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Participation

To participate in our online auctions, sign up to become a registered Bidder. The registration process provides us with the necessary information to assign you a Bidder Number. Your bidder number serves as your username to login, manage your Bidder Profile, and place Bids. Your bidder number will be yours for every online auction on our website. It is important that you familiarize yourself with the website and Auction Ohio Terms and Conditions prior to bidding.

Browsing and Searching

Whether you want to browse every auction, search for something specific, or anything in between, our website has a great way for you to find the perfect Lot/Item. Below are the many ways you can use to find what you are looking for - just choose whichever option sounds right for you to get started!

• To view all of the auctions we have to offer, simply click the Auctions tab at the top of the page. This will show you all of our current auctions, sorted by date. You will notice each auction is assigned its own unique Auction Number. Knowing the auction number and the Lot Number will help you identify and reference the items in which you are interested.
• To search for a specific auction, place your curser over the "Browse By" icon to the right of the Auction Ohio logo at the top of the page. From here, you can click Today's Auctions to view every auction that ends today. Click Current Auctions to see every auction that is currently open for bidding. Click Affiliate to see all auctions by a specific auction company. You can also click on the Auction Map to select auctions by location.
• To search for a specific type of item, you can browse any of our 33 Item Categories. You can view all these categories by placing your cursor over the "Browse By" icon and clicking View All Categories at the bottom of the window that appears. "Featured Categories" are listed on the right side of the homepage and in the "Browse By" dropdown.
• To find a specific item, merely search for it in the yellow-outlined Keyword Search box. For your convenience, this box can be found at the top of the every page on the website.

Once you have performed a search, you can always change what you are looking for by using the "Refine" toolbar. This toolbar allows you to narrow your search to find exactly what you want.

Preview

Auction previews afford you the opportunity to see our online auction items in person. Previews occur at the discretion of the auction manager, and will not be available for every sale; dates and times will vary. Refer to the auction details section of an auction for preview information. If you have any questions or concerns about items in an auction, please contact the auction manager.

Bidder Dashboard

Your Bidder Dashboard is the command center for all of your online auction activity. At your bidder dashboard, you are able to view upcoming auctions with items in your category interests, review and manage all of your bids, and manage your past and present invoices. You can also view a calendar of auctions, manage your personal profile, view notifications, manage your watchlist, and much more. Explore your dashboard to experience all the great functions it has to offer.

Bidding

To place a bid, login with your email or bidder number and password and find the lot you would like to bid on. To bid a specific amount, enter that amount into the “Next Required Bid” box. Please note that the amount you bid must match or exceed the next required bid amount. To ensure you haven’t made a mistake or typo, a window will pop up asking you to confirm your bid. Once your bid is confirmed, the bid will be placed and an affirmation window will appear, informing you of the new status of the item. The bidder number of the current winning bidder will instantly appear beneath the Current Bid. You can click on the number of bids placed on an item to view the Bid History. All of your personal bidding history can be found in the My Bids section of your bidder dashboard.

Submit a Max Bid to set the maximum price that you are willing to spend on that item. The system will then bid on your behalf, according to the standard Bid Increments, up to the amount of your max bid. Max bids are not disclosed and will not be visible to any other bidders. The system will only bid for you if another bidder places a bid, and it will only bid one additional bid increment. You can also increase your max bid amount without affecting the current price of the item.

Bidding Features

1. Real-Time Bidding updates your browser screen automatically in real time. Frequently refreshing and reloading the page is unnecessary.
2. Staggered Closing allows only a few items to end each minute, setting the pace of the auction. The online auction closes in the interval stated in the Auction Details.
3. Auto-Extend allows everyone a fair chance to bid. The Ending Time will then be automatically extended by adding an additional 5 minutes to the remaining time when a bid comes in within 5 minutes of a lot ending. Lots will continue to extend in this way until the bidding activity has stopped. No item will end within 5 minutes of a bid being placed on it. This feature and the staggered closing feature work together to emulate the excitement of a live auction.
4. Watchlists allows you to conveniently keep an eye on your items of interest without having to place a bid. You may add lots or entire auctions to your watchlist by clicking the watchlist button. Set a Watchlist Reminder to help you remember when items and auctions are ending.

The Bidding Contract

When placing a bid, you are entering into a binding contract with Auction Ohio. We realize that mistakes may occur. If you realize that you have made a mistake while bidding, please contact Customer Service immediately at 614-846-3300. Unfortunately, we are not able to cancel bids for Closed Auctions.

Bid Notifications

If you are Outbid on an item, our system can automatically send an Outbid Notification to you via email and/or text, according to your preferences. This notification contains a link that takes you to the item so that you can increase your bid if you so choose.

When you are the Winning Bidder, an automated Purchase Notification will be sent to your email shortly after the auction ends. The purchase notification contains the auction details, which will be necessary for the Auction Pick-up.

Checkout & Payment

When you are the winning bidder in an auction, your invoice will appear in your bidder profile as soon as the entire auction has closed. This invoice will reflect your winning bid(s), the buyer’s premium, and sales tax (if applicable). To access your invoice, simply go to your Dashboard, click on the My Invoices button, and click “View” or “Checkout”. On the Online Checkout screens, you will find a summary of your purchases, as well as your options to retrieve and pay for your items.

Pick-up at Auction Location
Choose this option if you are going to the scheduled auction pick-up to retrieve your items. You then have the option to pay online via credit card through the Online Checkout. Your paid invoices can always be found in your bidder profile for future reference.

Ship Item(s)
This option allows you to have your items shipped to your desired location. You will pay for the item(s) online via credit card, after which you will receive a call from the Auction Manager or our third party pack and ship company within the next 48 hours with your Shipping and Handling total. Once the shipping is paid, your item(s) will arrive at your doorstep. Note that not all items are available to be shipped; a lot's specific shipping availability can be found in the Lot Details.

Transfer Item(s)
This option allows you to retrieve your items at an alternative pick-up, which will be at a different time and usually a different location from the original pick-up. A transfer fee will be applied to your items if you choose this option; a lot’s specific transfer fee can be found in the lot details. The transfer option will not be available for all auctions.

Donate/Forfeit Item(s)
Use this option to pay for your item(s) and opt out of claiming them. You would only choose this option if you are unable or unwilling to pick up your items or have them shipped. This allows you to pay for your item(s) immediately and continue to bid on our website, without having to retrieve an item you no longer want. Auction Ohio has the right to resell, remove, store, or dispose of the item(s) you choose to forfeit.

Buyer's Premium
A Buyer's Premium percentage will be added to every purchase.

Sales Tax
Sales tax will be collected at certain locations in compliance with the state laws. Please check the auction details to see if sales tax will be applied for that auction. If you are a tax exempt bidder, please have your Tax Exempt ID entered in your bidder profile. A Tax Exemption Form and further instructions will be emailed to you once your profile is updated.

Pick-up

You must pick up your purchases at the specified auction location during the scheduled pick-up time or choose one of the available alternative pick-up options below. Please refer to your purchase notification for pick-up instructions. Bidders are responsible for bringing their own boxes or packing materials, moving equipment such as dollies, hand carts, pads, and any tools necessary to disassemble and safely remove items. Assistance will not be provided by the Auction Ohio team unless otherwise specified in the auction details. Bidders who are unfamiliar with the requirements of moving or disassembling items should arrange to bring professional movers.

Alternative Pick-up Options

Send a Proxy
If you are unable to attend an auction pick-up, you can send a proxy to the pick-up to retrieve your items for you. Be sure to notify the auction manager in advance that you are sending someone on your behalf. Please send your purchase notification with your proxy to ensure that he collects all of your merchandise. You can use the online checkout to pay for your items in advance; otherwise the person you send is responsible for purchasing your items.

Ship Item(s)
We can ship your items to wherever you would like them to go for an additional shipping and handling fee. Please note that not all items can be shipped. View the lot details to determine the shipping availability for a particular item.

Transfer Item(s)
Some sales will have an alternate transfer pick-up time in addition to the regular auction pick-up. If an alternate pick-up is available for an online auction (listed in the auction details), your items can be transferred and stored at one of our facilities. Your items must be picked up during the designated alternate pick-up date and time. A Transfer Fee will be applied for transferring and storing your items.

Donate/Forfeit Item(s)
You may pay for your items and opt out of claiming them. You are then not responsible for coming to the pick-up.

Online Real Estate Bidding

• Real estate auctions are conducted by a licensed real estate brokerage.
• Real estate auctions may have a higher starting bid than one dollar ($1).
• They may also be run with reserve prices. The reserve price is the lowest price the seller is willing to accept for the item. The reserve price is not disclosed to bidders; however, once the reserve price is met it will display "(reserve met)" in the auction details. The Seller is not obligated to sell the item until bidding reaches their reserve level.
• Please read all of the terms of the real estate sale and examine any of the additional document links provided.

Glossary of Auction Terms

All underlined terms are linked and further explained on our informative glossary.
If you need more support, please Contact Us.

LIVE REAL ESTATE FAQs

I want to attend an auction, what should I know before I bid?

You will want to arrive before the stated auction time in order to register for the auction. You will be required to display your current state identification card and provide some personal information at every auction you attend. Most of our real estate auctions require that the successful bidder makes a deposit payable that day of the auction. Understand the type of auction you are participating in (absolute, reserve, etc.) and make sure to review the complete terms and conditions of the sale.

May I attend an auction and participate as a spectator and not bid?

We encourage people to explore auctions by attending one as a spectator. There is no better way to learn about auctions than to watch one firsthand.

What are the differences between an absolute and reserve auction?

Absolute Auction: An "absolute auction" is an auction where the property is sold to the highest bidder. There is not a minimum or reserve price that must be met to complete the auction sale.
Reserve Auction: A "reserve" auction means that a price has been set between the seller and the auctioneer that must be met to complete the sale. Reserves are often used to provide the seller with security that they receive a certain amount of money to meet their sale goal.

What is a minimum bid?

Minimum bids are routinely used at auctions to provide prospective buyers with an initial price range of where the bidding will begin. If an auction has a "minimum bid" of $50,000, prospective bidders will know that the auction will start with an opening bid of $50,000 and that the asset will not sell for anything less than $50,000. Often times, auctions are advertised with an "opening bid", but this should not be confused with a "minimum bid". An "opening bid" simply means a price where the bidding opens.

May I inspect the property I'm interested in bidding on before the auction?

We encourage you to view the property before auction day. We will often time schedule at least one open house during the course of our marketing for your to view the property and Realtors may schedule a private showing for their clients. Due diligence on the part of the bidder is important with auctions. Refer to the auction "Details" tab for the posted open house dates and showing availability. We also provide a "Bid Packet" specimen for every property and this may be downloaded from the "Documents" tab for the auction. If you want to attain any licensed, professional inspections done on the property, they must be done prior to auction day. The auctioneer wants you to feel comfortable on auction day, so please feel free to call and ask questions.

What does "As is, where is" mean?

It simply means the property is being sold without warranty and that there are no contingencies based on the status of the asset being sold. We encourage you to preview all auction properties before you bid. Photos may not show all the details or potential faults with the asset and it is your job as a well-informed bidder to thoroughly inspect and know what you are bidding on BEFORE the start of the auction.

What is a Buyer's Premium?

A buyer's premium is commonly used in auctions today as a form of payment for the auction company conducting the auction. The buyer's premium is an advertised percentage of the high bid added on to the high bid to determine the total contract price to be paid by the buyer.

Do I need to be represented by a real estate broker?

No, you do not need to be represented by a broker/agent. Broker participation is allowed, however, they need to register beforehand. They may fill out an Agency Disclosure Statement to properly register themselves before the deadline and accompany you on auction day.

If I am the successful bidder, what are the acceptable forms of payment for my deposit?

You may deposit funds in the form of cash, cashier check, or a good personal check.

May I finance an auction property?

Please reference each auction's Terms and Conditions to comply with the unique terms of the sale. Financing may make it difficult to comply with the terms of sale.

LIVE PERSONAL PROPERTY FAQs

When should I arrive on auction day?

You will want to arrive before the stated auction time in order to register for the auction. The auctioneer will start each auction on time and make important announcements at the start of the sale.

Do I need to bring anything?

You will be required to display your current state identification card and provide some personal information to receive a bidder numbered paddle.

Am I required to have cash on hand at the auction?

It is important that prospective bidders read the payment terms for each auction. Cash payment is the most common form of payment; however per the auction's terms of sale, they also accept: check or credit card.

Is there an inspection or preview day offered to see the items before auction day?

Please read all of the auction details to determine if an inspection/preview day has been scheduled. Feel free to contact the auctioneer directly to ask questions about an item in the sale or about auction day in general. The auctioneer's contact information is listed in the auction details.

If I scratch my nose or wave at a friend, will the auctioneer think I'm bidding?

We hear this misconception a lot! In fact, to bid at an auction or for your bid to be received by the auctioneer, you typically need a bid paddle or bid card. You will receive this bid paddle or card at registration and it will have a number on it. This number allows the auction company to know who is bidding from the list of registered bidders. If you mistakenly bid or the auctioneer misinterprets your movement as a bid, immediately notify either the auctioneer or their staff.

What is the auctioneer saying?

The art of perfecting the auctioneer's cry take years of practice, but understanding what auctioneers are saying is simple. The auctioneer's bid call can be broken into two parts:

• Statement (The Current Bid) – I have five dollars.
• Question (The Next Bid) – Would you bid 10?

Example: I have 5 dollars, would you bid 10, would you bid 10? Now 10, I have 10 dollars, would you bid 15...

The cadence and repetition of words and use of "filler words" vary from one auctioneer to another, but the format is usually the same. Always remember that the number the auctioneer keeps repeating is the dollar amount they are wanting.

Who's the person yelling in the audience at an auction?

The person you see and hear working amongst the crowd of bidders is known as a ringman. This individual is part of the auction team and is an extension of the auctioneer. The job of the ringman is to convey bids back to the auctioneer from the crowd. When bids are received in the crowd, the ringman will yelp to signal the auctioneer that they have received a bid and to increase the bid amount. These individuals are also there to help answer questions you may have while the auction is being conducted.

What does "As Is, Where Is" mean?

One of the most common statements made at auction, "as is, where is," simply means the property is being sold without warranty and that there are no contingencies based on the status of the asset being sold. Once you bid and buy an asset at auction, you are the new owner. It is common for our real estate contracts require you to perform within 30 days. Each property's terms and conditions vary, so please read all of the auctions details and documents carefully.

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