ComplaintsforWoodstock Antiques
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Complaint Details
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Initial Complaint
06/03/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Product Issues
- Status:
- Unanswered
Date of Transaction: March 29, 2024 I purchased an item advertised as an original "Qing dynasty ink on paper painting by Empress Dowager Cixi" from the "estate sale of *******************" during a "Premier Auction from Property Sale" conducted by Woodstock Auction on LiveAuctioneer.com. This provenance was the key reason I bid on the item.The business committed to providing an authentic Qing dynasty painting from the estate of ************************ receiving the item, it was clear that the "ink on paper painting" was a low-quality print with modern framing hardware, contradicting its described historical significance. This discrepancy means that the item received does not match what was ordered.I contacted ******************* at Woodstock Auction multiple times between April 1 and April 10, 2024, requesting legitimate documentation to substantiate their provenance claims. Despite guaranteeing the painting's authenticity, the only documentation provided was an internally created "Certificate of Sale" without independent validation.My independent verification with the executor of ********************* estate confirmed no estate sales have occurred in recent years, directly contradicting the merchant's claims. Despite this evidence, the auction house refused to resolve the issue or issue refund.The merchant initially cited their "Sold As Is" policy to dismiss my concerns. After I filed a chargeback, they offered a conditional refund but refused to cover return shipping costs. Advertising Details:The misleading advertisement was seen on LiveAuctioneer.com, dated March 29, 2024, claiming the item was an original painting from the estate of *******************.I urge the BBB to assist in resolving this matter and holding Woodstock Auction/Woodstock Antique accountable for their deceptive practices.
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Customer Complaints Summary
1 total complaints in the last 3 years.
1 complaints closed in the last 12 months.