  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.

  In December of 2023, I bid on a 2010 ***** ******** that looked clean and disclosed a few minor issues such as a crack in the windshield and TPMS sensor light on. I was ok with these issues as it is common things to happen in the Chevys of these years. When we started driving it home, the transmission was acting funny, and then the motor started acting funny and there was a weird smell. Stopped at a rest station and popped the hood to find oil leaking everywhere. When checking the oil then, it was noticed there was foamy white stuff in the oil cap..antifreeze was getting into the oil. Upon further inspection, there was an oil rag around the head gasket trying to soak up the oil. The seller clearly knew about this issue and didn't disclose it to the PurpleWave representative who listed this item. As soon as I noticed the problem, I contacted PurpleWave and they said they would have to talk to the higher ups. Never heard back before the end of the week. Sent an email and they said it could take a few weeks. We are now almost 3 months out and I have continued emailing with no response, nothing. Poor way to run a business if you ask me.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/02/2024

  Purple Wave sells used vehicles and equipment at no reserve auction.  We list all equipment AS-IS and within our listing provide seller contact information and location so that buyers can physically inspect prior to placing bids.  We do have record of our buyer contacting Purple Wave about the issue.  We attempted to contact the customer back around the time of the BBB notification to further discuss the issue.  I don't have any record of the buyer contacting our office back.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/14/2024

  I have been in contact with ********* ****** from Purple Wave. There are emails and phone calls and I have left a voicemail from her emailing me to call when I had time regarding the complaints. I have never got a call back from leaving the voicemail. Last I knew, she was trying to get in contact with the agent who listed the item for sale and he was going to talk to the guy who sold it also. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/25/2024

  Type:Sales and Advertising 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 bought a vehicle for 3400 plus fees and buyers premium. They say they disclose all major issues. Which they made me when I sold through them. They inspected vehicles well. However I buy this one drive it 2 blocks and it overheats. It has cracked head, requires 6000$ in repairs. Contacted them right away. They drug it out well over the 30’day lemon law, to end up saying we aren’t offering you any resolution on this. This is horrible business. So I’m out all the $ I had saved to buy a vehicle. Thought i used a reputable seller and got taken for my money. Couldn’t even get response from them, until I told them I was contacting BBB. Then I got response from 2 people. They are easy to contact until they have your $$

  Business Response

  Date: 02/27/2024

  Purple Wave is a no reserve auction company specializing in construction, ag and fleet equipment.  All items are sold As-Is and are available for inspection prior to the auction.  Purple Wave does not perform inspections, we do however provide seller contact information and location information so that our buying community can inspect prior to placing bids.  This particular vehicle was sold by a bank less than 10 miles away from the buyer.  Our seller nor Purple Wave were aware of any overheating issues with the vehicle.  We had the item running between 20 to 25 minutes while taking photos for the auction.  We saw no indication of overheating.  We will list as many condition related issues as we are made aware of our witness while taking the pictures.  

   

   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/29/2024

  Complaint: ********
  
  
  
  I am rejecting this response because: That part where they keep trying to say they don’t do inspections is a lie. I sold vans with them last year and they drove them, checked fluids, all lights etc. Contract stated all mechanical issues needed to be disclosed.  They had my vans both running 15-20 minutes each. This vehicle wouldn’t run 4 minutes without overheating, so we could call the guy who was their rep who sold my vans. They tell buyers and sellers 2 different things. This was a crooked deal! 

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

  Business Response

  Date: 03/01/2024

  Our listing is not an inspection report nor is it a substitution for inspecting prior to bidding.  We sell used assets.  We do not make false representations in our listings.  Our listings are objective and our bulleted points are attributes or conditions we observed while putting the listing together.  Had the vehicle not been in running condition at the time of our observation, we would have listed it accordingly.  Our terms and conditions speak to our listings and our "direct observation".  Additionally prior to accepting the 1st bid in any of our auction events, bidders agree to and understand the following terms: 

  All items are sold "AS IS", "WHERE IS". It is the responsibility of the buyer to conduct any inspection and examination to satisfy them of all material facts before placing a bid.
  Bidders understand the limitations of listings.
  A 10% buyer's premium will be added to all winning bids to establish the total purchase price.
  Bidders are responsible for all bidding activity.
  Large Bids (greater than $10,000) may be subject to additional qualification.
  Payment is due within two business days.
  Sales tax will be charged on all taxable items.
  Winning bids are binding. A 15% default premium will be charged for non performance.
  Items must be removed by the removal deadline.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/04/2024

   Complaint: ********
  
  
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I don’t believe it is fair practice ti inspect some vehicles. And drive them etc but not others. Anyone that says they drove that vehicle as they did the vehicles they sold for me, and it didn’t overheat is lying. That’s a fact my mechanic will testify to that. Since this is a bank seller they don’t want to cause any waves to hurt future business with the bank? So I just get to eat it? Seems like all listings should go through same pre screenings. Unfair practice at its best right here. 
  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  
  
  ****** *****

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/20/2023

  Type:Product 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.

  -Date-7/5/2023
  -Amount paid-7480
  -They committed to sell me a truck
  -Nature of the dispute: They listed the vehicle on their website with no issues except a TPMS malfunction. That was not the case. Vehicle has blown headgasket, missing driveshaft, bad Oil pan, transmission, valve cover, and turbo seals, bad front end (causing "death wobble"), and numerous other issues. Local Ford dealership quoted me 13000 in repairs.
  -Purplewave has not tried to solve the issue. Instead they offered more of a "cover up." They claimed that they listed defects to the best of their ability. This is a company that boast about their 200+ employees, 4.75+ million customers, etc. Yet they cannot detect that a vehicle has major oil leaks, missing drive shaft and is mechanically unsound? I asked for a full refund of the 7480 dollars, they offered me half the buyers premium (about 225 dollars).
  Instead of doing whats right and refunding me the money and forcing the seller to come get his truck, they instead want to retain the seller to make future sales. This is a situation where the seller is more important than the consumer purely to keep revenue incoming to their company. I have provided more than enough proof that I was scammed yet they will not make the situation right.
  
  They claim their sales are "as is and final" False advertisement is illegal. Withholding important information to make a sale is fraud. They are crooks.
  
  Pictures:
  
  ****** #1= Quote from local dealership to repair the vehicle to safe/good operating condition
  
  ****** #2=What I arrived home to after truck was shipped to my house. The white is an absorbent I poured on the oil as it was everywhere.
  
  Purplewave Fraud #1 is the listing for the vehicle I purchased. In the notes section all that is mentioned is "TPMS" Nothing about missing driveshaft, major oil leak, or deathwobble. I was told the vehicle was in great mechanical condition.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/01/2023

  Purple Wave Auction sells equipment and vehicles through our online auction.  Our employees go to where the equipment is located and list it for purpose of sale. Our listings are from our direct observation of the equipment and information provided by our selling customer.   We recommend to our customers to personally inspect prior to placing bids and speak to this responsibility before accepting the customer's 1st bid in any of our auction events. 

  Our attempt to resolve the issue was based on the missing driveshaft.  In an effort to solve the issue, Purple Wave will increase our offer of resolution to $603.62 (cost of the driveshaft from the provided quote).  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/13/2023

  I will accept the 1000 dollar offer.  

  Business Response

  Date: 11/26/2023

  Customer accepted company resolution.  No further action is necessary.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/06/2023

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore 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.

  Dear Better Business Bureau,
  
  I am writing to file a complaint against ******************* for fraud. I recently purchased a vehicle from this auction house and upon receiving it, I discovered that it had significant undisclosed damage and mechanical issues. When I contacted the company to address these issues, they refused to take responsibility or offer any form of compensation.
  
  I believe that this is a clear case of fraud as the company deliberately hid important information about the condition of the vehicle and misled me into believing that I was purchasing a reliable and safe vehicle.
  
  1. I was told , aside from noted body damage, the vehicle was in good condition. No issues noted. It was a trade in is how the seller received it.
  
  2. The check engine light was on when I picked up the vehicle. The person listed was not available for follow up questions. Additionally, there was a piece of duck tape on the displays. This was not stated during the auction. I asked purple wave about this specifically when bidding and they said information such as that would be noted. Other vehicles from the same seller had information listed if the check engine light was on.
  
  3. The photos of the vehicle did not illustrate a btoken windshield in any view. Upon picking up the vehicle, it was cracked across.
  
  I have taken the vehicle in for diagnostics. It needs a complete new transmission- est. ****. Although I understand cars are sold "as is"- posting photos that are inaccurate and withholding information that is otherwise clearly indicated can be considered fraud. Furthermore, the duck tape on the dash is also a red flag the issues may have been intentionally tampered with. The photos also were a misrepresentantion of the vehicle.
  
  I am requesting that the Better Business Bureau investigates this matter and takes appropriate action to hold ******************* accountable for their deceptive practices.
  
  Thank you for your attention to this matter.
  
  Sincerely,
  Jess *****
  

  Business Response

  Date: 02/02/2023

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2023/01/13) */
  Contact Name and Title: York *****
  Contact Phone: ************
  Contact Email: *******************
  Purple Wave has contacted the buyer and is in the process of resolving with the buyer. We feel this issue with the Better Business Bureau should be resolved.
  
  
  Consumer Response /* (2000, 7, 2023/01/17) */
  (The consumer indicated he/she ACCEPTED the response from the business.)
  Business handled matter quickly and professionally. Thank you.