Need info on BidSpotter and other auction sites

Akustik

I’m interested in getting into trading in auctions, but really have no idea how to get started. I'm looking to buy lots from the UK to trade in another country.

Does anyone have any experience with auctions sites like BidSpotter and can offer some advice - stuff like how do you protect yourself from scams, arrange transport?

Any help or direction to other resources would be appreciated.

soolin

I don’t do industrial type auctions so am not familiar with Bidspotter but I do occasionally use thesaleroom.com and easylive auctions for smaller lots.

Assuming they work roughly the same way then each auction house or site will have their own rules about collection or delivery and you would need to research before every single auction. Some of the auction houses I use only have collection and only through certain couriers or personal collection arranged in advance, others will only ship using their own couriers. Some will pallet or wrap, others will expect your courier to pack, again this needs to be checked.

As for payment, some of the sites I use will accept debit or credit, others only debit or a bank transfer.

Be warned as well that as this will be a B2B purchase you don’t have ‘consumer’ rights , so will need to be thorough in your planning and research. 

soolin

This is a small auction I just picked up, so not your type of industrial auction- but note this one will only post and won’t quote for the costs of postage until the auction ends:

https://www.bidspotter.co.uk/en-gb/auction-catalogues/pro-auction/catalogue-id-pr10327/terms-and-conditions#important-info

soolin

Here’s another one, collection only with a very limited collection window.

https://www.bidspotter.co.uk/en-gb/auction-catalogues/ncm/catalogue-id-ncm-au10325/terms-and-conditions#terms

Don’t  forget to add in all the charges and VAT on top of the hammer price. 

RFW

Bidspotter is just a platform for auction houses, it doesn't sell anything itself. The auction houses set their own rules. The types of auctions also vary, so you need to watch out for that. Each auction on Bidspotter will be different.

As for scams they tend to be reputable auction houses but there's always a caveat to be aware, especially when buying from auctions. In my experience (as a buyer and auctioneer) it's usually the customer that "scams" themselves by not paying attention to what they're buying or what they will be paying in addition to the knockdown price (often VAT and buyer's premium, plus possibly an online charge too). With some auctions you could be paying almost 50% in addition to the knockdown price (eg 20% VAT, 20% Buyers premium, plus VAT and 2-3% online charge plus VAT! All that varies).
Regarding collection/delivery they, again, are all different. They range from some only allowing courier delivery to others not allowing it at all.

Obviously we're in different times now, so you'd need to double check rules and regulations regarding deliveries/collections and viewing.
I've neither the time nor the inclination to get involved but I'd guess that if you're set up to buy, now, and for the next few months, would be the best time in a long time to buy at auctions.

Akustik

Thanks for your replies