Bid with confidence

Your guide to buying at auction.

From registration through pickup, REAL makes the bidding process clear. Review each auction’s terms, inspect the assets, place your bids, and be ready when the sale closes.

Getting started

From registration to removal.

Each auction may have different dates, fees, payment instructions, and pickup requirements. The auction listing and its terms always control the transaction.

01

Find a Sale

Review upcoming auctions and open the full catalog for dates, locations, photos, descriptions, and terms.

02

Register

Create or sign into your bidder account. Some auctions may require identity or payment verification.

03

View & Inspect

Attend the advertised preview, inspect items of interest, and ask questions before placing a bid.

04

Place Bids

Bid onsite, online, or both depending on the sale format. Watch the catalog for closing activity and extensions.

05

Pay & Pick Up

Follow the invoice instructions and remove purchases during the stated pickup window with proper labor and equipment.

Ways to participate

Know the auction format.

REAL may use one platform or several simultaneously to connect qualified bidders with the assets being sold.

Live OnlyBid at the sale site.Traditional onsite bidding conducted by the auctioneer.
Online OnlyBid over a timed period.Lots close on a published schedule and may extend when bids arrive near closing.
SimulcastLive onsite and online together.Internet bidders compete in real time with bidders at the sale.
WebcastLive auctioneer, online audience.Each lot is sold live online without onsite bidding.
Bidder essentials

Understand before you bid.

A bid is a commitment to purchase. Review the information provided for the specific auction and contact REAL before bidding if anything is unclear.

BUYER’S PREMIUM

Know the total cost.

A buyer’s premium may be added to the winning bid. The percentage is disclosed in the auction terms.

INSPECTION

Inspect before bidding.

Assets are generally sold as-is, where-is. Attend preview or arrange inspection when available.

PAYMENT

Follow invoice instructions.

Accepted payment methods and deadlines vary by auction and will appear in the terms and winning-bidder invoice.

REMOVAL

Plan for pickup.

Buyers are responsible for meeting removal deadlines and bringing appropriate labor, vehicles, tools, and equipment.

Common questions

Bidder FAQ

No. Registration gives you permission to participate. You are only obligated when you place a bid and become the winning bidder.
When a preview is offered, the date and location will be listed with the auction. Contact REAL before bidding if you need clarification about inspection.
Many timed auctions use automatic extensions to give all active bidders a fair opportunity to respond. The specific closing rules appear in the auction terms. For live, simulcast, and webcast bidding, bids are accepted until the auctioneer announces that the item is sold. Any bid received after the auctioneer says “sold” will not be accepted. If you want to win an item, it is always best to bid early rather than risk waiting until the final moment.
Shipping and removal options depend on the auction. Unless specifically offered, buyers should assume they are responsible for pickup, packing, loading, and transportation.
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