Vectis Toy Auctions Reviews 117

TrustScore 3.5 out of 5

3.5

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Review summary

Based on reviews, created with AI

Most reviewers were somewhat happy with their experience overall. Many customers appreciate the exceptional packaging, with items arriving well-protected, even delicate ones. Reviewers often highlight the knowledgeable staff and excellent communication throughout the process. The service is frequently described as superb and professional, with some customers praising the reasonable shipping costs and the overall positive experience from start to finish. However, some people were dissatisfied with the delivery service, noting that shipping can be slow and, at times, unacceptable, with long waits for items to arrive. There are also concerns about the product descriptions and grading, with some customers receiving items that were not as expected or were damaged. A few other people also felt that the pricing for postage was too high, especially when combining items from multiple auctions.

What people talk about most

Product

Consumers have mixed feelings about the products. While some reviewers praise the well-described items,... See more

Service

Reviewers mention ambiguous feedback about service. Some customers praise the superb and lovely service,... See more

Delivery service

Customers had ambiguous experiences with delivery service. Many reviewers expressed dissatisfaction with slow... See more

Price

People report ambiguous experiences with price. Many customers express dissatisfaction with high postage... See more

Staff

Users describe ambiguous interactions with staff. Many customers praise the team as professional, helpful,... See more

Based on these reviews

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Have dealt with Vectis many times over the years, but my most recent purchase was the first one in quite a long time. Service levels remain high, excellent communication throughout the process. Yes, s... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The Best toy auction site in the UK. Outstanding company with the most knowledgeable expert valuers I have ever come across. Exceptional packaging by the Dispatch Dept. taking care of the most delica... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I used Vectis Auctioneers to sell a number of sci-fi items including Star Trek, Star Wars, autographs, figures and toys, and magazines. The auction itself lived up to expectations with many of the lot... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

As a French teddy bear collector, this is ‘a place to bid’! Well-described items, online auctions with minimal fees, an invoice including reasonable shipping costs and careful packaging... As a resul... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Auction House
  2. Antique Store
  3. Toy Store

Written by the company

The largest toy auctioneer in the world based in North East England. Auctioning Dinky, Corgi, Matchbox, Hornby, Steiff, Britains and other collectable toys.


Contact info

3.5

Average

TrustScore 3.5 out of 5

117 reviews

5-star
4-star
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1-star

Replied to 81% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 1 week

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

DOG SLOW DELIVERY

I feel compelled to write this now, even before receiving my items, because some of the responses from Vectis l see on here, simply don't add up. I've read that they have recruited in the packaging department and items are being despatched within 5 days. I paid for my items on March 27th, today is April 17th and l still haven't recieved them. According to their website they are currently packing items from the 18th March and there are three more days worth, 19th, 20th, 24th, before they get anywhere near mine. I was told by email to expect 10/14 days for delivery, subsequently when that never happened 21 days because of Easter. I'm pretty sure Easter is two days and happens every year. I'm awaiting a response on an ETA, but lm not holding my breath it'll be in the next 7 days. Delivery has always been slow and is now worse than ever. Time would be better served packing than answering poor reviews with generic nonsense, that truthfully no one believes. May l add, it's sits uncomfortably with me as a business owner myself how quickly you take the money and how long you sit on it prior to completing your obligations.

April 17, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Vectis auctions, a business that seems to lack management

Vectis auctions. You need to make some changes. Items purchased on 25th March and I am still waiting 18 days later. I run a business and I can tell you you can and should be doing better than this. It really is not acceptable and there really is no need for it. Staff take holidays and leave but you can plan for it and work as a team to improve the dispatch time and customer experience.

April 13, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Not how it used to be.....

Not sure what’s happened here, Vectis used to be a pleasurable experience, easy to deal with and great customer service, unfortunately no longer.

26th November bought items for Christmas present. I thought they’ve got plenty of time to get them sent out for that. No, had to chase them twice to make sure they were going to get here in time. Gave them the benefit of the doubt as thought it was a one off, nope, same thing with items I bought in December.
Roll on January train auction, you’d have thought I’d know better by now. First got an invoice for postage of £80 to post them – yes you read that right £80, so be careful when you use them if not picking up, they’re very expensive for postage which to be fair they don’t hide but it’s not easy to work out.
Anyway, this time I thought £80 was a bit steep so I asked if someone could check it and give me a breakdown. They simply did a screenshot of postage charges from the website pasted it on an email and sent it to me – no hello, no breakdown, no thank you - nothing. Spent nearly £800 in January and they couldn’t even give me an itemised breakdown of the postage as I didn’t understand it. Just an email to work it out on my own. Finally got there after several emails but it was painfully hard work. Customer service is no longer a strong point. On a sort of positive note – items only took 3 weeks to arrive this time.

I feel if they are that busy where they can’t cope with packing, sending out items, answering queries due to volume of sales in auctions that maybe they need to recruit more people. Real shame as they used to be so good, I’ll still begrudgingly use them but will only buy items I can’t get elsewhere now.

Real pity.......

February 26, 2026
Unprompted review
Vectis Toy Auctions logo

Reply from Vectis Toy Auctions

Thank you for your feedback, and please accept our sincere apologies for the extended wait you have experienced in receiving your items.
We are continuously working to improve our customer experience, and your comments are invaluable in helping us achieve this. Since January, we have expanded our teams within both our dispatch and customer service departments. As our new staff members complete their training and development, there may be a short period before we return to our usual service standards.
We are committed to restoring the high level of service you expect as quickly as possible and appreciate your patience and understanding. We hope you continue to use Vectis Auctions.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Purchased £460 pounds worth of model…

Purchased £460 pounds worth of model trains on 26th Feb this year, no notice of dispatch and contacting them today they may be packed tomorrow or next week. First and last time with Vectis, I spend around £1000 a month on eBay, and receive items within a few short days. I can see at least a month will go by until I receive my items. Really disappointed, Vectis you need to up your game in the dispatch department.

March 12, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Vectis Toy Auctions

We are sorry you have had to wait for your items. We are always working to improve our customer experience, and your feedback helps us do that. We do state across our website that shipping takes on average 14 working days, however in busy periods it can take up to 28 days. We are always open and transparent about how long shipping takes, with current shipping dates/timeframes displayed on the home page and across the website. Our in-house dispatch team ensures all lots are packed to the highest of standards to ensure they reach you in perfect condition, which can take longer than other online auction sites. We are always working to improve our customer experience and we are currently recruiting in this area to help us to bring these timeframes down.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Perfect service

I have to say such perfect service after my husband passed away they guided me and sorted all his collections out with care thank you vectis for making it easy for our family.

February 25, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Vectis Toy Auctions

Thank you for your kind review, and thank you for choosing Vectis to auction your husbands toy soldiers. We appreciate your kind comments and placing your trust in us at such a difficult time.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The professionalism by Vectis and ' Eve '

The professionalism by ' Eve ' who dealt with my enquiries regarding my error of misjudgement, was most courteous, polite, and honest. I had no problems with the sale of my collection, or payment. I would seriously recommend Vectis to all sellers. I do hope that Vectis recognise what a valued member of staff she is and award her employee of the year.

February 25, 2026
Unprompted review
Vectis Toy Auctions logo

Reply from Vectis Toy Auctions

Hello Antony, thank you for taking the time to leave a 5-star review and for your comments about Eve. They have been passed on to her and her manager.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Best auction company ever!

From the meticulously presented driver, who came to collect my bears, and the van he drove, to the customer service I received and to the people who catalogued and advertised and then auctioned the bears and also to the accounts department who deposited the sale of my bears into my bank account, it was the most pleasant and effortless experience I have ever encountered.
Everyone at Vectis was so pleasant, efficient, professional and polite and communication was so easy and all enquiries, queries and requests were swiftly acknowledged and actioned.
I just knew when I saw the immaculately turned out Vectis van and driver that I was dealing with a company of the highest integrity and order and I had no qualms handing over nearly 300 bears to a company with whom I had had no previous communication - even knowing that it would be several months before they would go to auction.
Vectis had come highly recommended to me and it has been a much-valued recommendation. I equally have no hesitation in recommending Vectis to anyone as the best auction company with which to do business. I have nothing but the most complete and utmost respect, admiration and gratitude to everyone in the company involved in the sale of my bears for all they have done for me.
I sincerely hope I will be able to do more business with them in the future.
Thank you so very much indeed, Vectis, for the most wonderful experience of doing business with you.

August 7, 2025
Unprompted review
Vectis Toy Auctions logo

Reply from Vectis Toy Auctions

Thank you for your kind review, and thank you for choosing Vectis to auction your Bears. We appreciate your kind comments and placing your trust in us to auction your collection. We look forward to assisting you with future auctions.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I write this review with a honest heart…

I write this review with a honest heart as theses where my dads trucks I drove all the way to Stockton on tees I dropped them off to me there was a lot of buses trucks I really thought with them saying they would get the best price please be aware it’s not the best price I feel heartbroken that I let my dads trucks go for not a lot I’ve a picture and they sold them for £80 I couldn’t get on the sales page which I did email them about they just sent me the link… in total they got £344 and I came out with £248 I wasn’t even told before it would be £248 it just kept saying £344.. please if you want a good price I don’t think I would use them again I’m sat here so very sad 😔 I just wish I had known before.. the man who took the trucks from me amazing so polite and caring but just be aware I don’t think it’s personally the best price oh and it takes 25 working days to get your money

February 13, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Vectis Toy Auctions

Hi Claire, I am sorry you did not feel that we got the best price for your dad’s models. It can be an emotional time when it comes to auctioning a loved one’s collection, and we always try to ensure we handle the situation with care and compassion.  The value of a collection isn’t always going to be as high as expected, due to the nature of auctions and resale prices, however I can see that your collection did achieve much higher than the auction estimates. When you contacted us regarding selling the collection we did give you our commission rate, and you will have received emails outlining the Lots and their estimates once they were catalogued. We are always open to discussions regarding these before an auction commences.  We are sorry you did not have a good experience using Vectis this time.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent auction service

I used Vectis Auctioneers to sell a number of sci-fi items including Star Trek, Star Wars, autographs, figures and toys, and magazines. The auction itself lived up to expectations with many of the lots exceeding the estimates given by the auctioneers. I was very pleased with their service and will use them in the future.

February 11, 2026
Unprompted review
Vectis Toy Auctions logo

Reply from Vectis Toy Auctions

Hello JB, Thank you for taking the time to leave a 5* review, we really appreciate it. We are pleased you had a successful auction and look forward to dealing with you again in the future.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

As a French teddy bear collector

As a French teddy bear collector, this is ‘a place to bid’!
Well-described items, online auctions with minimal fees, an invoice including reasonable shipping costs and careful packaging... As a result, I now own an antique drumming bear automaton, a real gem! I highly recommend this very efficient team

February 3, 2026
Unprompted review
Vectis Toy Auctions logo

Reply from Vectis Toy Auctions

Thank you for taking the time to leave a 5* review. We really appreciate the comments and will pass on your appreciation to our teams.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Absolutely appalled that postage wasn’t…

Absolutely appalled that postage wasn’t combined from two auctions. Very small item, the smallest item would fit in the palm of your hand which incurred the extra shipping cost. Apparently this is ‘company polilcy’. I’d call it greed. I post items myself and know this wouldn’t cost any extra to post. I spent thousands on this occasion too.

January 26, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Vectis Toy Auctions

Hello, Thank you for your review. Rising storage and handling costs have made it increasingly difficult for us to hold items across multiple auctions while awaiting consolidated shipping. In some cases, items were stored for extended periods across several sale dates, leading to a significant increase in operational expenses.

As postage is now automatically calculated and applied per sale, and to ensure we can continue providing a reliable and efficient service, all items will now be shipped separately by auction. Each auction is allocated a specific internal warehouse location, and once an auction is completed, items are promptly processed, packed and prepared for dispatch. Combining shipments across multiple auctions would require additional handling and processing to retrieve items from different warehouse areas, resulting in increased costs and delays.

Shipping charges will therefore apply to each individual auction date and cannot be combined with past or future purchases.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

"Packed with hope, not protection"...."If neglect were a packing method"

Regularly buy from Vectis spending thousands a month at times and generally they are good, but recently purchased a Dinky toy from the 1930's with cast fairings etc for a fair amount. Unfortunately that was the only things which were fair, extremely poor packaging caused the near on 100 year old item to freely bounce around the box and against the other more substantial and modern items also housed within the box and it arriving as just the shell. If it appeared even an attempt was made to prevent it from being damaged I would say fair enough, but to not even attempt to protect it is extremely poor

After contacting Vectis and having to send numerous emails, photos and descriptions. They turned around and said it was listed as "fair condition" in their grading and despite buying it as complete with no description of faults other than the general age related paintwork it was acceptable for me to expect it to be arrive in pieces and beyond repair despite it not being protected.

Poor service, and as I say isolated incident, but still can't get over how one of the worlds more prestigious and renown auction houses can pride themselves on service like that. Was amateurish how it arrived bearing in mind the age and delicate nature, and to then be told it was listed as fair and that it was acceptable for them to send it how they did and arrive in pieces is a joke in all honesty. I will certainly not be rushing to use them again

In response to your reply…..

You emailed offering 10% as a ‘gesture of goodwill’. Which in all honesty was an insult more than a goodwill gesture to say it was graded as fair, and basically saying it was acceptable for it to arrive as damaged beyond repair is laughable. I did reply to the email kindly declining the 10% refund as think it was more of an insult to say it’s a goodwill gesture that poor packaging is acceptable for items to arrive broke and we should basically accept that is reasonable to expect

January 14, 2026
Unprompted review
Vectis Toy Auctions logo

Reply from Vectis Toy Auctions

We are sorry your model arrived in this condition. We have passed this over to our Dispatch team to address the issue with the lack of packing on the models. With regards to the refund process, we did offer an initial refund however we did not receive a reply from you. We would be happy to discuss this further with you if you would like to get back in touch with us?

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Growth vs Customer Service.

I have been a Vectis customer for 15 years or so, but not used them for a year or two until 4th December 2025. The main reason for this was due to having to wait too long to receive my items, usually a couple of weeks after payment. Other auction houses I have been using in recent years have been far quicker, one as good as next day despatch. On this occasion, Vectis took my automatic payment and despatch cost on the same day of the auction (4th Dec), but I only received my items on 7th Jan 2026. Even allowing for the Christmas period, that is far and away too long to wait, given they took immediate payment. Vectis’ continued success is starting to be to the detriment of their customers. For example, I have noticed that they have 16 auctions running in January 2026, that is 4 per week, so maybe 2500 - 3000 lots to despatch each week. Many of these lots also have large numbers of items in one lot. Given current despatch time lag from the auction date, Vectis clearly don’t have the despatch staff numbers to cope with that high volume, and the successful bidders will no doubt have to wait in a very long queue to receive their items as a result. On the plus side, I am happy my purchases were as described, and they were very securely packed. My advice to Vectis as a long standing customer is to try harder to balance your success against your obligation to deliver paid for items promptly. I realise Vectis’ terms say up to 2 weeks, sometimes longer to despatch, but I feel that It is not acceptable for it to be the norm to pay for something immediately, to then wait 3-4 weeks to receive your goods. Always remember that returning customers are the lifeblood of any business. Despatch times need to improve, as they have clearly deteriorated over the years that I have been a customer. I am not saying I would not use them ever again, but at least 3 other specialist toy auction houses I also use will get my priority from now on as their buyers fees are on par with Vectis, and the overall customer end to end experience a lot quicker and enjoyable.

January 7, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Vectis Toy Auctions

Hello Mr. Radley, thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are always working to improve our customer experience, and your feedback helps us do that.
We are sorry you had an extended wait for your items; payment is always taken at the point of purchase as it is with any business, and we are open and transparent about how long shipping takes, with current shipping dates/timeframes displayed on the home page and across the website. Our in-house dispatch team ensures all lots are packed to the highest of standards to ensure they reach you in perfect condition. As we were closed over the Christmas break this has delayed shipment of some parcels, however we are now working within a 5 working day timeframe for dispatch.
We have recently recruited within this department and continue to monitor the staffing levels to help us to bring down these timeframes and reduce waiting times.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great service from beginning to end

Very easy to bid online using the Vectis website which has lower fees than using other bidding platforms. Automatic invoice issue and payment on completion of auction. Very acceptable shipping fee.

The website provides regularly updated information on which auction date is currently being packed for despatch.

Email notice received when the item had been packed and shipped, via Royal Mail 24 hour service, which was indeed received the next day

The items were exceptionally well packaged in a very sturdy outer box with plenty of packaging materials around the items. Everything was received in perfect condition.

I can highly recommend Vectis Auctions, a great purchasing experience from beginning to end. Thank you to everyone at Vectis Auctions.

December 16, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Vectis Toy Auctions

Thank you for taking the time to leave a 5* review. We really appreciate the comments and will pass on your appreciation to our teams.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The Best toy auction site in the UK

The Best toy auction site in the UK. Outstanding company with the most knowledgeable expert valuers I have ever come across. Exceptional packaging by the Dispatch Dept. taking care of the most delicate of objects. Utterly professional & totally trustworthy.

December 16, 2025
Unprompted review
Vectis Toy Auctions logo

Reply from Vectis Toy Auctions

Thank you for taking the time to leave a 5* review. We really appreciate the comments and will pass on your appreciation to our valuation and packing teams.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Lovely service

Lovely service, great dispatch turnaround, I buy several lots each quarter from this auction house and everytime the packaging of individual items is stellar.

December 8, 2025
Unprompted review
Vectis Toy Auctions logo

Reply from Vectis Toy Auctions

Thank you for taking the time to leave a 5* review. We really appreciate the comments and will pass on your appreciation to our packing team.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Everyone is so professional and…

Everyone is so professional and helpful. They have wonderful items and are totally trustworthy

December 1, 2025
Unprompted review
Vectis Toy Auctions logo

Reply from Vectis Toy Auctions

Hi Jacqueline, thank you for taking the time to leave a 5* review, we really appreciate it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Vectis are the best at selling toys.

Vectis are the best at selling toys.
Professional, they will get the best for you as a seller.
Payments are prompt
And you can view how your toys are doing before the sale day.
I sold six lots in total over 2025 from toy soldiers , toy cars , train sets and others.
Use these people you will not be disappointed.

December 8, 2025
Unprompted review
Vectis Toy Auctions logo

Reply from Vectis Toy Auctions

Thank you for taking the time to leave a 5* review. We really appreciate the comments and will pass on your appreciation to our team.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Wholly Unacceptable Delay In Vectis Shipping Lots I Had Won!!I

I won a number of Lots in the Vectis auction on the 18th November. It is now the 1st December and Vectis still have not shipped my items. I spoke with their despatch department a week ago and they said they were going to send the items, but they didn't. I spoke with them again today and they said they would ship the items today. Again, I have to wait and see!

On winning Lots you are expected to pay Vectis more or less immediately. And are then left languishing, waiting and having to chase them up to actually receive your goods. Wholly Unacceptable!

November 18, 2025
Unprompted review
Vectis Toy Auctions logo

Reply from Vectis Toy Auctions

Hello Chris, We are sorry you have had an extended wait for your items. We do state across our website that shipping takes on average 14 working days, however in busy periods it can take up to 28 days. We are always open and transparent about how long shipping takes, with current shipping dates/timeframes displayed on the home page and across the website. Our in-house dispatch team ensures all lots are packed to the highest of standards to ensure they reach you in perfect condition. We are always working to improve our customer experience and we are currently recruiting in this area to help us to bring these timeframes down.

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