Compendium Auction House — Local services in Tavares

I LOVE this auction house. I am a repeat buyer and frequent bidder. Unfortunately I had an experience today that I would rate as poor in terms of customer service. I was on time for my appointment to pick up my winnings, which included all items pictured in the catalog under that lot #. One of the items was no longer available as it had been sold in an earlier auction. I was told by a blonde haired woman that I could probably buy a similar item from Wayfair, or to watch their upcoming auctions for a similar item. No offer to refund a portion of my money. I made the comment that it was "kinda false advertising" to include it in the picture but not have it when I arrived. She then threatened to cancel my entire order (which included a bar and 2 bar stools). She also rescinded an offer from the staff to help load the items. She had an opportunity to make things right, but instead has a very dissatisfied customer. She said she was having a bad day. I guess that makes it ok for ME, her customer, to also have a bad day while struggling to load a 47 inch metal and glass bar and bar stools into my vehicle by myself. I want to love this company, I hope this was an isolated incident

Edited to add: I did a little research and saw that the item I'm referring to sold on RB's april 27 auction for $90 as an individual item (lot #169)

Edited to add (after reading RBs response): If anyone has any interested in seeing that item I "demanded", after paying in full, it is the candle holder pictured on top of the bar, lot #118 of the June 29th auction, listed as "extras" included with the auction, with individual photos. I far from threw a tantrum, I simply requested that they supply the item that I had already purchased. It is my right as a buyer. I was told it was sold at an earlier auction, with no effort to resolve the issue from who I now know is the owner Robin....

Beware this auction house is not to be trusted. Richie may appear cordial but completely ignored the reserve that was agreed upon and sold a valuable set for $100, when asked about how this could happen he and his staff became very aggressive, confrontational and rude, when we asked for a painting back that had not yet gone to auction they were very reluctant to return it, when it was finally returned it was damaged and torn. Addendum to original statement: no contract was ever presented or provided, it was made very clear at the time the Ficks Reed set was picked up that the starting bid was to be $1200 or there was no interest in selling the set. We were reassured that the opening bid would start at $1200, this was completely ignored. There was no mention of poor condition of the set other than a stain on one cushion. Although the backing of the painting was not in good shape it was NOT moldy. We were under the impression that this was an honorable auction house, Richie was presented with prices for the same set between $1400 and $2,000 later we found a restored couch alone at over $40k. Returning from her Mom's memorial service, after being told 'feel free to stop in anytime' to be met with screaming and being berated by the shop owner was more than emotionally disturbing just for asking for the oil painting to be returned, this was more than out of line, and the level of rudeness when asked about the money from the sale was just appalling. Dishonest does not even touch the level of deceit that was displayed by the owner and his staff. I cannot , in good conscience...

Selling fraudulent pieces. Have reported them multiple time, finally making traction with invaluable and live auctioneers. Finally have the proof that they are knowingly showing forged paintings with forged coa’s on their website. IP law does not give them relief because of their silly disclaimer.

Updated after their silly disclaimer response.

Lawsuit 1 - The auctioneer's silence after learning that the painting might be a forgery amounts to misleading and deceptive conduct by omission.

Lawsuit 2 - Provenance Fraud – This refers to the practice of fabricating or altering ownership documents or documents related to the artworks’ history to create a false authenticity in the work.

Lawsuit 3 - Misrepresentation Act 1967, an auction house can be held liable if the goods are misrepresented in the catalogue or during the sale, especially when the description induces the buyer to make the purchase

Lawsuit 4 - Under UK law, selling counterfeit goods is illegal under the Trade Marks Act 1994, and this legal protection overrides any auction house terms and conditions. Regardless of what their terms state, an auction house cannot lawfully sell counterfeit items, knowingly or unknowingly, and they remain responsible for ensuring the accuracy and legality of the goods they...