When buying at auction there are a few things that you should consider before you make a bid. It is always a good idea to consult the Terms and Conditions provided in the catalogue for each sale before attempting to bid on any item.
Types of auctions
O’Maras now offers their buyers two different but equally appealing auction options. The first is the traditional in-room auction, with its fast-pace energy and gavel dropping excitement. The second is our new live online auction system that still provides the same up to the wire thrill, but in the comfort of your own home or office.
Before the auction
Whether you are looking to bid in-room or online, at O’Maras we always recommend that you read the catalogue for your chosen auction carefully. In the catalogue you will find lots of information, including detailed descriptions and clear photographs of each item.
We encourage all potential buyers to preview all items they are interested in carefully. Unless otherwise stated in the Terms and Conditions, all items will be sold in ‘as is’ condition. This is an ideal time to assess the item and decide how much you are willing to bid (taking into account the buyer’s premium which will be added to the hammer price). Please refer to the specific sale to ensure you are aware if the auction is to be on a GST inclusive or exclusive basis.
Bidding
At O’Maras, we are excited to be able to offer our buyers a wide range of bidding options that include in-person bidding, absentee bidding, telephone bidding and online bidding.
When you bid in person, we ask you to fill out a Bidder Registration Form (with details such as name, address and photo ID number). You will need to show photo identification at registration & must be over the age of 18 to bid. Once you are registered, you will be given a bidder number which you will hold up to the auctioneer during the auction, to register your bid.
If you are unable to attend an in-room auction, we are happy to execute written bids on your behalf. You will be asked to indicate the item or lot number you are interested in and the maximum amount you wish to bid on that lot. With an absentee bid, the item will always be bought for the lowest amount that exceeds any other bid and the items reserve.
Absentee & Telephone bidder form is available to download here
With a telephone bid, an employee from O’Maras will call you a few minutes before the item you want is called. The representative will talk you through the auction, asking you at what point and in what increments you wish to bid. As representatives need to be available, we ask you to enquire about telephone bidding at least 24 hours in advance of the sale. Telephone bidding is not necessarily available for all auctions.
With pre-bidding, live webcast & timed auctions available, bidding online could not be simpler. Under the ‘start bidding’ tab you will be asked if you want to participate and this will take you to a registration form where all your information will be securely stored.
Buyers Premium
As the intermediary between the buyer and the seller, O’Maras charges a Buyer’s Premium, which is added to the winning bid price. The winning bid price and the Buyer’s Premium combined equal the purchase price. Any GST is determined on this figure.
Payment and shipping
Please refer to the sale conditions for payment & shipping terms for each auction. Payments can be made with cash, by direct deposit, by credit card (MasterCard, Visa or AMEX) or with a debit card. Items cannot be released until the funds have cleared.
Once the payment has been cleared, items can be picked up or shipping can be arranged. We ask that all items are picked up within the sale terms specified or a handling fee may result.
For more information or to register now, please go to http://www.proxibid.com/asp/ServicesBidder.asp