Auction Rules & Guidelines

General Auction Rules

1. Registration Required: All bidders must register and provide valid identification before participating in any auction.
2. Binding Bids: All bids are legally binding offers. Once placed, bids cannot be retracted, except an obvious entry error reported immediately to support, corrected at SecondBloom's discretion.
3. Bid Increments: Bids must meet minimum increment requirements as displayed on each auction listing.
4. Auction Extensions: Bids placed in the final minutes extend the auction (soft close).
5. Reserve Prices: Some auctions may have reserve prices that must be met for the sale to proceed. When the reserve is met and the auction ends, the sale is binding on both buyer and seller — there is no seller-approval step.

Bidder Responsibilities

• Inspect equipment condition through provided photos, descriptions, and inspection opportunities
• Understand all terms and conditions before bidding
• Bid only on items you intend to purchase
• Complete payment within specified timeframes
• Arrange for pickup or shipping as agreed

Payment Terms

Winning bidders must:

• Pay SecondBloom in full within 48 hours of auction close
• Pay applicable buyer's premium (15%, or 14% for Premium members)
• Pay all applicable taxes and fees
• Use approved payment methods: card via Stripe for totals under $5,000, bank wire for $5,000 and above (bank wire fees may apply)

Equipment Condition

All equipment is sold "AS IS, WHERE IS" unless otherwise stated. SecondBloom Auctions provides:

• Detailed photos from multiple angles
• Comprehensive equipment descriptions
• Condition reports when available
• Inspection opportunities for qualified bidders
• Video demonstrations when applicable

Removal and Shipping

• Equipment must be removed within the specified timeframe (typically 7-14 days)
• Buyers arrange and pay for pickup or freight; SecondBloom can help coordinate LTL freight quotes through partner carriers (ArcBest) on request
• Loading assistance may be available for an additional fee
• Storage fees apply for late removals
• SecondBloom does not insure purchases or shipments — buyers should arrange cargo coverage for high-value transport

Prohibited Conduct

The following actions are strictly prohibited and may result in suspension:

• Bid manipulation or collusion
• Creating multiple accounts to circumvent bidding limits
• Interfering with the auction platform or other users
• Misrepresenting identity or financial capability
• Failing to complete transactions without valid reason

Dispute Resolution

All sales are final — as-is, where-is — with no returns or refunds. SecondBloom support reviews reported problems case-by-case, but no remedy is guaranteed. All parties agree to work in good faith to resolve issues before pursuing legal action.

Contact Information

For questions about auction rules or specific auctions, contact us:

Phone: (312) 497-6522
Email: info@secondbloomauctions.com (answered within one business day)
Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM CT