Industry expertise, top tier results, unparalleled customer service. That’s how it’s done.

HOW TO BID:

  • 1. Browse Our Online Auctions

    Click on the UPCOMING AUCTIONS button to browse our auctions. When something catches your interest, click REGISTER TO BID. You’ll be taken to HiBid.com, our nation-wide bidding platform portal. Create an account with HiBid and register to bid in that auction. You’ll be assigned an online-bidder’s number that is unique to you. Conveniently, you will be able to use your HiBid account, not just for BidTender Auctions, but also for all auctions and auction companies on the HiBid platform, nationwide. It’s a great tool to find equipment, enabling you to search the entire country for anything, then narrow it down by proximity to your location.

    Read and understand the terms and conditions of that particular auction, and mark the date on your calendar.

    Most of our events are auctions in Northern Virginia, the greater metro DC area, and the counties of Montgomery, Prince Georges, Loudoun, and Arlington. However our capabilities are well suited to cover the entire state of Virginia, and also Maryland.

    We also offer live auction services in Virginia and Maryland. Any live auctions will also be listed on our UPCOMING AUCTIONS page.

  • 2. Preview Items In-Person

    People like to see what they buy before they buy it… makes perfect sense. So each auction will have a preview day where you can preview the equipment before the auction closes. See individual auction info for dates and times.

    We try schedule previews on days/times that we feel is convenient to most bidders. If you can’t make it to one of our scheduled previews, call us… often we can make special arrangements to help you out.

  • 3. Bidding

    Browse the individual items in the auction and decide what you’d like to bid on. Place your bids, paying only what you want to pay. Can’t fit the auction in your schedule? Just place your bids ahead of time, using our max bid feature. Our platform will record your confidential max bid, and if anyone bids against you, the platform program will bid on your behalf, up to that amount.

    Enjoy the auction! We’re sure you’ll and get some great deals.

  • 4. Auction Closing

    The auction will open for bidding on the advertised date, and will remain open until the scheduled closing date and time.

    Individual auction items will close, usually staggered at a rate of 1 item every 2 minutes. If any item receives a bid during the final 2 minutes of the auction, that item’s closing time will automatically be extended another 2 minutes to prevent bid sniping. This process will continue until all items close.

    The auction has now concluded.

  • 5. Payment

    Winning bidders will have their credit cards charged, usually the day after the auction concludes, unless they make arrangements to pay cash in person. Cash payments qualify for a 3% discount on the buyer’s premium, if offered. See individual auction terms and conditions for more information.

  • 6. Pick Up and Shipping

    You’re welcome to pick up your items, have us ship them, or have your own shipping/freight company pick them up. We can even palettize and deliver to your freight company for a fee (maximum distances apply). These arrangements must be made prior to pick up day.

    We will usually have 2 pick up days scheduled as a convenience to our bidders. These will typically be on the 2nd and 3rd business day after the auction. See the terms and conditions of that specific auction for more information.

    You are ultimately responsible for removal of your items, but we usually have equipment and help onsite to assist you with load out/removal of larger equipment, if needed. Typically this includes a forklift, dollies, and basic tools. We will also usually have your items disconnected ahead of time, and ready for pick up. We like being helpful.

    Still have some questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, or feel free to contact us directly.

UPCOMING AUCTIONS

How To Sell at Auction - (for government sellers, please visit our Government Liaison page):

Step 1: Free Consultation

This is where we meet for the first time, preferably in person (we’ll buy the coffee). We’ll listen to your unique needs and situation, and take the time to understand all aspects of how we can best help you.

We’ll also preview your equipment so we can prepare a detailed projection/auction-appraisal of your assets. If you’re new to this, no pressure… our professionals can guide you through the entire process so you know exactly what to expect.

Whether you decide to hire us or not, you’ll leave with a much better understanding of what’s next.

Step 2: Infrastructure and Planning

We’ll study your needs, and identify any specific challenges or obstacles unique to your situation. Then we’ll structure an auction event that’s custom tailored to meet your goals. This will include going over details such as:

  • Online auction protocols

  • Asset relocation vs auction-in-place

  • Professional movers and logistical enterprises

  • Electrical breakers, gas lines, and water

  • Safety during de-installation/removal

  • Event Security

  • Planning and protecting the site from damage during the removal process

Step 3: Marketing

Our management will thoroughly go over your equipment, conduct basic functionality assessments, complete cataloguing, lot number tagging, staging, photography, videography, and uploading of all data to all of our media and commerce platforms.

Additionally we will advertise the auction event via multiple media and collateral pieces, including social, print, postal, email, auction databases, industry websites, professional networks and affiliations, extensive customer contacts, and more.

Step 4: Auction Preview

Auction bidders want to see what they’re buying, before they buy it. So we’ll schedule onsite preview days for prospective buyers, set on days and times that are most convenient to the majority of prospective bidders. But don’t sweat it… we handle it all. Our management will be onsite to supervise, answer bidder questions, and provide event security for the facility. Then we’ll sweep up and lock up so you won’t have to worry about a thing. But of course, you are welcome to attend.

 

Step 5: Auction Day

This is the big day!

All the work has been meticulously performed to ensure your equipment auction will be a huge success. Grab some popcorn and watch the show, it’s sure to be an exciting event!

All bidding will begin closing at an advertised time, and close 1-3 items at a time, with bidding extensions to prevent bid sniping.

Payments will be processed after the last lot in the auction closes, thus concluding the auction.

Step 6: Auction Pick Up, Delivery, Shipping, and of course… YOUR MONEY!

Buyers will arrive for pickup on a pre-determined day/time, usually the 2nd business day after the online auction. Our management will be onsite with equipment to supervise and assist with bidder load out, free of charge. Knowing free professional help and equipment will be available encourages more bidders to participate on large equipment which might otherwise be outside their capabilities to load. And that’s better business for everyone involved.

Auction proceeds will be processed quickly, and sent to to the seller via FedEx in accordance to your contract and UCC guidelines. You’re also welcome to pick up your check in person at our office, by appointment.

Shipping will be offered on a case-by-case/lot-by-lot basis, see specific auctions and lots for details. Palletization and prep for bidders choosing their own shipping company is also offered for a reasonable fee.

Still have some questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, or feel free to contact us directly.