Always Attend Viewing Days

Always Attend Viewing Days Before Bidding: Why It’s Essential for Smart Bidding

When participating in an online auction, the excitement of potentially securing a valuable asset at a great price can be exhilarating. However, before you place your bid, there’s one critical step that savvy bidders never skip: attending the viewing days. At Vendu Cape Online Auctions, we emphasize the importance of physically inspecting assets before making any financial commitments. Here’s why viewing days are key to ensuring you know exactly what you’re buying.

1. Evaluate the Asset’s Condition

Photos and descriptions online can only provide so much information. By attending the viewing days, you get the chance to see the asset up close and personal. You can check for visible wear and tear, inspect the condition of key components, and assess if there are any issues, like oil leaks or cracks in critical parts. Missing this step could mean bidding on an asset that may need costly repairs or isn’t fully operational.

2. Compare Alternative Assets

Viewing days offer the opportunity to explore multiple assets in one location. Even if you had your eye on a specific item, seeing other assets may lead to better deals or alternatives. You might find something in better condition or more suited to your needs, helping you make a more informed decision before placing a bid.

3. Assess Loading Costs and Transportation

When you win an asset, it’s not just about the winning bid – it’s also about how you’ll transport it. Attending the viewing days allows you to assess the asset’s size, weight, and special handling requirements. This is important for estimating loading costs and determining the type of transport you’ll need. Are you going to need a flatbed truck? Is the item oversized or fragile? These questions can only be answered once you’ve physically examined the asset.

4. Determine Site Support for Loading

Not all auction sites provide the same level of loading assistance. During viewing days, you can confirm whether the site will offer cranes, mobi-lifts, or any other equipment to help load your purchases. If these services aren’t available, you must plan and arrange your loading solutions. Knowing this in advance saves you from costly surprises on collection day.

5. Understand Safety Requirements and Procedures

Each auction site comes with its own set of safety and operational procedures. Attending viewing days gives you the chance to familiarize yourself with these requirements. This ensures that you’ll be prepared on collection day with the correct safety gear, documentation, and knowledge of on-site protocols, keeping you and your team safe while avoiding delays.

6. Check Completeness and Functionality

Beyond the asset’s condition, it’s vital to ensure that all components are intact. Missing parts can severely impact the value or functionality of the item. This could mean a non-working condition for machinery or vehicles due to a small but critical missing part. Be sure to check thoroughly during the viewing days.

7. Avoid Surprises and Bid with Confidence

Ultimately, the goal of attending viewing days is to ensure that you are well informed and confident when placing your bid. Knowing the asset’s condition, transportation needs, and any potential issues allows you to bid appropriately, avoiding overpaying or purchasing an item that requires unforeseen repairs or modifications.

At Vendu Cape Online Auctions, we encourage all bidders to take advantage of the viewing days to inspect assets in person. It’s the smartest way to ensure you’re making an informed decision and getting the most value from your investment. When it comes to auctions, knowledge is power – and that power comes from seeing what you’re buying with your own eyes.

Don’t skip the viewing days – your future self (and wallet) will thank you!

clients

126 non-runner vehicle
6.4 million ZAR Raised

SAPS

Seller

Underground Equipment / Redundant Assets/Trackless Machines- Mandate

Royal Bafokeng

Seller

Dozers/Excavators/Drill Rigs / Loaders/ Haul Trucks-13.91 million ZAR Raised

Basil Read

Seller