A Cambridge auction house that has left clients out of pocket has promised all outstanding money will be paid.
One H&H reader has been waiting for 20 months for cash from John Dyer and Sons Auctions, which ceased operating in February.
Proprietor John Dyer said: “Everyone will be paid, we are getting there slowly.”
H&H reported that the auctioneers owed a number of clients money for items sold at sales in November 2008 and this January (news, 26 February).
They sent out letters in March asking the clients to “be patient” and promising to reimburse them.
Now, three months later, although some have been paid, others are still waiting for their money, including Mary Janes, who has threatened legal action if she does not receive the £10,500 she is owed.
Mrs Janes sold a £20,000 Iveco Tector lorry through Mr Dyer in September 2007.
She received half her money but is still chasing the rest.
“He has given me a variety of excuses,” said Mrs Janes.
“Recently he offered to give me a horsebox instead of the money and I would have been happy, except it was an HGV and of no use to me. I’m holding off legal action for now, but I would like to have my money.”
But Michael Hart, who has been owed £300 since November, was paid last week.
He thanked H&H for helping to chase his money.
Mr Dyer added he hoped to restart the auctions soon at a venue still to be arranged.
This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (25 June, ’09)