FAQ is intended to be a general guide to the online auction process and are subject to change. Please see full Terms and Conditions for the auction event you are participating in for the agreed upon terms for that auction event.
Only registered bidders can participate in our online auctions.
How do online auctions work?
Online auctions work just like live auctions only the bidding is done from your computer. Your simply register and place bids on items your wish to purchase.
How do I get my bidding username to bid?
You must create an online username and password to use when bidding here. Use this username and password when bidding on Rowell Auctions, Inc. and other MarkNet Alliance member’s auction websites.
How do I bid?
Select the auction you would like view. When the bidding for the auction is open you will have the opportunity to enter Your Bid or your Maximum Bid for each item. Enter your bidding number and password at the bottom of the screen to submit the bid(s).
Note: If you forget Bidder or Password go to Quick links click Register Online Only then click forgot bidder or password on form reenter email address and it will be resent to you!
What is a Maximum Bid?
A Maximum Bid is the highest dollar amount you are willing to pay for an item. Here is an example of using the Maximum bid feature: If you enter a Maximum bid the system will automatically bid on your behalf up to your Maximum bid amount. For example let’s assume that the next bid requirement is a $100.00, you enter a Maximum bid of $400. If no other bids are placed on that item you will be the winner at your $100 bid. If another bidder places a bid of $200 on the item you will now be winning at the $200 plus 1 increment level (for example: $200 + $10 = $210).
May I raise my Maximum Bid?
You can also raise your Maximum Bid WITHOUT having to raise your own bid! Our Maximum Bidding Tool will now allow you to raise your Maximum Bid. For example, you originally placed a Maximum Bid amount of $50.00 and now you want to increase the maximum bid to $100.00 - all you need to do is submit another bid for the $100.00 bid in the "Maximum Bid" box. As long as your previous Maximum Bid was at least 1 increment higher than any other bidders’ Maximum Bid, the current price on the item will not change.
An example where the current price DOES NOT change when the maximum bid is raised...
An example where the current price DOES change when the maximum bid is raised...
What is a Bid Increment?
The Bid Increment is the minimum dollar amount that the bid must be raised by. Bid Increments will typically be in $5.00, $10.00, $20.00, $50.00 or $100.00 increments. You can bid higher than the minimum bid, or you may enter a Maximum bid, but you may not bid in denominations less than the set Bid Increment.
What is Auto-extend time?
The Auto-extend time feature will leave the bidding open for any item that has received a bid within the last few minutes, even if the original ending time has been reached.
How does the auction end?
Each auction will end at a specified time. However, we use an auto-extend feature. With this feature, the bidding will remain open on any item that has received a bid within the last few minutes. This time is determined per auction. See auction Terms and Conditions for full details. Once a pre-determined number of minutes has lapsed without any bidding activity the bidding on the item will be closed. If there is more than one item in an auction the auction will have staggered ending times. When you click on "ALL ITEMS" in the Category List the first item that appears will close first. Each item will close one minute after the previous. For Example: If the auction is closing at 1:00 pm, the first item closes at 1:00 PM. The second item closes at 1:10 PM. The third item closes at 1:20 PM. This will continue until all items have closed. Also note that extended bidding is still in place. Therefore, if the first item goes into extended bidding the second item will still close at 1:10 PM and the third item will still close at 1:20 PM, etc. (unless they also go into extended bidding) while the first item is still in extended bidding. See full Terms and Conditions for special cases. If you have any questions regarding extended bidding, please contact us.
How do I know I won?
Real Estate: Depending upon the nature of the auction we will send a contract via email to the highest bidder. This will be quicker in auctions without reserve, or within a few days if the auction is subject to confirmation. See full Terms and Conditions for the particular property you are bidding on.
Personal Property: If you are the high bidder, the system will send you an e-mail (Invoice) when the auction ends. This e-mail (Invoice) will have complete instructions on payment.
How can I make sure I am seeing the most current bidding information on the screen?
During the bidding process you will need to refresh or reload your page frequently to ensure you are viewing the most current bidding screen.
If I win, who, how, and when do I pay?
Real Estate: Contract Documents will be sent by e-mail to the successful bidder, who must execute and fax or email back to the onsite broker within a certain amount of time after the end of the auction. Successful bidders not executing and returning their contract with earnest money deposit within this time after conclusion of the auction will be considered in default.
Please see specific Auction Terms and Conditions for FULL details
Personal Property: When you win an item you will receive an e-mail (Invoice) which will give you complete details of your purchase. Payment in the form of a cashier’s check or money order is to be sent next day delivery (overnight) to: Rowell Auctions, Inc. Attention: Online Payment Department 1303 Fourth Street SW Moultrie, GA 31768 Important: Payment for all auction items must be received within four (4) days after the auction closes. We will permanently ban you from all future auctions if prompt payment is not received.
How do I find out more about a posted item?
Each auction has a contact person. If you have any questions about an item, please contact that person.
Why is there Tax on some sales?
Personal Property: The tax laws governing auctions are complicated. Rowell Auctions, Inc. makes every effort to determine beforehand if sales taxes must be collected. There are several situations in which you do not have to pay sales tax. If you provide a sales tax number from the state where the auction is held and sign the appropriate sales tax exceptions form, or if you are purchasing an item for use in another state you may not have to pay sales tax. Sales tax exemption forms must be filed with Rowell Auctions, Inc prior to bidding.
Why do some auctions require a deposit prior to bidding?
Rowell Auctions in coordination with our Sellers/Owners determine prior to the opening of bidding if deposits will be required. If an deposit is required prior to bidding the deposit amount will be advertised. If you are not the successful bidder, deposits will be refunded following the auction.