Questions About Auctions, Bidding or Consigning? Help is Here

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.

What is HESS REPORT?

HESS REPORT is a program for consignors of good quality trucks. A mechanic checks a list of performance details for the truck, including: Starts/Runs/Transmission/Air/Fluid/Clutch/Brakes/Tires/Radiator Pressurized to check Head Gasket Leaks, Check if truck is deleted.

Note that this is NOT a Warranty. All Trucks are sold AS IS.  This is a tool for Buyers to better understand what they are buying.  Trucks that have a Hess Report will be noted on our website, and the reports are available in the trucks on sale week and can be downloaded on our website. For more information, please contact Bill Troop or Phil Garber.

How do I Purchase Something at your Auction?

Before you purchase anything, you must first register to bid. 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 swipe your drivers license, confirm your contact information, and sign a copy of your bidder card. You may also submit tax exemption form and/or bank letter of credit at this time. You will receive 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).  Methods of payment include: Cash, Cashier’s Check, Wire, Personal or Company Check, and Credit Cards.  If payment is made with personal or out of state checks and you want to take the title with you, we require a Bank Letter of Credit. Accepted Credit Cards are Visa, MasterCard, and Discover for purchases up to $5,000. There is a 3% Administrative Fee (waived if paying by Cash, Check, or Wire). If payment in full is not received 1 week from the auction date, buyer will be charged 1% of the outstanding balance per day until balance is paid in full.

Is there a Buyers Premium?

Yes, there is a Buyers Premium on each purchase. In order to remain competitive in our commercial and industrial auction marketplace, we have adjusted the Buyers Premium as follows:

HESS AUCTIONEERS, LLC will charge and retain a FIVE PERCENT (5%) buyer’s premium on each Listed Item sold at the Auction Sale $5,000.00 and up. HESS AUCTIONEERS, LLC will charge and retain a TEN PERCENT (10 %) buyer’s premium on each Listed Item sold at the Auction Sale up to $4,999.99.
(Buyers Premiums are based on each item purchased, not on the total purchase.)

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 approximately 10 business days after the date of the auction. On the day of the Auction, we have a Full-Service Title Agent on premise so you can transfer the title and apply for registration.  Transit tags can be obtained at a local notary office near the auction site. 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 would like to take the title with you and payment is made by a personal and out of state checks, we 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 and want to take the title with you, 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 or Proxy Bid?

Yes. Download the Absentee Bidder Form.We only accept Absentee Bids on items in Rings 1 and 3. Fill it out completely, sign it, and fax/send/email it back to us at least 24 hours prior to the Auction start time. We do NOT accept Absentee Bids on Auction Day. Please include the item 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 item sells for less than the maximum amount you want to spend, you will own it at that price. There is a 2% fee for purchasing an item through Absentee Bidding

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 and ProxiBid. You must pre-register to bid online at www.EquipmentFacts.com or www.proxibid.com at least 2 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 1-2 days prior to the sale. On the day of the Auction, log onto to Equipment Facts or Proxibid and follow directions to bid. You will be responsible for picking up any purchased units on the Pick-up dates posted on the Event page of our website. There is a 2% fee for purchasing an item through Online Bidding.

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, full name, address, date 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?

We do not provide shipping for your units. The buyer is responsible for pickup.

When can I Pick up My Equipment?

Auction Day: Till 5 PM

Saturday After auction: 8 AM to 12 PM

CLOSED SUNDAY – No Pickups

Monday through Friday:  9 AM to 3 PM

Any items still left on our auction site one week after the auction will be subject to storage fees of $25/day/item.  Proof of purchase must be shown before removal of any items.

How can I Register Ahead of Time to Bid?

You may fill out this online Pre-Registration Form and we’ll have your bidder card ready for you in the office on sale day. Bring your drivers license with you.

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, direct emails, 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 through print & digital advertising, and mailing. You will bring your piece of equipment to our sale at least 10 days 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 10 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?

We do not provide shipping for your units. The buyer is responsible for pickup.

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.

When do I get Paid?

Generally, the proceeds, less commission and costs, are remitted to the seller on or before 21 banking days following the auction. Individual items sold to online bidders or in excess of $30,000 shall be paid out upon consummation of sale.