Complaint Review: Bigelow Auction Service

I called the Auction Service to tell them I could not figure out how to bid for the auction I was interested in online. They told me it was because you could only bid in person.  I went to the auction really only seeking one item (I bought 3 and the one I went after)

When it came time to bid on my item (boring machine) I opened the bid at $500 it was quiet.  I was hoping of course no one else was going to bid. (the item is not something used much anymore) Then there were a few more bids and I had no idea where they came from.

At $1100 I noticed the bids were coming from a phone bidder. It was only me and that person at that time and they ran the bid up to $2000 and quit. I bid $2100 and won the item.

I then of course paid for the item and headed home. It hit me on the way home what I was told you must be present to bid. I felt cheated, and ask the auction for $1000 dollars back. (where I know for sure it was only me and the phone bidder. They refused.

It is not necessarily uncommon to be phone bidding at auctions but the point for me is that I was told I had to be there and even though I was sick I spent the day b4 getting my truck ready to drive 200 miles and stay in a hotel. I had to go to the hospital the day after I got home.

I offered to split the money with the auctioneer and he refused to take any responsibility. I called the person selling out, he was nice and said it was up to the auctioneer.  

Being sick I would have rather made the trip in a few days if I got the item. I am sure the person on the phone wasn't even registered which really is neither here nor there.

I was told you must be present to bid I was. They weren't. Thank you for your time