AuctionNinja Reviews 4,089

I am still seeking resolution regarding a purchase that remains unfulfilled. I believe I have been scammed by the seller involved in this transaction. I arranged for friends to travel all the way to Massachusetts to pick up the item, only to find that it was not there.

After contacting the seller, I was told the item would be shipped to me instead. That was over three months ago. Since then, I have made multiple attempts to follow up, but the seller has stopped responding entirely.

I have also called Auction Ninja support four times, but have yet to receive a single call back. The lack of response and accountability has been incredibly frustrating and disappointing. Finally someone emailed me and told me to initiate a charegback with my bank. Their lack of seller accountability is alarming!

Given this experience, I would never purchase from AuctionNinja again. I hope this message finally prompts action, as I would still like assistance in resolving this issue.

Date of experience: March 26, 2025

I won an auction for 9 Vinyl albums for $128 in a shipping only auction, received confirmation email from "Paul's Boutique," and since then have been completely ghosted. I reached out multiple times via phone, email and texts to both the vendor and to Auction Ninja and have received no response on non-delivery from either, currently at over 3 weeks. Auction Ninja evidently not only doesn't protect buyers on their platform but they won't even talk to them. Don't trust any of these auctions until you vet the individual auctioneer yourself, which, frankly is pretty hard to do!

Date of experience: June 03, 2025

Auction Ninja is an online platform that offers collectors, buyers, sellers etc, and exchange money for "lightly" used, used or could be brand new in the box and never used merchandise. From furniture to home appliances, decor, stamps, coins, etc items are posted for auction and buyers can bid on an items at their own risk. Yes I say risk....Some tips I wish I would have known before bidding on the Auction Ninja Platform...
1. Please keep in mind, sellers, not all, however a good many, will have AT LEAST 1 login, sometimes more, although this is against AN's "Rules". In either event Sellers are permitted to place bids on products that they are auctioning, thus driving the price up. Yes it is a gamble, but The average buyer believes they are participating in a bidding war on an item with another legitimate buyer. Sometimes this is the case, however a majority of the time, it is not. It is the seller, driving price of the item up. Keep in mind these items are used. Some of the items are designer and would still go for a large some based on good condition. HOWEVER, many of the items again I say are USED, their value has completely diminished and a lot of times the seller is feeling you out to see how high you will go. You may be thinking, why would a seller not want to actually sell the item..., it's true, sellers want to sell the items that are on the auction table, however they also want the highest return. Most sellers, always have another auction, so if they drove the price up beyond what the legit bidder was willing to pay, and got stuck with the item they can just turn around and sell it in their next auction! Don't forget sometimes the sellers already purchased the items, sometimes they havent, either way be cautious.
2. First hand experience, I placed a bid, and continued to bid on a piece of furniture, whose picture was provided, and there were no mention of defects in descrip. On the way to pick up the piece, I logged back onto the site to grab the address, and well and behold, the description of the item had been updated and now included that there was a crack in 2 drawers of the mirror furniture. Additionally, many other items that were sold at that auction had their descriptions updated, after the auction was closed. To make matters worse, the seller had the audacity to update some of the pictures, post auction closing. Many items had updated descriptions which now included the existing defects and also had brand new pictures posted, clearly identifying the defects. WOW, this was pretty bad....Word of advice, once you bid on an item, screen shot the description and the pictures of the item and save it for your records..
3. If you thought you were the high bidder on an item, but there is a "glitch", and you never receive an email identifying you were the high bidder, reach out to the seller and just ask, it cant hurt. Even if you dont get an email identifying you were the high bidder, they will still charge your card. It doesn't matter if you had no idea that you were the high bid, or you weren't provided the pick-up location. Again first hand experience. My take, the seller didn't get what she wanted for the piece, and I was ever notified that I was high bidder, Never got an email or was told where to show up to get the item. I received a text message an hour before the seller was ending the pick-up window and asked if I was coming to get the table. The location was far from where I was that day and I never would have made it in time. She said my item would be "DONATED" aka sold in another auction, thus receiving double the profit.
6. Be mindful of the shipping costs. You think to yourself, how much could shipping be from point A to point B, if the drive is only 30 minutes. They will rake you thru the coals for shipping. You actually will most likely pay more for the shipping then you did the item. Never allow them to ship items to you, you will regret it.
7. Credits Card numbers, after you have won a bid it is not uncommon for your card number to be stolen. Maybe not right away, however suggestion, don't use a debit card, and only us one credit card dedicated to the site. This way if its compromised, you will know right away and you cancel the card. This is not an infrequent scenario. Almost all reviews include this information, so it is a very well known platform "GLITCH"
At the end of the day, Auction Ninja receives a portion of the seller's profit. What this means is that they dont have the best interest of the buyers in mind. The more the house makes, the more money AN receives. Would love them to eliminate the ability of sellers to also be buyers of their own items that are on auction. This would make it a fair auction and would give AN some self-respect. The idea behind AN is great, HOWEVER, their ethics in my opinion are debatable. Now you know, proceed at your own risk.

Date of experience: June 16, 2025

AN has this ridiculous 2 blocks and you're out. The problem is the bidder or buyer doesn't get to tell their side of the story. Be warned. The auctioneers have card blanche to do what they want or say. Metafair the auctioneer didn't send my item for almost 8 weeks. And wasn't responding. I contacted AN and they never got back to me. Then MetaFair replied to this, but them blocked me cause I contacted AN. They're guilty, not me.
Same with Electric City company in Colorado who tried to rook me on shipping via 3rd party. They wanted 3x what I eventually paid for.

AN doesn't give a hoot. They only protect the seller

Be warned.

John

Date of experience: June 06, 2025

On Saturday I had my virtual credit card number linked only to Auction Ninja stolen. I have emailed and called (messages) Auction Ninja with no response. Now I know why.
Buyer beware- i now see many of us learned the hard way.

Date of experience: June 12, 2025

I have been buying from auctions for over 50 years and have most being honest. This Denver group seem to block honest reviews of themselves and their handful of auction sites. Their answer to fraud is to simply block one as a buyer. Well, I am exploring these guys more thoroughly and suing one of their 'protected' fraudsters. More to come. I see so many posts regarding auction ninja and stolen credit card info. Are you aware that auction sights are not regulated? No wonder I read where so many elderly appear to be ripped off by dishonest auction companies. Watch out!

UPDATE: After reading through these reviews I now understand why the manage to keep a high * review..they simply block you as a future buyer. I see where one buyer suggested an investigation into these guys. I agree. I am researching them in Colorado now and dismayed to see these guys are NOT regulated, licensed, nor watched. MORE TO COME! Signed, forever banned and on a mission to expose.

Date of experience: June 11, 2025

I just started using AuctionNinja, and after only four transactions from two different sellers, I had to cancel my card due to fraudulent charges. First and only auction site I have had anything like this happen, and I use many auction sites every day for purchases.
BEWARE!!!! Read the negative reviews, and all are about fraud. Plenty of places to bid and buy, in my humble opinion, avoid this mess.

Date of experience: June 02, 2025

In the past five months, four of my credit cards have been used for fraudulent purchases. The only website or retailer where I used all four credit cards is AuctionNinja.

Date of experience: May 29, 2025

Horrible customer service. ZERO customer service. I have NOT received one return call from them to resolve a problem. it's funny because I am sure that the owners of this site see the large amount of negative feedback and choose to do nothing about it.

Date of experience: May 05, 2025

There is definitely some level of CC fraud. I just started using AuctionNinja again and the fraudulent charges have begun again. Reading the reviews on this website clearly indicated this is a commonplace thing. Not affiliated with the BBB. Sketchy, it's a shame but I will not be using this website going forward. Some investigation should be performed.

Date of experience: May 05, 2025

I love Auction Ninja, Especially Hunt & Gather Vintage Market. Stephen Bukovsky is the best.

Thanks Janet Hassell

Date of experience: April 08, 2025

I’ve had great luck with this company. As a licensed auctioneer, I can tell you that the site is very reputable.

There may be some bad apples as there can be with any sales site with many sellers, but the majority of auctions run on the site are excellent.
The opportunity to ask questions and to vet any seller is available beforehand. If you have any concerns, please do that.

Date of experience: April 02, 2025

Website is a little scam. Beware of each auction on the site with the third party sellers

Date of experience: April 14, 2025

Like others, I’ve been able to purchase items that are beautiful but beyond my retail purchase capabilities BUT, is the price worth the cost?
For example, like other reviewers, I’ve experienced credit card fraud shortly if not immediately after a purchase. The most recent was last night. I picked up an item at 3pm & I received this message at 4 pm:
Chase Fraud: We declined $634.11 with the card ending XXXX at VIVAAEROB.

Was this you or an authorized user? Reply YES or NO.

If yes, you will not be charged unless the purchase is attempted again. If no, we will close the card above and send you a new one that you should receive in 5 to 7 business days. Msg & data rates may apply.

Here is what I wrote to AJ this morning:
I received a message from my credit card indicating a suspicious charge for over 600.00. The fraudulent purchase was for a Mexican airline. Fraudulent charges have appeared consistently over the past year- 4 different times. This means shutting down my card and getting a new one and being without one for 3 or more days. I own a business and need access to that card. I am writing to you because I realized that the common denominator linking the fraud is auction ninja. Each fraud attempt occurred shortly after an auction ninja purchase. A superficial Google search reveals that I have plenty of company regarding this issue-especially focused on fraudulent airline purchases. What gives? Completely unacceptable. Auction Ninja certainly has strict guidelines for bidders but is the same shoe on the other foot?

Date of experience: April 11, 2025

I have used AuctionNinja a number of times and i almost always thrilled with my wins. However I have now pinpointed the credit hacks I have been experiencing to their site. I don't know if it is a problem on their end (poor security or dishonest employees) or that the auction house where I am bidding has access to the credit card number, but with the latest hack (with a new card) I know it is from their site. So I will have say good bye, 6 news cards in the last 2 years is too much.

Date of experience: March 23, 2025

Not a fan.. felt like I was bid up by the owners. Merchandise in utter disarray for the price tag I paid for. I’d avoid this business as there are more reputable vintage/antique houses to buy your goods and without the 18% owners surcharge….beware

Date of experience: March 15, 2025

I recently had a problem with my credit card and tried one that wasn't activated that was also denied. I am locked out of AN and you screwed up my account with EBAY ! Meanwhile my original account that was locked out paid my bill and I already picked up my item ? I was told by the people running the auction that once I paid this would be undone. Trying to get a hold of someone to straighten this out is almost impossible as I sent a message that went unanswred

Date of experience: February 27, 2025

After bidding on Auction Ninja, I received a $470 fraudulent charge for Avianca Airlines on my credit card. I canceled that card and used a brand new card where the only place I used/entered my card number was on AuctionNinja.com. One week later, I received notification that another $163 fraudulent purchase for Avianca Airlines was made on my new card. I've never used this card anywhere else and I made no other purchases with this card.

And it looks like I'm not the only person who received fraudulent charges to their credit cards after using Auction Ninja. Please be aware that someone is stealing credit card info from this site. If you can, try to cancel any cards with your credit card company that were used/saved on that site. Even if you delete them from your account, the thief most likely has your data in their records.

Date of experience: March 01, 2025

The auctions are terrific. I've found a number of wonderful items through Auction Ninja.
My only problem is I've had several credit card fraud alerts since I started with them. AJ needs to vet their auction houses and/or shipping vendors. I am not happy with their financial information firewall. Bidders need to feel safe that their cc info is SAFE!!!!

Date of experience: February 23, 2025

This site is vile. The issue for legitimate sellers here is that they don't unite to file a complaint with the AG, the BBB, online review sites, etc....when the service that they pay for is NOT provided. If you allow people to take advantage of you, that is what they will do. Auction Ninja are people.

~ Fact, as mentioned in reviews here, there is a bit of shill bidding. Raising prices from the inside. That's an unscrupulous seller issue much like the snake-oil salesman during the depression era's traveling roadshows. If you make a complaint, you get kicked off THE ENTIRE SITE!?!
~ Fact, the majority of sellers take blurry photos, state used car salesman verbiage like "as-is", "condition/wear typical for age" then what shows up to your house smells like mildew/smoke (had to throw away $500 in books and records that should have NEVER even been listed!?! I received warped and scratched vinyl, filthy books with pages stuck together, etc...) and generally in a condition that nobody would even touch.

This platform relies on the offer of hope. You HOPE that you're getting quality product for a great price. I suppose that's doable if the buyer can drive out to pick the items up, discover that the items are pure garbage and then refuse in person BUT if you have the items shipped then YOU ARE FCKD!?! Especially, since MOST of these sellers are lazy and drop the stuff off at a UPS Store. $60 upcharge (as-in ON TOP of actual postage) for a box seems to be the agreed upon number in all of CT and Long Island for 2025. U-line sells that box for $2. Nobody replies to support complaints, nobody admits to tricking photography even with the proof in their face and I have had to NUMEROUS times utilize the chargeback option on my card as a result (but then I'm stuck with an exorbitant UPS Store charge for a box of useless garbage!?!) THEN, and ONLY THEN, do you hear from somebody when they write to tell you how terrible YOU are and how YOU just got blocked for being difficult. THAT is the VERY definition of "Cancel Culture" and most importantly, why we have Lemon Laws, Consumer Protections, Attorney Generals and the Better Business Bureau.

I just participated in a high-end, greatly photographed and described auction, but the entire site completely CRASHED 10 minutes before the items began to end!?!? This is the THIRD time that this has happened. These people can't even get a proper host/server. They're not ebay serving MILLIONS daily. Are they going to change/fix/upgrade? Of course, not. Why would they? The client (the estate) they just robbed of bids and money certainly isn't told what happened, the seller needs to move on to the next set of stuff to sell, and none of those sellers do anything about the service they didn't get. They paid to use a functional website that allows the maximum number of bidders to participate in order to get the maximum dollar for each and every item. If a $700 piece of art only sells for $30 as a result....the seller made $6 instead of $140....multiplied by EVERY PIECE OF ART LISTED!?! YOU PAID FOR THAT AND AREN'T LOSING YOUR MINDS?!? WTF?!

Why?...because they need this site to do business and Auction Ninja knows that VERY well. They probably CAN'T complain for fear of getting kicked out/off like they so easily do the ACTUAL bidders/buyers. "NO SOUP FOR YOU"!?!

It's insane.

There ARE some great sellers here who take multiple photos, describe VERY well, actually answer questions AND accept and remedy when mistakes are made. I'd go with at most 20% of them fall into this bracket. Very bad stats.

Imagine that show Storage Wars. This is what you're signing up for. Maybe what arrives to your house isn't garbage. If it is, you just bought it! SUCKER!

Date of experience: February 19, 2025