Dangerous Employee

I write this review with some reluctance, because I do not want to be unfair to the business. But 5th Avenue Auctioneers in Johannesburg has a serious problem with the security guard at the gate and it quite takes away from the lovely building, the excellent items for sale, and the very polite and informed staff inside. Here is my story.

This Thursday around 3:45, February 14, 2019 (Valentine’s day) my partner called to see if we could stop by and view early some of the items about to go on auction. The items were likely quite expensive, and we wanted a close inspection. The staff said yes, they were open, we could view to 5:00.

My partner arrived first, parking inside the gate. Apparently, the guard was quite sullen, but opened the gate as required. I then arrived with a business associate, dropped off by an Uber. It was raining. I waived to the guard. He refused to get up off his chair against the building. I asked, can he let us in? He shook his head. I asked are you open? He then came and stood, with us in the rain, and explained that I would have to go to Sandton to another shop. This was odd, because my partner's car was parked right inside the gate. I tried to explain that my partner was here, and asked again if I could go in. He said no and told me to go away in an angry voice. I called my partner who then came outside. My partner nicely explained to the guard that the place was open, and the staff said we could go in. He still would not open. I said to my partner, "ask the manager what is going on." The guard then opened the gate, only at the mention of the manager, and went on to tell me that when he tells me to go, I need to go and that I am not in charge here and on and on. He seemed threatening, but I was unimpressed. Bullying doesn’t nor, should it work with anyone. We walked in and I asked the young lady at the counter if we were in fact correct to show up and view things. Were they in fact open? She said yes, please go ahead. I explained the situation at the gate. After viewing the items, on the way out I wondered if in fact we were safe to get to our car. In the car lot the gate was still open, and the guard was talking to a couple of apparently homeless people (such as stand at the robots). Nothing wrong with that of course but talking to them and looking at us as we got in the car and drove off made me wonder what else the guard was planning.

That’s why I give one star. The experience was awful. I am an academic and I deal with all types all the time, patiently. But this was beyond the pale. I think 5th Avenue Auctioneers need to hire, train and supervise the employees under their charge. It was quite disconcerting and in fact, may have escalated into a very dangerous situation. Besides of course, turning art collectors away. ¬