How to bid with confidence and avoid common mistakes
Buying at auction is not the same as buying from a shop or online retailer. Please read this guide before placing your first bid.
| Normal Retail | Auction |
|---|---|
| You can return items for a refund | All sales are final. No refunds or returns. |
| Items are usually new or fully tested | Lots are sold "as seen" with all faults |
| Consumer protection laws apply fully | Auctions operate on caveat emptor (buyer beware) |
| Price is fixed or negotiable | Price is determined by competitive bidding |
Before you register to bid, you will be asked to accept our Terms and Conditions. These are legally binding. Please read them carefully.
Remember:
The hammer price is not the final price. You must factor in commission, admin fees, and VAT.
Additional fees that apply to EVERY lot:
⚠️ Important: These fees apply to every lot you win. If you win multiple lots, you pay the admin fee and minimum commission (if applicable) on each lot.
Example based on a €500 winning bid:
| Hammer price (your winning bid): | €500.00 |
| Buyer's commission (14.5% of €500): | €72.50 |
| Minimum commission charge (NOT applicable here as €72.50 > €10): | €0.00 |
| Admin fee (per lot): | €10.00 |
| Subtotal (before VAT): | €582.50 |
| VAT at 23% (on commission + admin fee only): | €18.98 |
| Total you will pay: | €601.48 |
Note: In this example, VAT is charged on commission and admin fees only, not on the hammer price, if the lot is marked as "standard plus VAT (+23%)" you must calculate 23% VAT on the hammer price
| Hammer price: | €50.00 |
| Commission (14.5% of €50): | €7.25 |
| Minimum commission charge applied: | €10.00 |
| Admin fee: | €10.00 |
| VAT at 23% (on €20): | €4.60 |
| Total you will pay: | €74.60 |
📌 Always bid with these additional costs in mind. Do not bid more than your budget allows after fees and VAT.
N.B. Commission can vary from auction to auction and may be different from the rates quoted above. Always check the commission rates as detailed in the specific auction terms and conditions of which you are registering to bid.
You have the opportunity and the responsibility to inspect lots before bidding.
⚠️ Remember: Once you bid, you are deemed to have inspected the lot and accepted it in its current condition, including all faults and errors of description.
Bidding is competitive. Here is what to expect:
📌 If a lot has a reserve price, the vendor may choose not to sell even if you are the highest bidder.
Your deposit is fully refundable if you do not win any lots. However, your deposit WILL BE FORFEITED (meaning you lose it entirely) in the following circumstances:
| Situation | What Happens to Your Deposit |
|---|---|
| You win a lot but fail to pay the full invoice by the payment deadline | Deposit is FORFEITED |
| You win a lot but refuse to complete the purchase (e.g., change of mind) | Deposit is FORFEITED |
| You win a lot, pay the invoice, but fail to collect the lot within the collection deadline | You pay storage fees. If still uncollected, the lot may be resold and your deposit may be forfeited to cover costs |
| You win a lot and do nothing (ignore the invoice and do not communicate with us) | Deposit is FORFEITED |
📌 The Bottom Line: Your deposit is not an option to "try out" an auction. If you bid and win, you are entering a binding contract to complete the purchase. Failure to do so will result in the loss of your deposit.
❓ What does "forfeited" mean?
It means the money is kept by the auctioneer to cover the costs of reselling the lot, lost commission, and administrative expenses. You will not get it back.
✅ How to avoid forfeiting your deposit:
| Mistake | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Bidding without reading the Terms | Read the Terms before registering. Seriously. |
| Ignoring commission and VAT | Calculate your commission before you bid. Know your total cost. |
| Not inspecting the lot | View in person and study the photographs carefully. |
| Assuming items are in working order | Lots are sold "as seen." Assume nothing. Inspect everything. |
| Missing payment or collection deadlines | Mark your calendar. Late payment = forfeited deposit. Late collection = storage fees. |
Q: Can I return an item if I change my mind?
No. All sales are final. No refunds or returns.
Q: What if the item is damaged or not as described?
Lots are sold "as seen" with all faults. It is your responsibility to inspect before bidding. Our Terms (Clause 13) explicitly state we give no warranty as to description or condition.
Q: Do consumer protection laws apply to auction purchases?
Consumer protection laws apply differently to auction sales. The principle of caveat emptor (buyer beware) is the foundation of auction law. Please read our Terms carefully.
Q: What if I cannot collect my lot by the deadline?
Contact us immediately. Storage charges may apply after the deadline. If you do not collect, your deposit may be forfeited and the lot may be resold.
Q: I am still unsure. What should I do?
Email us before the auction. We will answer your questions honestly. If you are still unsure, we recommend not bidding.
We want you to bid with confidence. If anything is unclear, please contact us before the auction.
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: 045 988 799
🏢 In person: Junction 10 M7, M7 Motor Park, Naas, Co. Kildare
We are always happy to help.
This guide is for informational purposes only. It does not amend or override our full Terms and Conditions, which remain the governing agreement between Irish Machinery Auctions Ltd and every bidder. Please read our complete Terms and Conditions before registering to bid.