ComplaintsforMecum Auctions

• Initial Complaint

  07/23/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I gave Mecum $1000 as a listing to auction my car in the Spring *************** ************. The $1000 fee is for one of the better days to sell. i was given a Thursday the first thing in the morning which is a horrible time slot. The car had a reasonable reserve which was not hit. A few days later I picked up my car and took it home. Mecum keeps the titles for an additional 21 days as THIER POLICY in case the sells at a later date, which is a stupid policy in that the car was in my possession and a buyer, even if Mecum got their commission would have to come to me to get the car. Mecum sent my title back via *** which immediately lost the title. Mecums response was since its still in your name you can get a duplicate title (which I paid $15 not to mention time and stress)and we will reimburse you for time and expense. They file a claim and receive $100 from *** and I get nothing. A title that says "duplicate" is a red flag to many buyers of collectible cars so now I have a devalued car. They did not pay any extra shipping insurance for the title. They have abdicated ANY RESPONSIBLITY!. Plus they make more money out of my loss and I still have not been reimbursed anything. To this date I have not been reimbursed anything. Additionally given a time slot to sell that did not meet what was expected for the amount that I paid for the auction.

  Business response

  07/31/2024

  As a customer courtesy ********************** will offer a entry fee credit (equal to the amount previously paid to consign the vehicle) for our upcoming 2025 Kissimmee auction. Since contractually Mecum has 21 days after the auction to sell the car through Bid Goes On (when it did not sell on the block) we do hold the title for that period of time. It is true that *** lost the title that was shipped to the customer. The $100 lost item fee collected from *** (along with the cost to get a duplicate title) has been refunded to the customer. A duplicate title is just that (a duplicate title) in the case when a title has been lost or damaged. and should not have any impact on the value of the vehicle. 

  Customer response

  08/05/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  I have received a refund of $115 which is a good start. However Mecum offered a entrance to the *****************. I live in ******* and there is a Mecum auction here in ************ every May. If Mecum intended to state the Indianapolis auction I agree and can accept however if it is Florida  I cant do since it would cost me more money to ship a car to ******* to sell. If I still have the car by next April, I would accept the Indianapolis auction. 
  
  Regards,
  
  ***********************************

  Business response

  08/07/2024

  If you would like to consign for the Indy auction instead of ******* that would be fine. 

  Customer response

  08/22/2024

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 
  
  Regards,
  
  ***********************************
  

• Initial Complaint

  06/17/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I purchased 2 advertising signs from Mecum. 09/26/2022 purchased a Globe Ethyl Double sided porcelain, advertised as an original. I paid $3950 for. On 01/19/2023, I purchased a ****** sales and Service single sided porcelain sign from Mecum, advertised as Original for $$3096. I recently took these items to ******* Auctions to resell. I was told by ******** auctions (they also have a sign authentication company), that these items are not authentic, non originals. So this means the signs I purchased for over $7000 and was sold to me as originals, are in fact fantasy pieces with a worth of maybe around $200. My first purchase was in person at an event. I spoke with a Mecum rep working that auction and he assured me the Globe sign was original as stated in their advertisment.. I asked because I didn't want to buy a fake and I told him that. Second sign was an online purchase, that Mecum advertised as "Guaranteed Original". Neither sign was what they claimed. Nor would I have purchased these items knowing they were fake. Mecum auctions sells other signs which they don't list as originals, but these two signs they did advertise as originals. By advertising these signs as originals they falsely caused me and others to overbid and pay an inflated price for a product worth a fraction of what was paid. Again, this is how they deceptively sold me these signs. Since they are in the business of selling these types of products, one might reasonably assume they know the difference between real and fake. The fact is they labeled these signs as original. They sell other signs where they do not list as originals. I'm looking to return these signs back to Mecum and get a full refund of my purchase price.

  Customer response

  06/19/2024

  Any issues I've had with Mecum Auctions has been resolved.   They actually bent over backwards to help me which is not so common these days.  Misunderstandings happen, so it's nice they stepped up to take care of the problem.   Good company.

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  03/09/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I had a child over at our home last night. He was interested in auction on my phone. I set run date to previous day . Handed him my phone. Went to help my wife. When I came back I went back to current day. He had put a bid in. Didn't stress me out because I truly believed I could just hit cancel. Well this is not available on mobile ??. I frantically tried reciding his unauthorized bid. Once that was not working. Tried calling mecum number. Unbelievable. During hours of the auction. Got voice mail. How can that be. Now I'm at a loss of what to do. There should be a 2 step safety process for mobile. I'm so confused.

  Business response

  03/21/2024

  As a registered bidder ****************** agreed to the terms and conditions of being an online bidder. He was responsible for his actions and was in breach of the Bidders Agreement that he signed. Mecum Auctions online bidding platform does have 2 step process before a person can place a bid on an vehicle. 

  Customer response

  03/22/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  [Please type your response here.]
  Here is my issues. I did bid at a previous auction.  I called and mecum verified I had the highest bid in before it closed. Their response was auctioneer didn't give it to me even though I was higest bidder. Then you flip over to this instance. I called the next day willing to satisfy this issue.  They stated they ran the truck in question back through.  However I saw no proof of this. Now I'm questioning the handling. I truly would feel more at peace seeing these alleged facts. I was threatened to pay or be dragged into a lawsuit. I know that their competitors require proof of funds before you are able to bid. This would limit issues. I understand that there was a server issue. I wasn't even provided footage of particular lot to verify. When I asked if they had record of previous bidder they said that it's impossible to know.  I believe that it would be required to have all that data 
  Regards,
  
  *************************

  Business response

  04/10/2024

  Since there was a breach of contract by not paying for the winning lot as outlined in the Bidders Agreement, we will not be providing any kind of refund. 

• Initial Complaint

  01/23/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  television bad coverage

  Business response

  01/28/2024

  Our partner Motor Trend has always provided exceptional coverage of our auction events and we're sorry to hear that you were not satisfied with the coverage that they provided. 

• Initial Complaint

  09/20/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I purchased a wooden replica ******* They couldn't ship it so I rented a uhaul and drove to Iowa. Their person was bringing it out on a Dolly when they hit a hole and broke the wheel and forks. Now it's garbage. I bought a ********* and they charged 150 document fee and I haven't received anything, except for a receipt, I have nothing showing owner ship. They say it will be sent after the auction by 2nd day air. It's been 2 weeks and they won't return calls or emails. I paid ******* plus 150. In addition to 400 in gas and uhaul because I wouldn't have gone if I knew they broke it before I touched it.

  Business response

  10/07/2023

  As a customer courtesy the entire purchase price was refunded to **************.

  Customer response

  10/09/2023

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 
  
  Regards,
  
  *********************
  

• Initial Complaint

  06/09/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased a car from mecum Indy in may 2023. When doing my paperwork the finance person told me that my home state charges 6% sales tax, which they do. Except if you register it with a historic license plate then theres no sales tax, well its ****. I went to my dmv and verified this. My registration shows taxes owed is ****. Dmv said if its a daily driver with a regular license plate the 6% tax which is $1527 would of been due. But with the historical plate that shows that its rarely driven or taken to car shows and theres no sales tax these tax dollars are not coming out of mecums profits so I dont know why they will not work with me and refund my $1527. As you can see on my registration in the top right it has the letters HV which stands for historical vehicle on the bottom right it has the taxable value they tax a historical vehicle at $100 at 6% so the only tax I pay on this car at purchase is six dollars.

  Business response

  06/23/2023

  Mecum Auctions is bound by the state tax laws where an auction is held. The **************** requires Mecum to collect sales tax on all vehicle purchases at the home standard rate of the purchaser. Buyer should contact their state tax department if they feel that a refund is in order. 

• Initial Complaint

  05/27/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I registered as an annual bidder with Mecum. I participated as a bidder in the **** 2023 event. I won the bid on lot K196 (**** Hummer H2 with ****** miles per listing). I submitted payment for the vehicle and currently the vehicle is in the titling process. I have not signed an odometer affidavit, or any other documents in regards to the titling/mileage of this purchase. I conducted a vin check on this vehicle and experian autocheck has confirmed that this vehicle has an odometer discrepancy. The title currently in ******* reflects mileage not accurate. (See report attached) Mecum should have known this issue and did not disclose this information. I bid on a vehicle that has 18k miles, not 100k+ miles. I expect Mecum to do the right thing as I have been a loyal member of Mecum for quite some time and so has my Father.

  Business response

  06/05/2023

  The vehicle was not sold by the Seller with actual mileage advertised. In many states once a vehicle is over 10 years old they are notes as mileage exempt. Mecum has worked with the Buyer and they will be keeping the truck and have an interest in selling other vehicles through our auction. They are valued customers and we look forward to helping them with their consignments in the future. 

• Initial Complaint

  05/18/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Unresolved

  More info

  SELLERS! DO NOT SELL with MECUM. Its a scam. Mecum car auction charges a fee to sell your vehicle to handle procuring a qualified buyer. ****** to get a number. 2% to seller when the vehicle sells and 2% to buyer upon purchase. I drove my vehicle to the **** auction 5 hours one way. Paid for hotels and transportation along with flights for my parents to be present. They auctioned my vehicle and I chose to lift the reserve so that I could sell. This auction was not bringing any $. 60% kept their vehicles. They sold mine to a buyer an had a backup bidder. I signed all docs and title over to Mecum. I left Indy and got a call today that I needed to come get it, buyer wouldnt bring their money. The contracts are set up for them to obtain the buyer and close the deal. Now they are refusing to buy the vehicle and I have to drive back to get the vehicle, a 10 hour round trip. The jerk on the phone had no explanation and said they would pay me the $350. Not sufficient. I have over $4000 going to this. Now had I chose to keep the truck, not lift the reserve and sell, then the funds I spent should be on me. But when I signed the contract, Mecum is responsible to obtain the funds. Not me. If so I would have just sold it by myself. Thats why you pay them and to try and get top $. Which they definitely couldnt even do that. $350 is not sufficient and they owe a minimum of $4,400! They also double charged for an extra ticket to get in of $50 that I had already paid for when I got there, but conveniently their machine didnt recognize it. Like where did that pass come from. I didnt just grab it from behind their desks. Racket for sure. Pay to park is fine, but when you left to go get anything charged you again, and again! Bottom line Mecum owes me a minimum of $4400 and the price of the truck $20k.

  Business response

  05/24/2023

  The bidder who had the high bid not make payment for the vehicle that was consigned. As noted in the Auction Listing Contract, when the Buyer doesn't make payment the vehicle is returned to the Seller. 

  Customer response

  05/24/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  Mecum has refused to provide buyers name and info so that I can file suit against the buyer.  Therefore, making Mecum liable for the cost of the vehicle.  Unless, Mecum provides this they are denying me the recourse in their own contract.  Mecum to provide all contact info and bank info for buyer.  
  
  Regards,
  
  ***********************

• Initial Complaint

  04/04/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  On 2/3/23 I puchased tickets to a Mecum auction in ***** ** that would occur in June 23. I was contacted by *********************** introducing herself and that she would be working with me as a bidder at the auction. On 3/9/23 I reached out to her and advised that due to an emergent family issue I could not make the June ******* and was advised at that time that she would "turn it in for a refund". I subsequently reached out to her on March 30th and April 3rd via e-mail without any response. So at this point, I am submiting this complaint as to warn others that while Mecum will reach out to you about any ticket purchase you make they do not respond when it is a matter of crediting your account back. At the time of talking with ***, she indicated it would be turned in for a refund. Based on this I made adjustments to my schedule to accomodate the schedule change on my end in a way that I cannot change my schedule now. If *** had advised these were "non-refundable" I would have not adjusted my schedule but I have an email where she advises she's "turning it in for a refund". Mecum needs to honor what she said and return my money. If not, I will NEVER even consider Mecum in the future as they are showing they do not stand by what they say.

  Business response

  04/15/2023

  Although tickets are non-refundable, we understand that emergencies do happen and we handle these situations on a case by case basis. We will reach out to the customer and gladly refund him for the tickets that they were not able to use and also offer some complimentary tickets for a future auction as a customer courtesy. 

  Customer response

  04/18/2023

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 

  I do appreciate Mecum's response and help here, they have kept me as a customer and I look forward to working with them in the future.

  Thank you and regards,

  *******************************

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  03/31/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I bid on a **** car listed as a roadster yesterday, 03/30,2023. Internationally, a roadster is a vehicle without a roof OR a 2 seater with a roof. Through out my conversations with Manager ************ was NOT told that it had no roof. My wife and I called several times to cancel the bid , but all we got was insulted and yelled at by *****. I had to go to the hospital with severe chest pains after dealing with Mecum. I am 81 years old. My wife called earlier today, March 31,2023. We are now not allowed to talk to anyone at Mecum, per *****. And I cannot get the email address for anyone above *****. I also paid $400. to bid on cars for 2023 and that is not being returned. That's robbery taking money and denying access to the auctions. PLEASE let everyone know how dishonest this company is. Hopefully you will be able to get through to Mr. ********************** and let him know what is happening to his company with the unqualified management team in place. Also, this company sells to all states; please let all BBBs know about this.

  Business response

  04/15/2023

  This claim was reviewed and it was determined that the seller of this vehicle did not in any way misrepresent the vehicle. As a registered bidder the Buyer agreed to the terms and conditions which include all lots being sold as-is, where-is. By not agreeing to pay for the vehicle that they bid on it was a breach of contract by their refusal to pay for the vehicle. 

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩