ComplaintsforMecum Auctions

• 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. 

• Initial Complaint

  02/01/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased lot k252 on 01/07/2023 via the internet. The pictures attached were either outdated or edited as it did not show the damage that can be clearly seen if new pictures were taken. The camera man also avoided damaged areas. The ad also said the truck came with new 22rims and tires. The rims are not new as they are pitted and extremely scratched. It also said the truck has power windows and locks and the equipment is missing. My mechanic looked over the truck after I broke down on the side of the road. Oil is puking out and leaking everywhere along with other fluids from underneath. The belt shredded on the first test drive and caused radiator fluid to leak out due to missing bolts on the serpentine bracket. The motor is also making rattling noise. I was told it was from a private seller and it ended up being from a dealer. I was truly taken advantage of and surprised Mecum auction would allow false advertisement. I have reached out to the company multiple times via e-mail and have not received any response. I havent even received the title!

  Customer response

  02/03/2023

  I purchased lot k252 on 01/07/2023 via the internet. The pictures attached were either outdated or edited as it did not show the damage that can be clearly seen if new pictures were taken. The camera man also avoided damaged areas. The ad also said the truck came with new 22rims and tires. The rims are not new as they are pitted. It also said the truck has power windows and locks and those do not work. My mechanic looked over the truck after I broke down on the side of the road. Oil is puking out and leaking everywhere along with other fluids from underneath. The belt shredded on the first test drive and caused radiator fluid to leak out. The motor is also making rattling noise. Im so distraught as *** spent my savings on a truck thats going to need a lot of money to get right. I was told it was from a private seller and it ended up being from a dealer. This truck is so unsafe! I was truly taken advantage of. Please help!

  Business response

  03/06/2023

  We have reviewed **************************** concerns with the vehicle that he purchased at auction and have determined that the seller did not misrepresent the vehicle through their description. All vehicles are sold as-is per the Bidders Agreement that ************************ signed. 

• Initial Complaint

  01/25/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  KC show, purchased 3 cars. One being a 2016 Porsche Mecan ******* as a clean title car. Got the title and went to the *** to register and they tell me it was a SALVAGE title. Contacted Mecum and they said "We are at the ******** show and wont be back for 2 weeks and I had to wait. After that show, they didn't see anything about it being Salvage. I Spent a 2nd day at the Highway Patrol to verify. They again verified it is a SALVAGE title. This time telling me State Farm salvaged the car in 2015. I called State Farm. State farm VERIFIED it was salvaged in 2015. I told Mecum this information. The next day Mecum tells me they contacted State Farm and State Farm is going to issue a letter saying the meant to remove the salvage branding , a YEAR later. Makes no sense, except!!! State Farm and Mecum are partners, it's in State Farm AND Mecums best interest to protect each other. The Carfax report is a mess. "Hit a Tree, Hit a stationary object, Damage front, left front, left side, left rear, rear, right side. Airbags deployed, Vehicle disabled, Vehicle had to be towed", sure sounds like a total loss to me. In order to apply for a Salvage title in ****** I need the insurance information, repair receipts, Also ****** requires any vehicle with that much damage to be branded salvage within 6 years of the vehicle. This was a 2016, that was totaled BEFORE 2016 in 11/2015. I didn't pay for a salvaged car, It was represented as a Clean title, nothing on this title is clean. 5 dealer transfers in the last 5 months, a super dirty carfax with 2 accidents. I would have never bid if Mecum didn't grossly misrepresent this car. No where does it say salvage title, or dirty carfax. The point of buying from a reputable business like Mecum is to not be lied and taken advantage of.

  Business response

  02/08/2023

  Mecum Auctions contacted ********************** and confirmed that the title provided to him by the seller of this vehicle did not have any branding. Research through running a Carfax Report also showed the title had no current branding. 

  Customer response

  02/09/2023

  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

  
  

  *** with the resolutions team wanted me to be factual with my response, so I will be factual. Mecum auctions sold me a car with a title that has to be registered as a salvage title. He did his own research, and said **** DMV, and some guy in ******** said it was a clean title. He did not however call the state I live in, nor the state that the vehicle was sold to me in. ******** DMV has the car as a total loss, ****** has the car as a total loss, AutoCheck has the car at a total loss. The only people that say the car isn't a total loss is Mecum and CarFax. Not sure where ****** didn't get the memo, but everyone else says this car was a total loss. 

  I asked if they called ******? He said he didn't call ****** because they will dig their heels in and say it's a salvage vehicle. Well, that's the state I live in. "**** will title this as a clean title", are you suggesting I illegally title a vehicle in a state I don't live in? I don't care WHERE will title this salvage car as a clean title, but the state I live in, and the state you sold it in, will not. 

  To add further insult to the damages caused by them, "We no longer want your business, you cannot buy or sell at Mecum auctions".. I WAS BANNED from Mecum auctions because they sold me a car I cannot title. The audacity. Why are they so hard set on this? What is there to gain on their end? *** is treating me like this is some buyers remorse case. The only remorse I have is that it cannot be titled in my state without having it branded as salvage. My wife has wanted this car since 2015, now I could finally afford to buy her one and the only thing we can do is look at it in the driveway. 

  ******** says has to be registered as a salvage vehicle.

  ****** says has to be registered as a salvage vehicle

  Auto check says it was a total loss

  State Farm says they total loss the vehicle in 2015. 

  
  Regards,
  
  ***************************

  Business response

  02/17/2023

  We have been been working with ********************** to get the issue he was having with the state of ****** to get the vehicle titled resolved. Today I confirmed that the issue has been resolved and he is willing to confirm so with the BBB.  If you could reach out to ********************** that would be appreciated. 

  Customer response

  02/21/2023

  [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. There was a title issue, Mecum did resolve it. 
  
  Regards,
  
  ***************************
  

*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. ↩