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We have found that the public are in some cases frightened to attend sales as they fear the ridiculous situation of scratching their nose and buying something unintentionally, or not being able to hear or understand the auctioneer's gaggle.
Our auctioneers are taught to auction clearly and audibly, to conduct a sale that is conducive to good business procedure (but remains enjoyable!) according to our conditions of sale. |
Browse around our Durban and Pinetown showrooms: we have a large and fascinating selection of ever changing goods, from general household items to antiques, machinery, vehicles, tools, jewellery etc. The day before the auction is the best time to view.
Please read the conditions of auction. There are some technical conditions which may need explaining.
Select and inspect your goods carefully. All items are sold "voetstoots" (as is). Each item will have a sale lot number. Make a note of this number, as it will be referred to when auctioned. Sales are conducted in numerical order.
Reserves are never disclosed as owners may on occasion withdraw or lower the reserve price prior to items being auctioned. However, should you require help in establishing an estimated selling price on an item, our management staff are experienced in this field and will gladly assist you.
Prospective buyers are requested to register at the office prior to bidding. Registering will include completing a buyer's card, paying an acceptable deposit (per our conditions of sale) and collecting a buyer's number. Your deposit should be approximately 25% of your anticipated purchasing value, unless specifically stipulated by us. Your buyer's number must be kept on you, and shown to the Auctioneer clearly, every time you make a bid.
When the Auctioneer asks for bids on your chosen item, raise your hand to indicate your bid. If the amount being asked is not clear to you, ask the Auctioneer to repeat the bid amount. Relax and enjoy the auction - don't be nervous! We want you to enjoy yourselves!
After an item has been knocked down, the Auctioneer may announce that it has been purchased "subject to confirmation". This means that the reserve price or OEV (owner's estimated value) hasn't been reached, and we need to confirm with the owner whether the item may be sold for this lesser amount. The owner is contacted as soon as possible, and the buyer then advised accordingly. For this reason it is most imperative that details are filled in clearly on the buyer's card so that we can contact you.
If you are unable to attend an auction, please fill in a "commission bid" form and we will bid on your behalf. Such a bid will be subject to any reserve and very often is successful at less than your original offer. This procedure is very popular as it saves time waiting at the sale to bid. Telephone bids on major items are also an acceptable procedure. "Buy at any price" bids are not acceptable.
Buyer's commission is charged on all items purchased. Although the majority of the goods for sale are non-vatable, those belonging to registered vendors are subject to VAT. These vatable items are marked with a dagger sticker. Please note that in accordance with Receiver of Revenue regulations, VAT is payable on all commission charged.
When you have completed your purchasing, proceed to our administration office where your account will have been prepared. On payment, you will receive the original and a copy of the invoice. The copy must be handed to the porter who will check and release the goods. Goods must be removed from the auction premises as soon as possible. Goods not removed within 24 hours of the sale day, will be placed in the bond store, accruing a storage and handling charge before being released. It is preferable to make use of your own transport. However, should you require, we have the facilities to transport almost anything, from delicate antique to a tractor.
We become your agents by accepting to sell your assets, and to avoid any dispute, we have comprehensive conditions. These are to take care of your interests and ours. Our management staff are available to explain any queries you may have.
Being the market place, we are continually involved in the disposal of unusual pieces. On innumerable occasions we have come across disillusioned sellers who have disposed of their items to unscrupulous dealers, or simply sold their goods for a bargain. Particularly vulnerable in this category are the innocent elderly owners who are not aware of current values and prices. If you are uncertain as to the potential value of an item, our staff are available to assist you in this regard.
Often the "impossible" price is bid for goods. You may place a reserve price on an article to prevent it from being sold for less than you expect. However, an OEV (owner's estimated value) can be given which allows for a more flexible selling price. Some items are knocked down "subject to confirmation". This is only done if a price slightly less than the reserve price or OEV is reached. You will then be contacted and asked if you wish to accept this offer. Because we have brances in both Durban and Pinetown, we often move goods between the two branches in order to find the correct market, thereby trying to get you the best price. If after 21 days of receiving your goods and no sale having been affected, you will be advised to lower the reserve to an amount acceptable to us, or remove such goods. Storage and handling costs can be incurred if this is not adhered to.
A reputable retailer is generally happy to offer a trade-in, be it furniture, motor cars or machinery. We are very often able to better this price on auction, sometimes by substantially more. The offered trade-in amount can be used as a reserve.
It is preferable to make use of your own transport, but should you require, we have the facilities to transport almost anything from a delicate antique to a tractor.
Seller's commission is charged on all items sold by us, with the exception of motor cars, LDV's and minibuses where a minimal administrative fee is charged. Please contact our offices for further details.
We endeavour to pay the proceeds of goods sold within 10 days from the date of the sale, or as soon as is reasonably possible after the total amount due is received from the buyer.
Many years ago, in endeavouring to reduce the cost to the seller, we introduced a "buyer's commission". This is normal practice in many overseas auctioneering companies. Our offices will be able to advise you on the current buyer's commission percentage.
This specialised department, in which our company has been active for over 90 years, is available to property sellers for comprehensive advice, particularly when selling by auction.
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