Auction Bee – Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions Overview
Welcome to Auction Bee. Whether you’re here to buy or to sell, these Terms & Conditions ensure a safe, clear, and compliant trading environment for everyone involved.
Please choose the section relevant to you:
Buyer Terms & Conditions
1. Registration: Buyers must register and be approved to bid. Bids are binding once placed.
2. Voetstoots: All items are sold “as is”, with no warranties or guarantees. Buyers must review descriptions and request info before bidding.
3. Commission: A 21.5% Buyer’s Premium applies to all successful bids.
4. Payment: Must be made within 48 hours of invoice. Late or non-payment may result in cancellation and penalties.
5. Collection: Collect within 10 working days. A R25 per lot, per week fee applies after that. Items may be resold after 30 days.
6. Disputes: First referred to mediation. If unresolved, legal action will take place in Johannesburg.
Note: Risk transfers to the Buyer immediately after the sale. Courier is at your own risk.
These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) apply to all buyers and prospective bidders (“Buyer”, “you”, “your”) participating in auctions or private treaty sales conducted by Auction Bee Alpha (Pty) Ltd (“Auction Bee”, “we”, “us”, “our”). By registering or bidding, you agree to the following Terms:
Definitions
Auctioneer: Auction Bee Alpha (Pty) Ltd, its representatives or staff.
Buyer: Person or entity placing the highest accepted bid or private treaty offer.
Seller: The person or business consigning goods for sale.
Lot: One or more items grouped for sale.
Hammer Price: The final bid accepted by the Auctioneer.
Purchase Price: Hammer Price + 21.5% Buyer’s Commission + VAT + any applicable fees.
Timed Auction: Online sale with a set closing time.
Live Auction: Real-time online or in-person bidding.
Absentee Bid: A pre-submitted bid placed automatically.
Private Treaty: Direct sale outside of the auction format.
Registration & Bidding
2.1. Buyers must register and be approved for each auction.
2.2. Registered details must be accurate and current.
2.3. All bids are binding and cannot be withdrawn.
2.4. Auction Bee reserves the right to:
Refuse registration or bidding
Withdraw or regroup lots
Reschedule or cancel auctions
Settle bidding disputes
2.5. Absentee bids are executed competitively with live bids.
Conduct of the Sale
3.1. All lots are sold voetstoots (as-is), with no warranties.
3.2. Buyers are responsible for examining photos and descriptions.
3.3. Auction Bee is not liable for description errors or omissions.
3.4. The Auctioneer’s decision is final.
Purchase Price, Payment & Default
4.1. The Purchase Price includes the Hammer Price, 21.5% Buyer’s Commission, and VAT where applicable.
4.2. Invoices are issued within 24 hours of auction close.
4.3. Payment is due within 48 hours via EFT or approved methods.
4.4. Non-payment within 10 working days may result in:
Cancellation and re-listing
Loss of claim to the item
Continued liability for fees
4.5. Auction Bee may also ban the Buyer or recover legal costs.
Ownership & Risk
5.1. Ownership transfers only after full payment is received.
5.2. Risk transfers upon the fall of the hammer or private sale agreement.
5.3. Auction Bee is not liable for loss after the sale concludes.
Collection & Storage
6.1. Buyers must collect lots within 10 working days.
6.2. Collections are Monday–Friday, 09:00–15:00 by arrangement.
6.3. Late pickups incur a R25/week per lot fee.
6.4. Items left over 30 days may be resold with credits issued (less fees).
6.5. Buyers must supply their own packaging. Courier available on request.
Courier & Third-Party Collection
7.1. Dimensions and weights can be requested to arrange shipping.
7.2. Courier is at the Buyer’s own risk and cost.
7.3. Auction Bee is not liable once the item leaves our custody.
Returns, Refunds & Disputes
8.1. No returns, refunds, or exchanges are allowed except for confirmed fraud or material misrepresentation.
8.2. Claims must be submitted within 48 hours of collection.
8.3. Refunds (if approved) exclude commission, shipping, and storage.
VAT
9.1. Auction Bee is not VAT-registered but reserves the right to charge VAT if registration becomes necessary.
9.2. VAT may apply to the Buyer’s Commission or other fees.
General
10.1. These Terms are governed by South African law.
10.2. Disputes go first to mediation, then to court in Johannesburg if unresolved.
10.3. Auction Bee may revise these Terms. Buyers will be notified of key changes before bidding.
10.4. Failure to enforce any clause does not waive future rights.
Seller Terms & Conditions
1. Listing: You must own the items and disclose all defects. Auction Bee may group, reject, or relist items for market suitability.
2. Commission: A 21.5% Seller’s Commission applies. Approved expenses (e.g., photography, repairs) may be deducted.
3. Payment: Proceeds are paid within 30 days of auction close once your banking info is confirmed.
4. Withdrawal: 24-hour written notice required. Withdrawal may incur full Seller & Buyer commission, VAT, and expenses.
5. Uncollected Items: If a Buyer fails to collect, storage fees (10% of invoice per week) apply. After 10 weeks, Auction Bee may close the invoice.
Warning: Sellers may not bid on their own items if a reserve is set. Violation may result in full commissions charged, withheld proceeds, or account suspension.
6. Legal & Compliance: Sellers must provide valid ID and banking details. Auction Bee complies with POPIA and may request additional documentation as required by law.
These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) apply to all individuals or businesses (“Seller”, “you”, “your”) consigning goods for sale through Auction Bee (Pty) Ltd (“Auction Bee”, “we”, “us”, “our”). By submitting items for listing or sale, you agree to be bound by the following Terms.
Definitions
Auctioneer: Auction Bee (Pty) Ltd or its authorized representatives.
Seller: The person or entity submitting goods for sale.
Buyer: Highest bidder or private sale purchaser.
Lot: A single item or group of items offered for sale.
Hammer Price: Final accepted bid (excludes fees).
Purchase Price: Hammer + Buyer’s Premium + VAT + fees.
Sale Proceeds: Hammer minus Seller’s commission and recoverable expenses.
Recoverable Expenses: Pre-approved costs (e.g., photography, storage, repairs).
Voetstoots: All items are sold “as is.”
Private Treaty: A post-auction or direct negotiated sale.
Commission & Payment
2.1. A standard 21.5% Seller’s Commission applies to each sold lot.
2.2. Agreed recoverable expenses may be deducted from sale proceeds.
2.3. If a Seller bids on their own lot in breach of terms, Buyer’s Premium may apply.
2.4. Seller Reports are issued within 30 days of auction close.
2.5. EFT payments are processed once banking details are confirmed.
Ownership, Risk & Insurance
3.1. You warrant legal ownership or authority to sell the item.
3.2. Items remain at your risk until sold and paid in full.
3.3. Auction Bee is not liable for theft, loss, or damage unless grossly negligent.
3.4. Optional insurance may be arranged in writing at your cost.
Listing, Withdrawal & Media
4.1. Auction Bee may group, split, or decline listings for market suitability.
4.2. Withdrawal requires 24 hours’ written notice.
4.3. Withdrawals may incur full Seller’s Commission, Buyer’s Premium, VAT, and expenses.
4.4. Auction Bee retains full rights to all photography and item descriptions for reuse in marketing.
Storage & Uncollected Items
5.1. Buyers must collect within 10 working days after payment.
5.2. Late collections incur a storage fee of 10% of invoice value per week.
5.3. After 10 weeks, storage costs will be deducted and the invoice closed.
Unsold Items & Private Sales
6.1. Unsold items must be collected within 10 working days of notice.
6.2. Auction Bee may relist, donate, dispose of, or return items at your cost.
6.3. We may offer the item via private treaty for 7 days. Standard terms apply.
Voetstoots Clause
7.1. All lots are sold “as is”, with no guarantees or returns.
7.2. You must disclose any known defects or material risks to buyers.
Prohibited Conduct
8.1. Sellers may not bid on their own lots if a reserve is set.
8.2. Violations may result in:
Full Seller & Buyer commissions applied
Listing bans
Withheld proceeds
Important: Self-bidding with a reserve violates these Terms and may result in penalties and suspension.
Warranties & Indemnity
9.1. You warrant legal ownership, authenticity, and accurate disclosure.
9.2. You indemnify Auction Bee and the Buyer against any loss, claims, or disputes arising from misrepresentation.
Online Sales, FICA & Compliance
10.1. Sellers must provide a valid ID and banking details.
10.2. Proof of address or permits may be required depending on item type.
10.3. Your personal info is securely stored per POPIA and FICA.
10.4. Listings or payouts may be paused for non-compliance.
Dispute Resolution & Legal
11.1. Disputes will first be referred to mediation.
11.2. If unresolved, disputes are referred to Johannesburg courts.
11.3. Auction Bee may apply penalties, withhold proceeds, or share Seller info as required by law.
Updates
12.1. Auction Bee may amend these Terms at any time.
12.2. Sellers will be notified of major changes before they take effect.
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FAQS
How do I sell an item through AuctionBee?
Selling is easy! Just fill in our Seller Submission Form with your item details and photos. We'll review your submission and get back to you with next steps. Once approved, we’ll list your item in an upcoming auction.
When and how do I collect my items?
Collection times and location details are shared after the auction ends. You’ll receive an email with everything you need to know. Please note: A 10% weekly storage fee applies after the collection window. Items not collected after 10 weeks may be forfeited.
Do you offer packaging and courier services?
Yes — we offer optional packaging and nationwide courier at the buyer’s cost. Just contact us after the auction, and we’ll help arrange everything securely and affordably.
