Granny's Auction — Attraction in Pinellas Park

This is the first negative review I’ve ever left. FACTUAL information only - Every year I consign items to different houses. I sent some items in at a 25% commission fee. Great overall interaction. A few weeks after the auction ended, I sent an email asking when the check would be sent out. With no response I called the following day.

I was told I should already have it. I explained that it could have been lost, or put in a neighbors box. No neighbor has dropped my mail off, no informed delivery alert or anything. It’s USPS, things happen. He asked if I misplaced it or to check around the lockhub in my community where mail is deposited. When I receive checks, I immediately sign and deposit them. It simply was lost in transit.

I tell him to check to see that it was never cashed, put a stop payment on it whenever he has time, and can just reissue at anytime. He told me he does not want to do that as it cost him 30 dollars. Verbatim I say, “I’m sorry sir but with all due respect it’s not my fault if the post office lost it” The owner of this company that you consign YOUR items to says, well it’s not mine either. I ask ok so now what? How do I get my money? Do you want me to pay you for your check? I’ll pay for it if that’s the ONLY way to get my money from you all. To remind, he told me not only does he not want to reissue the check, but that it’s not his responsibility whether I receive it.

The wife calls me back and was extremely nice, said a new check would be sent out. I received it, minus 1/2 the cost of a new check. When I ask, they tell me it’s my fault because my box was not secure (it’s a LOCKBOX). They said it’s their policy, yet when I spoke to the man he never mentioned any policy. There is also no document to sign, which I asked to during the initial consignment.

My opinion

Granny’s runs a pretty professional auction on the outside and the majority will never come across this interaction. However, to force a client to pay for their check replacement when it simply was lost in transit is so petty. To match that energy, I want to finish this book of a review with a realistic depiction of how petty the owners have been along with general auctioneer practices.

Proxibid is the site they use. Each auction cost them zero to 250 Dollars as a flat fee to start. The average commission they pay PB is about 5%. They charge every buyer a 20% premium on their purchase. This nets a little less than 15% (exact number unknown) additional income. This is on the backs of the buyers, which is perfectly normal. Then factor in that they take 25% of the sale (just the hammer price) as a commission. Again this is normal, but to someone not in the industry, you can see how the income is accrued. Now see the numbers they are able to pull on items. They do a great job on some pieces. To then blame a consigner for UNDELIVERED mail and charge them for it is already incredibly unprofessional, but when you review what their margins are, it makes it just laughable this happened.

All of this is to say, as long as nothing goes wrong, you’ll be alright. And this is rare. But know this, if I can be blamed for a lost usps package, told he’s not going to rewrite it cause it cost him, and then send one with a partial charge, much bigger issues could occur on the consigner side. I would also think about putting the wife at the forefront of the business, even if she agrees with this decision she was far more professional and kind. Picture...

Walter was the first gentleman that I spoke to. He was very professional and prompt! I learned from my very first conversation that they care more about their reputation than the almighty dollar! Most of the auctions and consignment places I have spoken to take 50 percent. Granny's Auction is very generous and only takes a 25 percent commission. I had the opportunity to interact with Nels and Leslie as well. They took time to talk to me and answer all of my questions. These people are very detail-oriented and take the time to let you know that they appreciate your business! They are experts and present in a detailed knowledgeable fashion! It truly was a pleasure and a Blessing to work with...

OMG! I was floored by the prices I paid for items that would have paid hundred, no thousands for. The owner is out on the floor to answer questions and he is so honest. I was looking at a dress and we where wondering about something we spotted, he came up to us as soon as he noticed us talking and inspecting to let us know it was a reproduction. The best thing is staying. You can really grab some unbelievable bargains towards the end. Many people leave or have already spent their budgeted amount so you can grab incredible deals. I was able to get a blue velvet, paisley print, in perfect condition chaise lounge for $50! It was a great experience and I can't wait to...