Auction FAQ

How do I buy at auction?

There is nothing difficult about buying goods at Auction if you follow these simple steps:

1. Fill in Buyer registration Card and pay the registration fee of $100. This fee is used as a deposit, or refunded if you do not buy.
2. Inspect the goods to be sold and decide what you would be prepared to pay for the lots you are interested in.
3. You may either call out your bid, or add your bid in excess of the previous bid by a show of your Buyer Registration Card or hand.
4. The Auctioneer accepts bids until one bidder is left and will sell the goods (unless passed in).
5. Any goods passed in can usually be acquired by negotiation immediately after the auction. The highest bidder has the first option to negotiate.
6. You may be asked for a deposit which will be part payment of your total purchases at the auction.

Why do some goods go to auction?

Manufacturers, importers and retailers often become overstocked and want to clear certain products quickly and easily. Their loss is your gain!

Carpet manuafacturers often have “short ends” left over from large productions that they cannot sell to their retailers.

Discontinued lines are also a common reason for selling through auction.

How do I know how much I need of a floor covering?

At Fowles Auctions + Sales we offer a free measure and quote service. After selecting your ideal floor covering, there is a couple of ways we can help you with an accurate measurement of your new floor coverings:

1. A Fowles’ representative can visit within the Melbourne Metropolitan area to measure the areas to be covered.
2. The measurements can be taken from good quality floor plans if available.

Do I have to buy at auction?

In addition to our auction items, our Carpet Divison has brand new, first grade carpet, underlay and timber flooring for sale by the metre. We also offer a fully guaranteed installation service.

Can I get my carpet installed?

Once you have purchased your carpet, we have a highly skilled team of 50 contract installers and can arrange installation within 5-10 days of purchase. Your new floor coverings will be installed in accordance with Australian Standard AS/NZS 2455.1:1995 Textile Floor Coverings, Laying Practices.
Your new floor coverings will be installed:

1. Minimising joins
2. Minimising wastage
3. Keeping joins away from high traffic areas where possible
4. Taking consideration of ambient light
5. Taking consideration of flow of traffic

Click here for tips on how to ensure your installation goes smoothly on the day.

How do I pick up my goods?

Please bring your paid receipt to the counter to arrange pick up. Due to OH&S responsibilities Fowles Auctions + Sales staff may not be available to load transportation or pick up heavy items. Its a good idea to bring help to load any goods that are too heavy to be handled by yourself. Fowles Auctions + Sales staff are present to witness and sign off the picking up of your goods only. Trolleys are available for use. Forklift drivers can load carpet and timber purchases.

Do you deliver?

We have a wide range of delivery services including utes, trucks and crane trucks. Alternatively we can load your goods onto the carrier of your choice.
Hint: Most carpet layers will collect the carpet from us on your behalf prior to installation.

What payment options do you offer?

We accept cash, bank cheques, direct deposit, EFTPOS, Visa and Mastercard (incurs a 1% surcharge), American Express (Incurs a 2% surcharge).

Do I need to stay for the auction or can I place a proxy bid?

If you cannot stay for the auction, all you need to do is register at the counter and give our auctioneer your highest bid. The auctioneer will then bid against anyone else on your behalf to your maximum amount. If no one else, you will win the auction at the opening bid.

How do I pay for my goods?

All goods need to be picked up and paid in full by Friday 4pm. We accept cash, eftpos, bank cheque, Mastercard and Visa (1% surcharge ) and American Express (2% surcharge). We also accept direct deposit to:

Fowles Auctions & Sales
ANZ
BSB: 013 268 A/C: 8357 85088

Remitter information must be your bidder number. Please allow 24-48 hours for funds to clear prior to requesting your goods to be dispatched.

When can I view the auctions?