Bidder Reviews for Clarke Auction Gallery (619)

This transaction was a nightmare for me. First I bid $125 then I was bumped up by the system to $150. I called Rolland to see if they could help me but they said they could not and said I would have to resolve the matter with Live auctioneers. Messaged live auctioneers and said they would get back to me.... they never did. Contacted live auctioneers again and they were able to tell me almost immediately that a live bid came from the floor before mine and that they were not able to change it on their end. I decided to settle the matter and go to New York City to pick up the item and pay the full price. I arrived at the auction house during normal hours of operation only to find the store closed. I later received a phone call from the auction house saying that the piece had been sent to a shipping company in the Bronx and that I would have to make arrangements for shipping an item to New Jersey for the absurd amount of $40 dollars. I had told Rolland auction house several days earlier that I was contending the bid with Live Auctioneers and was waiting to hear from them.... they sent the item to the Bronx anyway. Called the Bronx USPS shipping store and I asked them if they could ship the item to a local USPS store across the river for a discounted shipping cost. USPS said they would call me back... they never did. Called them back later that evening, left my message and phone number and received no return reply. Long story short... I give up. I feel that if I continue on in this matter I will be run over by a car while trying to pick up the package at the USPS store. Again... I give up. This was the only time in my experience i had a problem with live auctioneers or an auction house.

Very friendly, competent staff. Have bought from them a number of times now and all interactions have been problem-free.

Smooth transaction!!

one of the best with accuracy of condition descriptions. Very professional office staff easy to work with.

Their referred shippers were expensive and some never returned quotes. I went with one not on their list. Also sellers should always post a close-up photo of any damage, but at least Clarke did describe it which some don't do.

A very honorable and prompt paying auction house

Employees took phone messages but didn't bother to pass them on. Only give 10 business days to pay and after that put it into dispute with Live Auctioneers. I am a repeat buyer and I feel they treated me badly when I went to pick up on the 13th day after telling them that was when i was coming. If that is not acceptable someone should tell me.

They are an excellent auction house-I have enjoyed doing business with for many years-with the exception of one employee/appraiser named Bruce Anderson.... I have known owner Ron over 15 years and he is honest and fair!!!

I bought four lots from Clarke. Three I was very happy with; the fourth was a group of 17 (if I recall) art books. The pictures appeared to show hardback books, but when I received them almost all were large paperbacks. I should have asked, but a little more information along the lines of "17 art books, 12 of which are paperback and 5 of which are hardback" would have been very helpful.