1. Who We Are and What These Terms Cover
BidThis runs online auctions for used machinery and business assets across South Africa, including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town and Bloemfontein. The platform is operated by Astros Marketing (Pty) Ltd and is managed from Germiston. These terms govern access to the site, participation in auctions, viewing arrangements, seller listings and buyer transactions.
By using the site you confirm that you are acting for a lawful purpose and that all information you submit is true, current and complete. If you are using the platform on behalf of a company, you confirm that you have authority to bind that company to these terms.
2. Use of the Platform and Account Conduct
You may use the platform only for legitimate buying and selling activity relating to machinery, equipment and business assets. You must not interfere with the site, misrepresent an asset, place sham bids, copy content without permission, or use the service in a way that breaches any law or municipal rule.
- Keep login details secure and do not share access with unauthorised persons.
- Use accurate names, contact details and business information when registering or enquiring.
- Do not attempt to gain access to another user’s account or auction records.
- Do not upload material that is unlawful, misleading, defamatory or infringes third party rights.
We may suspend or limit access where we suspect abuse, fraud, or conduct that puts other users or the platform at risk.
3. Auction Listings, Descriptions and Inspections
Asset descriptions, photographs, serial numbers, locations, condition notes and any appraised values are prepared for guidance only. Although care is taken to present information accurately, buyers must satisfy themselves before bidding, especially on items that may have wear, missing parts or storage exposure from coastal humidity and long periods of inactivity.
Viewing opportunities may be arranged at the Germiston Viewing Yard or at other viewing points in Johannesburg East, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Isando and Alberton where applicable. Attendance at a viewing is at your own risk and you must follow site instructions, safety requirements and any access rules set by the host location.
- Photographs may not show every defect or modification.
- Measurements, ratings and quantities may vary slightly from the listing.
- Machines may be sold with accessories, parts or manuals only if stated in the lot description.
- Reserve price guidance, where provided, is an internal service and not a guarantee of sale.
4. Bidding, Winning and Sale Finality
All bids are binding once submitted. It is your responsibility to check the lot number, bid amount and auction end time before you confirm. Bid retraction is not permitted except where required by law or where we determine there has been a clear system error. Please note, auction timing can change if a lot is extended under the rules of the sale, so keep watching your bids closely.
If you are the winning bidder, you enter into a binding sale with the seller on the terms published for that auction. We act as an auction platform and coordinating agent, not as owner of the assets unless stated otherwise in writing. Risk, title and release conditions depend on payment clearance and the specific sale conditions for that lot.
5. Payment, Collection and Removal Requirements
Payment must be made in the manner and within the timeframe stated on the invoice or sale notice. No asset may be collected until payment has cleared in full and any required documentation has been received. Buyers are responsible for transport, lifting, rigging, loading and all costs linked to removal unless the auction notice states otherwise.
- You must collect assets within the stated collection window.
- Collection crews must comply with site safety rules and any load-shedding related restrictions at the premises.
- If a buyer fails to collect on time, storage, handling or re-listing charges may apply.
- Where municipal permits or access approvals are needed, the buyer must obtain them before collection.
If an asset is removed without proper release authorisation, the matter may be reported and the sale may be cancelled. Any damage caused during collection is the buyer’s responsibility.
6. Fees, Liability and General Legal Terms
BidThis may charge service fees, buyer’s premiums, seller fees or other charges as disclosed for the relevant auction. All amounts are in Rand unless stated otherwise and may be subject to tax. Fees are payable as part of the transaction and are not refundable unless required by law or by written agreement.
To the fullest extent allowed by law, BidThis, Astros Marketing (Pty) Ltd, its directors, staff and contractors will not be liable for indirect or consequential loss, lost profit, loss of use, downtime, or losses arising from delay, power interruptions, third party conduct, force majeure, or inaccuracies supplied by a seller. Nothing in these terms limits liability where it cannot lawfully be limited.
We may amend these terms from time to time. The updated version will apply once published on the platform. If any part of these terms is found invalid, the remaining parts will continue to apply.