Frequenly Asked Questions

General Questions

At Bright Auctions, we organize online and physical auctions for all kinds of lots. Whether you're looking for a unique find or want to sell something special, we've got you covered! Simply create an account and participate.

  1. Account: Your personal profile on our website. Allows you to participate in auctions.
  2. Advertisement: A listing of information about a lot being auctioned.
  3. Business: An organization or person acting from a profession or business.
  4. Consumer: A person not acting from a profession or business.
  5. Member: A registered user on the Bright Auctions website. Welcome to the club!
  6. Partner: A company offering a lot on behalf of the seller.
  7. Seller: The person or company selling a lot.
  8. Bidder: You! Or anyone else who bids on a lot.
  9. Buyer: The bidder who wins a lot. Congratulations!
  10. Bid: The amount bid during the auction.
  11. Lot: The object or collection of objects you can bid on.
  12. Auction: A sale organized by us where you can bid on lots.
  13. Sales price: The amount for which the lot will eventually be sold.
  14. Auction fee: A small percentage of the sale price paid by the buyer.
  15. Website: Our online platform, your starting point for auctions.

We work with four auction formats. The lot page always states which format applies.

  • Without reserve: there is no minimum price, the highest bidder gets the lot.
  • Subject to allocation: the seller decides after closing whether to sell.
  • Sealed bid: you submit a single closed bid and a reserve price applies.
  • Buy now: a fixed price at which you buy directly, without bidding.

Registration and Login

It's very simple:

  1. Go to our website and click on Register.
  2. Enter your information and verify your email address and phone number.
  3. Done! You can now participate in auctions.

Registration is free!

You can always update your data yourself through your account settings.

Do you suspect that your account has been hacked? Please contact us immediately and change your password. We will be happy to help you secure your account again as quickly as possible.

Watch the short instruction video on our Buying page, where we take you through the bidding process step by step.

How to Bid

How do I place a bid?
  1. Log in to your account.
  2. Select the lot you want to bid on and enter your bid.
  3. Check the total amount, including auction fees and VAT.
  4. Click confirm to place your bid. Please note that all bids are legally binding.

With an automatic bid, you set a maximum price. The system automatically raises your bid in small increments until your maximum is reached.

In that case, the auction period is extended by 3 minutes. This gives everyone a fair chance to still bid.

Yes, bids are binding. Once you have placed a bid, it cannot be withdrawn or changed. The agreement is only concluded once the item has been awarded to you.

If you fail to fulfill your obligations, you will owe Bright Auctions a minimum of 12.5% of the bid amount (excluding VAT). This amount is in addition to any other costs or damages.

No, you can only bid during the indicated auction period. The start and end time are listed in the advertisement.

Yes, any bid placed through your account is your responsibility, even if a third party placed the bid.

No, you are not allowed to bid on lots that are wholly or partially your property.

Yes, Bright Auctions can remove or invalidate a bid in the following situations:

  • In cases of fraud or suspected abuse.
  • For errors in the bid.
  • If the bidder fails to fulfill its obligations.
  • In case of technical errors or malfunctions.

Yes, Bright Auctions can cancel, pause or early terminate an auction in the following cases:

  • For misuse of the website.
  • In the event of damage, theft or loss of the item.
  • For technical errors or other reasonable grounds.

Please note that Bright Auctions is not liable for any resulting damages to members.

A public auction is an auction where you can be present both online and physically. The sales contract concluded during a public auction is binding and is covered by a legal exception to the right of withdrawal.

No, the right of withdrawal does not apply. According to Article 6:230p sub c of the Civil Code, purchase agreements concluded during a public auction are excluded from it.

Yes, our website clearly states that the right of withdrawal does not apply. In addition, we emphasize that the sales contract is binding.

Bidding in the Auction

  1. Create an account on our website.
  2. Gain bidding access via a premium membership or a one-time fee.
  3. Browse the lots and place your bids!

You can request bidding access by choosing from the following options:

  • One-time bidding access: A small fee grants you access to a specific auction.
  • Premium Membership: This provides unlimited access to all auctions, including additional benefits like exclusive auctions and special events.

Request bidding access

With a Premium Membership, you have unlimited access to all auctions. You benefit from:

  • Unlimited bidding on all auctions
  • Access to exclusive Premium auctions
  • Invitations to special events

Become a Premium Member

 

Attending the Auction

Yes, you can! Our auctions take place at Het Eek 15 in Tiel, Netherlands. Please make sure you register in advance.

Register at least one business day before the auction closes by emailing the auctioneer at auctioneer@brightauctions.com.

If you do not register on time, you may not be able to attend the auction in person. So make sure you register early to avoid disappointment.

After you register, you will receive a confirmation email. This officially confirms your presence at the auction site.

The auction is conducted by an official auctioneer.

Yes, the auctioneer can be reached at auctioneer@brightauctions.com.

Yes, entering the auction site is entirely at your own risk.

If you have placed the highest bid, the auctioneer will decide whether the lot will be awarded to you. You will be notified within 48 hours. If the reserve price has been met, the award is final.

Bright Auctions charges a 12.5% auction fee over the final bid price (excluding VAT). These fees are added to the total amount you pay.

Yes, in addition to the sale price and auction fees, additional costs may apply. Think for example of transport costs or administration costs. These are always clearly stated in the advertisement.

A minimum price, also known as a reserve price, is the minimum bid at which a lot can be awarded. If the minimum price is met or exceeded, the award is in principle final. If the minimum price is not met, the lot remains under award and the seller may still decide to award it to the highest bidder. The highest bidder will be notified within 48 hours.

For lots that are subject to approval, the seller must approve the highest bid. In that case, the highest bidder will be notified within 48 hours whether the seller agrees.

An item is automatically awarded to the highest bidder if:

  • there is no reserve price, or
  • the highest bid is equal to or higher than the reserve price.

In all other cases, the lot will remain under award. The seller will then decide whether the lot will still be awarded to the highest bidder. The highest bidder will be notified within 48 hours.

Bright Auctions will inform you by email when the lot has been assigned to you. Keep an eye on your inbox!

After the award, you will receive an invoice. Payments are handled securely through Stripe, a reliable payment provider.

Allocation process

Allocation is the moment the lot is allocated to the highest bidder and the purchase is concluded. Your bid is binding before that.

The reserve price is the minimum amount that must be reached before a lot can be sold. We do not disclose the amount.

You will be notified of the outcome after the auction closes.

No purchase is concluded and your bid lapses. The lot may be offered again at a later date.

You receive a message with the next steps and the invoice for the auction fees. What follows differs per type of lot and is stated on the lot page.

Payment Process

  1. You will be directed to a secure payment page where Stripe processes the payment.
  2. The payment is temporarily held on a secure Stripe account number.
  3. After payment, the lot is delivered to the buyer, who signs for receipt.
  4. Once delivery is confirmed, the money (minus platform fees) is released to the seller.

Bright Auctions ensures security through encryption, fraud detection and compliance with financial regulations.

Stripe is a globally known and reliable company specializing in online payments. Bright Auctions chooses Stripe to securely process transactions between buyers and sellers.

All payments are processed through a secure Stripe account. This system ensures that money is held securely until the transaction is completed.

Outside the EU: VAT-free, provided that you can submit the correct export documents. In that case, the VAT may be invoiced as a deposit.

If payment is delayed, please contact YachtBid.com immediately. A prolonged delay may result in the yacht being offered to another bidder. Please note that auction fees may still be charged in that case.

The sale can be handled free of VAT, provided that you submit the required export documents.

Invoices and Payment Terms

You will receive the invoice immediately after the lot is awarded. The invoice lists the purchase amount, the auction fee (12.5% excluding VAT) and any other costs.

Bright Auctions sends and collects the invoice on behalf of the seller.

The invoice must be paid within five days of the invoice date. This deadline is strict and cannot be extended. In addition, the invoice must always be paid in full before the first collection day, even if that date falls within those five days.

All payments must be made in euros (€).

In that case, the invoice must be paid before the first pickup date. This date is mentioned in the advertisement.

No, payments must be made in full without suspension or offset.

In case of late payment:

  • Bright Auctions can cancel the purchase agreement on behalf of the seller through a written statement.
  • You remain obligated to pay the auction fee (12.5% excluding VAT).
  • You can be held liable for additional damages, such as storage and auction fees.

If the invoice remains unpaid after a reminder:

  • Bright Auctions may rescind the purchase agreement on behalf of the seller.
  • You remain obligated to pay the auction fee (12.5% excluding VAT).
  • You are responsible for any damages incurred by the seller, including additional costs such as storage and new auction fees.

Yes, as long as the invoice has not been paid, Bright Auctions can cancel the sales contract on behalf of the seller by written notice.

  • You lose all rights to the lot.
  • Bright Auctions is not liable for any damages you may suffer as a result.
  • The item may be re-auctioned or sold to another bidder.

Yes, the auction fee (12.5% excluding VAT) is always due regardless of whether the sale is completed.

Yes, if the purchase agreement is canceled, you will receive a new invoice for the auction fee. You must pay this within the specified period.

  • You are immediately in default.
  • You will receive a formal notice demanding payment within 14 days.
  • If you don't pay, the debt is turned over to a collection agency.

Yes, from the moment you default, the following rules apply:

  • Businesses pay legal interest for business transactions.
  • Consumers pay legal interest for consumer transactions.
  • Collection costs:
    • For companies: 15% of the principal, with a minimum of €150.
    • For consumers: Charges are calculated according to the Collection Costs Act.
How will my payments be allocated if I owe multiple amounts?

Payments are always allocated in the following order:

  1. Outstanding interest.
  2. Collection costs.
  3. The oldest outstanding principal.

Yes, the terms and conditions apply to:

  • Using your account.
  • Placing bids.
  • All other legal transactions between you and Bright Auctions.

The link to the terms and conditions is in the footer of the Bright Auctions website.

Yes, you can find these in the auction information on the website via a link.

Yes, Bright Auctions may change the terms and conditions.

  • Changes will be communicated in advance in writing.
  • If you do not agree, you can terminate your account.
  • By continuing to use your account after the change, you agree to the new terms.

In cases of force majeure, Bright Auctions is not obliged to fulfill its obligations. Examples of force majeure include:

  • Natural disasters.
  • Cybercrime.
  • Strikes.
  • Wars.
  • Etc.

About Cars

Automotive Auctions specializes in selling exclusive vehicles and classic cars both domestically and internationally. We do this through public auctions: a fascinating process where we ensure an optimal experience. With our passion for cars, we believe that buying and selling a beautiful vehicle should be a warm experience for both parties. On viewing days, the cars can also be seen live in our unique showrooms in Boxmeer and Tiel.

  • Fast turnaround: Sell your car within days thanks to our efficient auction process.
  • Hassle-free: Automotive Auctions handles the entire sales process, including administration and transport.
  • Transparent: The bidding process is fully open and visible.
  • Reach: Your car is presented to a broad network of buyers.
  • Maximum profit: Competitive bidding often results in a higher sale price.
  • Secure: Safe payments and reliable transactions.

Auction your vehicle for free! On the following page, you can read how our auctioneers handle the process and easily register your vehicle: Click here.

Viewing days are organized to give you the opportunity to inspect the lots. If the scheduled days don’t work for you, let us know, and we’ll find an alternative together.

We are a partner of Bright Auctions. This means our auctions take place via their platform, where you can place your bids.

About Yachts

YachtBid.com is the specialist in the fast and successful auctioning of luxury yachts. We partner with professional brokers and Bright Auctions to provide both buyers and sellers with a safe and transparent experience.

  • Quick sale: Yachts are sold within three months.
  • Global visibility: Our extensive marketing ensures maximum visibility.
  • Secure Payments: All transactions are processed through a secure account.
  • Transparency: The bidding process is completely transparent to both buyers and sellers.

Since 2015, we have successfully sold more than 600 luxury yachts, with a sales percentage of more than 85%. Last year alone we sold 52 yachts.

You can find our recent sales results, including photos, testimonials and case studies, on the Recent Sales page on our website.

About Real Estate

Bright Auctions auctions real estate through voluntary online auctions on our own platform. The offering differs per auction. Every Property has its own lot page showing the description, photos, the available documents and the terms and conditions that apply to that auction. Always consult the lot page for the exact details.

No. Bright Auctions organises voluntary auctions, in which the owner decides to offer the Property. In a foreclosure auction the sale is enforced at the initiative of a creditor. That is not the case here. Bidding takes place entirely online and the legal transfer is handled through the notary or an equivalent authorised official.

Viewings take place exclusively on the announced viewing days. The viewing days and the contact details of the appointed broker are shown on the auction page. Contact the broker directly to make an appointment or to ask questions about the Property.

All documentation available for the Property is shown on the lot page. Which documents these are differs per Property. If you need additional information, please contact the appointed broker. Always investigate the factual and legal condition of the Property yourself and obtain independent advice where necessary.

Yes. Once you confirm your bid, it is legally binding and cannot be withdrawn. This also applies to bids placed on your behalf through automatic bidding. The statutory right of withdrawal does not apply to a public auction.

Real estate is offered subject to seller approval, unless expressly stated otherwise on the auction page. If the predetermined reserve price has been met, the Property is awarded to the highest bidder in accordance with the auction terms and conditions. If the reserve price has not been met, the seller may still decide to accept the highest bid. You will be notified of the outcome and the next steps within 48 hours after the auction closes. The purchase agreement is concluded only after the award. Make sure you can be reached by telephone and email after closing.

The auction fees amount to 12.5% of the bid amount, excluding VAT. These fees are added to your bid and are not deducted from the purchase price. In addition, all taxes and costs of the legal transfer, including notary fees, are payable by the buyer to the extent permitted by law. The sale and transfer follow the statutory rules and transfer procedures of the country in which the Property is located.

After the award you receive an invoice for the auction fees. This invoice must be paid within five business days after the award. The payment also serves as security for your performance as buyer and is refunded only if the seller is unable to legally transfer the Property. As soon as we have received your payment, the procedure with the notary is started. The remaining purchase price is paid no later than upon legal transfer through the acting notary or an equivalent authorised official.

The intended settlement period is four to eight weeks after the award. The notary or authorised local official prepares the required transfer documents and completes the legal transfer. The appointed broker assists the buyer and the seller throughout this process.

The Property is in principle delivered free of lease and occupancy, unless expressly stated otherwise on the lot page. Always check the lot information and the applicable auction and bidding terms and conditions.

The Role of the Broker

  • Establishes a sales strategy and reserve price.
  • Prepares professional photos, videos and detailed technical descriptions.
  • Manages marketing and communication with potential buyers.
  • Ensures smooth transfer of ownership after the auction.

A broker plays a crucial role in the sale. They build trust with potential buyers, which often leads to higher bids. In addition, brokers ensure a smooth process, from preparation to the final transfer of ownership.

Absolutely! We are happy to work with your current broker. This can be done simply based on the existing agreement. If desired, we will contact your broker to explain the auction process.

Yes, definitely! We have an extensive network of experienced real estate agents with whom we have excellent experiences. Feel free to contact us; we would be happy to help you find a suitable broker.

Customers outside the EU

The export procedure may incur additional costs. Furthermore, import duties or VAT may apply in the destination country, even for margin lots.

How to Contact Us

You can file a complaint via email or phone. Bright Auctions strives to respond within one business day.

If so, please contact the partner directly. Bright Auctions is not a party to the purchase agreement.

Dutch law applies to all transactions and disputes. Consumers have one month to choose a competent court if Bright Auctions invokes this provision.

For questions, contact us at:

 

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