Frequently Asked Questions – Online Auctions
How do I create an account to bid?
- Click here to open the registration page in a new tab
- Enter your details (remember your username and password)
- Click the create account button
- Activate your account by clicking on the link in the verification email that will be sent to the email address you provided. You may need to check your spam folder
- Once your email address has been verified you will then be able to enter the auction using your username and password.
I created an account but the website wont let me sign in?
Check that you have received the verification email that gets sent out once you have created your account. You need to click the link in the email before your account can become live. If you cannot see the email in your inbox, please check your spam folder. If the verification email still hasn’t arrived please Contact Us
If you have done this, ensure you have entered the correct username and password.
If you have forgotten your password please click reset password (make sure you have clicked on the verification email before doing this step)
Do I have to create a new account for each auction?
No, once you have created an account you can use this for every subsequent auction. Same username, same password. All you have to do is sign in and agree to the Terms and Conditions for each subsequent auction.
Do I have to enter my credit card details when creating an account?
No, all we need are your contact details, you will not be asked to give financial information.
Can I leave absentee bids instead of bidding online?
Yes you can. Please Contact Us with the lot number and your bid amount. The bid that you leave is the maximum bid that you wish to bid. The auctioneer will then bid on your behalf for that item - up to your maximum only. With luck you may be the high bidder and win the item for considerably less than the bid you put down.
What is pre-bidding?
Pre-bidding is an opportunity for you to put in a bid before the live auction starts. You can either put in a single bid, or you can place a commission bid where you put in your maximum bid and the auction software bids up to this maximum for you. It means you may get the item for less than your maximum, but it also means if someone bids more than your maximum they will lead the bidding. (similar to an auto-bid on trade-me)
What happens after I win an item?
Any item(s) you win during the auction will be placed on an invoice that will be sent to your email address. Payment is due upon receipt of your invoice and must be made within 3 days. Payment may be made in cash, by EFTPOS or Credit Card (surcharges may apply) and by bank transfer
If I win how long do I have to pay for my items?
3 Days. After 3 days your invoice will be cancelled and the items returned to the auction. Your account may also be suspended as by not paying for items other bidders and the vendors are disadvantaged.
How can I pay for my items?
Payment may be made in cash, by EFTPOS, Credit/Debit Card or via internet transfer. Credit card payments will not be taken over the phone. 3% surcharge applies for credit card payments.
Is there a surcharge for credit card payments?
There is a 3% surcharge for credit card payments.
What is the process for picking up my items that I win at Auction?
All items are to be picked up within 3 days of the auction unless previously arranged.
Bulky/large quantities of items
McElwains do not offer a delivery service, however we can offer contacts for packing, pickup and transfer of goods
Will you drop off my items for me?
McElwains do not drop off items, however we can put you in contact with carriers who can do this for you.
How long do I have to pick up my items?
All items are to be picked up within 3 days of the auction unless previously arranged.
Can you store my items for me?
As above.
What is the buyers premium?
This is the amount added to the hammer price (what you are bidding) to cover the costs of the auction process. This is 17.25% of the hammer price and includes GST
Is there GST added to my bid if I win (the hammer price)?
GST is added as part of the buyers premium only, there is no GST directly to the bid price.
What happens if an item does not meet the reserve?
At the discretion of McElwains Auctions you may be contacted if you are the highest bidder, and the item may be offered to you at the reserve price. Alternatively the item will either be up for sale during the next auction or returned to the vendor.
What do I do If I have something that I want to sell or put into an Auction?
Get in touch - either email a picture of your items or call us for a quick chat so we can give you an idea of their commercial value. For larger house lots or multiple items book an appointment for one of our team to come and meet you on site.
Can McElwains come and pick up any items I wish to sell?
We do not pick up items for auction. However, we can recommend carriers to you.