Auction Procedures
Here's What You Can Expect at a Typical Salvage Auction
When we're only doing one auction a day, doors usually open at 8:30 am with a preview and registration period of a ½ hour to an hour depending on the house. Be sure to double check the timing on our website since start times can vary. When we have more than one auction in the general vicinity, we usually have an open preview through all the properties in the morning then we do a rolling start for the selling times at each property. For example, open preview can be 8- 9 am, and then one house will begin selling at 9:00, the next at 10:30, etc. We got us a Home Salvage convoy! 10-4 big buddy.
Preview & Registration:
The preview and registration time is very important. It's your first and only time to physically examine what items you are interested in. This is your opportunity to thoroughly inspect, verify measurements to make sure it will fit in your own space and to intimidate potential opposing bidders. Just kidding, be nice. You will also be required to register and will be issued a bidding number. You must have a bid number in order to participate.
And ... WE'RE OFF! Auction Time:
Home Salvage Auctions are very physical. At the scheduled time the Murco staff open the auction and inform you the terms of the sale. Then, it's on. We literally move from room to room, item to item, very quickly. We all move in mass bidding on everything and anything in our way. All items are bid on while still intact in the house. It is up to the successful bidders to extricate their items and haul them away. This is no time to be shy; you've got to speak up when you want something and politely direct the auctioneer to any items you are interested in. When we say "sold" you should be prepared to pay for your purchase and begin removing your item immediately.
All Terms of Sale are posted at each auction and are also posted HERE. The most pertinent ones, however, are paraphrased below.
Terms
A 10% buyer's premium will be added to every purchase sold at auction or online. We accept CASH. That's genuine U.S. Treasury, Greenies, Benjamin's, whatever you call it. It's all accepted. No checks, credit, trade or baked goods. Either come with your pockets loaded or a good command of where the ATM locations are. Until you pay in full for your item, you may not begin to remove it. You should arrive prepared to remove your item immediately. We are not responsible for any lost or stolen goods.
Return Policy
We adhere strictly to the "tough toenails" return policy. Once we say "sold" it's yours-- you own it. There are no refunds or credits. Once we say "sold" it's binding, so bid judiciously.
In order to tackle Home Salvage Auctions, it is necessary to follow the rules and be prepared.
1. Know Your Measurements:
We want you to make informed decisions and make sure that you can use whatever you purchase. Knowing the measurements of several aspects of your property will help you greatly. For example, you may not be actively seeking a new front door, but what if you happen to fall in love with one we have at auction, but you don't know if it will fit? You never know what you're going to find and you don't want ambiguity about whether or not something will fit to limit you from bidding voraciously.
2. Bring Your Own Tools:
Remember you are bidding on goods that are still intact! (They're cheap because you do the removing!) You need to bring whatever you need to accomplish your job. That means screw drivers, hammers, step stool, etc. We generally have no power on site so battery powered tools are essential. Better to bring more than you need then to be in need!
3. Do Not Covet Thy Neighbors' Whatnots:
If you borrow a tool from someone, don't forget to return it! Help out when you can and there'll be help for you when you need it!
4. Be Prepared To Remove Your Purchases Immediately:
Okay, so who said it was glamorous? This is an excellent time to call in some friends that owe you favors. But heck, the prices are so cheap that it's worth your time to remove them! This is a one-day deal; it's the epitome of adventure shopping. We don't have the luxury of time because usually the houses are going down within the week so it's best to line up your transportation needs ahead of time. Besides, part of our charm is that we're in and out in one day and off to the next house.
5. Do Not Take That Which You Do Not Own:
You are not "liberating" the unsold materials. If you didn't pay for it, don't take it. If you do, we'll all think you're a big jerk, and your karma will be forever blotched. Oh, and it's illegal to steal, so there are those consequences as well. Enough said?
6. Show Up The Day Of Auction Only!
If you go to auction site either before or after the auction day, that is called "trespassing" and we do prosecute… there's nothing cute about it. You can drive by before the auction but you can't actually go on the property until auction day. The pictures of the property provided on Murco.net and the text supporting them should give you more than enough information to come prepared on auction day. The same holds true for after the auction. We only have a limited opportunity to be welcome on the site!
WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ANY OFFER IF WE FEEL IT IS NOT IN THE BEST INTEREST OF OUR CLIENT.
Other Auction Helpful Hints:
- Be on time! All highly covetable goods are usually sold within the first hour or so. Snooze and lose! If you can't physically participate, you can e-mail or phone in your bids. We can also phone you when your desired item is up for bidding so you can bid via speakerphone.
- Nothing may be removed until you have actually paid for your purchases.
- If something you like has a sticker on it saying "SOLD", that means it is already sold. Sorry Charlie.
- Leave the kiddies at home because nails and nippers don't mix.
- Dress for the elements because generally, all utilities are off. In the winter it's cold and in the summer it's hot. Be prepared!