When can I collect a won lot?
Collections only start once payment has cleared and the release is confirmed on your account. If a lot is still marked pending, our team cannot hand it over, even if you have already paid by EFT. Clearing times can vary by bank, so plan ahead if you need same-day removal.
For timed online auctions, collection windows are usually set after the auction closes and seller instructions are finalised. Some sellers need a short handover period after the sale, especially where multiple lots must be matched, checked or made safe for removal.
- Wait for your release confirmation before travelling
- Check the collection window on your invoice or buyer notes
- Bring the correct vehicle, trailer or lifting gear for the lot size
What must I bring to the yard or viewing point?
Bring the buyer name used on the invoice, your collection reference, and a valid ID for the person collecting. If someone else is collecting on your behalf, they must have written authority from the buyer and a copy of the buyer’s ID. This helps us protect sellers and keep the release process tidy.
For company collections, the person arriving should know the invoice details and have the company name that appears on the winning bid. If the goods are for a forklift, truck or plant hire contractor, make sure the driver knows exactly which lot is being uplifted, because confusion causes delays.
- Invoice or buyer reference number
- Valid ID for the collector
- Written authorisation if collecting for someone else
- Any site safety documents requested for that yard
How does access work at Germiston and other viewing points?
Access depends on the site. Our Germiston Viewing Yard has organised collection control, while Johannesburg East, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Isando and Alberton may each have site-specific rules, gate times and load restrictions. Follow the instructions on your collection message carefully, because some items are stored in shared industrial yards with controlled access.
If you arrive early, wait outside the loading area until a team member calls you forward. Do not enter work zones or approach equipment that has not been released. In busy periods we may stage vehicles in order of arrival and item size, so patience helps keep things moving.
- Only enter through the gate shown on your collection instructions
- Keep to marked pedestrian areas where provided
- Follow any PPE rules on site, including safety boots and hi-vis where required
Who is responsible for loading and securing the goods?
Unless the auction listing says otherwise, the buyer is responsible for loading, securing and transport. Our team will help with access to the lot and may guide you on where items are located, but the right lifting equipment and transport remain your responsibility. That includes straps, chains, pallets, tarpaulins and any truck deck space needed for the job.
If you are collecting heavy machinery, check the weight, dimensions and ground conditions before you send a vehicle. Some lots need a crane truck, lowbed, telehandler or a flatbed with proper tie-down points. During load shedding or in bad weather, work can slow down a bit, so allow extra time and be ready for the site team to pause lifting if conditions are unsafe.
- Bring enough labour for the load
- Use equipment rated for the item weight
- Secure loose parts, buckets, attachments and cables separately
What documents are needed for vehicle and machinery collection?
Documents depend on the item type and how it will leave site. For many lots, you will need the release note, invoice and identification. Where machinery is mounted on a vehicle or needs a permit to move, you may also need transport documentation, registration details or proof of authority to remove the asset. If municipal or site rules apply, we will tell you what is needed before you collect.
Keep in mind that buyers are expected to comply with road traffic laws, abnormal load requirements and any permits required for oversize goods. If the collection involves scrap, fixed plant, or items containing oils, batteries or fuel, the seller may ask for extra sign-off before release.
- Release note or collection authorisation
- Invoice and payment proof if requested
- Buyer ID or company authorisation
- Transport and permit documents where relevant
What if I cannot collect during the listed window?
If you cannot collect within the stated period, contact support through the enquiry form as soon as possible. Storage, access and seller deadlines vary by lot and by site, and delayed collection can affect the next auction cycle. We will explain the options, but extended holding is not guaranteed.
Where a seller has multiple lots in one area, we may be able to group collections for efficiency, especially for buyers moving stock from Gauteng to Durban, Cape Town or Bloemfontein. That said, do not assume grouping is available unless it is confirmed by our team.
If a lot is left uncollected for too long, the seller may incur storage pressure or site handling costs and those terms can be applied according to the auction conditions. Best practice is to collect promptly once payment clears.
What should I do if something is missing or not as expected?
Check the lot details, photos and condition notes before collection, then inspect the item on site before it leaves the yard if possible. If you notice a mismatch, stop the load and speak to the site supervisor straight away. Once the item has left, it becomes much harder to verify what was included.
Minor accessories, cables, guards, batteries, hoses or fittings may be listed separately, so read the lot description carefully. If there is a concern about quantity or condition, raise it before signing off. That gives us a proper record and helps our valuation and operations teams handle the issue fairly.
