I've bought numerous things from Hessney Auction Company and my experiences have been great. Very prompt and professional!!

I think Rebecca misread my intent. Hessney is not a ripoff, he sells to the highest bidder. If you don't like it, don't buy it. As for the fees, the State Sales Tax goes to the State, not Hessney. The buyers premium is indeed a rip off (since Hessney likely charges the SELLER a fee as well), but it is clearly stated at the beginning of every single auction and on his web site. The saddest thing is that buyer's premium does not buy you any guarantees. I think if you are being told that an item is in a certain condition, then it turns out that it does not work the buyer's premium should allow you to bring the item back for a refund of the bid price. The buyer's premium should be an insurance policy, not an extra 10% fee for Hessney. I would waive insurance if I could waive the fee. But to waive any insurance and still pay a fee above an beyond your bid price is just thievery. read more

Good experience first time out of the gate... I purchased a hard-to-find antique item on-line. Quality was better than expected. Pickup was pleasant. Whatever I buy and spend is on me. I will likely use them again. read more

Very good auction house, easy to follow the bid, easy to hear. Staff is professional and very helpful. Owners professional, descriptions are good. Clearly tells everyone the terms of auction before each auction. And always gets good product. Pictures on website are well done. Office staff and gun staff get you out quickly. read more

I recently sold several firearms through Hessney Auctions. Even after their fees I feel I did very well on my gun sales. I did my homework. I knew what my guns were worth before I took them to auction. Hessney got me all of that and in some cases more than I expected. I'll take more firearms to Hessney for auction. read more

I recently worked with the Hessney family for a live auction and paddle call during our fundraiser. Joe and Carrie promoted our non-profit organization and helped us raise record high donations! They are incredibly professional, generous and hard working. I will not hesitate to use their Company in the future or refer them to others. read more

I don't know why people would give bad reviews. the Hessney family has clearly worked hard to get as far as they have and it shows. It's a beautiful place with wonderful people, what more could you ask for. read more

I agree with the other review, Hessney is a total rip off. I stopped going to his auctions years ago. Of course, he doesn't spell out all the 'extra' fees in his listings or in the pennysaver where he advertises. The people I really feel sorry for are the inexperienced auction-goers who think they're getting a bargain and opps!, they forget about the buyer's premium, the fake sales tax and all the other outrageous add-ons. He's a greedy man. read more

Hessney offers a range of estate auctions, some live in their Geneva location (now seemingly mostly for coins, guns and jewelry), many online through the so-called HiBid online auction website. As with any auction anywhere, you need to inspect the merchandise and not anticipate that a general auctioneer is an expert on such a wide range of material. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to get to limited previews when Hessney sells merchandise on-line only without removing the lots from the seller's location, in which case there are only very few preview hours at wherever the seller is located and you must then return for pick-up during a limited window in the event you win. I find it much easier when they move merchandise to their own location for preview, in which case the preview lasts several days and pick-up is also easier. They have off-street parking, a well lighted auction house (with proper facilities) and friendly staff. If you haven't used the HiBid software before be prepared for the staggered lot closing, but the good part of that is that no one can just sneak in at the last minute without your having a chance to up your bid (unlike so-called auctions on a certain gigantic popular website!). read more

I have been buying and selling at auctions for forty plus years and have seen many auctioneers come and go. The Hessney family and staff are some of the best and most professional auctioneers I have had the pleasure to deal with. Sometimes when they have sold things for me the final price was less than I wished for, but the times that I got much more for items sold way out number the short comings. It takes two or more bidders to make an auction and Hessney's professionalism has pulled in those bidders. The charges to sellers and bidders are fair and that is what keeps bidders and sellers coming back, some of the other Auctioneers in this Rochester to Syracuse area could learn from the Hessney's how to run a better auction service. Keep up the great work. read more

It's hard watching a little piece of your soul get sold for peanuts... But I have to hand it to these guys they worked very hard to get me as much money as possible for my companies auction. They went above and beyond in sorting through the disaster and making sense of it all and would for sure use them again. A special thanks to Joe and Carrie good job. read more