american auction co american auction systemsamerican auction and appraisalsamerican auction & appraisals 'SOLD' $1000 items for $10. wasn't paid for all items sold. items disappeared. withheld funds phx Arizona

I closed my furniture and decor business.  I contracted to consign 3740 items.  I was told that, because of number of items, maybe would have an auction just for my store items.  Didn't happen.

Supposedly there would be 100-150 people on live auction day to bid, in person, plus the 'thousands bidding on line globally' On auction day, (i was one of 10 people on site)  I was alarmed when I saw none of the armoires, cabinets, trunks, tables, desks, etc were cleared of inventory that was stored inside for moving!.

My inventory was scattered EVERYWHERE!  Some mixed in with other Lot#s, some displayed incomplete, NO one could possibly KNOW what belonged to who in the chaotic mess.  Things were broken, scratched, punctured, and most all of the matching lampshades for certain lamps were destroyed in a box of misc items. One employee denied a 36" rould glass tabletop was broken, when I pointed it out to him!

I was told an opening bid of $10 is the house bid.  If no one bids the next tier $12.50 the item goes into the next weeks auction. When I saw $1000 items being sold for $10 (alledgedly 25 of 53 items sold for $10)  I notified the auction I wanted to pick up the remainder.  They agreed and gave me a 3 day window.  They Lied!.  They proceeded to 'harvest' the most expensive items and 'said' they were sold.  I SAWmy items all over the warehouse.  When I went to pick up the remaining property I was told (1) that I couldn't go inside the building. (2) that my property couldn't be recovered until  I signed a 'release' stating I would not file any complaints and I would be responsible for attorney fees Now I know why and thankfully did NOT sign it.

I told Jacky person that I was taking my property and bringing the Sheriff. Then, she withheld the settlement check of $962.48. (June 16 I received a check via Certified mail for $625.68)

After I inventoried the remaining property I was very disturbed to find SO many MISSING items!  Coin collections, jewelry, store equipment, fixtures, phones, appliances, antiques and numerous supplies and tools as well.  I stopped counting at 297 missing items. Because of the puzzling, ambiguous convoluted paperwork I received, (after numerous requests) none of which has my 'consignor' number I am surprised that they have any 'repeat' business. I was told they have 'several' locations (some in other countries) 

The tacky treatment I received would be unacceptable to anyone's standards.  This is a truthful and accurate summary of my experience with this company.