A Burswood auction business has closed its doors, leaving up to 40 sellers out of pocket.

Hayes Auctioneers Pty Ltd, which specialised in auctioning antiques, artworks and commercial disposals for clients, has ceased operating after suffering financial difficulties.

Consumer Protection believes there could be up to 40 sellers who have not been paid after their items were sold on consignment. Two affected consumers have reported being owed $5,000 each and an investigation is being carried out to determine if there have been any breaches of the Australian Consumer Law or the Auction Sales Act.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection David Hillyard said affected sellers should register with the liquidator.

“Now that a liquidator has been appointed, we urge those who are owed money to register with them so that they may have a chance of getting paid,” Mr Hillyard said.

“The role of the liquidator is to wind up the business and fairly distribute assets to creditors.

“However, an unsecured creditor’s chances of getting anything back are often slim because they are generally last in line to be paid after employee wages, taxes and secured creditors such as banks.”

The liquidator appointed is Daniel Bredenkamp from Pitcher Partners, 914 Hay Street Perth. Consumers can contact the liquidator by calling 08 9322 2022 or via email at marcus@pitcher-wa.com.au.

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Media Contact: Alan Hynd, (08) 6552 9248 / 0429 078 791 / alan.hynd@dmirs.wa.gov.au