Bid On-Site

How to Bid On-Site: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Register to bid

Registration is required to obtain a bidder number, which is unique to each auction. Bidder numbers are available on-site around two days before the auction start date. Your bidder number will be printed on the front of your auction catalogue, and all winning bids will be recorded against it 

You will be asked to fill out a registration form. Provide a valid Driver’s License, Passport or Government ID, a Bank Letter or Letter of Guarantee (required only when paying with a company or personal check) and a Tax Exemption Certificate or Motor Vehicle Dealer License if applicable.

If you are a first-time bidder or have not purchased with us in over two years you will need to either verify your credit card or pay a deposit, depending on your required bidding limit. If you have purchased any items within the last two years and would like to increase your bidding limit, you may be required to pay a deposit.

Please be sure to read all of the registration requirements before accepting any terms and conditions

Click here to read ALL of the requirements - REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

2. View machinery and equipment

Allow time before the auction to inspect the lots you're interested in, whilst making note of the rings in which they will be sold and the scheduled start time. Customers can view lots on site when registration opens, normally two days prior to the auction

3. Find where you will be bidding

All running machinery is typically sold parade style, driven over a ramp in front of the auditorium, while most stationary equipment is sold in the yard from our auction camper van. These selling areas are called rings. At larger auctions, multiple rings may sell at once, so be sure to follow the correct ring for the lots you're interested in

4. Get used to the signals and pace

First time at our on-site auction? We recommend you initially listen and watch to familiarise yourself with the auctioneer's pace. Bid catchers stand at the front of the crowd, waiting to catch your bids and signal them to the auctioneer

5. Auction Announcements

Announcements will be made at the beginning of the auction detailing critical information auction participants will need to know. You will be notified if items will be sold as groups or any other unusual issues may be addressed during the announcements. Announcements made on sale day take precedent over any printed material.

6. The Auctioneers

Each lot is introduced by the auctioneer, who will announce any last-minute updates, so be sure to listen carefully, especially if it's a lot you are interested in. The auctioneer starts the bidding price, and if no bids are received, the starting price is lowered. Once a bid is received, the auctioneer will raise the asking price until no more bids are placed

7. Electronic scoreboards

There are multiple scoreboards across the arena that keep you updated with the current and asking prices for each lot. Photos of each lot appear on the main screen, making it simple and easy to verify the correct lot being sold 

8. Lots numbers and choice groups

Be sure to note the lot numbers you are most interested in as well as the rings they appear in. All stock is sold in numerical order published in the Order of sale no later than 3 days prior to the start of auction

Some similar items may be grouped together into a choice group. Meaning the winning bidder can select one or more items at the winning bid price. Any remaining lots are offered to the runner up bidder at the same price and if still unsold then bidding is reopened to all. 

9. Ready to place your bid

When you are ready to bid, signal a bid catcher in front of you by raising your catalog, your hand or giving a clear nod of the head. The bid catcher will relay this to the auctioneer, and the scoreboards will update. If you are outbid, he will let you know and you will have the chance to bid again

9. SOLD! You’ve won

If you win a lot, raise your bidder number (printed on the front of your catalog) to the bid catcher, and he can relay this to the auctioneer. For choice groups, please prepare in advance by noting the lots you intend to select

10. Pay and collect

Once you have finished bidding for the day, return to the registration desk and pay your invoice. Once your invoice has been paid in full, then you can collect your equipment.

11. Using your floor Bidder Number and PIN Online

If you're bidding on site but wish to continue bidding online for the rest of the auction, you can log in online using your bidder number and PIN, printed on the first page of your catalogue

To sign in using your bidder number and PIN, simply:

   • Visit our website and navigate to the sign in page

   • Select the 'Bidder Number' option instead of entering a username and password 

   • Choose the auction you are bidding in from the drop-down menu 

   • Enter your bidder number and PIN that is printed inside your bidder book 

Once logged in, you can view the catalogue and participate in online bidding seamlessly, just like being there in person