Grafe Auction's Bidder Guide
Grafe Auctions are conducted online. To bid, create an account, verify your email/phone/address, then register for the specific auction event and place bids on open lots during the bidding window. You can bid manually in the required increments or use max bidding (auto-bid) by entering the highest amount you’re willing to pay. Our system bids only as needed up to that maximum. After the auction, winning bidders receive an invoice by email with a secure payment link. Payment is typically due by noon the day after the auction (see auction terms). Payment is usually accepted by credit card or ACH bank transfer (some auctions may require credit card only). After payment, you’ll receive a paid receipt by email, which you’ll need for item removal.
Before placing your bid, we recommend reviewing all auction details, item descriptions, and terms published on our website. If you need additional information about the auction or specific items, please don't hesitate to contact the designated sales representative or reach out to our customer service team for prompt assistance.
Inspection and Preview
For our online auctions, we typically provide detailed descriptions and multiple high-quality photos of each item. However, when possible, we may still offer in-person inspection times before the auction. These inspection times allow you to visit the sale location, inspect the equipment in person, and ask questions of our representatives.
If an in-person inspection is not offered or if you're unable to attend, you can contact the listed sales representative or our office with any questions about the items. We strongly encourage you to attend these previews and carefully examine any items you're interested in. Remember, by participating in the auction, you're accepting the items' condition as-is. It's your responsibility to ensure the items meet your expectations before placing a bid.
Auction Assets
Items offered at all of our auctions have a lot number assigned to them. What's a lot number? It's just the number assigned to the item or grouped items for the auction. The lot numbers typically begin with number one and progress sequentially. In our online auctions, items are presented in numerical order, but bidders can view and bid on any open lot at any time. The auction platform will display the current status of each lot, including whether it's open for bidding, in extended bidding, or closed.
The lot numbers also specify how many pieces are in a given lot. If there are multiple pieces in a given lot, the lot will be sold 'times the money'. For example, if lot 12 has five spoons and the high bid on the spoons is one dollar, it would be multiplied by five to arrive at five dollars total for the lot.
Please note that the seller reserves the right to remove items from the auction at any time until the auctioneer announces the completion of the sale. This is in accordance with commercial law regulations. Always verify the current status of items you're interested in bidding on.
Auction Participation
Okay, I have looked at the equipment and am ready to bid. How can I participate?
All our auctions are conducted online. To participate, you'll need to create an account on our website and register for the specific auction you're interested in. Once registered, you can place bids on items directly through our online platform during the auction period.
Registration
To register for an online bidding account you can click on the person icon in the upper right-hand corner of the website or visit the account registration page. We recommend you complete this process a minimum of one hour in advance of the auction. Once you have created an account, you are free to participate in the auctions on our website. By creating an online account, you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of the auction, and the terms of service of our website.
Once you have created your bidder account with your name, email address, password, basic contact information and have verified your email address, phone number, and address, you can begin placing bids in the auction.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Create your bidder accountClick the person icon (top right) or use the account registration page to create your account with name, email, password, and contact info.
- Verify your informationVerify your email address, phone number, and address so you’re approved to bid.
- Find lots and review detailsOpen lot photos, item descriptions, and auction terms. If you have questions, contact the listed sales representative or our office.
- Place your bid (manual or max bid)Bid the next valid increment, or enter a max bid to let the system bid for you automatically.
- Watch the close (and use alerts)When lots begin closing, bids placed during the countdown can reset the timer. Set email/text alerts and monitor outbid notifications.
Participation Agreements
By participating in any of our auctions, you agree to be bound by both the Grafe Auction User Agreement and the specific auction terms for each event. These terms govern important aspects of the auction process, including but not limited to:
- Item inspection and preview opportunities
- Bidding processes and timelines
- Payment methods and deadlines
- Removal procedures and deadlines
- Risk transfer and liability
- Warranties and disclaimers
We encourage all potential bidders to carefully review both the User Agreement and the specific auction terms before participating in any auction. If you have any questions about these terms, please contact our customer service team for clarification.
Event Begins Closing Time
Our online auctions display a set 'Event Begins Closing Time' at the top of each event. At the stated time, each item begins its closing process sequentially. When an item enters this process, a countdown timer starts. The duration of this timer varies (generally less than 20 seconds) and is noted under the "i" icon next to 'Event Begins Closing Time'. If a bid is placed during the countdown, the timer will automatically reset to allow for competitive bidding. This process continues until no more bids are placed and the timer expires, at which point the item is sold to the highest bidder. The auction then proceeds to the next item, repeating this process until all items are sold.
Please note that multiple auction events can be closing at the same time. If you're watching multiple events, be aware that you may need to have multiple browser tabs open, or switch between auction events to keep track of all items you're interested in.
Understanding Bid Increments and Max Bidding
Bid Increments: Our online auction system uses predetermined bid increments. This means that when you place a bid, the system will automatically calculate the next minimum acceptable bid. For example, if the current bid is $100 and the increment is $10, the next minimum bid would be $110.
Max Bidding: Our system uses max bidding to make the auction process more convenient for you. Here's how it works:
- You enter the maximum amount you're willing to pay for an item.
- The system places bids on your behalf, using only as much of your bid as necessary to maintain your position as the highest bidder.
- Pending notification settings, if another bidder outbids your maximum, you can be notified and given the opportunity to place another bid.
For example, if the current bid is $100 with $10 increments, and you input a maximum bid of $150:
- The system will bid $110 on your behalf.
- If someone else bids $120, the system will automatically bid $130 for you.
- This continues until either you're the highest bidder or your maximum of $150 is exceeded.
Remember, your maximum bid is kept confidential from other bidders.
Online Bidding Tips
- Test your internet connection before the auction starts to ensure stable access.
- Familiarize yourself with our online bidding platform in advance.
- Set up email or text alerts for items you're interested in.
- Keep multiple browser tabs open if you're interested in items from different events that may be closing around the same time.
- Remember to refresh your browser regularly to ensure you're seeing the most up-to-date bidding information.
- Place your maximum bid early - our system will bid incrementally on your behalf up to your maximum.
- Pay attention to the auction closing times and any dynamic closing processes that may extend bidding on popular items.
- Have our customer support contact information readily available. If you encounter any issues during the auction, you can reach our support team at 800-328-5920 or through our website contact form. Our support team is available Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, Central Time, to assist you with any questions or technical difficulties.
Technical Troubleshooting
While we strive to provide a smooth online auction experience, technical issues can occasionally occur. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
- Unable to log in: Ensure you're using the correct email and password. If you've forgotten your password, use the 'Forgot Password' link on the login page.
- Slow loading times: Try refreshing your browser or clearing your cache. A stable internet connection is crucial for participating in online auctions.
- Bids not registering: Make sure you're entering a valid bid amount (higher than the current bid plus the increment). If problems persist, try logging out and back in.
- Item images not loading: Check your internet connection and try refreshing the page. If the issue continues, try a different web browser.
- Auction page not updating: Our platform uses automatic refreshing, but you can manually refresh the page to ensure you're seeing the most current information.
If you encounter any persistent technical issues during an auction, please contact our customer support immediately for assistance.
After You Win
Quick breakdown of timeline and documents:
- Minutes after close, you receive invoice by email with a secure pay link
- Payment is due typically by noon the next day (always confirm terms)
- Payment methods are Credit card or ACH (some events are credit card only)
- After paying, you receive a paid receipt. The receipt is needed for pickup/removal.
- Removal window is per auction terms. Appointments may be required.
Payment
At the conclusion of the auction, we will email you an invoice. The invoice will include a link to make payment through our secure gateway. You may pay by credit card or ACH bank transfer. Please note that some auctions may require payment by credit card only - check the specific auction terms.
ACH Bank Transfer: If you choose to pay by ACH, your payment will typically take 1-3 business days to process. Items may not be released for removal until payment has cleared. For faster removal access, credit card payment is recommended.
Once you pay the invoice, we will email you a paid receipt. You will need to present this invoice to remove any of your purchases. You must make payment by the deadline specified in the auction terms, typically by noon the day after the auction. Failure to do so will result in default. In the event of default, the seller reserves the right to immediately resell or dispose of the unpaid items at their discretion, without further notice. Your failure to pay by the specified deadline does not extend the payment timeline or prevent the seller from exercising their right to resell or dispose of the items. Default may also result in suspension of your bidding account.
Accepted payment methods
- Credit card (available for most auctions; some auctions may require credit card only, check event terms)
- ACH bank transfer (typically takes 1–3 business days to process; items may not be released until payment clears)
How long do buyers have to pay?
Payment is due by the deadline stated in the auction terms which is typically by noon the day after the auction. If payment is not made by the deadline, the buyer may be considered in default and the seller may resell or dispose of unpaid items, and the bidder account may be suspended.
What happens after you pay?
After payment, we email a paid receipt. You’ll need to present your paid invoice/receipt to remove purchases.
What should I expect to pay?
The price you pay for an item depends on a wide variety of variables, including how many people are interested in and bidding on the item, the condition of the item, how readily available or rare similar items are, to name a few. We have experienced items selling for pennies on the dollar of new prices to several times the new price. In addition to the purchase price, you can expect to pay a buyer's premium (this is an added percentage to the sale price paid by you; typically eighteen percent), applicable local and state sales taxes, removal fees (if any), and shipping fees (if any). Please note that all items are sold 'as is' and 'where is,' without any express or implied warranties, including the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Buyers are responsible for carefully examining items before bidding.
Sales Tax and Tax Exemption
Your business qualifies your purchases for tax exemption. Do you need to pay sales tax?
Every auction sale is subject to state and local sales tax unless otherwise noted. If you have a tax exemption certificate from your state, you can submit to info@grafeauction.com.
Grafe Auction
Security of Purchases
Once the item closes, transfer of ownership occurs and the item becomes the sole responsibility of the buyer, even though the item may not have been paid for yet. We recommend you bring a second person with you to remove your property. After the auction is complete, a third-party removal/rigging company takes over. Even though the removal/rigging company checks receipts and maintains general security, the removal/rigging company is unable to watch every door and all the items at all times. We recommend that you remove your items as soon as possible.
Risk and Liability
It's important to understand that risk transfers to you upon receipt of items at the seller's location. By participating in our auctions, you agree to waive certain claims against Grafe Auction and its associates related to the auction items. Additionally, there are limitations of liability that apply to all transactions and use of our website and services. For full details, please refer to our User Agreement and the specific terms for each auction.
Equipment Removal
You must remove your purchased items according to the specific removal schedule provided for each auction. Removal dates, times, and location will be clearly specified in the auction terms. Many auctions require a mandatory appointment for removal, which can typically be booked through our online scheduling system. It is your responsibility to disconnect and remove items. Full payment is required before removal. Onsite assistance may be available for a small fee through a designated onsite removal assistance contact. Please note that these onsite teams are contractors, not employees of Grafe Auction. Items not removed by the end of the removal period may be resold or disposed of at the seller's discretion.
Grafe Auction
Shipment of Purchases
If you would like items shipped to you, it is your responsibility to arrange for shipping and preparation of items for shipment. Assistance may be available through the onsite removal assistance contact for a small fee. For trucking services, we can provide recommendations for national freight brokers who are familiar with our process and able to assist you at competitive rates. Please contact us or refer to the specific auction terms for more information on shipping arrangements.
Enjoy the auction!
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. We also have answers to our frequently asked questions here.