Columbus, OH, USA: Terms and Conditions
Before You Bid
Everything sold at Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers is sold via unreserved public auction – i.e. there are no minimum bids or reserve prices, and our auctions are open to anyone. Buyers place bids on items, and every item is sold to the highest bidder, regardless of the final price. When you’re ready to bid and buy, you can register and bid online in any live auction or bid via a variety of other convenient online options.
Registration and deposits
Registration to bid is free. You may be required to place a refundable bid deposit. Please be aware that you must present photo identification when you register at the auction site (e.g. identity card, passport or driver's license). Register for your free account here!
How do auctions work?
We conduct live auctions at physical auction sites, with Real-Time Online Bidding. We also sell via our online Timed Auctions – an automated system with no auctioneer. You can bid in person, online, via our mobile app or via PriorityBid.
The auctioneer (or Timed Auction system) will introduce each lot and ask for bids. If no one places a bid, the ask price is lowered. When a bid is placed, the auctioneer raises the ask price. Bidding continues until no more bids are placed, and the item is sold to the highest bidder. Learn more about how our auctions work.
Can I go see the equipment in person?
Yes, equipment is available for in-person inspections at our permanent auction sites and local storage yards. Viewing is available two weeks prior to the start of each auction. Please contact the site to make arrangements outside of this time and to confirm hours of operation. Viewing is only available on equipment that has been delivered to the site (check each individual item’s listing on our website, and under the “Detailed equipment information” tab, look for “In Yard – Yes/No”)
Equipment sold from a consignor’s property can also be viewed in person by arranging a time and date with the seller.
Buyer Fees
Review our buyer fees before bidding.
Payment and removal
Purchases must be paid in full within seven (7) days of the end of the auction. Buyers cannot remove their purchases from the auction site until their invoice is paid in full. Cash payments will not be accepted. Please only pay from the same Ritchie Bros. account under which you made the purchase.
If Ritchie Bros. can't convey clear title on a purchase, the buyer is entitled to a full refund of the purchase price. If Ritchie Bros. does not receive full payment within seven (7) days of the end of the auction, interest on overdue amounts will be paid by the buyer at a rate of 18% per annum or at such other maximum rate as allowed by law, together with any legal or collection costs incurred by Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers.
There are multiple ways to pay. See the payment options.
Read the Terms of Bidding and Sale
Every auction is subject to our Terms of Bidding and Sale. Please review them carefully prior to bidding.
Additional Notes
Auction Firm #2008000166
Notices to Foreign Buyers
Purchases in the United States are payable in U.S. funds. Some equipment may require modifications to meet import and safety regulations. To avoid potential problems, please contact your customs broker for more information prior to bidding.
Motor Vehicle/Title Requirements
Non Dealer titles will be sent via registered US mail 10 (ten) banking days after receipt of payment, unless payment is made by certified funds. Please check your invoice name for accuracy. The name shown on your invoice is the name that will appear on the titles to units you have purchased. Names on invoices cannot be changed after auction day.
Special Notes Regarding Titled Items
Notice to Buyers Purchasing Titled Items
There are certain titled items that are being sold by a Motor Vehicle dealer, including Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers. These items are indicated with a note in the catalog and online. Residents of Ohio, Arizona, California, Florida, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan and South Carolina will pay applicable sales tax on these items. Buyers who will export will also be required to sign and have documentation notarized . All buyers purchasing titled items are asked to see a RBA representative in the office to complete all government required paper work prior to leaving the auction site . Titles for items that are sold by a Motor Vehicle dealer will be processed and sent completed to the buyers within 14 business days after receipt of payment AND original signed documentation. The title will not be available on the day of the auction.