FAQS

How do you sell assets?

There are 4 main ways we sell assets:

• On-line auction – bids are made via the Bidspotter platform where bidders can submit bids until the advertised closing time. This closing time extends by 10 minutes enabling bidders who are active in the last 10 minutes before close to bid, it extends my 10 minutes after each bid is submitted.
• Live auction – a traditional auction where all bidders attend the auction site to bid at the agreed time.
• Tender – bidders submit an offer by an agreed deadline.
• Negotiated sale – the sale price and terms of sale are negotiated and agreed privately with the bidders.

What should I do before bidding?

Firstly, register to bid for each sale at our website. Secondly, it is important that you research and conclude your own maximum bid for each item before the sale as it can progress quickly, we can provide guide prices to assist you.

Finally, make sure you organise sufficient funds to settle your account and make arrangements to collect the items within the stated collection period.

Can I inspect the items for sale?

Yes and this is strongly recommended before you bid. There will be information at each sale providing viewing dates, times and locations.

Do you provide any warranty or guarantee relating to the items sold?

No, all items are sold ‘as seen’, you are responsible inspecting and pricing each item accordingly.

I can’t attend the sale but want to buy.

At live auctions you can leave a bid with us and for on-line auctions you just need to submit your maximum bid, which will automatically bid against competing bids to your maximum price.

How do I know if my bids were successful?

For on-line sales and tenders you will receive an email notification immediately after the sale has closed and at live auctions the auctioneer will announce each buyers buyer number after each lot is sold.

Is the bid price the final amount I pay?

Most sales attract buyer premium in addition to the sale price, calculated as a % of the agreed price.

The sale price and buyers premium will also attract VAT.

How do I pay?

You should pay by bank transfer, the details of our bank account is on your post-sale successful buyer notification and your invoice. We accept cash payments to a maximum of £7,500.

We do not accept payment by credit or debit card.

If you want to obtain finance for any purchases this should be arranged and communicated to us before the sale closes.

Can I return goods after the sale for a refund?

No, once a sale is agreed you are responsible for completing the purchase.

Do I qualify for a VAT refund?

If you are a non-UK but EU VAT registered company, provide us with your VAT registration details and we will zero rate your invoice for VAT.

If you are a non-UK or EU domiciled entity and you are exporting the items purchased, provide proof of export (bill of lading) and we will refund the VAT.

All VAT refund claims must be submitted within 30-days of invoice date.

How do I get delivery of the items purchased?

You are responsible for collecting the items purchased. We can provide details of hauliers with insurance who can provide this service to you.

What about health & safety?

Like you, we take health and safety very seriously and it is of vital importance that everyone who attends the auction site is protected from risk.

You and/or the haulier will need to comply with the relevant health & safety regulations and may need to provide an acceptable ‘method statement’ before collection. In certain higher risk circumstances additional health & safety regulations may become relevant further determining how we perform our role on site.

Remember there is a final date for clearance and you may also need to make an appointment for collection.

I don’t agree with you or have a dispute with you, what should I do?

Firstly, contact us by email at auctions@hickman-shearer.co.uk setting out the issue and we will endeavour to resolve it as quickly as possible. If you still feel as though we have not resolved this for you contact the Managing Director, Hickman Shearer, 7 Buttermarket, Thame 0X9 3EW, we are regulated by Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Auctions are a great way to buy used assets, how do I hear about your future sales?

Once you have registered for a sale you will receive pre-sale notifications from us. Alternatively, email us at auctions@hickman-shearer.co.uk.

Still have questions?
Email us at auctions@hickman-shearer.co.uk and we will respond as soon as we can.