SW
Stephan Welz & CO.
Verified Business
SW
AI Review Summary
Based on recent customer reviews, Stephan Welz & Co. receives strong praise for its auction experience, with customers consistently mentioning friendly and knowledgeable staff, easy-to-use auction software, clear lot photography, and welcoming warehouse collections. Buyers highlight efficient refunds and helpful reception teams. However, a recurring and serious theme among sellers concerns delayed payments well beyond the contracted 45 day period, ignored follow-up queries, and disputes over incorrect commission calculations. While the buyer-facing service appears polished, seller payment reliability emerges as a significant reputational concern.
Performance(last 12 months):
TrustIndex
5
Ranking
#41
in Business & Legal Services
NPS Score
50
Recommended: Very Likely
Review Distribution
4|15 Reviews
Jul '25 - Jun '26
Recent reviews (15)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your ExperienceA
Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
26 May 2026, 06:25
Outstanding Payment of R100,000 — No Response
I sold items through Stephan Welz & Co (Swelz Pty Ltd) and the auction closed on 22 March 2026. The proceeds of the sale amount to R100,000.00. In terms of their own terms and conditions, payment is due within 45 days. That deadline passed on approximately 6 May 2026. I have still not been paid. During this time I made three phone calls to their offices. On one occasion a staff member promised to follow up with Laurence — I never received a callback. I sent multiple emails — not one was responded to. On 19 May 2026 I issued a formal Letter of Demand giving them 7 days to pay. That deadline expired today with no payment and no response. I have now filed a formal complaint with the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud and will be pursuing legal action. I would caution anyone considering consigning items with this company to be aware that payment is not guaranteed and communication is virtually non-existent once they have your goods and your money
Helpful (0)
|Replies (1)A
Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
26 May 2026, 06:25
Outstanding Payment of R100,000 — No Response
I sold items through Stephan Welz & Co (Swelz Pty Ltd) and the auction closed on 22 March 2026. The proceeds of the sale amount to R100,000.00. In terms of their own terms and conditions, payment is due within 45 days. That deadline passed on approximately 6 May 2026. I have still not been paid. During this time I made three phone calls to their offices. On one occasion a staff member promised to follow up with Laurence — I never received a callback. I sent multiple emails — not one was responded to. On 19 May 2026 I issued a formal Letter of Demand giving them 7 days to pay. That deadline expired today with no payment and no response. I have now filed a formal complaint with the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud and will be pursuing legal action. I would caution anyone considering consigning items with this company to be aware that payment is not guaranteed and communication is virtually non-existent once they have your goods and your money
0
Replies (1)A
Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
9 Mar 2026, 10:14
Complaint against Stephan Welz & Co
In October 2025 I submitted four paintings to Stephan Welz & Co with the purpose of having them auctioned on 17 November 2025. In a statement dated 17 November 2025 I was informed that three of the paintings were sold for an amount of R56 000, and that after deductions of the company’s commission and VAT an amount of R44 224 was due to me. According to the contract entered into between me and Stephan Welz & Co the Company shall make payment to the seller within 45 days from the date of the auction. I waited until 5 February 2026 (81 days after the date of the auction) to query when payment will be made. Laurence Friedman, the person responsible for payments to sellers, then informed me on the very same day that payment will be made by 23 February 2026 at the latest. By 23 February 2026 no payment had been made. Queries to Laurence Friedman and Laurie Sher on 24, 25 and 27 February 2027 have been ignored. It is now (on 9 March 2026) exactly 103 days since the date of the auction, and no payment has been made and no explanation given for this breach of contract. This is a sad indictment against Stephan Welz & Co. Sincerely Prof Clarence Williams
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)A
Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
9 Mar 2026, 10:14
Complaint against Stephan Welz & Co
In October 2025 I submitted four paintings to Stephan Welz & Co with the purpose of having them auctioned on 17 November 2025. In a statement dated 17 November 2025 I was informed that three of the paintings were sold for an amount of R56 000, and that after deductions of the company’s commission and VAT an amount of R44 224 was due to me. According to the contract entered into between me and Stephan Welz & Co the Company shall make payment to the seller within 45 days from the date of the auction. I waited until 5 February 2026 (81 days after the date of the auction) to query when payment will be made. Laurence Friedman, the person responsible for payments to sellers, then informed me on the very same day that payment will be made by 23 February 2026 at the latest. By 23 February 2026 no payment had been made. Queries to Laurence Friedman and Laurie Sher on 24, 25 and 27 February 2027 have been ignored. It is now (on 9 March 2026) exactly 103 days since the date of the auction, and no payment has been made and no explanation given for this breach of contract. This is a sad indictment against Stephan Welz & Co. Sincerely Prof Clarence Williams
0
Replies (0)A
Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
7 Nov 2025, 07:20
NON-PAYMENT OF AMOUNTS DUE TO CLIENT
Our family sold coins at auction through Stephan Welz on 18 August 2025. When the money became due, payment was not made in accordance with the contract. It has been like pulling teeth to get our money. They have paid 75% of the amount after begging and pleading. As at date hereof, 3 Nov 2025, over R300,000.00 remains due and payable to us. This is extremely unprofessional and concerning conduct.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)A
Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
7 Nov 2025, 07:20
NON-PAYMENT OF AMOUNTS DUE TO CLIENT
Our family sold coins at auction through Stephan Welz on 18 August 2025. When the money became due, payment was not made in accordance with the contract. It has been like pulling teeth to get our money. They have paid 75% of the amount after begging and pleading. As at date hereof, 3 Nov 2025, over R300,000.00 remains due and payable to us. This is extremely unprofessional and concerning conduct.
0
Replies (0)A
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
5 Sept 2025, 09:47
Excellent service, clear and consistent communication, and such wonderful interesting products
Excellent service, clear and consistent communication, and such wonderful interesting products. One of the best auction houses in SA for art and antiques
Helpful (0)
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
5 Sept 2025, 09:47
Excellent service, clear and consistent communication, and such wonderful interesting products
Excellent service, clear and consistent communication, and such wonderful interesting products. One of the best auction houses in SA for art and antiques
0
Replies (0)A
Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
4 Sept 2025, 15:59
Great great experience all staff is very friendly and extremely helpfull and very knowledgeable
Great great experience all staff is very friendly and extremely helpfull and very knowledgeable. I would recommend them 150%
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