With fascinating objects up for bid in more than 50 countries—instantly translated to your language and currency—LiveAuctioneers is a worldwide marketplace with treasures waiting to be discovered, whether you're an avid collector or first-time visitor.By hosting thousands of auctions in real time via the Internet, the site allows unprecedented access to remote sales, and savvy bidders can often land desired items at very desirable prices. Leave an absentee bid, or fully engage in the live-auction action—it's up to you. All bidding takes place via a secure bidder network, which keeps your maximum bids for upcoming sales private until the item is opened on the day of the sale.LiveAuctioneers revolutionized the industry from the start. In 2002, the NYC-based company formed a marketing partnership with eBay to introduce eBay Live Auctions. This alliance of LiveAuctioneers and eBay enabled auction houses worldwide to go online with their live sales—a development that changed the auction business forever. In 2009, the debut of LiveAuctioneers' iPhone and Android apps, with live-bidding capabilities, opened up a new mobile pipeline to bid anytime, from anywhere, with complete anonymity. Since then, LiveAuctioneers has been the first to engage bidders with live streaming video, easy online payments, personalized search alerts, and more.Now in its second decade, LiveAuctioneers is the Web's leading auction-related site, with millions of qualified bidders. LiveAuctioneers also provides a constant stream of industry intelligence to auctioneers, collectors, museums, appraisers, consignors and more via: +The easy-to-use Auction Results Database, a vast database with more than 21 million results that offers keyword-search access to verified auction outcomes, recent to historical. The updated archive is the #1 free online resource for the trade, appraisers, collectors, designers, art institutions, estate officers, journalists, students and others on the research trail;+Auction Central News, the global destination for the latest auction headlines, mixing timely industry news with feature articles by experts on all things design;+The LiveAuctioneers Consignment Hub, an easy way for interested consignors to share their property for review and evaluation with thousands of auction houses in one spot.There are many ways to get started as a collector. You can browse curated auctions, find auctions near you, set up keyword search alerts, search, bid and win.
Written by the business, not verified by us.
Is LiveAuctioneers legit?
LiveAuctioneers (liveauctioneers.com) has a 3.9 out of 5 rating on OK.one, based on 170 user reviews collected here. It is listed under Business Services and its reputation is mixed. 21% of reviews are 1 star, a relatively high share; The business has replied to 97% of negative reviews; Reviews mostly discuss Product, Price. Last updated 2026-09-07.
What reviewers say
AI generated
Most reviewers were somewhat happy with their experience overall. Consumers find the platform very easy to navigate, deeply appreciating the wide variety of unique items and the smooth bidding process for online auctions. People often mention that winning lots are well photographed, clearly detailed in descriptions, and arrive securely packaged within a reasonable timeframe.
However, some reviewers were not happy with extremely high shipping costs, expensive delivery services, and unexpected extra fees added to their purchases. A few other people also felt that certain delivery services and customer support communications fell short, leading to notable frustration during the entire process.
Auto-generated from all reviews of this business. For reference only.
I highly recommend liveauctioneers as a trusted auction platform. They stand behind any issue that may arise and give you their full attention from start to finsh.
Reply from LiveAuctioneers2026-09-06
Hi Mark,
Thank you for your kind feedback and recommendation! We're glad to hear you feel supported when issues arise and that our team is able to give your concerns the attention they deserve. We truly appreciate your trust in LiveAuctioneers.
Warm regards,
LiveAuctioneers Bidder Support Team
Shop with confidence with Rudnick's via LiveAuctioneers
I am so happy with my recent purchase from Rudnick's Auctions & Fine Antiques @rudnicksllc through LiveAuctioneers. The marble top commode I won is just as described in the listing. Rudnick's provided an invoice and picking instructions promptly. This is a small business owned by a very nice couple who picked up the phone on the first ring to schedule pick up and personally loaded my piece onto my car. Shop with confidence with Rudnick's!
Reply from LiveAuctioneers2026-09-06
Hi Irma,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're glad to hear your marble top commode was just as described and that Rudnick's Auctions & Fine Antiques provided prompt communication and helpful pickup arrangements. We appreciate your recommendation and are happy you had such a positive experience through LiveAuctioneers.
Warm regards,
LiveAuctioneers Bidder Support Team
Hanlin Auctions is a horrible company. Had to chase owner down to send me what I won. Finally arrived broken because of cheesy careless "wrapping". Now am still, over 2 months later, waiting for a refund. Spoke several times with the owner, Chris, who doesn't care, makes promises with zero integrity.
Reply from LiveAuctioneers2026-09-06
Hi Cheryl,
Thank you for sharing your experience. We understand how disappointing it is to receive an item damaged in transit and then experience a lengthy wait for a resolution.
If your refund is still pending, please email us at [email protected] with your account and invoice details so we can review the matter further and assist where possible.
Warm regards,
LiveAuctioneers Bidder Support Team
Buyer beware, the shipping and fees associated with winning an auction on this site are INSANE. I won five extremely small items that weighed about 1.5lbs total and should have cost about $8 to ship but was charged $53 instead. I can swallow the already hefty buyer premium with a bit of water, but with no other options (you have to arrange your own packing, pickup, and shipping if you don't want to pay their outrageous shipping price), I went ahead and paid that shipping price.
Reply from LiveAuctioneers2026-09-06
Hi Hex Girl,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We understand your concerns about the shipping cost, particularly when purchasing several small items. Shipping and packing arrangements can vary by auction and shipment, and we understand how the final cost can be frustrating when it is higher than expected.
If you would like us to review the shipping charge for your specific purchase, please email [email protected] with your account and invoice details so our team can look into it further.
Warm regards,
LiveAuctioneers Bidder Support Team
I bid on and won an item listed on Live qnd never received the item
I bid on and won an item listed on Live Auctioneers. I paid by debit card the next day and arranged shipping and paid for it two days later. The auction was on June 12th. I never received the item. I communicated through Live auctioneers with the auction house sending 6 emails after the first 3 weeks. I also followed up with 5 long distance phone calls. Non e of my communication eas responded to. I have not received any reimbursement from this auction house which in retrospect I believe was operating a scam and stole monies from me.
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Reply from LiveAuctioneers2026-08-29
Hi Christopher,
Thank you for sharing your experience. We understand how frustrating it must have been to pay for an item and shipping and then not receive your purchase despite your repeated attempts to contact the auction house.
We would appreciate the opportunity to review your case further. If you have not already provided these details, please email us at [email protected] with your account details and the relevant auction, invoice, and payment information so we can further assist you.
Warm regards,
LiveAuctioneers Bidder Support Team
I was having difficulty With Madison Square Auction Gallery. I paid, I used their shipper of choice, but no action. The refused my calls and emails as to why I have I not been able to receive my paid winnings. I was going to reverse the credit card charge, but just incase I contacted Live auction on who's platform I used for the purchase. They were excellent in handling my problem. My small art is with UPS as I write this review.
Reply from LiveAuctioneers2026-08-29
Hi Michael,
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're glad to hear that our team was able to assist with the issue you encountered with Madison Square Auction Gallery and that your artwork is now on its way through UPS.
We appreciate your patience and are pleased that our team could help move the matter forward. Thank you for choosing LiveAuctioneers.
Warm regards,
LiveAuctioneers Bidder Support Team
I understand charging a fee for cc, but to chage $100 to use a bank account is just ripping people off and is bad business, i am sure somewhere in all the papperwork it sates this, but not really upfront. It cost nopthin to process a ach this is just greed
Reply from LiveAuctioneers2026-08-29
Hi James,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We understand your concerns regarding payment processing fees, particularly when using a bank account. We appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective, and we'll be sure to pass your feedback along to the appropriate team for consideration.
If you have specific details regarding a payment or fee that you would like us to review, please email us at [email protected] with your account details and the relevant invoice or payment information so we can further assist you.
Warm regards,
LiveAuctioneers Bidder Support Team
Excessive fees, outrageously long hold time on bank transfers, terrible customer service. A $252 "processing fee" on top of all the other charges. A hold of 9 business days on a routine ACH payment from the US largest credit union. Hard to get ahold of customer service, and then long hold times as you get handed off from agent to agent in an infinite loop of people not empowered to do anthing.
Reply from LiveAuctioneers2026-08-21
Hi Bruce,
Thank you for sharing your detailed feedback. We understand your concerns regarding processing fees, payment processing times, and your experience contacting our support team. We appreciate you taking the time to share these concerns, and we'll be sure to pass your feedback along to the appropriate teams for consideration.
If you have not already provided these details, please email us at [email protected] with your account details and the relevant payment information so we can review your concerns further and assist you.
Warm regards,
LiveAuctioneers Bidder Support Team
Very disappointed in this site. When there's a 30% BP, AND the auctioneer can arbitrarily raise the starting bid from $10 to $800 after bidding has started, there's absolutely no upside for the buyer. If the starting bid + BP is equal to or greater than resale, all this site does is try to find out who's willing to overpay.
Reply from LiveAuctioneers2026-08-21
Hi Dejoco,
Thank you for sharing your concerns. We understand your frustration regarding buyer's premiums and changes to bidding activity during an auction. Auction terms, including buyer's premiums and bidding rules, can vary by auction house and are provided in the auction details.
If you have specific details regarding the auction or bidding activity you are referring to, please email us at [email protected] with your account details and the relevant auction or lot information so we can review your concerns further and assist you.
Warm regards,
LiveAuctioneers Bidder Support Team
This auction is a scam! They charge a 22-30% buyers fee, a credit card fee and $40 to ship a coin that weights less than 1 lbs. I buy vehicles from auctions everyday at Manheim. This is not the way to do business. This platform is setup to scam individuals believing they are getting a good deal. Beware.
Reply from LiveAuctioneers2026-08-21
Hi Ryan,
Thank you for sharing your concerns. We understand your frustration regarding the fees and shipping costs associated with your purchase. Auction house fees and shipping charges can vary, and we appreciate your feedback regarding the overall cost of your transaction.
If you have not already provided these details, please email us at [email protected] with your account details and the relevant auction, invoice, and shipping information so we can review your concerns further and assist you.
Warm regards,
LiveAuctioneers Bidder Support Team
Final price was almost double the hammer price. This is a result of all the add-ons. Besides the high auction house fees of up to 38%, the shipping is the most egregious fee, especially when the auction house uses an independent shipping company, which you can be sure they receive a kick-back from.
Reply from LiveAuctioneers2026-08-15
Hi DJ,
Thank you for sharing your concerns. We understand your frustration regarding the overall cost of a purchase, including auction house fees and shipping charges. We appreciate you bringing this feedback to our attention.
We don't currently have your account or purchase details, so if you have additional information regarding your concern, please email us at [email protected] so we can review the details and assist you further.
Warm regards,
LiveAuctioneers Bidder Support Team
My recent experience with customer support was positive and the issue was resolved faster than usual which is a good sign of improved customer service...I wish Live Auctioneers would use their market clout to help bring shipping costs down for their bidders. High shipping costs and buyer premiums inching upwards discourage more robust bidding...fix that and Live would earn a fifth star.
Reply from LiveAuctioneers2026-08-15
Hi Bill,
Thank you for sharing your feedback! We're glad to hear your recent experience with our customer support was positive and that your concern was resolved promptly. We also understand your concerns regarding shipping costs and buyer premiums, and we appreciate you sharing how these factors can affect the bidding experience. We'll be sure to pass your feedback along to the appropriate teams.
Warm regards,
LiveAuctioneers Bidder Support Team
The jewelry I bought was delivered in a timely manner. My only negative is that sometimes I was not given the opportunity to bid and the item was sold, not passed, to someone else. This is an unfair practice.
Reply from LiveAuctioneers2026-08-15
Hi Karen,
Thank you for sharing your feedback! We're glad to hear your jewelry arrived in a timely manner. We understand your concern regarding an item being sold before you had an opportunity to bid. If you have details about the auction or lot involved, please email us at [email protected] so we can look into your concern further.
Warm regards,
LiveAuctioneers Bidder Support Team
this company is fair and balanced. Cares about the clients and makes sure they are satisfied with their purchase. I recommend live auctioneer very highly.
Reply from LiveAuctioneers2026-08-15
Hi Jacob,
Thank you for your kind feedback! We're glad to hear you've had a positive experience with LiveAuctioneers and that you feel our team cares about providing helpful service. We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to serving you again.
Warm regards,
LiveAuctioneers Bidder Support Team
It truly makes a difference to bid through Live Auctioneers. Excellent customer communications - Quick response and you know you are protected when you purchase an item, especially when you don't know the auction house. There are so many scams going on today.
I'm just so glad to know and have Live Auctioneers to help me and know the protection is there.
Reply from LiveAuctioneers2026-08-10
Hi there,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We're glad to hear that our customer communications and support have helped you feel more confident when bidding and purchasing through LiveAuctioneers. We truly appreciate your trust and are happy to be here whenever you need assistance.
Warm regards,
LiveAuctioneers Bidder Support Team
T
Tony Vargas · 1 review · Experienced 2026-07-02 ·
★★★★★
You have to shift through the noise to find the deals.
The website is an aggregator for Artwork. Well mainly why I created an account there. And after looking at many paintings, lithographs, sketches, etc. I was able to get a tell on the patterns of listings.
There are a ton of sellers on the site that use ambiguous wording to make you think that you are getting a descriptive deal. AKA their description has a nuance a to trick you.
For example;
In the style of - Is actually someone painted it ike the artist would have made it.
facsimile - copy or reproduction of
authorized - usually after the artist dies and someone in their family allows the reprint of one of their works.
plated - signature is stamped.
Also do a reverse image search to make sure that they aren't scamming you.
I did buy artwork I was looking for, but it took me 3 weeks to find an authentic piece and to win the bid. From being on there. I'd estimate that depending on the artist I'd set a minimum of $500 - 2k to filter out most of the fake listings to really get to what you want.
L
Lance B · 2 reviews · Experienced 2026-07-29 ·
★★★★★
Katrina was very helpful. I highly recommend live auctioneers.
Katrina was very helpful.
J
Juan-Jose Lorenzo Belda · 3 reviews · Experienced 2026-08-06 ·
★★★★★
I received very professional service
I received very professional service: a quick response, contact with the seller, and follow-up on the case. I am very satisfied with the treatment I received.