Johnny Email

a month ago

"I purchase designer furniture from many different auction houses nationwide and I have never had an experience as bad as with Auctions at Showplace. In April I purchased four chairs & my shipper stored them until they were delivered recently. The chairs that were shipped to me were not accurately represented by the auction listing or photographs provided. I can't tell you if this misrepresentation was due to negligence, malfeasance, or incompetence. Many sections of the chairs had been patched with thick layers of flaking paint, and one arm was missing so much leather that the section had been rebuilt with what appears to be wood putty before being painted. Neither Showplace or Invaluable responded to a documented complaint."

Hao Jiang

2 months ago

"I approached this auction house as a new client, but the experience was unacceptable. As part of their due diligence, they asked me to provide past invoices from other auction houses. That was understandable, and I provided more than ten. Then they demanded paid invoices — which most collectors do not routinely keep — but I still managed to find and share several. Even after that, they went further: they contacted Christie’s directly to verify whether I had paid a past invoice. I know this because Christie’s themselves told me. Such behavior shows a fundamental lack of professionalism and respect. I have worked with Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Bonhams, and other leading houses worldwide. None of them have ever treated a paying client this way. A reputable auction house should build trust with new clients, not undermine it. Based on this experience, I will not do business with this house again."

Julie

5 months ago

"I bid on a few items at their online auctions via LiveAuctioneers. I “lost” and then they appeared at the tag sale at a much higher price. There was no mention of a minimum reserve not being met. If you see something and want it go for it but just beware that it’s not necessarily a legit, good-faith auction."

kim depole

a year ago

"As an interior designer one is forever in the creating mindset. This was the first time a client requested I dismantle an entire home I had designed years ago. One of the very first over 20 years ago . It was for the dearest of clients, a man that was himself a brilliant innovator designer . Who else would ask you to design a fourteen foot koi pond for the entrance of a home and was thrilled with the Noguchi inspired design. I understand loss deeply and embraced the role to completely support the family . How do you empty a home of forty years with five children and a grieving spouse ? The answer is simply from your heart . Andrea Baker and her loving team from Showplace were the only people to accomplish such a monumental task of clearing three floors of a home with such care and sensitivity . I am forever grateful . There is no one else to consider if you should have a need for yourself or your clients ."

John Turner

3 years ago

"Beautiful gallery of some exquisite pieces. Some seemingly priceless. The shop is very beautiful and a lot of fun to browse. Clearly the sellers are professional and know what they’re doing. I loved my experience there even though I was traveling and unable to buy based on logistics. All around quality. Courteous staff and a lot of fun."