Please read the full Terms and Conditions below carefully before bidding. These terms govern your participation in all InstruBid auctions and outline your rights and obligations as a buyer. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

1. Registration: All bidders must register with our auction platform (e.g. via BidSpotter or our website) with accurate and complete information. We reserve the right to approve or reject registrations at our discretion. Bidders may be required to submit identification and valid payment details (such as a credit card) for verification. Bidding on our auctions is only allowed once you have been approved by the Auctioneer.
2. Buyer’s Duty of Inspection: All goods are sold “as is, where is,” with any faults or wear. We strive to provide accurate descriptions, but no guarantees or warranties are given (implied or express) by the Auctioneer or Seller as to condition, fitness, or suitability. Buyers are strongly encouraged to preview items, either in person during inspection periods or by reviewing photos/description and asking questions before bidding. By placing a bid, you acknowledge you are satisfied with the item’s condition and specifications. If you are unsure, do not bid.
3. Bidding Process: Bids are binding and irrevocable. Once placed, a bid cannot be withdrawn or lowered. The highest bid at auction close (meeting any reserve) shall be the winning bid, and that bidder becomes the Buyer of the lot. The Auctioneer (InstruBid) acts as agent for the Seller: we reserve the right to reject any bid we deem not in good faith, and to resolve any dispute or tie between bidders. We may, at our discretion, withdraw or combine lots, or cancel the auction in case of errors or unforeseen issues. In timed auctions, bidding extensions (“sniper protection”) may occur if last-minute bids are made (e.g. last 10-minute bids extend the lot closing time).
4. Prices and Reserves: Some lots may have a reserve price (a confidential minimum below which the item will not be sold). We will typically indicate if a reserve is in place. The Auctioneer may bid on behalf of the Seller up to the reserve amount. If the reserve is not met, we may pass the lot (unsold) or negotiate a sale after the auction. All prices are in Pounds Sterling (GBP) unless stated otherwise.
5. Buyer’s Premium: A Buyer’s Premium will be added to the hammer price of each lot. The standard buyer’s premium is 15% of the hammer price (unless otherwise noted for a specific auction). InstruBid may offer lower premiums on certain sales or to certain buyers at our discretion, but unless stated, 15% is applicable. The buyer’s premium is subject to VAT at the prevailing rate (currently 20%). Example: Hammer price £1,000 → +15% BP = £1,150, plus VAT on the £150 BP = total £1,180 due.
6. Tax (VAT): VAT will be applied to the hammer price of a lot when applicable (most used goods are sold under VAT margin scheme or are VAT-free on the hammer; any exceptions where VAT applies to the item price will be clearly indicated in the listing, e.g. “+VAT”). VAT is always applied to the Buyer’s Premium and any additional service charges, per UK law. For international buyers, VAT on goods may be refundable upon proof of export (see International Sales below), but VAT on premiums/services is not refundable. Buyers are responsible for any other taxes or duties arising from the purchase (e.g. import duties in your home country).
7. Payment Terms: Full payment is due within 2 business days of the auction’s end, unless otherwise specified. We will email invoices to winners shortly after the auction. Acceptable payment methods include bank transfer (preferred), credit/debit card (subject to limits or surcharges), or other methods stated in the invoice. All payments must be in GBP and must include all fees and taxes. Title to the goods does not pass to the Buyer until payment is received in full. Late Payment: If payment is not received by the deadline, we reserve the right to charge a storage fee, and/or cancel the sale, potentially offering the item to the next highest bidder or relisting it. The defaulting buyer may be blocked from future auctions and will be liable for any shortfall or costs incurred due to their non-payment.
8. Removal & Collection: No items may be removed until paid in full. Once paid, buyers must coordinate with InstruBid to collect their purchases by the removal deadline given (typically within 7-10 days of auction close). Removal is at the buyer’s expense and risk. Buyers are responsible for disconnecting, rigging, loading, and transporting their purchases safely. The Auctioneer can assist or recommend professional movers, especially for heavy or technical equipment, but all costs for such services will be borne by the buyer. The buyer must adhere to any site safety rules during removal – for example, required PPE (personal protective equipment) on industrial sites, etc. If the buyer damages the premises or other items during removal, they will be held responsible.
9. Shipping: If the buyer requests shipping by the Auctioneer, this can be arranged as a separate service (packing/shipping fees will apply). We take reasonable care to pack items well, but shipping is at the buyer’s risk – we recommend insuring shipments. InstruBid is not liable for any loss or damage in transit. International buyers must handle any customs clearance and import duties; we can provide commercial invoices and necessary export documents but ultimate compliance is the buyer’s responsibility.
10. Failure to Collect: If a buyer pays for an item but fails to collect or arrange shipping within the specified time, the item may be moved to storage. Storage fees may accrue (at a reasonable daily rate) which must be paid before release of the item. If the buyer has not collected the item within a further 28 days (and has not made alternative arrangements), the Auctioneer reserves the right to deem the item abandoned. In such case, we may dispose of or resell the item with no refund to the buyer (any proceeds may be used to cover storage and resale costs).
11. Transfer of Risk and Title: The risk in the lot passes to the Buyer at the fall of the hammer (so if it’s damaged or lost afterwards, the buyer is still obligated to pay and bears the risk – therefore, prompt collection is advised). The title (ownership) of the lot passes to the Buyer only when full payment is received. If the buyer fails to pay, title remains with the original owner/Seller, and we may rescind the sale.
12. Default by Buyer: If the buyer fails to pay for or remove any lot in accordance with these terms, they will be in breach of contract. We may cancel the sale of that lot and any other lots purchased by the buyer. Any payment made may be forfeited and applied to damages. We reserve the right to resell such lot(s) either by private sale or a future auction, and the defaulting buyer will be liable for any resulting shortfall in price, plus any incurred costs (such as storage, resale fees) – if the resale yields a higher price, the defaulting buyer has no claim to the excess. The defaulting buyer shall also be responsible for the auctioneer’s legal or collection costs in pursuing the debt. Additionally, defaulting on a purchase may result in suspension or permanent ban from our auctions, and BidSpotter/i-bidder’s platform.
13. Liability: The Auctioneer (InstruBid/Techplant Ltd) acts as an agent for the Seller. The contract of sale for the item is directly between the Seller and the Buyer. We are not liable for any errors or omissions in the description of lots, though we do our best to avoid them. We do not accept liability for any indirect or consequential losses incurred by buyers. Our maximum liability for any claim (be it purchase cancellation, error in listing, or other) is limited to the amount of the purchase price and buyer’s premium paid for the specific lot in question. In other words, if a court ever found us at fault, the remedy would at most be a refund of what you paid. We will not be responsible for personal injuries or damage to property that occur at removal – entry to premises is at your own risk.
14. Indemnity: Buyers agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Auctioneer and Seller against any claims or damages arising from the buyer’s failure to comply with these terms, or from any injury/damage caused by the removal or use of purchased items. For example, if you purchase a piece of equipment and later resell or use it, it is your responsibility to ensure it meets safety regulations. (Some used equipment may not have up-to-date guarding or certification; the buyer assumes responsibility to refurbish or use it in compliance with laws.)
15. International Buyers: We welcome international participation. Non-UK buyers are responsible for ensuring compliance with all import/export regulations. Certain technology items may be subject to export controls – the buyer must not export or re-export items in violation of UK, EU or US export laws. If you need special documents (like a Certificate of Origin), let us know; any fees for obtaining these are chargeable to the buyer. All payments must be in GBP; any currency exchange fees or bank charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
16. Privacy: By registering and bidding, you consent to us processing your personal data for the purposes of administering the auction (as detailed in our Privacy Policy). We may share necessary information with the Seller (e.g. buyer’s contact for collection) and the platform provider (BidSpotter) for verification. We will not sell your data to third parties. If you win, your name/business name may be given to the Seller for contract completion. For more on data handling, see our Privacy Policy page.
17. Governing Law: These terms and all contracts formed hereunder are governed by the laws of England and Wales. In case of any dispute that cannot be amicably resolved, it shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
18. Severability: If any provision of these terms is found unenforceable, the remaining terms still apply. Our failure to enforce a provision at any given time is not a waiver of our right to enforce it later.
19. Additional Conditions: Some auctions or specific lots may include additional special terms (for example, requirement of professional riggers for removal, or specific removal dates/times). These will be stated in the auction catalog or lot description and are incorporated into these terms by reference. Make sure to read all “Important Information” sections for any sale.

Contact: For any questions regarding these Terms & Conditions or any aspect of the auction process, please contact InstruBid at hello@instrubid.co.uk or 0333 335 5044. We strive for transparency and will gladly clarify our policies.

By clicking “Agree” or placing a bid, you confirm you have read and accepted these Terms and Conditions. Happy bidding, and good luck in the auction!