From others that I've seen, I guess I'm not alone and my negative experience from this clown show that calls themselves in auction house. I don't know who took over whom as now it is Bonham's-Skinner, but, Alina from the Los Angeles office was very professional and helpful with getting my information to the New York office to the Asian arts evaluation department. I've been trying to get a reply from them since November of last year. To date, 12 Feb 2026, not a word. Calling over to the LA office once again this morning, the phones were not answered, and it leaves nothing other than recorded from some unknown woman telling to send evaluations to their email address, which again, had gone unanswered. I think aside from their promotions on Antiques Roadshow from the past, it's like dealing with amateur hour over there. I'm dealing with a large estate that has a lot of larger and far more valuable items but I figured I would give them a try on this one Qing dynasty teapot. I guess I will just stick with the larger auction houses and have more established bidders that will be willing to pay more. Even if the commission is higher. All I have to say, if you deal with them, is good luck! You're going to need it. read more

recently I purchased three carpets from Bonhams. I asked for a condition report which they provided with some minimal defects. I received the rug after paying nearly $500.00 for shipping and the rug was all broken and rotted in some areas with residue of adhesive in the back of he rug. I contacted the person in charge and what I got was that condition reports are given as a curtesy only and they assume no responsibility for inaccurate type, condition or wrong size. I bought another runner which was listed at 18' long and it was 13' when I received it. They wouldn't consider any allowance to compensate for the highly damaged goods or offer any allowance to ship it back to them. Very unfair and unprofessional. I was able to upload only two pictures but there are at least 25 spots that shows damage. read more

Bonhams - damage - Antiques Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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The degree of professionalism I received in both buying and selling from BONHAMS, Los Angeles, is how a company should be run. Associates conduct themselves with integrity and excellence. Pleased to finally deal with a business that has no deficits in client relations/customer service due to the pandemic 5 years earlier. Wow! What a concept! read more

NO STARS FOR BONHAMS. I was successful bidder on two prehistoric Native American bowls at auction in June 2024. They were shipped and insured by Bonhams "bespoke shipping" for the fee of nearly $400. One of the bowls arrived broken in 19 pieces. Auction house stated that since I opened the wooden crate after the five day window and the bowl that they auctioned was reconstructed, the insurance that they sold me did not apply and I was basically out of luck. I followed up with both the delivery company UPS and the auction platform Live Auctioneers to no avail. I am out over $1,000. I have an estimate to professionally reconstruct the bowl for about $500 more. Unfortunately, a known name like Bonhams no longer has the prestige it once did. I have waited this long expecting some type of acceptable resolution. Unfortunately, after four months of effort, it is not going to happen. A similar incident is noted with someone else in a 2-6-2024 review at the SF location. BEWARE of BONHAMS. read more

Bonhams - The wooden crate and insurance of nearly $400. - Antiques Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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If I could give a negative rating I would. My experience with them, over the course of a year, was extremely disappointing! After taking a watch of mine on consignment which they offered to restore and then put into auction, after many requests on my part as to the whereabouts and status of my watch, they finally sent it back to me damaged, not restored, with missing parts and completely ruined! After months of asking them pay me for my ruined property they have failed to make me whole, failed to acknowledge the damage their employee did to my property and refuse to compensate me for my ruined property that I entrusted to their "expert". I do not recommend this company to anyone. Be aware. read more

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I had a great experience with Bonhams. This was the first art auction in which I've participated, and I thought it was really fun. I got a better price than I expected, and since I live in Los Angeles, I was able to pick up the pair of artworks I won in person, thereby saving on shipping costs. Despite the fact that my total paid was $300 and the guy picking up whatever he'd won in front of me was paying $30K, the folks at Bonhams were equally kind. Would bid again. read more

Great Auction House! Very knowledgeable and helpful. Highly recommend They go out of there way to answer your questions. Thank you very much! read more

This is a corporation that is at the top with Christie's and Sothebys! First class - totally trust worthy - tremendous knowledge base ! I'm selling my Edward Hopper his last never seen in public art work prior to his death - the masters last brush strokes ! George A. Filippides read more

Using Bonham's to appraise & auction my personal art collection items ... they are responsible & businesslike. Thx.

Very slow response. Only will appraise and sell your item if it is very valuable. Their appraisers don't seem to be specialists based on what I've submitted. If they don't know what they have, they cannot sell it. :( I was very disappointed when they did not recognize some fine art I submited. read more

Lack of respect in regards to communication and the handling of items consigned to their auction house. Un-professional in every way, from the hand off of high ticket items to the sale and payment process. Which by the way, I am still waiting for. After giving my items to the rep in my area, I immediately was concerned that I had been scammed. I would not recommend anyone to this company. read more

I used to deal with them alot before they merged with Butterfield's Auctions. I bid and won some items in their recent "Rock and Roll" online auction and I have to say they could use some pros in there as the website crashed right before the auction started -- leading to a 24 hour postponement and lots of disappointed bidders who had planned on this. Also, when I went to pick up my items, there was a half hour wait even though I made an appointment. The guy who was helping me said my items weren't ready to be given to me and he had to track them down one by one. I've won several items at Julien's Auctions and each pick-up takes less than 5 minutes. Also, their buyer's commission had gone up to 27.5% -- the highest in the industry. For those prices, I deserve better service. read more

What an absolutely pathetic auction company. we won an item immediately sent payment and for the next five days we have gotten ignorant emails smarmy comments been put on hold four times waiting 20 minutes for someone to pick up the phone and still no one takes responsibility for their total and complete incompetence. You be the judge of it but we and everyone we know will hear about our experience. We will never buy anything from these clowns again. read more

ZERO STARS Some of the worst, most inefficient service I've ever experienced. I regret winning an item in one of their auctions. They took five days to send me a shipping quote (this could easily be automated) and then told me that, even though the auction ended in early December, they need ten days to pack the items before they can ship (none of the items were breakable). This is a Christmas present, so now I have to hire someone to go and pick up the item and send it to me. And of course, Bonhams wants me to fill out a paper (PAPER?!) form to schedule the pickup appointment. I don't care what they're auctioning in the future, I'll never bid at Bonhams again. I spent so much time just chasing my item, getting incorrect info from their team on the phone - such a hassle. read more

Went back today for the Tony Duquette auction and actually bid on something and won. The prices went skyrocketing for his necklaces, but a few pieces weren't as popular and therefore went for less. It was great fun, great mix of people. Bonhams put out coffee, soft drinks, pastries and sandwiches. I stayed 3 hours and really enjoyed myself. As my cousin says, "Bonhams is like a museum that sells stuff." And great stuff it is. read more

Bonhams - This was not one of the more spectacular pieces, but neither was the price... so I bid and got it! - Antiques Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I love buying from this auction house. The buyers premium is a bit more than other auction houses so just take that into consideration when determining your max bid. read more

I don't know where to begin. My parents had a wonderful house in Beverly Hills, our childhood home.... One of their employees came highly recommended by my attorney. That is where the good times did not roll. The gentleman was beyond arrogant and rude. They selected a handful of my parents priceless antiques and art: 25% of the collection, to which I received much higher estimates then any other auction company. I should of thought something of it them but the numbers were good. They proceeded to sell everything much under what was promised. I am left with an entire collection to which they do not want now. The gentleman does not answer my phone calls now "we have no more business to discuss" I feel very taken advantage of. Beware beware beware heavy cooperate company that only cares about making a dollar. Shameful I wish had been warned, now hopefully someone else will save themselves from my disaster. read more

No representative returned my two calls. I wanted to put vintage art work up for auction. No response. Are these people in business to sell? read more

Excellent service dealing with one of the families antique pieces. They were extremely professional, and handle it better than expected. Thank you read more

After my review was read by Emily D of Bonhams customer service of all of U.S. I believe, I was contacted. Emily was able to refund part of the shipping charges to make the charges reasonable, which is all anyone ever asks for. Because Of Emily D I have upped my rating from 1 to 4 stars. I just hope going forward that shipping charges for everyone is reasonable. I can't make it higher than 4 stars because of what I went thru but at least Emily D made it right. Thanks read more

I've had a similar experience with NO RESPONSE as others here. I inherited a painting my father bought in Indonesia in 1963 by listed artist Popo Iskandar. After an art dealer brought me a lithograph I bought, he wanted to look at what I have. When he saw this painting he exclaimed "is that a Popo Iskandar? That's a valuable piece." I looked up the artist and one of his paintings sold for $56,000! Called Bonham's and sent the pictures the appropriate appraiser requested to see if I might want to sell it. It's been over a year and no response. Reading the experiences of them losing or damaging consignments I don't think I will bother going to their monthly appraisal day. For the fees they take I would expect better customer service. read more

Bonhams Auctioneers & Appraisers - LA - SF - UK I have had the ultimate BONHAMS experience. 3-28-2014_ BONHAMS - LA, attended the Los Angeles, CA. auction-appraisal with 5 items. BASED ON ATTENDING THE BONHAMS - LA auction/appraisal, Everyone should know that no one seems to agree on values, which is not a Bonhams problem, This is a 'People in general problem". Meaning: Some people have varying degrees of knowledge as reason for wide range of worth, based on their individual knowledge. THE OTHER CAUTION is that Bonhams Buyers receive additional hidden fees also, so the deal is wisely entered in to by asking many questions, of the fees. read more

Every month they have an "auction appraisal event", like Antiques Roadshow, where you can bring up to 5 items for a free appraisal. The line to get in is long and you will wait inside also. But it's OK because you will be fascinated by everyone else's treasures/junk. It's great fun!! Local street parking rules are enforced, be careful. read more

Forget everything that you imagined about auctions and start over here. That stuff in the movies where you scratch your ear and buy something is complete nonsense. This place was a class act before and even more now that they are with Bonhams. It costs nothing to go in and look at all of the amazing treasures that you can buy if you decide to. A revolving exhibition that will sell the stuff to you?? YES !!! Everything you see is for sale - oil paintings, jewelry, rugs, mid-century and antique furniture, old books, every kind of decoration for the house, and quirky one-of-a-kind things. Heck, you can even buy wine and a car !!! They make catalogs that describe the items and the prices, but don't be scared of those prices - sometimes you can get things cheap if nobody else bids on it. Peek at the catalogs online before the sales and go to the open viewing and look at the items in person, talk to the staff there and BEST OF ALL - go to sit in an auction even if you do not buy anything. It is so exciting and you can actually understand the auctioneers and follow the action. I've decorated most of my house myself by watching design shows on TV, then buying stuff at auction while saving oodles of money - no more retail for me ! THINGS TO REMEMBER (I learned the hard way myself over the years) - **Ask a lot of questions FIRST because after you buy it, there are no backsies. **Pick a max price that you are willing to pay for something and stick to it. Don't get carried away, there are hundreds of things for sale every month. **Every auction place charges a "premium" on top of the sale price and don't forget sales tax - Uncle Sam doesn't ! **You have to pick up the stuff you buy in a day or so or it can be sent away to storage (another extra). Just have a friend handy who has a van or truck. You'll wonder why you haven't started sooner. If you want to sell something, the monthly "open house" is OK if you have all day to kill. read more

Let's be fair. The staff is nice. But the fact checking stinks. Bought two items at auction last year that I had to return because one piece of art was a fraud ($1500 worth) and the other (a ring) had the wrong stone (goodbye $1000). I'm bummed by their lack of knowledge. I can do better fact checking on google, which should serve as a humiliating sign for B&B. I love a good auction, but these cats need some professional help in the pricing and authentication depot. I won't buy from them again. But I'll certainly look, so one star. And never sell here... the % is ridiculous. And free appraisal day... fun for the beginners, but they've gotten it wrong so many times I can't go back. Buy and sell online and do better research there too. This place is for folks who can afford to lose their skirts. read more

Crappy customer service and appraisers who want to rip you off. Are they actually art historians or just salespeople who could be working any other pretentious West Hollywood job? I couldn't get a straight answer as far as how much they take in fees. And if you're a mid-century modern aficionado like I am, prepare for them to turn their nose up at you. I brought in valuable, well-crafted Danish and Swedish items from the 60's and could tell the appraisal girl (chubby, brown hair) didn't think much of them. I will take my goods to people who actually know what they're doing. read more

If negative star is an option I would give them. If you want your collection to be ruined then go right ahead with this auction house. If you want anything else please walk away and don't look back. they will sweet talk you into a deal and once you see that check and their reply...good luck on getting anything back. read more

The customer service here is sorted at best. If you have something they are interested in...you get drowned in attention and cheeky smiles. If they are not interested in what you have...the feeling of you taking up floor space and being shunned is clearly apparent. It is too bad that businesses such as this tend to treat a customer by that one piece they bring in, instead of cultivating a potential relationship that can yield a higher return down the road. This all is the fault of poorly trained staff, and that is very sad. read more

All the bonhams I am reviewing I have had personal experience with this is no exception, plenty of mishaps with this crew was well. It's funny when I was in there one time two different people came up to me and said will you sell this for me I really don't trust these guys and I told them I wish I could help you but it would be unethical to do that you're here you need to deal with them. I would tell anyone to pick one of the several excellent auction houses in So Cal good luck!!! This yelp as with all my yelps are my opinion or from personal experience with BONHAMS AUCTIONS read more

As a seller, I've experienced great customer service. Despite the major hiccup of their entertainment specialist (the contact with whom I coordinated auctioning my piece) parting ways with the company, I was able to make a last-minute inclusion into the auction. Their specialists respond quickly and concisely. read more

Not recommended. They usually ignore emails and rarely respond. If your artworks are antique but not signed they don't know what they are. The front desk person I spoke with seemed professional and friendly, but no one at Bonhams knows anything. They are all just image with very little knowledge or expertise. The "experts" who work there only work there because they had good connections and knew the right people. They pretend to care about art, but they obviously don't care about art and only care about money. Very pretentious and a waste of time. Not recommended. read more

I don't get all these negative Yelp reviews? I have only been on the purchasing end (with local LA pick-ups) and can't speak for consigning items, here....but....LOVE the selection of Western, and plein-air paintings here. I still find this segment of the collectors market highly under valued, and very accessible to the entry-level buyer. Scott Levitt and Kathy Wong in Hollywood, and Aaron Bastian in SF are intelligent and well-versed in their fields, and pleasant to speak to, and work with. Bonhams also gets the remaining last-gasp, old money, "high society" estates left in LaLa Land. Sadly fewer people, today, can appreciate this rarefied and vanising, vintage "way" of life. I have attended some yummy and diverse sales featuring property from various Dohenys, Tony Duquette, Jennifer Jones Simon, Jackie Collins and Sidney Sheldon. Both the antique automobile auctions, fine jewlery and the Hollywood memorabilia sales, in association with TMC are a true Tinsel Town treat. The late Robert Osborne's movie posters were great! And we still REALLY miss that charming, movie-loving gentleman! read more

I sent pictures of two paintings into Bonhams and they gave me an auction estimate. They said to bring them if you want to consign. I brought them in to consign and left them. Then I get a call 3 weeks latter saying that the value has gone down and they won't auction them. Then I go to pick them up and one of them is scratched now. Very unhappy with service. Made two trips for nothing. and now have a damaged painting. If you want your objects damaged and your time wasted then this is the place to go. read more

Bonhams is just another auction house - nothing special. They will tell you a high price to get you to agree to consign but the reality is always very different. Their fees are high as well. That being said, they do a great job at marketing themselves and their auctions so they are usually well attended. Just read ALL the fine print before consigning. read more

Bonhams was hired to appraise jewelry for my spouse 's estate. The woman who came to view the jewelry was efficient. When the preliminary appraisal was issued the spelling of my husband 's name and the title of the document were incorrect. I immediately informed the company. After not receiving the appraisal timely, I contacted them. I just received the appraisal (overdue) and the corrections were not made. Not acceptable! read more

Great auction house! I consigned with them and I'm very very happy with the entire process! They do a wonderful job, I will certainly consign more items with them in the future! read more

I drove down to the LA auction for the 1st time to bid. I have bid many times at the SF location. Jon King generously spent a long time with me discussing the items I was interested in and answering my questions. He is very knowledgable. read more

You have to know what your in for with ANY auction...if YOU don't do your homework you will get Burned...That goes for Sellers AND Buyers. The Antique and collectible market is at an all time low for Common items...Unless its an item in the Top 2% of its particular field plan on a smaller check then you'd expect...espicially for all you fine Mint Condition Furniture. read more

This company some years ago was well run. Staffing at L.A. and S.F. have been cut back. I doubt there are many experts anymore in the art department. They won't post or send any image of paintings in the frame, or extra close up images of any pieces in the auction, their excuse is that they don't have time, both L.A. and S.F. have always been negligent in this area. Bonhams likes to pretend that they are a great, large auction house but communication and lack of good customer service makes it poor, although many of the phone staff is at least polite. Shipping is good and very reasonable but it is a lengthy process. The leadership in L.A. is worse than disappointing. I suggest L.A.M.A. and John Moran are much better places to buy and sell. read more

Wow. I am appalled by the ultimate percentage of the sale price of auction items that Bonhams takes on your items. I am left feeling completely duped. I sold two items valued between $600-$1200 in a recent auction. The items sold for $875 and $1000, but after Bonham's fees, commission and "buyers premium", my final profit was for $484.50 and $558 - just over half of the final sale price. This means Bonham's takes almost 50%. Really? Never again. read more