1. About these terms
These Auction Terms and Conditions apply when you register for, browse, bid on, list or collect an auction through Storage Auctions Australia (the Platform).
By using the Platform, you agree to these terms, our Website Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, you must not place a bid or create a listing.
2. The Platform and storage facilities
Storage Auctions Australia provides an online marketplace for approved storage facilities to publish auctions and for bidders to place bids. Unless a listing states otherwise, the storage facility named in the listing is responsible for the auction item, its description, collection arrangements and release of the item.
We may review, refuse, remove, pause or cancel a listing where we reasonably believe it is inaccurate, unsafe, unlawful, misleading or inconsistent with these terms.
3. Accounts, legal details and eligibility
You must provide accurate account information, including your legal name and date of birth. Your legal name and date of birth should be entered exactly as they appear on the photo identification you intend to use if identity verification is required. You must keep your password secure and notify us promptly if you suspect unauthorised access. You are responsible for activity carried out through your account.
You must be at least 18 years old and legally able to enter into a binding agreement to bid or create a facility account. A facility user must have authority to act for that facility.
4. Listings and inspections
Auction listings may contain photographs, descriptions, dimensions, collection information and other details supplied by the facility. You should read the listing carefully and inspect any available information before bidding.
Storage-unit contents are offered in their visible and disclosed condition. Photographs and descriptions are intended to help identify the item, but may not show every item, condition issue or risk within a unit.
5. Bidding
A bid is a serious and binding offer to purchase the auction item for the amount shown, subject to these terms and the listing details. Do not bid unless you intend and are able to complete the purchase.
You must not place false, misleading, automated, collusive or artificial bids. You must not bid on your own facility's listing or help another person manipulate an auction.
We may cancel or reverse bids, suspend accounts or cancel an auction where we reasonably suspect an error, fraud, technical issue, prohibited conduct or breach of these terms.
6. Winning bids, fees and payment
The highest valid bid at the auction closing time is generally the winning bid, unless the facility or Platform cancels the auction or identifies a material error.
The winning bidder must pay the winning bid, buyer premium and any other clearly disclosed amount by the deadline shown on the Platform. Buyer premiums and applicable taxes are shown before payment is completed.
Payments are processed securely through our payment providers. We do not store your full card or bank-account details. Failure to pay may result in cancellation of the sale, suspension of your account and recovery of reasonable costs where permitted by law.
7. One-time identity verification after payment
A winning bidder may be required to complete a one-time identity verification after payment and before collection. The Platform may use a third-party identity provider, including Stripe Identity, to verify photo identification and other identity information.
For automatic collection clearance, the verified legal name and date of birth must match the legal name and date of birth saved on the bidder account. Payment confirmation by itself does not authorise collection or release of the auction contents.
If the verified details do not match, collection will be placed on hold while the bidder is given a reasonable opportunity to correct an innocent account error or request a manual review. The facility must not release auction contents while identity review is outstanding.
8. Unresolved identity verification and refunds
If identity verification cannot be successfully completed or a material identity mismatch cannot be resolved through our review process, Storage Auctions Australia may cancel the transaction and relist the auction.
In that situation, the bidder's payment will be refunded, including the buyer premium and any refundable cleaning deposit, less an administration fee equal to 25% of the winning bid and capped at a maximum of $25.00, to the extent permitted by law. The cleaning deposit itself will not be used to calculate or pay the administration fee.
We may waive the administration fee where we determine that the verification issue arose from a genuine error, a Platform or provider issue, or another circumstance where charging the fee would be inappropriate.
9. Cleaning deposits
Where a listing requires a cleaning deposit, the amount and conditions will be shown before payment. The deposit is separate from the winning bid and buyer premium.
For a completed collection, the facility assesses the condition of the unit after collection. It may approve a refund, retain all or part of the deposit, or request further information where reasonably necessary. Storage Auctions Australia processes the outcome recorded by the facility through the Platform.
10. Collection
The winning bidder must collect the item during the collection window and follow the facility's reasonable safety, identity, access and site rules. Collection details are released only after the Platform records the required payment and identity clearance.
You are responsible for labour, vehicles, tools, transport, waste removal and any permits required to collect the item. You must leave the area in the condition required by the facility.
You must not remove prohibited, dangerous or unlawful items. If you find an item that may be dangerous, illegal, regulated or personal in nature, stop handling it and contact the facility immediately.
11. Facility responsibilities
Facilities must provide accurate listing information, use photographs they are authorised to use, set realistic collection times and comply with applicable laws and their own storage agreements.
Facilities must not release auction contents where the Platform displays an identity-review or collection-hold status. Facilities must not list items they are not entitled to sell, include prohibited items, misrepresent contents or use the Platform to avoid their legal obligations.
12. Cancellations and disputes
Contact the facility first about a collection, item-condition or cleaning-deposit concern. For identity-verification concerns or where the issue cannot be resolved with the facility, contact Storage Auctions Australia with the auction number and a clear summary of the issue.
We may assist with platform records and payment processing, but we may not be able to determine every dispute between a bidder and a facility. Nothing in these terms excludes rights that cannot legally be excluded.
13. Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Platform is provided on an “as available” basis. We do not guarantee that the Platform will always be uninterrupted, error-free or available at every time.
Nothing in these terms excludes, restricts or modifies rights or remedies that cannot legally be excluded, including rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
14. Changes, governing law and contact
We may update these terms from time to time. Updated terms apply from the date they are published on this page. The laws of South Australia apply to these terms.
For assistance, please visit our Contact page.