Buying
Q: I have never been to an auction. What can I expect?
A: While our auctions are quick paced, rest assured, we will not intimidate you or take your bid only because you blinked. We strive to make our auctions friendly and easy to understand for the first time attendee.
Q: What do I do when I get to the auction, how do I bid?
A: Register to bid at the clerking trailer or main office if auction is located at our main facility. In order to register you must have a valid ID. After you register, we will give you a bid card. We then encourage you to look over all the items closely. Remember, all auction items are sold as is, where is, so it is your responsibility to look over the items carefully. When the auction begins and you are ready to bid, just simply hold that number up high, so that the auctioneer and staff will be able to see your bid. Our action staff will be happy to assist you and answer any questions that you might have.
Q: Is a preview time available?
A: Yes, there is always ample preview time available for you to look over the items and become familiar with all the items that will be sold during the auction. Preview times will vary depending on where the auction is being held. Most auctions held offsite we allow an hour or two preview time. Auctions held at our main facility, previewing is Monday-Friday 8-5 and Saturday 8-12. If you are coming from great distances to look at a consigned item, please call in advanced to make sure the consigner has delivered it to our facility.
Q: If I preview and see something that I want to bid on, but am unable to attend the auction, can I place an absentee bid?
A: Yes, contact the auctioneer or staff during preview time; you will be given a special form to fill out with the item number, description and the maximum amount that you are willing to pay. Then, during the auction, the auctioneer will bid on your behalf, up to, but not over the designated maximum amount. Certain auctions may have online absentee or real time bidding available as well. This will be noted in the auction information on our website.
Q: If I purchase a vehicle or a trailer when will I get the title?
A: If you pay for your titled item in full with cash, credit card, cashier check, bank wire transfer or check, you will receive South Dakota paper plates to drive the vehicle. Normally we will have the title in the mail to you in 10 business, which will come certified mail.
Q: What form of payment is accepted?
A: We gladly accept cash, cashier check, personal or business check, credit card or bank wire transfer. There is however a 3% convenience fee with the use of all credit cards. All items must be paid for on the day of the auction or as announced by the auctioneer.
Q: Is there a Buyers' Premium?
A: We do not charge a buyer's premium for those bidding onsite. For those bidding online, we normally charge a buyer's premium of 2.5% capped out at $750.00 per item.
Q: Do I need to remove my items the day of the auction, or can they be picked up at a later date?
A: Each auction is different, there will be a specified time period for removal, and this is dependent upon the venue of the auction. Auctions held at a home or farm yard, items must be removed the day of the auction unless other arrangements have been made. Auctions held at our main location, you have 30 days to get the items off the lot. If there is a problem removing your items by the specified removal time, please inquire before the auction if any special arrangements will be available for later pick up.
Q: Will there be someone there to help me load up my purchases?
A: At the auctions conducted at our facility we provide complimentary forklift loading. At other auctions please inquire as to the availability of loading facilities as they vary and loading is the purchaser's responsibility. We do not supply tie down materials or packaging. Simply ask any of our staff and they will be more than happy to assist you.
Q: Do you offer trucking?
A: We do not offer trucking, but are willing to help you arrange trucking. Give us a call and we can refer you to trucking companies with whom we have built a relationship with over the years.
Q: I am buying for resale and do not want to pay taxes. What do I need to do?
A: You will need to give to fill out a South Dakota tax exempt form. This form is only good for the calendar year. So when the new year begins, you can be proactive and give a us a signed copy before auction day, or we can give you one auction day to fill out.