Lightning auctions provides weekly local auctions, curating items from multiple estate sales or sellers. Items up for sale range from collectibles, to small appliances, art, serving ware, furniture, jewelry, and more. What I like about this auction is that you can preview what's for sale online on Thursday night, in-person on Fridays, and then the auction closes (soft close, so no last-minute sniping) on Sunday. Fast and straightforward, with the benefit of not having to rely on photos only, and no shipping fees since it's local. Condition of items does vary, so you need to review carefully before bidding (everything sold as-is), and check carefully when collecting your won items. I've seen broken things or things you'd find at a garage sale mixed with really expensive items. Items are laid out nicely in a spacious room, and staff are helpful if you have questions. Definitely something fun to check out but make sure to do your due diligence. Tip: closed M-W 12-12:30 for lunch read more

See all

They really need to improve. I been shopping here for many years and since Greg left it is just not the same. He used to have nice things and the photos would tell the story. It is highly important to give the bidder the size of the item. Either show the size with a tape measure or list the actual size. I am not happy when the photo shows a large item but when I get receive it the size is smaller. The quality of the offerings are not as good and many times not worth the first bid of $15 plus all the fees that go on top. I have bought about 7 vehicles from this auction house over the years and all were good except one that was a total loss (they refunded). Now they have reserves on almost all the vehicles and you really don't know where the top limit will be. I used to buy lots of furniture and art and now there is a lot less furniture and very little that is good quality. I got many in my family bidding here and they still are doing just that. I hope things will improve enough so that I find good items at a fair price. read more

I have to admit the novelty of being at home bidding on items is very fun. You are also able to go ahead of time and check out the items in person which I did not do because it's a little bit further from my house, but I still had fun optioning on items and I did win a few I would definitely do it again.-picking up the items was also a breeze. Everyone at the Front Counter was very friendly. It may cost a few dollars extra here and there I would say due to the convenience of it all, but you may find a treasure you really want so it's worth it I would recommend this business. read more

I've gotten a variety of nice things through Lightning Auctions--furniture, rug, jewelry, vintage dishes. Lots of good deals!

NEW OWNERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT!!! The team here always values there clients with a professional and respectful experience, they stick to their word and honor the guide lines whether it's in there favor or not. If you call definitely ask for there receptionist George he bends over backwards to make sure you feel valued. They work with you to there fullest capabilities aslong as you keep in touch they've held items for months for people and they're extremely understanding! They've drastically improved within the last year and problems like loosing items, wrong items, or broken items have been addressed and rarely happen, there descriptions can be iffy but they do there best to right anything described incorrectly! Definitely worth checking out especially if you had problems with them in the past its astonishing how much its improved you wont be disappointed read more

Pretty fun to bid on items and I have found the staff to be very friendly. They even helped load my purchases which I was not expecting.

My sister recently introduced me to Thai auction house. They usually do one virtual auction a week starting Friday and ending Sunday. I've won the bud a couple times now and got a $10 snowboard and a $32 vintage telephone table (unbeknownst to me at the time the leg was broke so check your stuff before leaving the auction house!) There is also a 15% fee they add on and tax on top of the sale so keep that in mind when figuring out the final price. The process for pick up is easy, they will email you with your invoice on Monday and you just swing by the warehouse by Wed to pick it up. Even when there is a line, pickup goes pretty smooth. Good luck and don't outbid me! :) read more

Lightning Auctions - Waiting to pick up my item - Auction Houses Near Me - Sparks, Nevada

See all

I started off having a positive feeling and was hopeful that this group could help liquidate abandoned property at property we own. Unfortunately, our expectations were not met as the auction process took weeks longer because of "advertising". In the end, we actually had to pay to have the space cleared. I do not think this is the right place for maximizing the value of remaining property. read more

Several of the employee's have extremely poor attitudes and bait customers into arguments and talk bad about customers to other customers while sitting right beside them! Not good. It used to be good and have been going there since 1997, but I no longer bid on anything they have because of the rude employee's. I took my $ elsewhere and haven't looked back. Sorry Greg, but changes need to be made. read more

If I could give it a -10 I would. You are 100 times better off donating or tossing your items. They are horrible. On gold or silver you might get 30% of melt rate.... anything else the dump will charge less then you will ever make here. You will wait for weeks and weeks for your money as they just can't pay in time. The company is owned by used car owners..... says it all. It is the worst thing I have ever done in my life. Don't buy or sell here. Go to the dump,. Better options. read more

MAKE SURE YOU PICK UP YOUR ITEM Otherwise they will charge you and resell it. They make money twice. They will not give money back. will charge you pick it time and resell your item read more

This auction house is horrible. Please do not expect to get a deal. They also now have minimum bids on autos. Way to go, you keep getting worse! Who checks to see if there is a shill bidding on the items? Is this business regulated? read more

If I could I would give this auction house 0 star review! They practice unethical practices and sell counterfeit items without doing their due diligence authenticating it. They claim items are sold "as is", however, selling counterfeit items are not legal in United States and it is considered fraud. Either if you pick up your counterfeit items or not, you will end up with non-refundable deposit charge! Be aware. read more

My husband and I have been buying items at Lightning for over 15 years. I have purchased many items for my home and to sell online. I never miss an auction, they have a huge quantity of items every week. read more

OK Fellow Auction Sellers, let's straighten this out. Lightening Auctions is not a Social Services counseling center that is concerned about you emotional welfare. They want to make money, pay their employees, and stay in business. If you watch what they have to do every week, you will see that is is hard work to list and photograph over a thousand items every week and keep track of who the sellers are, not to mention customers who think their items are worth a Kings ransom. I've personally sold a few truck loads of items at Lightenings. They do charge a $15 minimum which makes it hard to sell cheaper items. They also charge a 35% buyers premium which is pretty high. They also hardly ever look at the sellers description and they use what they think it is. This results is a less than decent description which means a lower bid price. Their photo taking ability usually leaves out important details that a buyer might want to know. However, I use Lightening Auctions to clear out junk that I want to get out of the house. It's junk that has some value and I hate to just give it to Goodwill. I could make lots more money selling this stuff on EBay but with a lot more work required on my part. So, I've sold items on Lightening for far less than what they were worth. And I've purchased items that were worth far less that what I had paid.. (my bad actually since I was too lazy to go over to the warehouse and inspect the items myself). I've also bought some really nice items for really decent prices. The bottom line here is: If you want top dollar for items you are selling,,,don't take them to lightening or any other auction site... If you are looking for a super deal on items to buy..you might get lucky on Lightening but,, hey, it's an auction so somebody else might want that item too. Remember, Not everyone is having a great day every day like you are. Sometimes we just get pissed off and grumpy. Deal with it. read more

Agree with most of the comments here. This place is shady AF and the people are extremely rude. Lady called me to let me know I won a gun. I asked how long I had to pick it up. She immediately put another man on the phone who immediately yelled "what's your problem, I'm going to charge your card and you can come pick the item up". Before I could get a word in, the guy hung up on me. However, the terms of sale clearly state that the sellers premium is determined based on cash or credit sale and they didn't give me an option, they just charged my card for the 15% rather than the 12%. Crooks! Don't buy or sell ANYTHING here! read more

Beware! This business posts descriptions regarding items that are vague. Won an item and when I picked it up I immediately saw it was a REPRODUCTION and not a legitimate vintage item. When I spoke to their manager he said their description IMPLIED that the item was FAKE. I responded that it would be nice if their descriptions came right out and said items are REPRODUCTIONS. He was unwilling to issue a refund and was very rude. You may read this and think it is my problem and I should have known better, but the fact this business comes right out and admits they are misleading their customers should be a major red flag to anyone who is looking to interact with a local honest business. Look at the reviews! I would never recommend this business to any family, coworkers, or friends. I will actively share my experience with anyone that asks me about Lightning Auctions so they don't end up feeling cheated like I do. read more

This is a sad place to work. The HR manager is two faced and the half business owner is out dated. Talk about being micromanaged. You can't even look up from what you're doing without being asked or questioned if you need something, what are you working on? Who told you to do that? Even giving good customer service is questioned if the customer is standing there, talking too long. I witnessed a customer being told that she is costing her money, because she was standing there, talking too long. Micromanaging only works for the micromanager! I worked there for two weeks and was let go of because I didn't come to work prepared and didn't have the right glasses. That was the excuse that was given to me. No verbal warning, no written warning, I was not even pulled aside and talked to about any mistakes that I was making or anything that was done wrong. I was just let go of for those reasons. So, with that being said, apply at your own risk!!! I would not recommend it though!!! read more

Very Bad business practice!!! Never, Never consign with this business!!! Absolutely the most frustrating run around in getting a check from them! Their contract says they have up to 30 days after the auction. On the 33rd day, when I hadn't heard from them, I called and was told they hadn't gotten to my account yet, but I was next on their list. I was told they would have a check in 4 days. I called to make sure the check was ready and was informed the accountant was on vacation and the owner was out of the office. I asked to speak with the manager only to be told she was on vacation too! I asked for the owner to call me back. She never responded. I called the next day and was told now that you have to wait not just the 30 days, but 30 business days! They won't have a check for 2 more weeks! What the heck! We're talking about $440 dollars for 5 items that they take their 35% of plus fees! I'm certain they got their cut and didn't wait 6 weeks to get paid. Something about this is fishy! read more

I had a few good experiences here- in the beginning. Bought a few quality cars. My man was buying tools. It was amicable. After I bid on a suv that had flat tires and didn't start- the dynamic changed. Why would a buy a vehicle that has flat tires and wouldn't start. I won't. Kyle the owner has a habit of talking down to customers. Super condescending and rude. After I stopped in to check on the vehicle- it was rough and I decided not to buy it. They never aired the tires up and it took a jump to start it. He said he could charge my card on file. A 25% restocking fee. I've spent thousands of dollars there- and he was threatening to charge me for a hunk of junk. Very unreasonable as a business person. Talked to me like I was stupid- deceiving advertising and take it or I'll just charge you, mentality. It's a shame- with the right people in place- the auction could be very successful. Someone that works with the public, it's a shame he has no respect for his customers. Repeat customers none the less. Buyer beware. Kyle- get your shit together and be more respectful of locals that support your business. Not anymore. You burned us too many times. read more

This auction house in Sparks has new stuff almost every week, sometimes they do cars. The process is really easy, just register and you're all set. You get to stop by on Friday and look, touch and feel all of the items to make sure it is what it is. Then the online auction runs through the weekend, usually ending starting at 5pm Sunday with another lot closing every 10 seconds. The eclectic selection is off the charts. You never know what you will find. It's all just a matter of who else is interested in the same weird crap you have your eye on. Of course they have a lot of regular things, too. Dishes, sports cards, coins, jewelry, etc. They charge tax and the standard 15% markup, so be sure you figure that into your bid. Then, if you win, you can pick it up as early as Monday. So if you are looking for something specific or nothing at all, they might have it. read more

See all

I can't say enough good things about the people at lightning auctions. We have purchased everything from jewelry to cars, furniture, toys, equipment and more from them. We recently had an incident where a ring we purchased went in for an appraisal and it turned out some of the stones weren't legitimate. Lightning Auctions had us simply bring down the paperwork stating such and gave us a prompt refund. We super appreciate the fact that they are honest about their sales and on the off chance something doesn't line up they're on top of making it right! read more

I've been doing business with this company for about 4 years now and everything is always went smooth and effortless I don't go anywhere else great service good at production good at sales thanks for everything I give you six stars if I could 630mp read more

I'd read the reviews and was a bit skeptical both of the auction house and the reviews. I decided to find out for myself and I'm glad I did. Everyone I've dealt with here is cordial, knowledgeable and interested in my business. I've asked for and gotten advice that's helped me decide what to bring to Lightening and what not to. This is important because there is a no sell fee which is actually higher than the value of some of the items I was thinking about bringing. I've sold in various venues online and locally for years so I'm familiar with the pluses and minuses. I have to disagree with those who have posted negative reviews of lightening auctions. If you have realistic expectations, don't mind the fees and are willing to wait for a date you should definitely consider having these guys handle your items. Thanks guys for doing a good job in selling the one item I consigned. I'll be bringing more in February! read more

We have bought and solid many items over the past three years and we're happy with LightningAuctions however about 2 months ago I called them to sell some items. They told me that they were not accepting items until September. I had my wife call with some very cool Items and they said that they could accept them that week. Very disappointed with them. I put them on Facebook Market Place and have made almost $2,000 with out their 15%. I am so happy they told us no. I will continue to use Facebook. read more

great auction great people been buying from them for around 15 years. I have bought everything from a motorhome,great looking fountains, several cars down to portable toilets. they always try to give accurate descriptions if they know of any defects they will tell you They treat customers with respect when you come to pick up items read more

if i could give this place less than 1 star i would. i find their practices to be extremely shady and their manager - Kyle to be one of the most sensitive (like a delicate flower) and irrational (see - angry) people i've ever had to work with. constantly changing goal posts and letting you know about changes after the fact. after multiple years of selling through them i will no longer be doing so. mysterious fees, lost items, poor photos, you name it. the whole experience over the last two years really put in perspective that they are a money making operation and do not care about their consigners or their buyers. thanks lightning auctions for the cool treasures over the years but i will not be returning read more

I have bought many items from Lightning Auctions and I have been happy with them all. Recently, however, I've started downsizing and selling through Lightning. I found the Lightning staff that came to look over the items I wanted to sell to be very knowledgeable at and experts at packing and moving everything from china to furniture. One of the items they sold for me was a 20-year-old BMW that I hadn't been able to sell myself. They cleaned it up, photographed it beautifully, and obtained a good price for it in an online auction. I was very happy with the result. read more

Rumor has it the "Lightning" (an actual person) was on the fastest callers of auctions in the West. These are not LIVE auctions anymore; it's all online. Here's how it works: Got to: http://lightningauctions.com/ Click on Upcoming Auctions Set up an account Look for stuff you like. I usually Watch Items before I place a bid When ready to bid Click Bid Accept Terms Click Bid again Place Bid Keep your fingers crossed Watch out you might get out bid Feel free to bid again if you really want the item If you win, go into the store and pick up your item. You have 30 days but they will charge your credit card in a few days after you win. Paying CASH has some benefits. Fridays are usually preview days. If you don't make it the preview, remember you're purchasing items as is and at your own risk. Personally, I've always done well on my winning bids. The staff is always friendly. There might be a wait to pick up but there's tons of old Rodeo items to look at while you wait. There's usually a weekly auction. I believe they do an auto auction once a month but that's not really my bag. For me I'm all about the junk...can't wait to see what the next auction has in store! read more

I used to absolutely love Lightning Auctions! Been buying things from them for 10 plus years!! But they hired a new employee that works up front, darker skin tone, uses very rude gestures. I'm not sure of her name but she is EXTREMELY rude. She hung up on me 3 times. I had to keep calling back just to ask how I pick up my Auctions due to the COVID 19 regulations. She doesn't let you finish your sentences. She just hangs up. She is very rude. Makes you feel stupid and ignorant like we should know each businesses protocol in a time like this. Very rude lady, makes Lightning Auctions look really bad. read more

Had a circumstance that was my fault and the manger Kyle from lightning auctions called and took care of the problem that I had. Not many companies and business put the consumer before them and the almighty dollar. I am truly amazed at how they handled this. I wish more people and companies had these kind of morals. Great business and would highly recommend them. read more

I have purchased from lightning auction a few times. The process is always seamless and everyone is friendly and helpful. I bought a very heavy item and the very strong young man with the braid put the item in my truck and advised me on how to get it out. Thank you. read more

Second time purchasing things that are not as described. I will not be returning as this place is really low-end, and no one seems to care about customer service. If you're looking for a lackadaisical, mediocre, low-end company to represent the sale of your items... this is your kind of place. If not... I would strongly suggest you move on to find one that actually cares about how they represent themselves, as well as sellers and buyers. Between the buyer's and seller's premiums... they charge almost a 50% commission! In the latest auction, I called the office to find out what equipment was needed to pick up an item purchased... and the woman I spoke with had no social skills. When my husband went to pick it up (at a separate location on Moana Lane... not listed in the description btw), it was missing parts outlined in the description. The guys were unapologetic... telling my husband all we could do is go back to the Rock Blvd location and complain. I decided it was time to do a Yelp review instead. read more

I've been doing business with Lightning Auctions for years. Decades really. I've always been treated fairly both as a buyer and a seller, and the staff is always nice. Sometimes super busy, but always nice. I think it's important to remember that every auction needs a good cross section of items, and sometimes not all of my items go in the same weekend. Then we have Covid and they were shut down just like everyone else creating a backlog and the need for appointments. They only have so much space, and if you've been down there you know that they are full all the time. I know it can be disappointing to have to wait a few months to get your stuff down there, but we live in disappointing times. Manage your expectations! read more

Wow, I never thought to look here for reviews before bidding. We won a used car and the transaction could not have gone any smoother. The app works great, the details about the buyers premium, sales tax and paperwork fees were clearly described before we placed a bid. Staff was friendly and efficient when we picked up the car. So now we have another teenage daughter on the road!! Fair warning :-) read more

Update,So with out my knowledge my wife signed up to bid on stuff on their auction site. Now if you have read my above review you know how I feel about this company. Most of the stuff I bought was sight unseen and not as advertised. You have no recourse. They will literally yell at you as they see fit if you even question something.So my feelings have not changed. Why they are still in business puzzles me.Oh wait,becuse the auction business in the state of Nevada is unregulated. Much like a mentally handicapped 18 year old , no license need to PROCREATE business! My wife knows I enjoy gun collecting. I have many WW2 fire arms. She wanted to surprise me for Christmas and buy me a 1943 1911A1. She bid on and won it.Yesterday she shared with me that they would not let her pay for it . They actually said"If you are associated with Bla Bla Bla conisder this deal void" Wow ! First let me say Lighting, this guy must A, know where the bodies are buried, B, be your "Kin", C, be married to your daughter. Any other reason just makes you dolt. This joker seems to be doing all he can to hurt your business not help. Look at your yelp reviews.Lots of folks saying the same thing!!! read more

This business needs to go back to school and learn customer service. I won two items and called to arrange them to ship them weeks went by with being told we will send you an email with shipping number on the first call got no email. Called again it will be mailed out on Friday here we go nothing. Then the next call I am mailing it tomorrow and here it is the end of the week called back today they cant help me today someone will call you tomorrow well looks like tomorrow never gets here so if you need things you have won mailed to you I would not hold breath but they sure took the money for my account fast. read more

BEWARE of Lightning Auction House! This place has tried to rip me off twice. They state that they will notify you if you have won the item. They didn't notify me of an item that I was the highest bidder on, but charged my credit card for the full amount. I didn't find out about this until I saw the item resold in this last weekends auction. I called them, and they refuse to return my money. I am aware of their guidelines on purchases and the times to the items up, but again, you can't pick something up when you are not notified that you are the highest bidder. I recommend NOT doing business with Lightning Auctions!!!! read more

I buy a car . Spent 2 days getting their money together and it's at another lot boxed in. No way out. They said you "can get it Anytime" . Well come move these cars..no, the guys busy, can't do it until morning?? Wtf. Who's paying for me Missing work? My 2 days trying to get this bucket of bolts? I'm fuming! THE WORST Customer service EVER. I get my car when you're free? I don't think so . That's called stealing.. read more

This place is great fun! Of course, you cannot go in expecting a retail experience. If you choose not to check out items during their Friday previews, be sure to look CLOSELY at the items, descriptions, and items near them in the pictures to gauge size, color, etc. And remember, "Let the Buyer Beware." As for vehicles...yeah, don't miss the Friday previews... Really, who buys a vehicle without kicking its tires? read more