FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Buying

If you have not bought with us before, we suggest you carefully read the following guide to buying at BCVA in conjunction with our full Terms & Conditions. If you have any queries please contact us on 0117 953 3676 or e-mail us at info@thebcva.co.uk and we will be happy to assist you.

How to Buy

To register as a buyer with us, you must register online through our website or via www.i-bidder.com - you can use the same account for access via both routes.

Timed Online Auctions; All bidding takes place through our website. You will need to register an account with us, or via i-bidder. If successful with your bid, an invoice will be emailed to you as confirmation.

Condition Reports

Condition reports are available on request - you can submit these through our website or www.i-bidder.com - select "Ask A Question" next to the lot. We are unable to give verbal condition reports for any lot. All items in our auction are sold as second hand unless catalogued as ‘as new’ with no guarantees or warranties given, so if you are unable to view items please ask for further details prior to bidding. Requests for condition reports must be submitted by 4pm on the day prior to the auction. All electrical items are tested for safety only, not for working order.

Buyer’s Premium

All the items in our auctions are subject to buyer’s premium at 21% plus VAT. As we are a commercial auction, most items have come from vatable companies so VAT at 20% will also be added to the hammer price for these lots (marked with a VAT tag or with an asterisk in the catalogue). Online auctions are subject to a further i-bidder.com charge of 4% plus VAT which will also be added to the invoice (totalling 50%), click on 'additional fees' on each lot for this information.

Methods of Payment

All items must be paid for and collected within 3 working days of the auction.
Acceptable payment methods are:

Pay online by Debit or Credit card (look for the link in your invoice email); or
Bank transfer - please quote your Invoice No.as a payment reference
HSBC Account No: 92462036
Sort Code: 40-16-11
BIC: MIDLGB2113W
IBAN: GB74MIDL40161192462036

Payment must be in sterling with all bank charges paid for, directly to our bank.
Debit and credit cards issued by a UK bank registered to a UK billing address. We do not accept American Express or Diner's Club credit cards. All cards used for payment over the telephone must be registered at the invoiced address.

We do not accept Cash.

Selling

We are always interested in meeting new clients who may need to dispose of excess stock, plant and machinery, fleet vehicles etc. One of our valuers may visit  you on site, appraise all assets and give advice on the most economical way to dispose of items. This could be either by live auction, tender sale or private treaty. The first step is to speak to our specialists who will advise on the estimated value of your items and recommend the most appropriate auction.

We can arrange specialist sales by auction, tender and private treaty for assets which require a more specific and individual marketing approach, both on our own premises and on other sites around the country.

Consigning for sale

A receipt is issued for items consigned for sale, with estimates which may be subject to revision prior to sale. Reserves may be placed indicating the minimum price at which the lot may be sold, this cannot be above the lower catalogue estimate.

Charges

Vendor commission - 15% of hammer price
£10 minimum lot fee
Unsold charge £10 - waived in the event of no reserve being set
Loss & damage warranty (insurance) – 1.5%- £1.50 minimum
Web illustration charge - £10 per lot
Catalogue illustration charge (if applicable)- £15 - £100 per lot
Electrical testing charge - £2 (if applicable)
All charges are subject to VAT at the current rate

Collection

If you are unable to bring your items to us for auction, we can arrange transportation at a cost which will be deducted from the proceeds when the items are sold.

Auctions

Our monthly Commercial Assets auctions can include:

Industrial Plant and Machinery
Engineering and Fabrication Tools
Woodworking Machinery
Printing Machinery and processing / finishing equipment
Agricultural Machinery
Garage and Maintenance Equipment
Contractors Plant and Equipment
Warehouse and Shop Equipment
Surplus Trade Stock
Shop Fittings
Retail Stock
Catering Equipment
Pub, Hotel and Restaurant Furnishings
Office Furniture and Equipment
Computers and Peripherals
Cars, Commercial Vehicles and Motorcycles
Trailers and Boats
International Airport Unclaimed Baggage
Seized Goods
Police Lost Found and Recovered Items
Unclaimed Parcels and Packages

Pre & Post Sale

A pre-sale report is sent prior to each auction detailing the sale date and descriptions of each lot, their agreed estimate and reserve. Post sale report will be sent 2 to 3 days after the auction with your auction sale results and any recommendations for unsold lots.

Settlement

Payment is made approximately four weeks from the date of sale by way of cheque together with a statement attached detailing any deductions. Payment will only be made when all monies due from the buyer have been paid and cleared. All payments are made by UK cheque, unless bank transfer details are provided prior to sale.

Please refer to our full Terms & Conditions for complete Seller information.