Gary gave me an honest answer and appraisal in a timely fashion. I highly recommend him.

I just read the review by Mary F. It is the biggest pile of nonsense that I have ever read. I have been in the business for over 30 years and have worked with Gary in many occasions. Gary is knowledgeable, meticulous with his records, honest, truthful, very, very competent and has an outstanding staff. To even claim he, or any estate dealer, would destroy a customer's items and throw them away shows no knowledge of the business and probably a dependence on --- what?? I have recommended Gary for years and will continue to do so. Keep in mind, the customer never complained and even sent him more work. What has Mary F. Got to do with this ??? read more

I reached out to Gary Germer when we needed to "close" mom's house. He was fantastic! Before the sale he walked through the house and gave great advice. Because of his trained eye, we did not include certain antiques on the estate sale because they would fetch a better price in an auction, and we had better expectations on items that did not hold their value over the years. Gary's calm wisdom helped us navigate an emotionally difficult phase and maximize the value of mom's things. I definitely recommend Gary Germer & Associates! read more

I reached out to this company to have some art appraised. The only response I received was an email 6 days later saying "Ok what have you got". I answered and have not heard from him since. Not very professional or responsive to say the least. read more

Some of the prices are a bit high, but I always enjoy these sales which tend to be very interesting estates with great stuff. None of that "Home Goods" crap, and no rooms piled with musty garbage. Also, the staff have great, snarky senses of humor, which I love. read more

Gary always has unique quality items for sale. I've bought many real treasures over the years. He for sure is one of the best antique stores around. I always enjoy seeing him when I visit his store or water sales. Very helpful and knowledgeable. read more

I was looking for a kinetic stainless sculpture from a particular artist. I found it on "The Vault by Gary Germer" website. I completed the purchase online and received immediate feedback from Beth Papalas in Internet sales. Her communication and customer service were impeccable. After a few emails, we worked out the details, and then she worked tirelessly to complete the transaction and personally handled the shipping details. My sculpture arrived on time and in perfect condition. Thanks so much for making this purchase a pleasure. I will be back and will stop in to thank you personally next time I am in Portland. Quality and customer care are alive and working at "The Vault" Scott Reese read more

Very helpful! Love the fact that you can email photos and they will let you know if an appraisal is suggested. Looking forward to visiting their gallery! read more

You won't find an easier and more pleasant company to work with to get some ballpark valuations of your antiques. I submitted my pictures online and within 24hrs I had an e-mail with ballpark values of paintings that have been handed down from previous generations. Just a real nice company to work with. Unfortunately, Mr. Germer made it very clear that I'm not to quit my day job if my retirement was contingent upon the values of my painting... lol.... So to work I go. I highly recommend them - great folks with great sense of humors! read more

Gary helped us identify some items from Estates and was extremely knowledgeable and quick to respond. Thanks so much!

I needed help selling a family heirloom. Gary was quick to reach out to me and help guide me through the process. Thanks!

I haven't been to this company's estate store, but last weekend I went to their on-site estate sale in the SW Hills. I'm a collector who shops at all kinds of different venues and I was so impressed with Gary and his team I felt compelled to Yelp about it. Sometimes these events can be a little chaotic, but this one was fair (you get your number based on when you show up) and orderly. The crew who assist Gary were helpful, polite and professional. The sale itself was amazing, packed with so many beautiful things I fell in love with. Gary was humorous and charming. The overall experience is one I look forward to again. read more

Don't trust their online sales. They list things that are not available for purchase. Not sure if this is a phishing scam so they can sell your information for a profit or simply negligent management. Don't bother asking for some type of support after they tell you they sold the item they just ignore you. Update 12/18/14: I received an email from Gary Germer stating that the print I attempted to purhcased on 12/14/14, a Sunday, was sold that day in their brick and mortar store and they just didn't have time to take it down from the online listing. Funny thing is Yelp and Gary Germer's website list the brick and mortar store as being closed on Sunday. SO now they are deliberately lying to me! I would avoid this place at all costs if I was you. Fraudulent business practices. BBB complaint on its way! read more

I would give minus five stars if I could. Beware of this company! I purchased two very spendy large brass-plated lamps from one of his estate sales and they were covered with dirt and fingerprints, so I used mild soapy water to clean both. One of them turned out beautifully, but there was something wrong with the finish on the second one and although I used only mild soap and water, it turned sticky, streaky and began to come off on my cloth. I contacted Gary and asked to exchange the defective piece for another one that was at the sale (I had seen three at the sale that day, all priced separately) and added that I would want to test the finish on the one he still had. He told me that all sales were final and "as is" but in this case he would allow me to return BOTH of them for a refund but NO exchange of the defective one. The deal was, he said, I had to return both or neither. I couldn't just keep one. I reminded him that they were marked as separate items, not as a set. But while asking him to consider allowing me to exchange the one lamp instead of bringing both back (at least he would have the money for one), he yelled and hung up on me, although I was not being adversarial in any way. My husband called him back and tried to reason with him, but the guy yelled at him, too, and said he was going to call the police. He was completely unreasonable. So because I wanted to keep the one lamp, it ended up that I had to pay for both of them although the finish was defective on one with no way to repair it (I checked into that). I would be VERY careful buying anything from this company. I posted the following addition to my above review after Gary left his response, to clarify misunderstandings and errors: I stress that I only used water on part of the one torchiere. I looked up online to find out the best way to clean lacquered brass and every site said "mild soapy water, and rinse with water." That's what I did on both lamps. One was fine. The other one immediately began to streak and the finish started to come off so I stopped the cleaning (with WATER -- nothing else but mild soap.) I tried cleaning only 1/4 of one side of the lamp. That there is something wrong with the finish was confirmed by a professional who came by to take a look. He checked the whole lamp -- that is, the small part that I washed with water -- and the part I left alone. He confirmed that the finish on the entire lamp, including the places I did not touch, was damaged and need to be re-plated. (Gary, you are very welcome to also look at it and see that I did not touch the whole lamp, and try the untouched parts yourself with water.) Anyway, this is a complex situation because there are no brass re-plating facilities in Oregon (EPA regulations). Yes, he offered a full refund, but only if we brought back BOTH lamps. I wanted to keep the lamp that was in good shape and he did not allow me to. I asked to bring back the defective lamp and exchange it for another lamp that at the end of the day of the sale had not sold, and he refused. Then I asked to return the one lamp without an exchange, and pay for that one separately (then at least he would have the money for one) , but you refused again and said both or none. So if I want the one, I can't bring them both back and have to pay for both although one is defective. Yes I had time to examine both lamps, which I did. I looked at them carefully and picked out the ones I thought were free of scratches, but of course I didn't think it would be necessary to test them with water -- and probably wouldn't have been allowed to do that. He said they were both polished and cleaned, which is not true. They had multiple fingerprints and sticky stuff on them. Finally, regarding the stop payment, I did write an email informing the company immediately of the problem, and explained why. It was not a punitive gesture, it was only a protective one...I actually was sure the company would allow me to exchange or return the one lamp. read more

My partner and I recently visited Gary Germer's "Estate Gallery" in NW and were completely surprised by the quality of the items they had for sale! They had glass from Tiffany, Lalique, Stueben, Waterford etc. Pottery from Rookwood and Roseville. Lots of jewelry and decorator items, too. You'd never know it by the exterior. It's like a best-kept secret, a little jewel box of a place. It reminded me of places I've stumbled upon in New York City. It's easily missed from the street. They are right across from Western Bike Works. The staff was really helpful too. Check them out! read more

Recently went into Gary Germer's store looking for a wedding ring for my fiancee. We were helped very well by a young woman named Jessica. She was very knowledgeable, helpful and polite in all manners. She never pushed us on a more expensive ring, which was refreshing. Overall, a wonderful experience! Their ring selection was amazing and Jessica was awesome. read more

I cannot recommend a 10 or I would. I began working with Gary and his wonderful staff to sell a family piece so as to make a contribution to our church. Through his efforts I made a generous contribution that is going to go a long way in helping people through the years. Thank you Gary and the whole team. You all were wonderful Jerry Deas read more

Gary and company recently did the estate sale for a deceased neighbor. I was impressed with their professionalism, fairness, consistency, and ability to get the merchandise sold. I will look for their sales in the future and would consider hiring them if I ever needed those services. read more

I'm a huge fan of Gary and his team. They have the most unusual estate sales with incredible quality and selection. The staff are quite knowledgeable and personable. Gary is very forthcoming and honest. He knows his antiques and he's happy to share his knowledge - not true of all in this business. I recall looking at a beautiful highboy and asking him if it was 18th century. He could , easily, have misled me. He said " Nope, 19th and explained why." read more

Initial customer service is horrible. In fact it is nonexistent. I called to get basic information to find out if doing online appraisal is even worth it. In order to even have a conversation I was told "We are paid for our services" and would need to do the online appraisal. I understand being paid for your services. But how would I know that I want to hire your services without finding out some basic information. Why would I pay for your online appraisal if my item is not something you would even bother with appraising? Your online appraisal policy feels like a scam so that we can pay your bills. No thanks! read more

I submitted a photo of my painting online over the weekend and Gary got back to me right away on Monday morning. His turn around time was better than expected. Unfortunately, Mr. Germer was unable to to provide me any more information than I already knew. Would recommend his services. read more

Gary has been a great help. His advice has helped us with some antiques we needed to liquidate as we downsize to make sure we could get the best value. Tim A. read more

Gary did an estate sale for my family, neighbors called let us know dumpsters were taking up the parking area, was told Chuck it Charlie was the name, historical items destroyed purposely and tossed, when family arrived at estate sale due to items that were not to be sold in the garage were taken into the house and sold, hope chest gone through items removed, picture frames removed from generational pictures to be sold only the photos left torn and tattered, neighbors did take photos of every dumpster that showed up photos of employees destroying things, when confronted by family at estate we were told sorry item that wasn't to be sold but family member purchase it was being sent to Lake Oswego, they pretty much stole items and sold them, a water tank had to be returned, advise don't leave things in a no sale area and feel they will be safe .Chuck it Charlie will be there and you'll foot the 4 big truck dumpster bill. I was able to salvage some of the mill ledgers and other history items from the dumpsters. Neighbors offered good money to pay for remaining things to put a stop to destroying belongings with hammers, they were told No Sale, We do have video and photos of the happenings at the McCormick House in St Helens. I lived in the home for 15 yrs. Research before you hire. I as a true family member have lost to much journaled history due to this company and Chuck it Charlie. Don't always trust whom your Bank advises you to use, he appraised before while my father was alive, very tough to forgive this one, big part of Oregon history into dumpsters. More than happy to bring forth pictures and videos, My name is involved with estate. In no way fraudulent read more

As always great service and great stuff. I went to the recent warehouse pop up and despite snow and disruption from disease Gary and crew were great. The place looked fantastic, there was great stuff and I saw dealers walking away with armloads of merchandise. I got a couple good deals too read more

I've been to a few of Gary Germer's estate sales and have visited their 'estate store'. I am impressed with the amazing goodies they get but what I love even more is the great prices they offer on their finery. I've always been the 'never-pay-retail' maven, so I love these guys. The staff is kind of kooky- a very Portlandesque group- but they really know their stuff. read more

Don't bother attending any of Gary Germer estate sales, everything exceptional is picked out beforehand and put in his retail store. It is as if he shudders at the thought of selling something at a decent, used goods price. He prices things at double a reasonable value and waits for his half price Sunday buyers. The first 2 days of any sales is due to the overwhelming frenzy that is created by the pushy dealers, hobbyists, and Johnny come lately shoppers. He undervalues anything he pulls for his store as well. Leaving his clients with less money than they could have gotten themselves by having a garage sale. Examples: common patio chairs (2) $60, common wood boxes $25 Knowing the truth is out.....priceless. read more

Ugh. Not good with customer treatment. We scheduled a verbal evaluation of a couple pieces of art from my mom's estate, as our first step in figuring out what to do with these pieces (worth doing full appraisal or not?, for example) and what to do with the whole estate. They called to change the venue of the appraisal to far NE Portland because that's where Gary would be that day "getting ready for a big estate sale." When we arrived at this new location and found parking, Gary wasn't there. We were told by the guy there that Gary was instead appraising an estate in the West Hills. We asked if we should wait for him to return and the guy said nah, he probably wasn't returning (this was at 2pm). We asked why they didn't call to tell us and just reschedule (or more professionally, schedule the West Hills appraisal after this set appt), and the guy said "I have no idea." So this guy said he would be doing the appraisal, said he wasn't that familiar with the type of pieces we brought in, and then spent 15 or 20 minutes looking up comps on his iPhone. That was it. Terrible way to treat customers - and inexcusable. And now we definitely won't be going to these folks to deal with the whole estate. read more

We are new to the area, and attended one of Garys sales. WOW. totally professional, enough assistance to get questions answered, well controlled, completely professionally and just a great experience with very fair pricing. Definitly worth watching for future sales. THANKS!! read more

I found Gary Germer & Associates via their shop on Ruby Lane. It was a lucky discovery-- I just received a lovely antique sapphire ring! Buying a ring online can be a bit daunting, but their prompt and warm communication (as well as their return policy) alleviated concerns. The condition of the ring was excellent, as was the sizing (flawless and made free of charge). I highly recommend checking them out, and definitely plan on shopping here again. read more