BUYING EQUIPMENT

Buying Equipment at Auction

Buying equipment at auction is easy. The following categories will provide a quick overview to help educate you about the auction process:

Guide to Buying Equipment

1. Do your homework.

We do our best to provide adequate pictures and descriptions online, however, inspecting equipment in person is the best form of due diligence. It is best to inspect and evaluate the equipment prior to bidding on equipment. When selling equipment at auction, we try to obtain as much information as possible to help you make your purchasing decision. Though we cannot make any guarantees, we take the information from sources we deem to be reliable. If an item is selling with some form of warranty, it will be announced. Otherwise, it will sell “As-Is”.

2. Registration

Onsite Auctions.

  • There will be a designated time prior to the auction when you can register for a bidder/buyer number.
  • You will be asked to present your Driver’s License and any applicable Tax Exempt documentation.
  • Familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of the auction. Ask questions, anytime! We are always glad to help!

Registering to Bid Online.

  • Registration is generally open several days prior to the auction.
  • Each online auction will most likely have different terms and conditions. (Buyer’s premium, inspection times, pickup times, shipping options, etc.) We encourage bidders to register as early as possible.
  • Early registration also allows you time to contact our office and get any questions answered.

3. Before the auction.

  • The auction will begin promptly at the appointed time.
  • The Auctioneer will give any pre-auction announcements, summarize the terms of sale, the methods of bidding, and any last-minute changes, updates or disclosures.
  • These comments usually take only a few minutes, concluding with the Auctioneer answering any final questions.

4. During the Auction

  • The Bidder Assistants are often known as a Ringmen
  • These are staff members who are positioned among the attendees at the auction.
  • They provide assistance to the auctioneer.
  • They spot your bid and assist you with information to help you in your buying decision.
  • You may place a bid by raising your hand. It is a myth that bids can be made accidentally by scratching your nose or similar accidental movement.
  • Any tie bids or other issues brought to our attention are resolved by the Auctioneer, who has complete and final authority.

5. Sold!

  • From the first bid, things move quickly with bidders offering their bids up to the price they are willing to pay.
  • It is not necessary, nor customary, for the Auctioneer to slowly announce, “Going once, going twice, etc.”
  • When it is determined that the final bid has been made, the Auctioneer will identify the high bidder by their Bidder Number.

6. Check Out/Load Out

  • For on-site purchases, check out can happen immediately after your last purchase.
    • Full and final settlement is expected before you leave the auction.
    • Load out varies from auction to auction, but if you are uncertain on the load out times or assistance, please ask! We will do our best to accommodate.
  • For online purchases, you will be invoiced for your purchases following the completion of the auction.
    • Payment is determined by the Terms and Conditions set forth for that specific auction.
    • Load out times and assistance vary from auction to auction, so please familiarize yourself with the terms.
    • Shipping is usually the sole responsibility of the Buyer, unless other arrangements have been made with our office.