Well still and all when you stretch to spend $450 to win a doll I guess it is pretty unexpected to end up paying well over a third more for shipping and as for "un-itemized" you apparently profited on the materials or didn't get them at Home Depot since I seem to have paid over $60 for a box and peanuts...oh and a plastic bag. Sorry, but to me that's NOT expected. I suspect you pay a shipper to do it for you since I bet you don't have a back room you do this in at night. Learned my lesson and IF EVER I bid again, will request an estimate. Probably won't consign my collection when I go to a care home. CHECK OUT THE SAME AUTOMATED RESPONSE. IS THAT PERSONAL REACTION REALLY OR JUST HIT THAT BUTTON WHEN THE REVIEW COMPLAINS ABOUT SHIPPING COSTS? SHOULD'A JUST LET ME WHINE. NOT A GREAT LOOK. read more

Thank you for your response. I understand that the 50Forward auction is described as an "as-is" sale. However, that is not the issue I raised. The issue is that the Barbie I purchased for $750 had significant body discoloration that was not disclosed in the description and was not apparent to me in the photographs provided. In your own response, you state that lots are viewed for visible damage and that visible damage is noted when possible. This is exactly the type of significant condition issue that I believe should have been disclosed. I relied on Theriault's expertise, photographs, and written description when deciding how much to bid. Suggesting afterward that I should have requested additional photographs or scheduled a video call does not change the fact that this condition issue was not disclosed. A buyer should not have to anticipate every possible defect and specifically ask whether it exists. I fully understand that a vintage doll will not be perfect and that an "as-is" auction carries risk. But there is a difference between normal age-related imperfections and a significant visible condition problem that materially affects a collectible's value. I contacted Theriault's directly and tried to resolve this privately before posting my review, but I was told that a return would not be accepted. I have purchased multiple dolls from Theriault's and spent a substantial amount in this auction. I simply expected an important condition issue like this to be clearly disclosed so I could make an informed decision before bidding. read more

See all

I have been going to the auctions for years! Everyone has been super helpful and very nice. I have gotten some amazing items over the years and am so grateful to live close. I have had wonderful doll buying experience over 15 years. i appreciate you all and you wonderful company. My dream collecting come true. Mary Matthews read more

I dealt with Theriaults to help sell the dolls my mother left behind when she passed away in February.They did an outstanding job. Stuart who is the company president flew into buffalo to meet with me. He explained everything in a calm assuring manner.His company then transported the dolls to maryland to get them ready for auction. four days before the auction they sent me a catalog with a detailed list which made it so easy to follow the sale of the dolls. They then conducted their auction. It was a pleasure to watch this group in action. You could sense their passion. And they delivered. The company President was the auctioneer.Nice touch. Bottom line they did an outstanding job and i would recommend them in a heartbeat. read more

My experience with Theriaults has always been wonderful. Their auctions are carefully curated then described and photographed in beautiful, collectable catalogues. The auctions themselves are so engaging and fun. To be a Theriaults customer feels like being part of a big, friendly and supportive family. I recently consigned a fairly large number of items with Theriaults for the first time. The entire staff treated me with courtesty, professionalism, fantastic and personalized service, and, most of all, thoughtfulness. I was thrilled with the results, and I know that was the case due to Theriaults care and attention to selling my items for the best prices possible. I would absolutely consign more items to Theriaults should I elect to do so in the future. And, I will certainly be a Theriaults buyer for many, many years to come. I cannot wait for each new catalogue to come out! SD read more

Absolutely terrible. They are liars and will scam you out of money and your dolls. Do not do business with this company unless you want to be robbed blind! They ignore requests, Florence lies, they FALSIFY RECORDS to reflect prices that benefit them and tell you expensive, rare items sold for $20 when they are worth $2000! read more

They sent me a receipt for the purchased item while asking for my card details. The receipt stated "shipping will be billed separately" and did not include any shipping amount. Afterwards, they charged me both for the item and for the shipping, without issuing the promised separate bill, and without any prior notice about shipping costs. Then, they updated the initial invoice by adding the shipping amount there. I complained because I was expecting to be informed about the shipping cost before being charged. In any case, I have been contacted by the company's representative, who is a solution-oriented person, and most of the issues have been clarified. Next time, they will inform me of the shipping costs before charging my card. I also wish to underline that I am based in Italy and the entire procedure concerned delivery to Italy, not to the USA. I am not from Marshall or any other town in the USA. read more

Ridiculous fees charged for shipping and handling of items Four small lots with a weight of no more than 6 lbs cost 45 handling fee, 42 shipping fee and 17 insurance this does not include auction fees which I agreed to Won't be buying from them anymore read more

Sounds like I'm lucky that I didn't do business with them. I emailed Stuart about consigning my doll collection. Stuart emailed me back and insisted on talking to me. When I reached him, he sounded helpful and friendly. He asked me to send pictures of my hundreds of dolls which I did. After that he would not call me back. I talked to his mother who was very snobby and said he would call. He never did. Evidently my dolls weren't good enough for him. He had said that if they couldn't take them, he would suggest some other way to sell them. I never got that advice since he never called back. After reading the reviews, I am so glad that I didn't turn my dolls over to him. Sounds like ebay is a much better option. read more

I enlisted their services on October 27th, 2016 which means I am entering the 5th year. I have called them and they shrug me off. They basically will not tell you anything. I'm now searching for an Attorney, but wanted to post this update to save others from going through the experience that I have. All I can say beware. read more

For years this company had been sending me tons of emails as well as booklets about their auctions. I didn't like that they only provide one distant picture of item where you cannot see details and that their 15% sale commission and shipping costs are much higher that other websites charge but I never actually realized that this is a company of rude dishonest people that cheat on customers. In March, 2021 I joined Theriault's auction for the first time to purchase few vintage porcelain figurines- WHAT A MISTAKE. I paid Theriault's as soon as I had got the invoice - top money, including their 15% commission and $50 for shipping of 5 small porcelain figurines ( normally it would cost no more than $25). 2 weeks later ( very slow shipping as even my packages from Europe usually arrive faster) I received my items and it was absolutely shocking to see that one of figurines OBVIOUSLY had been broken to pieces and glued back - hole on the rim, breakage lines and glue residue on arms, neck and dress of figurine- totally ruined vintage figurine that Theriault's "forgot" to describe accurately. I called Theriault's to request an assistance to return defective item for the refund. Janet told me to email pictures of damaged figurine and I did so. 1 week later I called again and Janet told me to wait for the decision of the owner. 2 weeks later I emailed Theriault's that I didn't got any response nor refund. Silence. 3 weeks later I called again and was told to email Florence the owner. I did so just to see that these people feel ok to cheat on customers and then ignore rightful requests to resolve the problem. For the 15% commission they charge you would expect decent customer service - instead you run into a shady fraud business called Theriault's . I will file a complaint on bbb.org Please be aware that Theriault's is a scam company. Better sell and purchase your collectibles on Ebay where you are guaranteed to receive your money for sale or refund if seller sends you defective or damaged or inaccurately described item. read more

See all

Have been working with them for years. Because of the pandemic and labor shortages everyone is struggling to keep up, but they always deliver. The website Theriaults.com is very nice and easy to use. Keep up the good work! read more

I have always received excellent customer service both as a buyer and as a consigner from Theriaults. Their staff has been with them a long time and know me on a first name basis. On one occasion I purchased an antique doll that had a condition issue and they took it back immediately, refunding my purchase. They have the most wonderful dolls and doll related items, and I am glad to be a customer of theirs. read more

Consigned my doll collection Waited about 8 months and then received my check. Some of dolls did not sell for as much as I would have wanted. One particular French doll featured in a really nice color catalogue went over estimate. Overall it took patience to deal with the waiting. I was in the middle of divorce and the lawyer demanded money. read more

Awesome company! Stuart did a fantastic job with the sell of our very rare Jumeau doll! Great guy and he didn't hesitate on any request I made. Florence was just as great! This company is very knowledgeable and although it may be a long process it's well worth it! Thanks Stuart! What a fantastic, terrific job, my family is very satisfied! Felix and Linda read more

I dealt with Theriaults after my grandmother asked me to sell some of her dolls. I called with several concerns and my calls were not returned. They sold her dolls for very low prices. The worst was an original signed Johnny Gruelle Raggedy Ann doll- they sold it for $15. I called to ask about this and some peg woodens which went for a tenth of their value. I was treated with terrible rudeness and disdain, and the Raggedy Ann was called a "dirty old rag doll". Without me even saying anything, the man on the phone told me, "Don't try to sue, we have expensive lawyers on retainer". read more

Doesn't understand the concept of customer service. You're better off using eBay. Won't do face to face discussions. Very passive aggressive. Surprised this is actually a business. Check their BBB rating! They definitely appear to lack integrity! read more

Do not consign anything with this auction company! You will have to wait over 9 months for any kind of payment for your items, while they sell them 6 months prior, and pocket the money. They don't update you on anything, just take your items and you never hear from them again unless you call repeatedly. I've called 4 times and was given no information about the money due me for the sale of my items. Totally unprofessional and unacceptable. They won't update me on my items but spam my email box with 3-5 emails about their numerous upcoming auctions. I will never buy or sell with them again. Beware if you ever try to sell anything with this company! Still have not received my payment or even a call from them after 270 days. read more

Theriault's was just the worst. I spent about $4600 in the Candy Spelling auction and paid them by cashier's check- big mistake!! I purchased the Country Picnic Kins to find out there was a missing finger on one hand- I noticed it IMMEDIATELY. I think they are purposely blind. Theriault's told me I could return the doll which I did, but then trying to get my money back was a nightmare. It took over 4 months to get the check with constant calling and excuses on their part. And when the check finally came, it was not even the total price of the doll with the buyer's commission. They paid me nothing on the return shipping, any portion of the original shipping and insurance or the $10 handling fee. I had a feeling when I returned the doll that I would have been better off reselling her on Ebay or Etsy than trusting Theriault's. I recently entered my Candy Spelling Cissy queen in the MADCC competition (I don't collect Cissy and wanted someone's else opinion). Though she looked fairly minty to me, apparently she was the wrong doll for the outfit. Theriault's just doesn't seem to know that much about Alexanders, and without adequate pictures and descriptions, it's hard to tell what you are buying. Additionally, the queen was delivered with her skirt tightly wrapped in bubble wrap (ditto all dolls) and the wrinkles were nightmare to remove. I finally resorted to pressing them out with an iron. Theriault's just is not very knowledgeable, or professional in their business dealings. Given the huge amount of time they took to return under $400 to me, and the law suit with Candy Spelling, I'd say they were having some financial difficulties. I wouldn't even bid again at their auctions with a credit card because they don't take Amex which is the best of the CC companies in protecting your purchases. It baffles me that they are so difficult to work with and try to nickel and dime buyers with all their overpriced shipping and fees, The same collectors who are their buyers are potential consigners. But I would never consign anything to them nor advise my heirs to do so. read more

Unfortunately I have to confirm the other negative reports about Theriault's on this site. We consigned an expensive antique doll to them to be sold in early 2012. We watched the auction and saw that it sold for more than $19,000. Our contract said we would be paid our net proceeds (75% of sale price) within 35 business days. So far nothing. They didn't even contact us to confirm the doll was sold, much less the sale price. The only way we know what happened is by watching the auction ourselves. We have called Theriault's 10 times since the deadline date and had to leave messages every time. So far no one has called us back--or sent our money to us. BE WARNED. This company seriously lacks integrity. Updated April 28, 2012: We finally got our money, although it took about twice as long as the contracted time. We still fault Theriault's for its very poor communication with us after the auction--but it could have turned out much worse. We're changing our rating from 1 star to 3 stars. read more

If you are like me you have a loving attachment to your dolls - valuable or not. Each time you look at your doll you have an emotional response. You remember the day you got her (or him) the feeling you experienced holding her in your hands... the pleasure of putting her in a place of honor in your home...sharing the joy of her with others. In my case this joy came from a large number of early Lenci dolls - a collection started by my mother and carried on by me after she was gone. There were always favorites... the few that just made your heart sing each time you looked at them. But there were other that you loved but maybe not quite as much. That always made me feel a little guilty...maybe that is just silly, but when you live with dolls long enough they do seem to have lives of their own...and you don't want to hurt their feelings! Anyway, years had passed and I realized that I was no longer actively collecting the Lencis and that it was possibly time to let the bulk of them find new lives with others who would adore them as I (and my mother Helen) did. I had displayed them in museums (including my own little Museum called the Land of Make Believe) written about them and looked at them each and every day - but I knew in my heart it was time. And I had an added motivation - I had fallen in love with a classic car - an original 1936 Ford Roadster that I had to have. The owner was willing to give me a bit of time to pay for it but I needed to do something fairly fast... how could I justify that kind of expenditure? I had to sell something I could live without and get something I HAD to have...and something my mother Helen would have loved wholeheartedly. So who DO you call? Who else but Theriault's. Stuart came to my home and there was an immediate trust between us. He quickly evaluated the dolls and told me a lot about the current market. He looked at some other dolls I had and told me the time was NOT right to sell those, but he told me the Lenci Dolls were hot right now. I never got the feeling the was just trying to get more inventory to sell and that the price they went for did not matter to him. He explained the whole process to me in detail. The catalog was beautiful and the day of the auction dawned for me with GREAT EXPECTATIONS. Everything he told me would happen came to pass and my Lenci's sold for top dollar. I made enough for my car and am proudly driving it. I kept the few Lencis that I could not bear to part with so I still have a small collection that makes me happy...but who knows...someday those too may pass into the able hands of Theriault's. I also have to compliment Colin who came to the house to pack up the dolls before the auction. He was a fun person to talk to - and very reassuring. He handled the dolls with great care and I was able to let them go with a smile and a wish for a happy new life. I do feel I need to address the comments about payment that I have read in other Yelps. While I do not know the details of these specific transactions, I will tell you that Stuart did tell me going in that there were sometimes delays in payments for various reasons... I had the choice to agree to this or not. Although my check took a bit longer to receive than I hoped when I did get it it was paid in full and the exact amount I expected. SO I can only tell you my experience - it ended very well, was exciting and fun and I do believe that I got the BEST prices for my collection - something that would not have happened anywhere else. read more

I pretty much have the same complaints regarding payment and lack of response to phone calls. I see that Stuart replies to some of these messages so I hoping to get a response. We delivered our dolls personally to Florance in July 2016. I have called repeatedly. Spoke to Florance about 4 months ago and she told me we would get our check in about a month....nothing yet! Sent Florance an email last Friday and have yet to get a response. In addition I want to mention that I have spoken to some very rude people a few of the times I called. This is very poor customer service. I'm very disappointed I thought Theriaults was a reputable business. read more

I met Theriaults in Paris some twenty years ago, that memorable day changed my life as a collector and my appreciation of dolls. A large percentage of my collection has come from Theriaults auctions and notable some Golden horse dolls (no other auctioneers that I know of have the guts and conviction to run such a scheme) I am always surprised by the depth of knowledge possessed by Florence and the fantastic work she does in presenting both mine and other people's dolls in the catalogues and on the days of their sales Thank you for your beautiful catalogues, which circulate around the world and make me so proud especially when I have any of my dolls in them. read more

Terrible! Not recommended! Will not respond to emails or phone calls! I called Florence to ask if she could take a look at some dolls that we received in an estate since I have no experience with dolls. I explained the there was a wide variety, some old, some modern etc. She seemed interested and asked me to send pictures and we could discuss our next step. I sent emails with the pictures of about 20-25 of the 150 dolls that we have. The attachments were large so I only sent 5 to 6 at a time (4 separate emails). I called that day to confirm that she had received the emails. The person who answered the phone said Florence was busy, so she took message for her to call me back. NO CALL! I gave it a few days and called and left another message...with someone who 'just happened to be walking by the phone and thought she would answer it for Florence.' NO RETURN CALL! Next, I sent an email, not to rush her but simply to ask her to confirm whether she received my emails or not. NO RETURN CALL OR EMAIL! I called today and again she was not available! I give up! Apparently my dolls are not valuable enough for her to even look at. As a business woman she should at least have the courtesy to return my call! I would have prefered if she had told me not to bother in the first place! read more

Im amazed at Mr Holbrucke's reply. I never was told exactly when the dolls had been sold. Its the same comment many people have made. Countless telephone calls, never being able to speak to any one who could tell me the situation. The check arrived many weeks after the contract date, and only after two letters from an attorney. It is either deliberate or a very strange way to run the business. read more

Horrible experience from beginning to end. They talk a good game but do not deliver. Was totally frustrated by their repeated lack of response, the endless months that went by without any update or payment from them, and the awful return I got for my precious doll collection when the check eventually did come. Completely unprofessional and untrustworthy. Beware at all costs. Such a shame too because this could be such a valuable service to the doll collecting community. read more

Well Stuart it seems you will reply to these reviews but your company will not respond to numerous phone calls so I thought I would try here. You have had our dolls for 16 months now. We respected your request that we give you one year. That was very long time for people waiting to cover the bills of the estate of our passed on mother! We respected you and did not call you during that first year as you had asked. We have since called numerous times and feel very disrespected by getting no information. The only return call I got was when I threatened that the next call would be from an attorney. Then I was told the sales would take a little longer. We have waited 3 more months and can't get any responses to our calls. We now have trust issues for more than that reason. I researched three other doll auction services before I chose and had THOUGHT I had made the best choice!! read more

Been a customer for years and will go on being a customer. I love being able to bid from the comfort of my couch, especially when it's a blizzard where it is 19 degrees outside, the descriptions are way better than you get at any other auction houses who write Doll, good. Theriaults gives in detail descriptions, year condition, and more. have been very happy with all my purchases over years and will continue to do so. read more

Mailed them a doll and they appraised doll for $700-$1100, so I agreed to let them sell it. I had to hound them for a year to learn if they had ever sold it. Finally, they mail me a check for $37.50, claiming it had sold for $50. Wow. I could have done better selling on ebay. Stay far, far away. read more

As a collector this has been the worst auction house I've ever dealt with. They first sent me the wrong doll altogether and then when I finally received my doll- she was broken- because they didn't pack her head enough and the eyes became dislodged. Also I noticed that the clothing- described as antique was not antique at all- it came from the other business of selling reproduction clothing. When I called to make complaint- they wouldn't return my calls. Lastly they did not disclose other damage. The photos they use in their catalogues have been "touched" up- colors brightened and I'm sure flaws concealed. They are very dubious and should be investigated! After discussion with others in my doll club- I've come to find story after story of their questionable business practices. I would never do business with these people again! read more

Do not consign anything to this company. I have been trying for the past seven months to collect my deceased mothers dolls. Before her unexpected passing, she was trying to collect the unsold dolls after they had them for a year. They cannot tell me if they have them or if they were sold in the January auction. Nelly has never returned a phone call regarding the situation and at this point Jamie is not returning my numerous calls. The person who answers the phone cannot give me any information. This is the most unprofessional company I have ever dealt with. read more

I had a great experience with Theriault's. They sold some Lenci dolls for me that were my mothers and they went for great prices. Everything was smooth from start to finish and I would definitely recommend them to others. read more