Palm Beach Modern Auctions — Attraction in Lake Worth Beach

My wife and I had the pleasure of purchasing a significant art glass sculpture from Palm Beach Modern Auctions (PBMA). The art glass sculpture was from Stephen Rolfe Powell, an artist that we collect. This particular piece did not receive any bids during the live October auction. When we contacted the auction house to understand if there were any condition issues, we learned that many interested parties may not have wanted to tackle the packing and shipping of a sculpture that was as large as this one, in addition to it being VERY delicate. While we were discussing the sculpture, Rico, the owner and auctioneer, spotted one of his 3rd party packers (Mustafa, owner of UPS Store #7500) and they discussed in real time how this sculpture could be packed (packing to be on site because moving it could result in breakage). I knew of a small company that specializes in handling the shipping of delicate works such as this (Bryant Martin of The Moverman). In the end, we were able to solve the packing and shipping in less than 48 hours. We also agreed to a price. Payment was made, packing was executed, accompanied by time - date stamped pictures showing each stage of packing (the box was taller than me and I am 5' 7"). PBMA held the packed sculpture, and my shipper picked the item up, delivered the sculpture to my house, and unboxed it for me without issue (I live in the Atlanta suburbs). We won't deny that we were nervous through the whole experience, as the chance for breakage was real....but in the end, the awesome, and I do mean awesome, packing job of Mustafa and his team (I think it took 3 of them to wrap and pack this up) and the "soft" touch of The Moverman brought a beautiful piece to its new home. Many thanks to Rico, Olivia, and Erica of PBMA for all of their advice, direction, support and partnership. It made such a difference! We look forward to future...

Nasty. Disrespectful. Stay away. Used their own online app to bid on some items during their May 2 auction because neither I nor anyone could go in person due to COVID-19. Auction house insisted on charging an additional 5% premium (on top of the 25% they already charge) for using their own online platform. To reiterate, this is their own App (not invaluable or Live Auctioneers). Rico Baca, the owner, instead of having a calm conversation, insisted in belittling me when I asked them to make a concession when I was ready to pay. He refused, told me “you’re not special” and that I should have submitted an absentee or a phone bid and ultimately hung up on me. It is strange to me that this business, which is not defined as an essential business, was able to conduct an auction during the PBC Emergency Order. Also, very strange that this auction house charges an additional 2.5% for using a credit card to pay when Florida Law, 501.0117 states, in part: Credit cards; transactions in which seller or lessor prohibited from imposing surcharge; penalty.— (1) A seller or lessor in a sales or lease transaction may not impose a surcharge on the buyer or lessee for electing to use a credit card in lieu of payment by cash, check, or similar means, if the seller or lessor accepts payment by credit card. A surcharge is any additional amount imposed at the time of a sale or lease transaction by the seller or lessor that increases the charge to the buyer or lessee for the privilege of using a credit card to...

DISHONEST purchase of the LOT 406 Xavier Bueno Painting from Auction Sale - 55 - Feb. 6th, 2021 - Modern+Contemporary Art & Design, they overcharge in the invoice as outlined in the following description: Based on a Total Extended Price: $7500.00 you are applying 30% equal $2250.00 Buyer's Premium, as if I was bidding through a third party platform, when on the contrary I purchased through the website and the applicable Buyer’s Premium should have been 25% equal $ 1875,00, so they try to over charge $ 375.00 I’m not a U.S. resident, but they try to charge $ 901.88 for California residents, that are not allowed. In addition they are asking a 2.5% of extra charge if payment is done through credit card which is contrary to Florida Law: “Florida Law, 501.0117 states, in part: Credit cards; transactions in which seller or lessor prohibited from imposing surcharge; penalty.—

I wrote four times , I called two times and spoke with Jessica Vega who told me that Mr Rico would recall to solve these issues created, but wasn’t contacted. According to this behavior, given their not responding in writing nor calling to solve these issues, and given the breach of the terms and conditions as well as the additional charge against the law, I processed the rescission for their faults. They never replay me back, in writing or by phone, I suppose they are...