FAQs
Q: Who is Farmer Auctions?
A: Farmer Auctions specializes in auctioning Real Estate and Personal Property (including farm equipment, vehicles, business inventory, estates, and collections). We connect sellers and buyers through an online format, ensuring transparent transactions and efficient sales for a wide range of assets.
Q: Can you sell my real estate?
- Yes! Owner Jarrod Hines is an experienced and licensed realtor with MKB Realty. He would love to help you sell your home.
Q: Who is the best auction company in town?
A: Farmer Auctions, of course! We take pride in setting the standard in the auction industry with our knowledgeable employees and meticulous attention to detail. Our strategic marketing and global outreach ensure high visibility for your assets, attracting the most competitive bids.
Q: Are the auctions strictly online, or are they live events?
A: Our auctions are primarily online to ensure they are viewed by a wide audience.
Q: How do I register to bid in the auctions?
A: Click the "Sign Up” button link at the top of the page. You must provide basic contact information, agree to our terms and conditions, and, in most cases, provide a valid credit card for verification purposes (the card is usually not charged unless specified in the auction terms or for small items).
For Buyers (Bidders)
Q: How can I inspect the equipment before bidding?
A: For every auction, we provide a designated preview day. The date, time, and physical location of the preview will be clearly listed on the individual auction page. We strongly encourage all bidders to inspect items personally or send a representative. Note: For Real Estate, inspections are conducted via scheduled open houses or private showings.
Q: What payment methods are accepted?
A: Payment methods vary per auction but commonly include credit card, certified check, or cashier's check. Cash is generally not accepted for large purchases (Real Estate or large equipment). Specific payment instructions and deadlines are detailed in the "Terms" section of each auction listing.
Q: Is there a Buyer’s Premium?
A: Yes, a Buyer's Premium (a percentage added to the final bid price to determine the total sale price) often applies. The exact percentage is clearly stated in the specific auction terms. Please factor this premium into your total bidding strategy.
Q: Can you explain why there is a buyer’s premium?
- Covering Operational Overhead and Necessary Fees
The Buyer's Premium directly contributes to the significant costs associated with running a successful, large-scale auction. This includes:
- Operating Expenses (Overhead): This covers the day-to-day costs of our professional auction facility, including utilities, staffing for setup and loadout, property insurance, and equipment maintenance.
- Technology and Software: This helps us invest in and maintain high-quality auction software, online bidding platforms, and security measures to ensure a smooth and fair sale process.
- Credit Card and Financial Processing Fees: A substantial portion of the premium is used to offset the fees charged by credit card companies and other payment processors, ensuring we can offer you convenient and secure payment options.
- Maintaining the Quality and Integrity of the Sale
By charging a Buyer's Premium, we are able to invest in the resources that ensure a professional and efficient auction experience for both buyers and sellers:
- Professional Staffing: We employ qualified personnel for cataloging, appraising, marketing, and customer service, which minimizes errors and maximizes efficiency on sale day.
- Marketing and Advertising: This allows us to conduct extensive marketing campaigns (digital, print, and specialty) to ensure the right buyers are present, driving competitive bidding and maintaining the quality and strength of our sales.
- Infrastructure: We can provide necessary services like item preview periods, secure storage, and organized load-out procedures.
Q. Will there be anyone on-site to help me load my items?
A. For large and/or heavy items, we ask that you bring people to help you. Our staff will likely be unable to assist you.
Q: When and where do I pick up the equipment?
A: The Removal/Load-Out Date(s) and the Location are strictly listed on the auction details page. You are responsible for removing and transporting your purchased items by the designated deadline. Failure to pick up items on time may result in storage fees or forfeiture.
For Sellers (Consignors)
Q: What types of assets can I sell through Farmer-Auctions.com?
A: We manage the auction of diverse assets falling into two primary categories: Real Estate (residential, farmland, and commercial property) and Personal Property (which encompasses coins, jewelry, vehicles, art, firearms, militaria, heavy equipment, business assets, antiques, and estate collections).
Q: How long does it take to sell my assets?
A: The timeline varies, but typically, from the date of contract signing to final payment, it takes about 4–6 weeks for personal property. Real estate timelines are subject to contract terms and closing periods, which are generally longer. This includes cataloging, photography, marketing, the auction period, and the final funds settlement after the buyer's payment clears.
Q: How are commission fees determined?
A: Our commission structure is customized based on the size, value, and type of assets sold (Real Estate fees differ from Personal Property fees). We offer competitive rates and will discuss a transparent commission agreement with you during the initial consultation. The commission is deducted from the gross sale price, and you receive the net proceeds.
Q: Do I need to clean or service the items before the auction?
A: While assets are sold "as-is, where-is," we highly recommend basic cleaning and ensuring items are in good condition and that equipment starts and runs, if possible. Well-presented personal property, especially equipment or vehicles with current maintenance records, typically attracts more buyer interest and higher final prices.
