What You Need Before You Register
Before you start, have your company details or ID information ready, plus a working South African bank account and a valid contact number. If you are buying for a business, it helps to keep your VAT number, registration documents and proof of address close by so the approval process can move along without delays.
For bidders who plan to collect machinery from Germiston, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town or Bloemfontein, it is also worth checking transport access, offloading equipment and collection timing early. Some lots are heavy, some need a low-bed, and some sites only allow collections during specific hours because of factory operations or municipal access rules.
- Company registration details or ID, depending on how you are bidding
- Proof of address dated within the required period
- Bank details for payments and refunds where applicable
- Contact number and a working message inbox you check regularly
- Any buying authority documents if someone is bidding on behalf of a business
How To Create Your Bidder Profile
Start by completing the bidder registration form on the contact page and entering your details exactly as they appear on your documents. A small mismatch in names, registration numbers or bank details can slow things down, so take a moment and check everything before you submit.
Once your form is submitted, the team reviews the information and confirms whether any extra documents are needed. If you are registering from outside Gauteng, that is fine too, because bidders use the platform from all over South Africa. We assist buyers from industrial areas, workshops, farms and distribution sites, so the process is set up to work for both single-item and multiple-lot buyers.
- Enter your profile details carefully and use the same spelling throughout
- Upload or provide the requested supporting documents
- Wait for confirmation before trying to bid on live lots
- Keep an eye on your messages for approval updates or document requests
Approval And Account Checks
Approval is there to protect both buyers and sellers. It helps make sure bids are placed by real, verified bidders and that each auction runs fairly. For business assets, this matters because machines, tools and stock can move quickly once the hammer falls, even in a timed online format.
If you are a first-time bidder, you may be asked a few extra questions about the type of equipment you want to buy or how you plan to pay and collect it. That is normal. It also helps the auction team guide you toward lots that match your operation, whether you need packaging equipment, workshop tools, forklifts, office assets or surplus stock.
- Verification may include business, banking and identity checks
- Some auctions require refundable deposits before bidding
- Higher-value assets may need added confirmation before approval
- Keep your documents current, especially if your business details have changed
Bidding, Deposits And Payment Rules
Once your bidder profile is active, you can take part in upcoming auctions and follow the lots you want. Timed online auctions are convenient, but they still move fast, so it helps to set your budget before the clock starts. Decide your highest bid, include the buyer's premium if applicable, and factor in transport, loading and any repair work after collection.
Payment clearance is part of the process after a successful bid. Do not wait until the last minute to arrange funds, especially if your business runs on tight production schedules or you are dealing with load-shedding-related pressure on operations. A clear payment plan keeps collection moving and reduces delays at the yard.
- Set a firm limit before bidding starts
- Check whether a deposit is needed for the auction you want
- Allow for transport, lifting gear and labour when pricing a lot
- Make payment quickly once you win to avoid collection delays
Viewing Lots Before You Bid
If possible, attend a viewing point before you bid. Seeing the machine, asset condition and layout in person gives you a better idea of what you are buying. Photographs and lot notes are useful, but they cannot always show wear, missing parts or how a machine sits on the floor.
Viewings are managed at sites such as Germiston Viewing Yard, Johannesburg East Viewings, Pretoria Viewing Point, Durban Viewing Point, Cape Town Viewings, Bloemfontein Viewings, Isando Viewing Point and Alberton Viewing Point. For coastal areas, check for rust, moisture damage and electrical wear. For inland sites, look at dust build-up, tyre condition and service history where available.
- Ask for lot condition details before the auction closes
- Inspect attachments, cables, panels and moving parts where access is allowed
- Take note of size, weight and loading requirements
- Confirm whether dismantling or special handling will be needed
After You Win A Lot
Winning a lot is only the start. Collection coordination needs to be arranged according to the seller's release rules and the site requirements. Some industrial yards need booked collection slots, forklift assistance or proof of cleared payment before release. In some municipalities, truck access and offloading hours can also affect the schedule, so it pays to plan ahead.
If you are moving machinery between provinces, leave enough time for permits, transport bookings and on-site preparation. BidThis helps manage the handover process so that buyers can collect from the correct point and sellers can close out the sale cleanly. That is important for businesses clearing surplus stock, closed sites or multi-location assets.
- Wait for payment clearance before booking collection
- Bring the right vehicle, rigging gear and labour for the lot
- Check site rules for loading times and access control
- Keep release documents and proof of payment ready on collection day
Get Help If Your Registration Stalls
If your registration is delayed, do not start over right away. Check whether the issue is missing documents, a spelling mismatch, an expired company record or an unpaid deposit requirement. Most problems are simple to fix once the right information is sent through.
The support team can guide you through seller onboarding questions, buyer approval steps, auction rules and collection queries. Whether you are buying from Germiston, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town or Bloemfontein, the goal is to get your profile sorted so you can bid with confidence and keep your procurement moving.
- Check your inbox for any follow-up requests
- Make sure your documents are readable and current
- Use the same contact details each time you register
- Ask for help early if you are bidding for a business and not as an individual
