This collection of frequently asked questions (FAQ) provides answers to many common questions about registering, bidding & buying at Auction Warehouse Auctions.

Q 1. I have arrived at Auction Warehouse; can I have a look at the goods for sale before I register? What are the inspection times?

Yes. You are more than welcome to inspect the goods before registering for a Bidder Number. However, you may NOT place a bid unless you have a valid Bidder Number.

Details on individual auction inspection times can be found on our website. Generally, inspections take place from 12noon - 4.00pm the business day before the scheduled auction day and then on auction day, from 8.30am until the auction starting time.

Q 2. Are the goods on sale, new or second hand? Where do the goods come from?

Most of the items sold at Auction Warehouse are new; they may be surplus stock, end of line items, transit damaged stock etc. However, some may be ex-lease or given to us to sell as part of an Insurance Claim. Some items may have a slight imperfection but still be in 100% perfect working order.

Buyers are reminded that it is their own responsibility to check the condition of the goods they are planning to bid on. It is imperative that buyers INSPECT ALL GOODS BEFORE MAKING ANY BIDS.

Q 3. What is the $100 Registration Security Deposit for?

Essentially, the $100 Registration Security Deposit is to discourage unscrupulous people from bidding on items without the intention of actually buying the item they’re bidding on. Once you fill in your Registration Card and pay your security deposit, you will receive a Bidders Number and a receipt. You must keep your Bidders Number and receipt with you at all times.

Q 4. I didn’t make any purchases in today’s auction. Do I have to wait until the end of the auction to get my $100 Registration Security Deposit back?

No. You can come back to the front office to claim your refund at any time - even if the auction has not started. Simply return to the front office and hand in your number and receipt, where you will receive your $100 refund.

If you do make a purchase, the amount of $100 will be deducted from your total invoice. Here's a couple of examples:

Example 1: You are the winning bidder on a Lot at the final bid price of $100.

The Buyer’s Premium is 20% of the bid price. In this case it's $20. Your Invoice Total is $120, Less the $100 deposit that we received from you.
You owe $20 to finalise your invoice.

Example 2: You are the winning bidder on a Lot at the final bid price of $50.

The Buyer’s Premium is 20% of the bid price. In this case it's $10. Your Invoice Total is $60. Less the $100 deposit that we received from you.

You owe nothing and will have the amount of $40 returned to you.

Q 5. Can I pay my Registration Security Deposit by Credit Card/EFTPOS?

Yes. You can pay your $100 security deposit with Cash, EFTPOS or Credit Card. There is no credit card surcharge on the $100 security deposit.

Please Note: If you pay your security deposit using EFTPOS or Credit Card and then require a refund (ie. make no purchases), $100 will be refunded back onto your original card.

Q 6. How do I get a Bidder Number?

Upon arriving at Auction Warehouse, you must complete a Registration Card and then present your Driver’s License (or any current valid photo identification) to the Cashier at the front office. You may also register under a current business name. You will then be required to pay a $100 Registration Security Deposit. After completing the above steps, you will be issued with a valid Buyer’s Bidder Number.

Please read the Auction Warehouse Terms and Conditions printed on the reverse side of the registration card before signing. You can also read Auction Warehouse Terms and Conditions online.

Q 7. I’ve bought some goods in today’s auction. Can I pick up my goods immediately?

Generally, you must wait until the end of the auction to collect your goods. However, owing to the lengthy duration of our Sunday General Auctions, we often allow pick-ups if the auctioneer has moved away from that particular section/area. (This is subject to staff availability on auction day and at Auction Warehouse’s discretion). You may pay for your goods immediately but will not receive a Store Copy (which enables you to collect your goods) until the cashier’s receive clearance that goods are ready for collection.

Q 8. Do I have to pay for my purchases on auction day?

No. You are welcome to come and pay for and pick up your goods on the following (business) day by 4pm. However, if the total of your purchases is greater than $1,000, we will require that you make a further 20% deposit before leaving on auction day.

Q 9. I have bid on the wrong item by mistake, what should I do?

If you have made a mistake, you should alert the auctioneer immediately so he can change the pricing sheets accordingly and then re-offer the item to any other interested bidders. Failing to act immediately will mean that the item will be sold to you and is legally yours as per the Terms & Conditions.

Q 10. I have bought an item in today’s auction but have now changed my mind. What can I do?

Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do. If you deliberately bid on an item, you have deliberately bought it. THE ITEM CANNOT BE REFUNDED OR RETURNED. These rules are stated on the Terms and Conditions printed on the reverse side of the Buyers Registration Card. By signing the card, you are abiding by these Terms and Conditions. You must make sure you are 100% happy with the item before you place your bid (Also see question #9).

Q 11. When do I have to pick up my goods? Is there a storage fee?

You may pick up your goods up until the end of trading on auction day (Usually 3.30pm/4pm) or by 4pm the following business day. Failure to pick up your goods by this time will incur a $50 storage fee (GST Inclusive), per item, per day. It is essential that all goods are paid for and picked up by the following day as the storage fee will be imposed. This strict rule is to ensure that all purchased goods are removed from our premises and allow us to prepare and re-stock for the next auction.

Q 12. How can I pay for my goods?

All goods can be paid for by Cash, EFTPOS, Cheque (Bank Cheque only) and all major credit cards. Please note that all credit card transactions will incur a 1.5% processing fee. Amex cards incur a 3% processing fee.

Q 13. I purchased an item in today’s auction and would now like to purchase a second identical item - can I do this & how?

You may do this by asking the cashier at the front office to increase the quantity of your purchase. This is only possible if there is enough stock on hand.

Q 14. I purchased an item in today’s auction that was described in the Auction Catalogue as “Tested Working” but once I got it home it didn’t work. What should I do?

You should call our office as soon as possible. Auction Warehouse will gladly exchange or refund items that are listed as working but are not.

Q 15. I bought an item in today’s auction, after I got it home, I noticed a minor scratch. Can I return or exchange it?

No. All goods are open to inspection prior to bidding. According to the Terms & Conditions, it is your responsibility to inspect all items for any external damage.

Q 16. What does “Subject to Insurance Matter” mean?

Many catalogue descriptions are appended with the words “Subject to Insurance Matter”, signifying that the goods have been obtained by Auction Warehouse as part of an insurance claim. This usually means that the goods have been deemed inappropriate for sale through normal retail sales channels due to some sort of imperfection - sometimes quite minor. These imperfections may apply to the goods or sometimes merely to the outer packaging. Goods may be water damaged, smoke damaged, transit damaged, stolen & recovered. It is essential that all Insurance Matter goods up for sale are thoroughly inspected before making a bid.

Q 17. Can I buy any goods before auction day?

No. All items must be bought on or after auction day.

Q 18. Can I buy any goods online?

No. Auction Warehouse is a traditional auction house. We do not sell online.

Q 19. Can I keep my Bidding Number for the next auction?

No. It is important that you return your Bidding Card when paying for your items. Each Bidding Number is unique to each auction and cannot be reused.

Q 20. I’ve registered at an Auction Warehouse auction before - do I have to fill in a Registration Card again?

Yes. However, you will only be required to provide your name, phone number and signature to say that you are abiding by the Terms & Conditions as printed on the reverse side of the card. Presentation of your Driver’s License is not required a second time unless you have changed your address since the last time you came to one of our auctions.

Q 21. I just bought an item; how long do I have to wait until I can pay for it?

Once you have successfully bid on an item, it usually takes 15-20 minutes for the information on the Auctioneer’s Sales Sheets to be returned to the front office and entered into our computer auction system. The waiting time may increase during busy periods on auction day. Your patience and understanding are appreciated.

Q 22. A few of us have bought items using the same number, can we split the bill?

No. Auction Warehouse will not split any invoices under any circumstances. However, you are welcome to make more than one payment on one invoice. We strongly urge all buyers to register separately and obtain their own Bidding Number. By doing so, confusion is avoided and there can be no issues regarding purchase totals.

Q 23. I bid on some items, paid and took them home. Can I return later in the day and continue buying using the same Bidding Number?

No. Once you pay for your items, your Bidder Number will be taken from you. If you want to bid on any other items, you must re-register and pay another $100 deposit in order to obtain another Bidder Number. (Please also see Question 20).

Q 24. How can I find out what will be offered for sale in your next auction?

Regular advertisements are placed on our Website, Facebook and social media. An online catalogue is posted on our website usually on the business day prior to the auction. The online catalogue is a valuable resource as it allows you to browse through the items and see if there are any items you are particularly interested in. Before attending the auction, it is prudent to check the catalogue as some items advertised on our website or in the paper may have been withdrawn from sale. Sale days and dates are listed on our website with photos of some of the notable items on offer. Obviously, we cannot take photos of every item. These are a guide to help potential purchasers.

Q 25. The item I’m interested in is Lot Number 400; can I leave and come back later?

Bidding on auction day starts from Lot Number 1 and will continue until all Lots are offered and/or sold. As a guide, anywhere between 80-120 Lot s are sold per hour. If you live locally, you are more than welcome to call us during the auction to find out what Lot Number we are currently selling.

Q 26. How long does the auction go for?

Catering and computer auctions usually last for 3-4 hours.

Traders/Household auctions usually last for 4-5 hours.

Sunday Homemaker Auctions are the largest and can often last for up to 6 hours.

Q 27. Does Auction Warehouse deliver?

No. Auction Warehouse does not deliver and under OH&S acts, we do not provide labour for pick-ups. Our storemen will gladly bring smaller items up to the front gate for you to pick up and take home (trolleys are available for multiple purchases). It is your responsibility to arrange your own transport of any larger or heavier items.

Auction Warehouse can recommend some reputable transport companies, however, it has no affiliation whatsoever to any of these companies.

Q 28. Are there any taxes, fees or charges on my purchases?

All auction items attract a 17.5% Buyer’s Premium (Bidders should take this into consideration when placing a bid). If you are the successful bidder on an item with a final knockdown price of $100, your invoice total will be $117.50. However, because you have paid a $100 security deposit, $17.50 is now outstanding.

All prices are GST inclusive.

Auction Warehouse charges a $50 storage fee (GST Inclusive) per item per day for any goods that are not collected by 4pm the day following the auction. (See question 11).

Q 29. How much can I save by buying at auction?

When buying at auction, you can save anywhere between 30% - 70% off retail prices, however, savings may vary according to the amount of interest in any specific item on auction day.

Q 30. Do all items have a warranty?

If an item comes with a warranty and/or if it has been tested working, it will be described as such in the auction catalogue. Auction Warehouse endeavours to test as much stock as possible, however, it is still the responsibility of the bidder to thoroughly inspect the goods before placing a bid.
This collection of frequently asked questions (FAQ) provides answers to many common questions about registering, bidding & buying at Auction Warehouse Auctions.

Q 1. I have arrived at Auction Warehouse; can I have a look at the goods for sale before I register? What are the inspection times?

Yes. You are more than welcome to inspect the goods before registering for a Bidder Number. However, you may NOT place a bid unless you have a valid Bidder Number.

Details on individual auction inspection times can be found on our website. Generally, inspections take place from 12noon - 4.00pm the business day before the scheduled auction day and then on auction day, from 8.30am until the auction starting time.

Q 2. Are the goods on sale, new or second hand? Where do the goods come from?

Most of the items sold at Auction Warehouse are new; they may be surplus stock, end of line items, transit damaged stock etc. However, some may be ex-lease or given to us to sell as part of an Insurance Claim. Some items may have a slight imperfection but still be in 100% perfect working order.

Buyers are reminded that it is their own responsibility to check the condition of the goods they are planning to bid on. It is imperative that buyers INSPECT ALL GOODS BEFORE MAKING ANY BIDS.

Q 3. What is the $100 Registration Security Deposit for?

Essentially, the $100 Registration Security Deposit is to discourage unscrupulous people from bidding on items without the intention of actually buying the item they’re bidding on. Once you fill in your Registration Card and pay your security deposit, you will receive a Bidders Number and a receipt. You must keep your Bidders Number and receipt with you at all times.

Q 4. I didn’t make any purchases in today’s auction. Do I have to wait until the end of the auction to get my $100 Registration Security Deposit back?

No. You can come back to the front office to claim your refund at any time - even if the auction has not started. Simply return to the front office and hand in your number and receipt, where you will receive your $100 refund.

If you do make a purchase, the amount of $100 will be deducted from your total invoice. Here's a couple of examples:

Example 1: You are the winning bidder on a Lot at the final bid price of $100.

The Buyer’s Premium is 20% of the bid price. In this case it's $20. Your Invoice Total is $120, Less the $100 deposit that we received from you.
You owe $20 to finalise your invoice.

Example 2: You are the winning bidder on a Lot at the final bid price of $50.

The Buyer’s Premium is 20% of the bid price. In this case it's $10. Your Invoice Total is $60. Less the $100 deposit that we received from you.

You owe nothing and will have the amount of $40 returned to you.

Q 5. Can I pay my Registration Security Deposit by Credit Card/EFTPOS?

Yes. You can pay your $100 security deposit with Cash, EFTPOS or Credit Card. There is no credit card surcharge on the $100 security deposit.

Please Note: If you pay your security deposit using EFTPOS or Credit Card and then require a refund (ie. make no purchases), $100 will be refunded back onto your original card.

Q 6. How do I get a Bidder Number?

Upon arriving at Auction Warehouse, you must complete a Registration Card and then present your Driver’s License (or any current valid photo identification) to the Cashier at the front office. You may also register under a current business name. You will then be required to pay a $100 Registration Security Deposit. After completing the above steps, you will be issued with a valid Buyer’s Bidder Number.

Please read the Auction Warehouse Terms and Conditions printed on the reverse side of the registration card before signing. You can also read Auction Warehouse Terms and Conditions online.

Q 7. I’ve bought some goods in today’s auction. Can I pick up my goods immediately?

Generally, you must wait until the end of the auction to collect your goods. However, owing to the lengthy duration of our Sunday General Auctions, we often allow pick-ups if the auctioneer has moved away from that particular section/area. (This is subject to staff availability on auction day and at Auction Warehouse’s discretion). You may pay for your goods immediately but will not receive a Store Copy (which enables you to collect your goods) until the cashier’s receive clearance that goods are ready for collection.

Q 8. Do I have to pay for my purchases on auction day?

No. You are welcome to come and pay for and pick up your goods on the following (business) day by 4pm. However, if the total of your purchases is greater than $1,000, we will require that you make a further 20% deposit before leaving on auction day.

Q 9. I have bid on the wrong item by mistake, what should I do?

If you have made a mistake, you should alert the auctioneer immediately so he can change the pricing sheets accordingly and then re-offer the item to any other interested bidders. Failing to act immediately will mean that the item will be sold to you and is legally yours as per the Terms & Conditions.

Q 10. I have bought an item in today’s auction but have now changed my mind. What can I do?

Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do. If you deliberately bid on an item, you have deliberately bought it. THE ITEM CANNOT BE REFUNDED OR RETURNED. These rules are stated on the Terms and Conditions printed on the reverse side of the Buyers Registration Card. By signing the card, you are abiding by these Terms and Conditions. You must make sure you are 100% happy with the item before you place your bid (Also see question #9).

Q 11. When do I have to pick up my goods? Is there a storage fee?

You may pick up your goods up until the end of trading on auction day (Usually 3.30pm/4pm) or by 4pm the following business day. Failure to pick up your goods by this time will incur a $50 storage fee (GST Inclusive), per item, per day. It is essential that all goods are paid for and picked up by the following day as the storage fee will be imposed. This strict rule is to ensure that all purchased goods are removed from our premises and allow us to prepare and re-stock for the next auction.

Q 12. How can I pay for my goods?

All goods can be paid for by Cash, EFTPOS, Cheque (Bank Cheque only) and all major credit cards. Please note that all credit card transactions will incur a 1.5% processing fee. Amex cards incur a 3% processing fee.

Q 13. I purchased an item in today’s auction and would now like to purchase a second identical item - can I do this & how?

You may do this by asking the cashier at the front office to increase the quantity of your purchase. This is only possible if there is enough stock on hand.

Q 14. I purchased an item in today’s auction that was described in the Auction Catalogue as “Tested Working” but once I got it home it didn’t work. What should I do?

You should call our office as soon as possible. Auction Warehouse will gladly exchange or refund items that are listed as working but are not.

Q 15. I bought an item in today’s auction, after I got it home, I noticed a minor scratch. Can I return or exchange it?

No. All goods are open to inspection prior to bidding. According to the Terms & Conditions, it is your responsibility to inspect all items for any external damage.

Q 16. What does “Subject to Insurance Matter” mean?

Many catalogue descriptions are appended with the words “Subject to Insurance Matter”, signifying that the goods have been obtained by Auction Warehouse as part of an insurance claim. This usually means that the goods have been deemed inappropriate for sale through normal retail sales channels due to some sort of imperfection - sometimes quite minor. These imperfections may apply to the goods or sometimes merely to the outer packaging. Goods may be water damaged, smoke damaged, transit damaged, stolen & recovered. It is essential that all Insurance Matter goods up for sale are thoroughly inspected before making a bid.

Q 17. Can I buy any goods before auction day?

No. All items must be bought on or after auction day.

Q 18. Can I buy any goods online?

No. Auction Warehouse is a traditional auction house. We do not sell online.

Q 19. Can I keep my Bidding Number for the next auction?

No. It is important that you return your Bidding Card when paying for your items. Each Bidding Number is unique to each auction and cannot be reused.

Q 20. I’ve registered at an Auction Warehouse auction before - do I have to fill in a Registration Card again?

Yes. However, you will only be required to provide your name, phone number and signature to say that you are abiding by the Terms & Conditions as printed on the reverse side of the card. Presentation of your Driver’s License is not required a second time unless you have changed your address since the last time you came to one of our auctions.

Q 21. I just bought an item; how long do I have to wait until I can pay for it?

Once you have successfully bid on an item, it usually takes 15-20 minutes for the information on the Auctioneer’s Sales Sheets to be returned to the front office and entered into our computer auction system. The waiting time may increase during busy periods on auction day. Your patience and understanding are appreciated.

Q 22. A few of us have bought items using the same number, can we split the bill?

No. Auction Warehouse will not split any invoices under any circumstances. However, you are welcome to make more than one payment on one invoice. We strongly urge all buyers to register separately and obtain their own Bidding Number. By doing so, confusion is avoided and there can be no issues regarding purchase totals.

Q 23. I bid on some items, paid and took them home. Can I return later in the day and continue buying using the same Bidding Number?

No. Once you pay for your items, your Bidder Number will be taken from you. If you want to bid on any other items, you must re-register and pay another $100 deposit in order to obtain another Bidder Number. (Please also see Question 20).

Q 24. How can I find out what will be offered for sale in your next auction?

Regular advertisements are placed on our Website, Facebook and social media. An online catalogue is posted on our website usually on the business day prior to the auction. The online catalogue is a valuable resource as it allows you to browse through the items and see if there are any items you are particularly interested in. Before attending the auction, it is prudent to check the catalogue as some items advertised on our website or in the paper may have been withdrawn from sale. Sale days and dates are listed on our website with photos of some of the notable items on offer. Obviously, we cannot take photos of every item. These are a guide to help potential purchasers.

Q 25. The item I’m interested in is Lot Number 400; can I leave and come back later?

Bidding on auction day starts from Lot Number 1 and will continue until all Lots are offered and/or sold. As a guide, anywhere between 80-120 Lot s are sold per hour. If you live locally, you are more than welcome to call us during the auction to find out what Lot Number we are currently selling.

Q 26. How long does the auction go for?

Catering and computer auctions usually last for 3-4 hours.

Traders/Household auctions usually last for 4-5 hours.

Sunday Homemaker Auctions are the largest and can often last for up to 6 hours.

Q 27. Does Auction Warehouse deliver?

No. Auction Warehouse does not deliver and under OH&S acts, we do not provide labour for pick-ups. Our storemen will gladly bring smaller items up to the front gate for you to pick up and take home (trolleys are available for multiple purchases). It is your responsibility to arrange your own transport of any larger or heavier items.

Auction Warehouse can recommend some reputable transport companies, however, it has no affiliation whatsoever to any of these companies.

Q 28. Are there any taxes, fees or charges on my purchases?

All auction items attract a 17.5% Buyer’s Premium (Bidders should take this into consideration when placing a bid). If you are the successful bidder on an item with a final knockdown price of $100, your invoice total will be $117.50. However, because you have paid a $100 security deposit, $17.50 is now outstanding.

All prices are GST inclusive.

Auction Warehouse charges a $50 storage fee (GST Inclusive) per item per day for any goods that are not collected by 4pm the day following the auction. (See question 11).

Q 29. How much can I save by buying at auction?

When buying at auction, you can save anywhere between 30% - 70% off retail prices, however, savings may vary according to the amount of interest in any specific item on auction day.

Q 30. Do all items have a warranty?

If an item comes with a warranty and/or if it has been tested working, it will be described as such in the auction catalogue. Auction Warehouse endeavours to test as much stock as possible, however, it is still the responsibility of the bidder to thoroughly inspect the goods before placing a bid.