Auction Terms
Last updated September 30, 2026
Terms are set for each auction
Every Bates auction has its own terms and conditions, published with that auction. They cover the things that change from one auction to the next, including the buyer’s premium, accepted payment methods, payment and removal deadlines, and anything particular to the property being sold.
Read the terms for the auction you intend to bid in before you register. Those terms, together with any announcements made on auction day, govern that auction.
Registering and bidding
Online and hybrid bidding is conducted on our online bidding platform. Registration, bidding, invoicing, and payment take place there, under that platform’s terms as well as the terms of the auction itself.
Registration is subject to approval. A bid placed and accepted is a binding offer to buy.
Condition and descriptions
Everything is sold as is, where is, with all faults and without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, unless the terms of a particular auction say otherwise.
We describe lots as accurately as we reasonably can, and photographs, estimates, model numbers, year ranges, and acreages are offered as a guide. They are not a warranty. Bidders are responsible for satisfying themselves as to condition, authenticity, and suitability before bidding.
Where an auction has a preview, inspection in person is the best way to do that.
Announcements on auction day
Announcements made by the auctioneer, or posted on the auction before or during bidding, take precedence over printed and online descriptions, including sale bills and this website.
Conduct of the auction
The auctioneer has discretion to settle any dispute over a bid, to reopen bidding, to group or divide lots, to withdraw a lot at any time before it is sold, and to refuse a bid.
Lots may be subject to a reserve. Some are offered absolute. The terms of each auction say which.
Payment and removal
Payment terms, accepted methods, the buyer’s premium, sales tax, and the deadline for removing purchases are all stated in the terms of each auction.
Buyers are responsible for loading and transporting what they buy, and for any equipment or labor needed to do it, unless the auction says otherwise.
Questions
If anything about an auction is unclear, ask before you bid. We would far rather answer a question beforehand than settle a misunderstanding afterwards.