Are your Auctions open to the Public?

Yes, our auctions are open to the public.

What is the difference between Absolute and Reserve Auction?

Absolute Auction
A unit is sold to the highest bidder without a minimum price set (no reserve). This type of auction presents the greatest opportunities for a Buyer.

Reserve Auction
Allows a Seller to set a 'reserve' price. A unit being auctioned with a reserve will only sell if the highest bid meets or exceeds the reserved price.

All equipment being sold "absolute" will be sold regardless of price. Items with a "reserve" price will sell if the auction brings a bid that meets or exceeds the reserve price. If the auction fails to have a bid equal to or higher than the reserve, the item remains unsold. Items with a reserve will be announced as such at time of the auction.

In addition you never have to worry about an owner running up the price on his equipment because WE DO NOT ALLOW THIS. If we find out someone is bidding on their own equipment or having someone else bid on their equipment for them, they will be asked to leave.

How do I Purchase Something at your Auction?

Before you purchase anything, you must first register to bid. This can be done prior to the Auction day by Pre-Registering or on the day of the Auction. To register on the day of the Auction, go to the registration office. Be sure to bring your drivers' license. You will be asked to complete a Bidders Registration form with will include filling in your contact information, banking information, method of payment, and your signature. After completing the form, you will be assigned a bidder number and will be able to use it to bid/purchase items.

How and When do I Pay for My Purchase(s)?

All successful bids (purchases) must be paid in full by the close of the Auction that day (absolutely no later than one hour after the close of Auction). If you leave an absentee bid, we will set up a wire transfer from your bank. Methods of payment include: Cash, Cashier's Check, Personal or Company Check, and Credit Cards. If you pay with a personal or company check, we will need the name, address, telephone number and a contact from your bank at the time of registering. All personal or out of state checks will require a Bank Letter of Credit. Accepted Credit Cards are Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. There is a 3% Administrative Fee (waived if paying by Cash, Check, or Wire).

Is there a Buyers Premium?

Back to Questions (top)

How do I Transfer a Title(s)?

If you pay cash or equivalent for your purchases or if you have a Bank Letter of Credit, the title(s) will be released to you on the day of the Auction. Otherwise the title(s) will be mailed out as soon as your funds clear. On the day of the Auction, we have a Full-Service Title Agent on premise so you can transfer the title, obtain tags and apply for registration. The Buyer is responsible for paying all Full-Service Title Agent fees including, but not limited to: title transfer fees, state sales tax and license plate fees. You will need to show proof of insurance for title registration.

Do You Accept Checks?

Methods of payment include: Cash, Cashier's Check, Personal or Company Check, and Credit Cards. If you pay with a personal or company check, we will need the name, address, telephone number and a contact from your bank at the time of registering. All personal and out of state checks will require a Bank Letter of Credit. Accepted Credit Cards are Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.

Do I Need a Bank Letter of Credit?

If you are paying with a Check then yes, we do require a Bank Letter of Credit. This is a simple form from your bank stating that they will honor or guarantee your Check.

Can I leave an Absentee, Phone or Proxy Bid?

Yes. Download the Absentee Bidder Form. Fill it out completely, sign it, and fax/send/email it back to us at least two days prior to the Auction date. Please include the equipment you are interested in purchasing and the maximum amount you want to spend. At our auctions, we do not start the bidding with your maximum bid. If the equipment sells for less than the maximum amount you want to spend, you will own it at that price.

We also offer Phone Bidding. Download the Absentee Bidder Form. Fill it out completely, sign it, and fax/send/email it back to us at least two days prior to the Auction date. Phone bidding will enable you to communicate with the auction representative as the auction is happening. On the day of the auction day, our staff will contact you right before the equipment you are interested in purchasing comes up for bid. You will be able to communicate with our staff and have them bid on the equipment for you, just as if you were at the auction. This is offered on a first come-first serve basis. Please call with any questions.

Are there Reserve or Minimum Bids?

All equipment being sold "absolute" will be sold regardless of price. Items with a "reserve" price will sell if the auction brings a bid higher than the reserve price. If the auction fails to have a bid equal to or higher than the reserve, the item remains unsold. Items with a reserve will be announced as such at time of auction.

In addition you never have to worry about an owner running up the price on his equipment because WE DO NOT ALLOW THIS. If we find out someone is bidding on their own equipment or having someone else bid on their equipment for them, they will be asked to leave.

Do You Offer Online Bidding?

Yes! We offer online bidding through Equipment Facts. You must pre-register to bid online at www.EquipmentFacts.com at least 4 days prior to the auction date in order to be approved as a bidder. An Auction Catalog (pictures and descriptions of units) will be available approximately 2 days prior to the sale. On the day of the Auction, log onto to Equipment Facts and follow directions to bid. You will be responsible for picking up any units you purchase by the time and date posted on the Auction Inventory Page.

What About PA Sales Tax?

PA Sales Tax on Vehicles with Titles

If you transfer your new title using our Full-Service Title Agent on the day of the Auction, you will need to pay any applicable PA sales. If you are Tax-Exempt, you will need to provide proof to the Title Agent (such as your DIN number).

PA Sales Tax on All Other Items Sold at Hess Auctioneers, LLC

We are required to charge PA Sales Tax, unless you provide a completed PA Sales Tax Exemption Form (which must include your sales tax exemption number and your signature).

Is There a Warranty or Guarantee on any of My Purchases?

We do not provide a warranty or guarantee on the equipment being sold at auction. Everything is sold "AS IS, WHERE IS". You are the professional, so inspect the equipment before you buy it.

It is our desire to represent the equipment to the best of our ability, however, we are not the owner of the equipment. Please come early to allow time to inspect the equipment.

Will I have access to Maintenance Records?

If Maintenance Records are available, you will be able to view them.

Do you offer Delivery and/or Pick-Up Services?

Yes. Please call with your location for a quote.

When can I Pick up My Equipment?

You can take the equipment with you as soon as you pay for it with an approved payment. You will be required to show your paid receipt before you exit the Auction premises. Removal dates will be posted on our website and in the registration office on the day of the Auction. We now offer freight services, please call for additional details.

How can I Register Ahead of Time to Bid?

Complete and return the Pre-Registration Form. This form should be received at least two days prior to the upcoming Auction date. There is no cost for this service. Pre-Registration is only valid for bidders present at the auction site on the day of the auction.

Do I need Insurance Coverage?

Insurance Coverage for Sellers of Equipment

Sellers are required to have the equipment insured for the following up until and including the day of the sale:

Liability Insurance Coverage *
Collision Insurance Coverage **
Comprehensive Insurance Coverage **

Insurance coverage for Buyers of Equipment

Buyers are required to have the equipment insured for the following, immediately upon purchase:

Liability Insurance Coverage *
Collision Insurance Coverage **
Comprehensive Insurance Coverage **

*  = Required
** = Optional, but if there is a claim you are responsible for any loss.

Where do You Advertise?

We market our Auctions through advertising mediums such as print ads, direct mail, internet advertising, and personal contacts. Our goal is to attract interested Buyers and aggressive Sellers.

How does Your Auction Work?

We start to find pieces well before our sale dates and then we will market the sale well. You will bring your piece of equipment to our sale about a week before the sale so that the potential buyers may come and inspect the items, and so we can take pictures of your item for our online bidding site. We will sell your item and then you will receive a check from us after the sale.

How Do You Handle the Title(s)?

We must have your title in our possession at least 7 business days prior to the sale. If this is going to present a problem please contact us prior to the auction. All rolling stock must have a transferable title, free & clear of all liens and encumbrances. We will need to have you sign a power of attorney form prior to the sale so that we can easily transfer your title after the sale. This form will need to be signed in front of a notary and it must be filled out in the same name as the unit is titled.

What if my Bank has the Title?

Supply us with the name of the contact person at your bank or financial institution. We will work with them to find out what arrangements need to be made to procure the title. A guarantee of direct payment of net auction proceeds or payoff may be made in exchange for the title or lien release.

Can I set a Minimum Price?

Yes, you may set a minimum price, or "reserve" on your equipment. Please call us to discuss these options.

Do You Offer Delivery and / or Pick-Up Services?

Yes. Please call with your location for a quote.

When do I Need to Deliver my Equipment?

Equipment needs to be delivered no later than seven days preceding the auction date. This allows potential buyers the opportunity to inspect the equipment prior to the auction, and allows us the opportunity to take pictures for our online bidding site. If so desired, arrangements can be made to deliver the equipment to a storage facility prior to auction set-up.

Do I Need to Provide Maintenance Records?

Maintenance records are made available for viewing by potential buyers, thus increasing the potential sale price for your equipment. If you have maintenance records bring them along when you deliver your vehicle.

Do I Need Insurance Coverage?

Insurance Coverage for Sellers of Equipment

Sellers are required to have the equipment insured for the following up until and including the day of the sale:

Liability Insurance Coverage *
Collision Insurance Coverage **
Comprehensive Insurance Coverage **

Insurance coverage for Buyers of Equipment

Buyers are required to have the equipment insured for the following, immediately upon purchase:

Liability Insurance Coverage *
Collision Insurance Coverage **
Comprehensive Insurance Coverage **

*  = Required
** = Optional, but if there is a claim you are responsible for any loss.

How Should I Prepare My Equipment for Auction?

Condition and appearance are important factors in realizing higher auction prices. A sales rep can assist you in determining what prep work, such as detailing, painting, body work, etc., would effectively put more money in your pocket. If you need help, we can put you in touch with those services.

Do I Need to Attend the Auction?

No, but it helps. It's been shown that a seller who is at the auction representing his equipment will realize a higher price than one that is not. In addition, we will have potential buyers call you prior to the auction if they have specific questions about your equipment. If you do attend the auction please make yourself known to the auctioneer when your item is being sold so the auctioneer can point you out to any potential buyers.

When do I get Paid?

Generally, the proceeds, less commission and costs, are remitted to the seller on or before 10 banking days following the auction.