Buyer FAQ
The questions machinery buyers should ask before the lot starts closing.
Use this guide for general answers, then read the specific catalog and terms. Buyer’s premium, payment, inspection, tax and removal rules can change from one auction to the next.
What you should know
- Registration and bidder approval
- Lot condition and inspection
- Payment, tax and wire safety
- Rigging, loading and freight
Direct answer
The safest machinery-auction buyer reads the complete lot page and sale terms, inspects when possible, calculates total landed cost, verifies every payment instruction and books removal before the deadline. This FAQ is general guidance only; the sale-specific terms control.
Before you bid
Account
Register early
Approval may require identity, card, deposit, bank letter or additional company information. “Account created” does not always mean “approved for this auction.”
Lot
Read every line
Confirm exact lot number, description, location, included accessories and any update or announcement.
Condition
Inspect the machine
Used auction equipment is commonly sold as is, where is. Use onsite inspection, a qualified inspector, Zoom review and actual-machine video when available.
Budget
Price the whole project
Premium, tax, rigging, freight, permits, unloading, installation, tooling and repair can exceed the difference between two bids.
Removal
Call a rigger first
Large or complex machinery should have a budgetary removal plan before bidding, not after the invoice arrives.
Security
Verify the wire
Sterling will not unexpectedly change payment instructions. Call a known number before sending funds.
Fast answers to common buyer questions
Are bids binding? Generally yes, under the bidder agreement. Bid carefully and contact the auction office immediately if you believe a genuine input error occurred.
What is a buyer’s premium? A fee added to the winning bid. The sale terms state the percentage and any online or onsite difference.
Is sales tax charged? Tax is generally collected unless the transaction qualifies for an exemption and acceptable documentation is submitted on time.
Can I inspect? Follow the published preview or appointment instructions. Some sales offer onsite, Zoom or additional-photo options; some machines cannot be powered.
Are machines guaranteed? Unless a specific written warranty says otherwise, used auction machinery is commonly sold as is, where is.
Who removes the lot? Buyers commonly hire and pay their own qualified movers. Approved-rigger and insurance rules may apply.
When can I pick up? After full cleared payment, release authorization and a confirmed appointment within the removal window.
Can I send my own truck? Yes, if the rigger/loading plan, carrier, insurance, appointment and equipment fit the site rules.
What “included” really means
- The written lot description and authorized updates determine inclusion.
- Items visible behind, beside or on top of a machine may belong to another lot.
- A control, tank, conveyor, transformer or tool changer may be integral—or separately lot-numbered.
- Software, programs, passwords, intellectual property and licenses do not transfer merely because they are stored on a machine.
- If an accessory is essential to your use, ask for written clarification before bidding.
After you win
- Review the invoice immediately. Confirm lots, premium, tax, total and payment deadline.
- Verify payment instructions. Use a known Sterling phone number and never accept an unexpected bank-account change.
- Send exemption documents. If applicable, submit complete documentation before the stated deadline and wait for acceptance.
- Schedule removal. Provide the mover with the invoice, machine data, site rules and deadline.
- Collect every piece. Match tanks, tooling and accessories to the paid lot before the truck leaves.
Related auction resources
Use these pages to continue without starting over.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to pay a deposit to bid?
Deposit requirements vary by auction and platform. Review the registration instructions for the specific sale.
Can I buy a lot before the auction closes?
Only if the seller and auction format expressly allow a pre-auction or buy-now transaction. Do not assume a private offer will be accepted.
Can lots be grouped or sold in bulk?
Some terms allow grouping, regrouping, bulk bids or seller confirmation. Watch announcements and the platform display.
What happens if I do not pay?
Default remedies may include loss of deposit, resale, deficiency liability, fees and suspension. Read the sale-specific terms.
What happens if I do not remove a lot?
Late or abandoned purchases may incur storage, removal, resale, disposal or other charges and remedies stated in the terms.
Can someone else pick up my purchase?
Usually with cleared payment, written authorization, paid release, appointment and required identification/insurance. Confirm the sale’s procedure.
Can Sterling tell me if a machine is right for my part?
Sterling can discuss general machinery information, but the buyer must verify application, capacity, safety, tooling and production suitability. MachineryGenius.com can assist with general research.
Are auction results final?
Successful bids and sale acceptance are governed by the terms, reserve, seller-confirmation and payment requirements. All sales are generally final once completed.
Ready to bid with better information?
Review the current auction catalog, confirm the sale-specific terms, inspect whenever possible and contact Sterling before bidding if anything is unclear.
