Bid On-Site
Auctions are open to everyone and provide the opportunity to have a look around the machinery and catch up with colleagues and friends. Registration opens a few days before the auction. If you wish to bid online you must register separately on our website.
Follow our step-by-step guide to bidding on-site:
1. Register to bid
You must register to obtain a bidding number for an auction. Bidder numbers are unique for each auction and are available a number of days before the auction date. The bidder number is printed on the cover of the auction catalogue. Winning bids are assigned to the relevant bidder number.
You will be asked to fill out a registration form. You will also need photographic ID, Letter of Authorisation if bidding on behalf of a company, company VAT number if applicable and you may need to pay a deposit.
A minimum deposit of £/€/$ 1,000 is required which allows a credit limit of £/€/$ 10,000.
READ ALL THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
2. View machinery and equipment
Take time to view the lots you are interested in, noting what Ring they will be sold in and the Ring start time.
3. Find where you will be bidding
Running machinery is normally sold by driving over a ramp on front of the auction theatre. Stationary machinery is sold in the yard by using a camper van. These areas are called Rings. In very busy auctions there can be multiple Rings on at the same time.
4. Get used to the signals and pace
If it is your first auction, it is recommended you listen and watch the auction to get use to the pace and the auctioneers. Bid catchers stand at the front watching the audience to help signal bids to the auctioneer.
5. Lots numbers and choice groups
All stock is sold in lot number order. Items that are similar can be sold as a Choice Group. The winning bidder on a choice group can choose one or more of the items, each sold at the winning bid price. Any lots not taken in the choice group are offered to the runner-up bidder at the same price. If not taken the auctioneer will start the bidding process again on the remaining items.
6. Auctioneer
The auctioneer will introduce each lot and start the bidding price, if no one bids he will lower the starting price. When a bid is placed the auctioneer will raise the asking price, this will continue until no more bids are placed.
7. Electronic scoreboards
There are electronic boards, which display the lot number and the current bid and the asking price.
8. Ready to place your bid
You are ready to place your bid, make contact with the bid catcher. You can do this by raising your catalogue, eye contact, or nod of the head. The bid catcher will relay this to the auctioneer; if you are outbid he will let you know.
9. SOLD! You’ve won
Raise your bidder number found on the front of you catalogue to the bid catcher by holding it up. He will relay it to the auctioneer.
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 then you can collect your equipment.