Auction Tips

You should inspect the items thoroughly as most auction items are sold without guarantees, if items are described as faulty check that the faults can be easily repaired, sometimes you can test the goods before the auction starts, ask the auctioneer if this is possible.

Some motor vehicle auctions give you a period of time after the sale in which to return the vehicle if it is found to be faulty, again check this with the auctioneer prior to bidding.

Think about setting yourself a price limit on the goods you are interested in and “stick to it”, how much would the item cost new with a guaranteed

Remember a “buyers premium” may be added to the final bid price at some auctions and local taxes may also be added to the price (check the “conditions of sale” in the catalogue or consult the auctioneer before bidding)

Bills of Sale (newspaper advertisements for the sale) are not set in stone and items listed can change.

Listen out for any changes stated by the auctioneer in the description they give of the item at the start of bidding.

If you bid for the wrong lot, tell the auctioneer immediately, although you have a legal obligation once you have won the bidding the auctioneer may present the item for auction again, but this is purely at the auctioneer’s discretion and you may have to make up any difference if the final price is lower than your original successful bid.