
Frequently Asked Questions
Please note the information below is general and subject to change between auctions.
Finalized Terms & Conditions will be issued upon registration for each auction.
Are your auctions open to the public?
Our nationwide auctions are open to the general public. When notated in the auction listing assets deemed DISMANTLER; SCRAP/ PARTS ONLY; NO RE-TITLE; NOT TO BE EXPORTED OUT OF COUNTRY may only be purchased by a licensed Dismantler/ Salvage/ Scrap Dealer that has provided a valid scrap dealer license. These particular assets are not open for bidding by the general public.
What are the starting bids?
For LIVE auctions, the starting bids are determined by the crowd. For ONLINE auctions, the bids start at $100.00.
Reserves: All vehicles and surplus do have reserves determined by the seizing agency and will not be disclosed to the general public. If a bid does not meet the reserve, the high bidder will be notified and the vehicle will be offered exclusively to him or her at that price (if the agency provides the reserve). Bidder does have the right to approve or deny the offer made by the agency. If the reserve is not met the vehicle will be offered at a later date in an effort to achieve the reserve amount.
Registration: To bid you must register at every auction. There is no deposit required to enter or place a bid. Registration is conducted throughout the auction.
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For LIVE auctions: to register you will need a photo I.D. The registered bidder is only allowed two companions (no one under the age of 15 is allowed in the auction area). Registration prior to the day of the preview is not offered, but will be available the day of the preview as well as the day of the auction. If you only intend on spectating during a live auction, and do not wish to bid you still need to register.
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For ONLINE auctions: Under "Login/ New Bidder" create an account by clicking "New Bidder". The user name and password that is created will be used for all future online auctions. The information you provide when setting up your online account will be the information assigned on your title work. If you choose to title your purchases in a business name, the business name and address needs to be utilized. At any point should you decide to title your purchases in your person name, your account information will need to be updated to reflect the desired change. This also applies to a change of address or business. This is the responsibility of the bidder. Upon initial registration, you will need to input a credit card number (not retained) but will only be used to verify your identity. There will be no additional registration fees.
Bidding:
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For LIVE auctions you must be present to place a bid. All title work and government documents need to be signed by the new owner immediately following payment. We do not provide live proxy bidders. We do not accept phone bids. Our live auctions are conducted separate from our online auctions, unless the auction notates Webcast.
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For ONLINE auctions: Once registered, select the lot you wish to place a bid on. You may click the "Bid (amount here)" button for a one time bid, or enter your "Maximum Auto Bid" by selecting the lot and physically typing in the highest you are willing to bid for that item.
Payment for Online Auctions: All items must be paid in full within 48 hours (2 business days) from the bid approval email. NO EXTENSIONS FOR FINAL PAYMENT WILL BE MADE FOR ANY REASON. Acceptable forms of payment (U.S. Funds only) are by method of:
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Electronic Bank Transfer: Bank wire instructions will be included in the approval email. Bank wire transfers must originate from an account of the registered buyer or the business the buyer represents. The transfer must include the buyer name and reference the lot(s) purchased. Any electronic bank transfers received from an account other than that of the registered bidder will not be accepted and will be returned to the originating bank. Bank wires must be received within the time frame specified for final payment and may take up to 24 hours to process. Title work will be processed the following business day of bank wire posting to account.
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Cashier's Check: with overnight delivery made payable to Apple Towing Co. 8511 S. Sam Houston Pkwy E., 2nd Floor, Houston, TX 77075 and originate from an account of the registered buyer or the business the buyer represents. Please include the buyer’s name and reference the lot #(s) purchased.
Unacceptable payment methods for Online Auctions: No personal or business checks, bank letters, credit/debit cards, or letters of credit will be accepted. In addition, onsite payment will not be accepted. Bidders should not attempt to finance any purchase through a bank or credit union, nor will the auction company negotiate with any lender. Bidders must have the funds available before placing any and all bids. Payment must be made by the successful registered bidder. Payment received by parties other than the successful registered bidder will be declined.
Payment for Live Auctions: All items must be paid in full within 1 hour from the close of the auction. You may leave to acquire the funds, but must return within the deadline to pay. NO EXTENSIONS FOR FINAL PAYMENT WILL BE MADE FOR ANY REASON. Acceptable forms of payment (U.S. Funds only) are by method of:
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Cash
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Cashier's Check: made payable to Apple Towing Co. and originate from an account of the registered buyer or the business the buyer represents.
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Personal or business check with current original bank letter of guarantee. If paying by check, the check must be accompanied by a current original bank LETTER OF GUARANTEE on bank letterhead and approved by Joshua Scully of Apple Auctioneering Co No later than 5pm preview day. Bank letters in a format other than the following format will not be accepted. Bank letter must read: _________ is a customer of the bank, This bank will guarantee unqualified payment to Apple Towing Co. on account # ________ up to the amount of $________. No ‘Stop Payment’ will be issued regarding this transaction. This letter expires on_______. (Must be at least 10 days after the auction date).
Taxes: We do collect sales tax on surplus sold. No tax will be collected by the auction company on any lot located outside of Arizona. Notice on Arizona lots only: Auction company must collect (Guadalupe 10.3%, Nogales 8.6%, Tucson 8.7%, Yuma 8.41%) sales tax from Arizona residents depending on asset location unless a Arizona Resale Certificate (Arizona Form 5000A) is provided during checkout. Out of state buyers must provide a copy of their ID and complete an ADOR Form 5011 (which will be provided) in lieu of tax.
Buyers Premium: We do not collect buyer's premiums on any federal government auction. We do collect a 5% buyer's premium on any auction conducted on behalf of a county.
Removal of Vehicles/Surplus:
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For LIVE auctions: all vehicles/surplus must be removed from the auction area after payment and title work is processed. If arrangements are made with a car carrier service to pick up the items at a later date, those arrangements need to be discussed with an Apple Towing representative. Vehicles that are left after the day of the auction and no arrangements have been made for them to stay will be booked into storage and charged commercial storage rates.
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For ONLINE auctions: The removal deadline is determined by the seizing agency and may vary. Please see the Terms & Conditions of the posted sale for the removal deadline.