Hudson Valley Auctioneers LLC — Local services in City of Beacon

I was referred to Hudson Valley Auctioneers by an estate sale agent in a neighboring community (Kretchko), as I needed to liquidate the contents of the storage unit that contains my mother's entire life, including Chippendale furniture and other antique pieces. (We were not permitted to hold an estate sale at my mother's house, as the HOA would not allow it). I live in Maine, the storage unit is in Newburgh. I will need to travel down to NY to finalize the liquidation. When I called Hudson Valley Auctioneers, I explained my situation. Right off the bat the person I spoke with was rude and brusque and told me they probably couldn't help me because "everything was already wrapped up in storage". I understand that the logistics of my particular situation is far from ideal, but I'm certain that I am not the first person who is in need of this service. I should not have to remind you that undertaking such a task is emotionally challenging, as I sift through my mother's life. A simple "we can't help you, so sorry" would have sufficed. Or even a recommendation for someone who can help would be better. Bracing myself with the inevitable response to this review which will no doubt claim that everything aforementioned...

Absolutely dreadful, disgraceful experience. My privacy was breached unapologetically and then service was denied. They think they have the right to ‘background’ check you, research your past, call associates, violate your rights just to participate in what seems to me like a trash box garbage dump of an auction. They found that someone said I owed them 175 dollars and so they rejected me. Again, think about this- based on hearsay regarding 175 dollars owed to someone else for nothing apparently, service was denied to me.

I feel the pain of the distraught. reviewer below (under the fake positive reviews) that describes their experience of racism and prejudice here. It’s 2019. If a place like this wants to sell online and to a wide audience, then it’s time to leave small-mindedness, prejudice, fear and discriminatory...

I found a piece for sale through HVA. I bid and bid and bid as I NEEDED this specific piece. After winning (and paying slightly over what it was worth) I was dismayed to have it appraised by my own expert and find it was a fake. A well done fake, but a fake none the less. I contacted HVA and their response was that “The responsibility of determining authenticity of all items falls on the bidder. We are not responsible for determining fair value or condition of any item. We are simply a middle man between the buyer and owner.”

So basically I’m out thousands of dollars because a “reputable” auction house doesn’t feel the need to verify or stand behind their own in-house...