Buying

All auctions held by ABA Associates are open to members of the general public.

First time bidders
If you are inexperienced at bidding, and would like some friendly advice, please introduce yourself to our staff, who will be delighted to explain about auction procedures and how to bid.

Buyer registration
All prospective buyers must register prior to bidding, either during the viewing or immediately prior to the auction. You will be asked to provide your name, address and telephone number, and some identification, eg: driver’s licence. Once you have registered you will be given a bidding number card. This card should be displayed to indicate when you are bidding during the auction. Buyers’ details are treated as confidential.

Absentee bidding
Buyers unable to attend the auction may leave instructions to bid with a member of staff. Your bid will be executed as reasonably as possible on your behalf against other bids in the saleroom or any reserve price that might apply.  A form for absentee bidding is available at the viewing (hand to one of our staff by 4pm during the viewing on the day of the sale), or you can download here and fax or mail it to arrive by 9am on the day of the sale: Absentee Bidder Form

Telephone Bidding
Clients wishing to bid by telephone should request this service well in advance of the commencement of the sale. A member of ABA Associates staff will telephone you shortly before the lot comes up for auction. This service is only available for items with estimates of $500 and above. Please note there is a limited number of telephone lines available. A form for telephone bidding is available at the viewing.

Buyer’s Premium
All purchases are subject to a buyer’s premium of 15.4%, which includes GST at the standard rate.

Viewing
The viewing period - on the day prior to the auction and the day of the auction itself - gives you the opportunity to handle and examine the items to be sold. It is important to inspect items prior to the sale as some items may not be in perfect condition. Our staff are on hand to assist you during the viewing.

Payment
Purchases must be paid for in full before release. We accept the following methods of payment:

• Cash
  
• Credit card (Bankcard, Mastercard or Visa Card)
  
• EFTPOS

Cheques may be accepted at the discretion of ABA Associates. All items purchased must be paid for by 11am on the day following the auction unless prior arrangement has been made with ABA Associates.