The Auction Barn
6 reviews
I have been a bidder and customer of The Auction Barn for a number of years. I have won auctions and purchased from their store. On a significant number of occasions I have driven final sale prices higher through active bidding, even where I was not the successful bidder. On one previous occasion, I arrived on a Saturday to collect an item I had… Read more
won and between leaving home and arriving for collection, a “storage” fee had appeared. The staff member removed it immediately, explaining that the fee is typically added late Saturday if items remain uncollected and no one turns up. She said as I was clearly there to pick it up, she was removing the charge. That made sense.
This time, I purchased a small lot of copper coins (value $20) so my kids could see what currency used to look like. The auction was dated 6 January 2026 and occurred across the Christmas period. I was working, but I PAID on 9 January (no collection fee had been added) and booked collection for Monday 12 January using their system.
No storage fee appeared on Saturday, either.
On Sunday — when they are closed and collection is not permitted — I received an email advising that a $20 “storage” fee had been added and instructing me to collect the item immediately. Odd, given I had booked using their own system. The instruction to collect immediately was an override of my booking via their system, apparently, as I was meant to pick it up immediately even though they were closed.
Their own terms distinguish between:
• Clause 1.2 — $5 per lot per day if not collected within 48 hours of the auction date. • Clause 2.5 — flat storage fees (1–5 lots = $20) only where items are left unpaid & uncollected. (*note, "UNPAID")
They refer to both clauses in terms of collection.
My ITEM was PAID. Collection had been booked. It was not unpaid & uncollected.
If Clause 1.2 applied, that is a $5 per day calculation if they were being rigid — not a flat $20. If Clause 2.5 applied, the trigger condition was not met.
Separately, the $20 “storage” charge bears no obvious relationship to any actual storage cost. The collection area is open and accessible. The item was low-value and required no special handling. The storage fee equalled the value of the item itself.
Nevertheless, I was required to pay $20 to retrieve a $20 item. I queried the charge on several occasions and they insisted on the full "storage charge" of $20. It was not removed.
They have lost a loyal customer. I have previously spruiked them to various people on social media.
Awesome weekly auctions and buy it now stores, I always find a great buy at the auction barn. 10/10 Show details
Great place to shop and buy. Selling at The Auction Barn is easy and stress-free. The team is professional, helpful, and kept me informed throughout the process through regular emails They handled everything from valuing my items to listing and selling them. I’d definitely recommend them if you’re looking for a hassle-free way to sell.
Follow-up · What was the commission rate? 22% How long did it take? I still sell. Depending on auctions I’ve noticed my items could go to auction for the following week or within a month because they run various auctions across a month What items did you sell? So far it’s been Various household goods, tools, mid-century furniture and art
Don't Go There – No communication, no information. They are very happy to take your goods and then fail to communicate anything with you again. Then, perhaps, they might cough up a couple of dollars for your goods. Not a happy camper here. I would not use them again. Show details
Money Over Loyalty – I was really disappointed with the Auction Barn, after being a regular customer for two years spending Tens of thousands of dollars they slugged me a $20 late fee for a tiny glass duck because it was 1 day late in being picked up. There is no customer loyalty here, its just a cash grab. Sad really! Show details
The Worst. Dishonest people to deal with – In this business, they will gladly take the items for Auction. Then they sell them and won't pay you the money. You can go back to them with a list of the items and they will say that they will pay you. At least "something" to appease you, however, even that is their usual lip service and fake smiles. Then they will try to blame you that… Read more
collecting items from you such as the antiques that filled up their truck, was costing them more, when they took the initiative to send a truck. I heard that others did not get paid. Stay away. Deal with honest people.
Extra Information
ProductReview.com.au has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence our content moderation policies in any way, though ProductReview.com.au may earn commissions for products/services purchased via affiliate links.