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Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Register for an Auction?
If you are planning on bidding onsite, please arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the auction to register. Registration takes place at the registration table or the auction office.
A valid ID, business card and a suitable deposit will speed up your registration. After registering you will receive a numbered bidder paddle, and an auction lot catalog detailing the items being offered for sale.
If you are planning on bidding online, to guarantee being approved to bid, you should register at least 24 hours before the auction. We recommend registering much earlier!
If you have never bid online before, you need to first sign up for an account (First Time Registration).
Once you have an account setup and approved, you can then register to bid at an individual auction.
Once you have registered for the auction, our staff will be notified. We will then approve you for the auction or contact you for additional requirements. Once you have met these requirements, you will receive an email stating that you have been approved for the auction.
Do I Need to Arrange Pickup / Shipping for My Winning Bids?
Buyers are responsible for removing their purchases from the sale site by the removal deadline date posted.
General removal information can be found on each sale information page.
In some cases we will be able ship or help with arraigning transport of your items.
But individual sales may have specific requirements for removal.
In most cases, buyers can contract with the rigger of their choice, but they must conform to Heath's rigger requirements.
In some cases, a specific rigger must be used for certain sale sites.
We will provide the names and contact information of riggers available.
Heath Industrial is not affiliated with and does not endorse or guarantee the services of any rigger or service provider.
For this reason, Heath Industrial cannot be held responsible for any issues with any particular rigger.
How Do I Pay For My Winning Bids?
General payment information can be found on the sale information page, and detailed contact information is always provided on your invoice.
Payment methods can vary from sale to sale, and buyers should always refer to their invoice for specific payment instructions.
Does it Work / Run / Is It In Good Condition?
Unfortunately, we are only agents for the seller. We do not have knowledge of the operational ability or condition of the items we sell.
We also do not have information on the maintenance history of the equipment.
It is for this reason that everything we sell is "AS-IS" and "WHERE-IS", and we strongly encourage all bidders to come and inspect the equipment before they bid on it.
Only in this way, can you judge to see if a particular piece of equipment meets your requirements.
What time does the auction start?
Most of our onsite auctions start at 10:00 am or 11:00 am, local time, but this can vary, please check the event details on the auction page.
Our online sales usually are active for five days or more, with all bidding ending on the date posted. The individual lot closing times are staggered, all of the lots do not close at the same time.
Can I leave a bid on an item in advance?
Proxy bids are a great alternative if you cannot bid in person, or you need to bid from a remote location without reliable internet access.
You can place a proxy bid as soon as the auction has gone to catalog – usually two to five days before the auction – or on auction day.
Complete and return the proxy bid form in person or by sending it by email to auctions@heathindustrial.com, or faxing it to us at 224-757-7577. Please note: a deposit may be required before we can execute any proxy bids placed.
You can download a proxy bid form here.
We bid on your behalf, up to and including the maximum amount you specify. Your purchase will be obtained at the lowest bid possible.
If your bid is the highest bid when the auctioneer says “sold!” the item will be sold to you. If you placed your proxy bid by phone, we will contact you by phone to advise you of the selling price. If you’re at the auction site, visit or call the registration counter and we will tell you if you were the highest bidder.
If you are bidding online, you may leave a proxy bid on an item as soon as the catalog is posted, and bidding is activated. In this case, the system will bid on your behalf, up to your maximum bid amount.
I have not been approved to bid yet...
If you registered at least 24 hours before the auction and did not receive an approval confirmation email, please use the “Contact Us” feature at the top of this page, or call us at 847-380-1755.
Please note: if you are a new user, have any negative ratings, or are bidding from outside of North America, you will need to post a deposit prior to being approved to bid.
Can I view the items before the auction?
We usually have a preview or inspection period at most of our sales. It usually is scheduled for the day before the auction day. The times and dates are limited and vary for each auction. Please check the specifics for each auction for details on when the auction inspection occurs.
What should I bring in order to Bid?
If you are planning on bidding onsite please bring a valid ID, a business card, and a form of payment.
Acceptable forms of payment include: Cash, Certified Checks and Credit Cards. Business Checks are only accepted along with a bank letter of guarantee. Wire transfers are accepted for final payment, but must be supplemented with one of the above forms of payment as a deposit.
If you are participating online, valid credit card must be entered. Please note that if you have any negative comments, or are participating outside of North America, a deposit will be required before you are approved to bid.
Will there be a forklift available for loading?
At most of our sales, a forklift will NOT be available for loading of purchases. If there is a forklift being offered in the auction, it will belong to the high bidder, and only the high bidder will be able to use it for loading of the high bidders purchases. If your purchases require forklift loading, we suggest you contract with one of the rigging firms providing quotes for that particular auction.