Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Frequently Asked Questions: How To Buy
Frequently Asked Questions: How To Buy
Frequently Asked Questions: How To Buy
How to Buy
Do I have to bid from my computer?
Bidding from your computer is the quickest and most reliable method of bidding. You can also
bid through the IronPlanet mobile app for additional convenience.
Where are auctions held?
Depending on their needs, sellers can list their equipment in our weekly online or onsite
auctions. Whether the auction is online or onsite, bids can be placed online so buyers from
around the world can participate.Once payment is confirmed, our integrated transportation
partner VeriTread will help buyers transport items from your location or the auction site.
Can I inspect the equipment myself?
Sorry, this is usually difficult to arrange due to the distribution of equipment at the time of sale.
Our independent inspections provide detailed in-depth reports on the condition of the
equipment. This is backed up by our IronClad Assurance which lets you bid with confidence,
even without needing to see the equipment yourself.
Which items have a reserve?
Items in our Featured Auctions and onsite auctions do not have a reserve price.
Who can answer questions on the equipment?
Our Customer Care Agents and Sales Representatives are ready to help you. Just call 888-
433-5426 and we'll do our best to answer your questions.
Will I have to pay sales tax?
Retail sales of tangible personal property in most states are generally subject to sales tax.
Construction equipment is generally considered tangible personal property. In some instances,
retailers must collect use tax, rather than sales tax. A common example of a purchase subject
to the use tax is a purchase of an item for use in California from an out-of-state retailer. The tax
rate for sales and use taxes are generally the same. More info on Sales Tax More info on
Sales Tax in California
How can I tell if I’m winning and what if I bid against myself?
a. When you are the leading bidder, a message will indicate that you are in the lead and the bid
button will be de-activated to prevent bidding against yourself.
b. This is also the case if you have placed a pre-bid. The bid button will disable in the bidding
console if your pre-bid is in the lead.
c. Conversely, if you are not the leading bidder, a message will indicate you are out. The bid
button will be active with the current ask.
d. When you win a lot, you will see a confirmation screen indicating the lot description and the
hammer price.
Can I prevent accidental bids?
a. Yes. Click the “lock” button in the upper right corner of the bidding interface and your bid
button will be deactivated.
b. In order to bid live, simply click the lock again to enable the bid button.
Why was my bid not accepted?
a. The most common reason why a bid is not received is because the auctioneer accepted
another bid – either a pre-bid, an online bid that was placed first, or an on-site bid.
b. The second most common reason is when a bid is placed after the auctioneer calls “Sold”.
Once the auctioneer says sold, the item is closed.
Can I place a PriorityBid as I can in the Feature Auctions?
a. Yes. PriorityBids are placed on the item page during the preview period until the item is
placed up for sale.
b. PriorityBids allow your bid to be placed before any other ONLINE bid.
c. The auctioneer determines both the bidding increment and which bids are accepted.
Can I increase my PriorityBid?
Yes. Simply place a new bid and specify your new maximum amount. You may increase your
maximum bid amount at any point during the auction, whether or not you are the lead bidder.
Can I decrease or delete my PiorityBid?
No. All bids in placed in any IronPlanet or IronPlanet marketplace auction are final and binding.
You can always increase, but can never reduce or rescind, your maximum bid amount.
Do I have to bid in whole increments?
a. No. Unlike during an IronPlanet featured auction, the auctioneer sets the increments during
live auction. There is no set increment and it changes based on the auctioneer, the pace of the
auction, the estimated value of the item, and other factors.
b. However, it is best to bid at round dollar amounts in order to improve the chances of your
pre-bid being accepted.
c. Example: As a general rule, the auctioneer will not take a bids at less than $2,500
increments when the bidding reaches $100,000. Therefore a pre-bid of $101,000 will not be
accepted.
d. Example: An $11,000 bid is more likely to be accepted than a $10,500 bid, unless the
auctioneer cuts the bid increment at that time.
e. The best rule of thumb is to place a pre-bid for the maximum of what you would bid if you
were physically at the auction and in round numbers. The auctioneer will only place a bid on
your behalf at the then current increment.
Can I bid during preview?
Yes. Just place a pre-bid on any item up for preview and when the auction opens, our system
will automatically submit your bid for you during the auction.
What happens if two bids or PriorityBids tie?
a. As is the case in Featured Auctions, the PriorityBid placed earlier takes precedence. The
second bidder will need to bid higher in order to have the highest PriorityBid. The highest
PriorityBid is placed as the leading online bid and is presented to the auctioneer ahead of other
online bids.
b. During Live auctions, an online and onsite bid may be placed at the same time. It is the
responsibility of the Auctioneer to determine which bid to accept based on their best
judgement.
Checkout
What kind of information should I have available during the Checkout Process?
There are two important pieces of information that you will need to complete your Checkout
process successfully:
Your sales tax exemption certificate, if you believe you are exempt from sales tax.
Buyers exporting equipment will also be asked to declare their US port of export.
If your resale certificate is already on file for your equipment destination state, your resale
exemption number will pop-up automatically during Checkout. If your resale certificate is not on
file, you will need to provide a copy of your resale certificate using the bar-coded fax form
provided for your convenience. You can print this fax form during Checkout and from the Post
Sale page. More information can be found here.
How long will it take for me to complete the Checkout process?
If you have your tax exemption status before you start Checkout, the process should take you
less than five (5) minutes.
When will I be able to see and print my Invoice?
You will be able to access your Invoice immediately after you have completed Checkout.
What if I cannot get through the Checkout process successfully?
Please call customer care at (888) 433-5426.
Can I Checkout multiple pieces of equipment at the same time?
Yes, you can.
Once I have completed Checkout, can I make changes to my delivery address or tax
exemption status?
You will be able to make changes to your Checkout information up to three (3) business days
after the auction. However, if you have completed Checkout and made full payment, you will
not be able to modify the Checkout information yourself. You will need to speak with one of our
customer care agents to make any modifications to your Checkout.
What happens if I fail to checkout during the three (3) business days following the
auction?
Call customer care at (888) 433-5426 and they will provide Checkout assistance for you.
When can I request shipping quotations from IronPlanet's Transportation Partners?
During the Checkout process you will be asked if you want to receive transportation quotes for
your purchase. You will receive an email from our transportation partner VeriTread notifying
you when a carrier has provided a quote. You can access the quotes from your Post Sale
page.
I haven't decided what the delivery address will be. I'm considering more than one
address.
If you don't know your delivery destination immediately after the auction, you have up to three
(3) business days to complete the Checkout process and make full payment. Equipment must
be moved from the seller's yard eight (8) business days after the auction.
Why do I have to provide a Bill of Lading?
To be able to exempt your purchase from sales tax in the equipment pick-up location state, you
must provide evidence that you have moved this equipment by common carrier to another
state or exported it out of the U.S. More information can be found here.
Why do I have to provide the domestic Bill of Lading when the Export document is
evidence that the item left the United States and is therefore exempt from taxes?
In the U.S., each state has their individual sales tax regulations. The domestic Bill of Lading
(using a common carrier) exempts your purchase from being taxed in the pick-up location
state. This Bill of Lading proves that you did not take possession of or use the equipment in the
pick-up location state prior to transporting it to your port of export. More information can be
found here.
What if I can't provide the Bill of Lading or Export documents within 10 days? My
transportation may take longer than this.
If you are unable to submit your Bill of Lading or a preliminary Bill of Lading showing that the
item is destined to a port of export within 10 days, you will be required to pay sales tax. You will
need to provide IronPlanet a domestic Bill of Lading showing the City / State equipment pick-up
location and Export documents that include the U.S. port of export and the final delivery
destination. IronPlanet will not process refund requests received beyond (10) ten-days after the
sale. After the ten-day period, the buyer may request a sales tax refund directly from the State
where taxes were paid. IronPlanet cannot apply for state sales tax refunds on behalf of buyers.
Buyers must work directly with the relevant state. More information can be found here.
Why do I have to pay sales tax? This is an internet purchase and it's going to a
different State.
Purchasing over the Internet does not exempt you from the payment of sales/use tax. If you
have equipment transported to another state for personal use or for use in your business, this
equipment may be subject to state and local sales/use tax based on the laws of your delivery
destination state.
PriorityBid
What is a PriorityBid and why is it smart to use them?
PriorityBidSM is our system for placing bids during the preview period of an auction. A significant
amount of all bidding in our auctions occurs with PriorityBids; more than 70% of items typically
have bids on them before auction day. Because they are placed during preview, PriorityBids
have a delayed effect on the price of an item: the price does not change until the auction
opens. There are several advantages of using PriorityBids:
You do not have to be at your computer on auction day. When you place a
PriorityBid, you specify the maximum you are willing to pay for an item. You will be told
immediately if yours is the highest bid placed so far, but you will not know how much of
your bid amount remains to protect you from later bidders. Your bid amount is
confidential and our auction software will keep you in the lead against competitive bids
through the preview and on auction day or until your maximum amount is exceeded. If
you get outbid by another PriorityBid, an automatic email will immediately be sent to
you.
You can win the item for less than your maximum amount. In our style of auctions,
the price the winner pays is determined by the price the runner-up was willing to pay.
The final price is never more than one bid increment greater than the next-highest bid.
So, if you have little competition, you can win an item for less than your maximum
amount. We recommend you determine your "no regrets" price—the price at which, if
someone else were to win, you would not regret the outcome—and then bid one
increment below that.
Bidding early helps ensure that you are the winner. When competing PriorityBids
are placed for the same amount, the earliest bid takes precedence (it has Priority at
that price), so submitting your bid early gives you an advantage. You can place a
PriorityBid online any time day or night, or by fax during our Customer Care hours.
Freedom to keep an eye out for other bargains. PriorityBids give you the freedom to
browse and track other items on auction day without worrying about your "must-have"
items. Our system acts as your assistant, constantly monitoring your PriorityBids and
keeping you in the lead until the price goes beyond your designated maximum bid
amount.
As auction day approaches, you can check the status of your PriorityBids in the Buying List of
My Account. Make sure your email address and notification settings are correct in My Account
Profile so that you can receive outbid notification emails. Before even being outbid, you can
increase the maximum on any of your PriorityBids by placing a new PriorityBid on the same
item for your new maximum amount (don't worry, you can not outbid yourself). Like all bids,
PriorityBids are binding and can not be retracted nor reduced.
Click here toPlace a PriorityBid in the current auction
Sales & Use Tax
What purchases are subject to sales or use tax?
Retail sales of tangible personal property in most states are generally subject to sales tax.
Construction equipment is generally considered tangible personal property. In some instances,
retailers must collect use tax, rather than sales tax. A common example of a purchase subject
to the use tax is a purchase of an item for use in California from an out-of-state retailer. The tax
rate for sales and use taxes are generally the same.
Are sales and use tax rates and regulations the same between and among the different
states?
No, sales tax rates and regulations vary greatly from state to state.
Do all states levy sales and/or use tax?
No, there are five states that do not have sales/use tax regulations; these are Alaska, New
Hampshire, Montana, Oregon and Delaware.
Will I pay sales tax if I buy a titled vehicle in Florida?
Unless you are a Licensed Vehicle Dealer in the United States, we are collecting sales tax for
the state of Florida. However, if you are exporting your vehicle outside the United States, we
will refund the Florida sales tax after you send us the corresponding export documents.
**NOTE – You will be charged taxes (VAT) for items located in Mexico and titled vehicles
located in Florida. Once proper documentation is provided IronPlanet will issue a refund.
When can I claim a valid Exemption from sales and/or use tax?
You may be exempt from sales tax if you meet all the following criteria:
You are a reseller of like-kind equipment as the equipment you just bought; and
You have a valid Seller Permit (or its equivalent) from your state; and
You have completed the Exemption or Resale Certificate for your state and
submitted it to IronPlanet; and
You have submitted a Bill of Lading from a common carrier for shipment of your
purchase.
Liability for the amount of tax due had the certificate not been used; and
Liability for Interest payments on the tax due; and
Penalties imposed by your state for intent to fraud or intent to evade tax; and
Possible cancellation of your Seller's Permit.
Sales & Use Tax in California
I hold a valid California Seller's Permit. What must I provide to IronPlanet to avoid
sales tax on purchase of equipment located within California?
California resellers can submit to IronPlanet a completed California Resale Certificate, with
their Seller's Permit Number. Each item purchased requires its own Resale Certificate, which is
available on our website upon the completion of the auction for an item. Each certificate will
include instructions to print, sign and where to fax it to us.
I do not have a California Seller's Permit. Can I still use the California Resale
Certificate to avoid sales tax?
No. Only California retailers who have registered with the State of California and obtained a
Seller's Permit can use the California Resale Certificate.
I believe I am eligible for a Partial Exemption from California sales tax. What do I
have to submit to IronPlanet so I get my partial sales tax exemption calculated on my
auction invoice?
You will find the required form(s) at the California State Board of Equalization website.
Complete the documentation that applies to your situation and fax it to IronPlanet at 925-225-
8620 immediately after notification of being the successful winner of equipment on which you
have bid.
I am a licensed California contractor but do not have a California Seller's Permit. If I
buy equipment located in California, is my purchase taxable?
Yes. If you purchase construction equipment that is located in California, your purchase is
taxable.
I am not a California reseller, but plan to move my California equipment purchase
outside of the United States, do I have to pay sales tax on my purchase?
Since you are not a California reseller, IronPlanet initially will have to charge sales tax on your
purchase. After you submit either a Bill of Lading or export documents that clearly substantiate
that your purchased equipment has reached a destination outside of California, your sales tax
deposit will be 100% refunded. Fax your Bill of Lading or export documents with the six-digit
IronPlanet Item number to our dedicated fax number 925-225-8620.
I do not have a California Seller's Permit. I am planning to move equipment I just
purchased in California to another state, do I have to pay California sales tax?
Initially, yes, but only as a temporary deposit until the equipment leaves the state. At the time
of purchase, you will have to deposit 100% of the applicable California sales tax to IronPlanet.
If you use a common carrier to transport the equipment out of California you can will get a full
refund of your sales tax deposit after submitting a completed Bill of Lading showing the
equipment pickup location and destination.
How much time does it take for my sales tax refund to be processed after I provide the
Bill of Lading?
Wire transfer refunds will be processed within 24 hours (one business day) after IronPlanet
receives the Bill of Lading, Resale Certificate, and your wire transfer instructions. Refunds
requested paid by company check can take up to 5 business days prior to mailing.
Where should I fax the Bill of Lading to insure I receive my refund of the tax?
Fax your Bill of Lading with the six-digit IronPlanet Item number on it to our dedicated fax
number 925-225-8620.
I have a Seller's Permit and Resale Certificate from another state, why do I have to
submit a Bill of Lading showing my equipment purchase left California before I
receive my sales tax refund?
California does not accept out-of-state Seller's Permit or Resale Certificates as valid
documentation of a nontaxable transaction. Only by providing IronPlanet a Bill of Lading
showing the equipment moved to a destination outside California can your purchase of
equipment located in California be considered nontaxable.
I am a California reseller. Must I pay sales tax for equipment purchased in another
state?
Initially, yes, but only as a temporary deposit. At the time of purchase, you will have to deposit
100% of the sales tax for the other state with IronPlanet. To avoid owing that tax and to get
your deposit refunded, you must use a common carrier and move the purchased equipment to
a destination within California. Provide IronPlanet both a California Resale Certificate for the
purchase and a Bill of Lading from the common carrier and your sales tax will be refunded.
International Exports
Will the seller help load equipment into a container?
No. The seller is not required to load any piece of equipment or attachment into a container.
The buyer must make arrangements for loading into containers with the buyer's transportation
company.
Will the seller dismantle equipment for shipment?
The seller is not required to dismantle any part of equipment for transportation. However, some
sellers or storing agents may offer their services for dismantling for an additional fee. The
buyer must make the request with the seller or storing agent. Contact information for the seller
will be provided once IronPlanet has received full payment for item(s) purchased. Any
additional fees will have to be negotiated and paid to the seller or storing agent. IronPlanet will
take no part in arranging dismantling unless otherwise stated on our website.
How do I get dimensions and/or specifications for my equipment?
IronPlanet cannot provide additional dimensions and/or specifications on equipment above that
which is provided in our inspection reports. Buyers may obtain dimensions and/or
specifications by contacting the original equipment manufacturer, or visiting the manufacturer's
website, contacting dealers in your area or doing your own search on the Internet. A buyer
should work with their transportation company to review common references for dimensions.
The seller may choose to assist you with additional information, but remember, the seller is not
required to provide any additional information about the equipment.
How do I contact the seller to arrange pickup?
IronPlanet will provide you with the seller's contact information once you have made full
payment. You can also find this information, after full payment is made, on our website by
accessing the Transportation Authorization link located in the Post Sale Info page for that item.
How much time do I have to pickup my equipment from the seller's location?
The buyer must remove the equipment from Seller's premises no later than eight (8) business
days after the auction closes. After the 8th business day, the seller is allowed to charge the
buyer storage fees. After sixty (60) days, the equipment may be deemed abandoned and
disposed of with all storage fees and full commissions deducted from proceeds. (Please refer
to our Full Length Terms and Conditions: section V. Completion of Transactions under Buyer
Removal of Equipment for additional information)
Buyer's Terms and Conditions
How do I participate in your auction?
To become a Qualified Buyer at IronPlanet in advance of bidding in an auction, IronPlanet
requires all buyers from outside the United States or Canada to wire a $2,000 US deposit to
receive auction-bidding privileges. If you do not win an item in the auction, the money will
remain on deposit with IronPlanet as long as a Buyer wishes to retain auction-bidding
privileges. A Buyer may request the return of their deposit from IronPlanet at any time via
email. Please note that the deposit will be refunded to the same person/company who sent the
deposit. Additionally, please click on the link below, then click on Buyer Qualification Form-
International, to complete the form and fax it back to: 1-925-225-8610.
**NOTE – You will be charged taxes (VAT) for items located in Mexico and titled vehicles
located in Florida. Once proper documentation is provided IronPlanet will issue a refund.
I paid sales tax and I shouldn't have?
In order to refund sales tax within sixty (60) days of auction sale, you will need to provide
IronPlanet a domestic Bill of Lading showing the City / State equipment pick-up location and
Export documents that include the US port of export and the final delivery destination.
IronPlanet will not process refund requests received beyond (60) sixty days after auction. After
the sixty-day period, the buyer may request a sales tax refund directly from the State where
taxes were paid. IronPlanet cannot apply for state sales tax refunds on behalf of buyers.
Buyers must work directly with the cognizant state.
When submitting a request for a tax refund, please provide your Bank wiring instructions
including:
Bank Name
Bank Address
Name on Bank Account
Swift Code
Account Number
ABA or Routing Number
Will I be required to fill out any documents for the export of the equipment?
The buyer is responsible to arrange transportation and complete any required paperwork for
customs. Please contact a customs broker or freight forwarder regarding exact requirements
for exporting. As part of our service to the buyer, IronPlanet can provide you with a list of
freight forwarders or customs brokers.
Will IronPlanet assist in locating a local transport company and freight forwarding
company to handle the shipping of the equipment to our country?
The buyer is responsible to arrange transportation. IronPlanet can provide you with a list of
freight forwarders or customs brokers prior to the auction. After the auction, you will be able to
request transportation quotes from our Transportation Partners directly through the IronPlanet
website.
I may not be able to export the equipment within 60 days. It takes time to make the
arrangements through customs or to fill a container or to book a vessel. Can I have an
extension?
Our terms and conditions state that the buyer must remove the equipment from Seller's
premises no later than eight (8) business days after the auction closes. After the 8th business
day, the seller is allowed to charge the buyer storage fees. If you leave your equipment on the
seller's yard, after sixty (60) days the equipment may be deemed abandoned and disposed of
with all storage fees and full commissions deducted from the proceeds of sale. If you are
unable to provide documentation of export within 60 days, IronPlanet will not waive sales tax
on any future purchases until all outstanding Bill of Lading and/or Export documents are
received.
What is required to export an item from Canada?
Click here for information on exporting items from Canada
What is required to import an item from the US into Canada?
Click here for information on importing items into Canada