We are very proud to be serving our local area for over 35 years!
Frequently Asked Questions
WHO ARE WE AT MERIDIAN EQUIPMENT AUCTIONS?
We are a family-owned business with over 40 years of experience to help you. We started in 1948 as an Allis Chalmers Equipment Dealer and continued to evolve through the years. We branched our business to sell equipment, parts, and much more to our local community. In the 80s we added another division to our business focusing on equipment and parts consignment auctions.
We offer bi-monthly consignment auctions held on our 10 acre facility. Our auction primarily focus on selling farm and construction related products and equipment, industrial surplus, lawn and garden, shop and tool. We do not sell household items. We use Hi-Bid as our marketing platform and bidding website to host our online timed auctions. In addition we do offer on-site auctions please contact us @ 360-398-2141 or [email protected] for more questions.
Our auctions are all online timed auctions. Approximately 5 year ago we transitioned to completely online auction auctions, this transition greatly increased our outreach, reaching customers all throughout the county and beyond. Large and hard to move consignments can be sold offsite.
UNRESERVED, RESERVED & CONSIGNMENT AUCTIONS
We do offer various styles of auctions. It depends on the customer. In reserved auctions there is a minimum bid amount needed to secure purchase; however, for an unreserved auction – everything must go no matter the bid – the final big wins.
Typically, these auctions are centered around one client or estate. However, we also have a consignment program for smaller sellers. In an item consignment auction, you can choose to add just a few of your items to our lot or online main events.
Are you looking to clean out and cash out as soon as possible, or are you looking to take your time and have multiple auction events, trying to squeeze the most out of your items?
That is the difference. And again, we can handle either.
We will let you know which type of auction it is. The type of auction is at the discretion of the seller.
During our consignment accepting windows, just bring the consignments to our location @ Meridian Equipment, 5946 Guide Meridian, Bellingham WA, 98226. Our friendly staff will
If you are unsure, please call us first at 360-398-2141. We can give you insights on the procedures prior to you bring equipment in or having it listed in one of our online auctions. You can also fill out our form below to further streamline the process.
The following are items that we do not accept in consignment auctions:
- Nonoperational lawn and garden equipment
- Nonoperational power tools
- Buckets w/ unknown contents
- Mis-matched or worn out tires Less Than 50% Tread
- Oils, paints, chemicals, aerosals, etc.
- Electronics and household items
- Exercise equipment
- Anything else Meridian Equipment deems unsalable or hazardous
In general, we reserve all rights to refuse any auctions. But for consignments especially, It is the consignee’s responsibility to have items packaged and arranged in an orderly fashion when consigned. This helps increase sale value. Items not packaged appropriately for photos and requiring additional sorting are subject to additional fees.
DO NOT Procrastinate as the auction lot does become full and we do refuse consignments. Call ahead the last week at that point you will need prior permission. During check in fill out consignment form completely and accurately with name, address and phone number. This is where payment will be sent to. Meridian Equipment is not responsible for locating consignees who do not provide accurate information.
To hire Meridian Equipment for your next auciton or for more information about the consignment process, please contact us via email at [email protected] or call us at 360-398-2141. We will need to know the details of your items, including the condition, estimated value, and any relevant history. We will also need to know when you would like to auction your items.
AUCTION & CONSIGNMENT SETUP
To hire Meridian Equipment for your next auciton, please contact us via email at [email protected] or call us at 360-398-2141. We will need to know the details of your items, including the condition, estimated value, and any relevant history. We will also need to know when you would like to auction your items.
Yes, we do. In fact, that has been our specialty with the large farm accounts as well. No auction has been too large for us yet. We have the knowledge and experience to get the job done.
We do prefer building for larger event auctions centered around one client; however, depending on the venues we have incoming, and the items you wish to consign, you may select to add them to one of our upcoming auctions or online platforms.
Yes, you can choose to list your items online with us no matter what. If you are wanting to be aggressive in selling your full estate or just some items, we have options for both online and/or onsite.
Depending on the type of auction, Meridian Equipment generally charges a commission of 3%, 15%, or 30% on the hammer price of each item or lot sold. Other lot fees may apply. The full charges will depend on the items being sold, the style of event, and the services being paid for – such as marketing.
Make sure to call us to discuss more.
MARKETING & SETUP
At Meridian Equipment Auctions we are familiar with both traditional and online marketing practices. Depending on your budget, commission rate, and type of auction – we have your event touch thousands of relevant buyers if not more.
We can utilize local and national marketing practices through various media. Some of the most powerful avenues at our disposal are social media and search marketing channels. In addition, we have accumulated large audience lists to send our auctions to directly as well. We are also capable of targeting demographics very precisely depending on who we want to reach and where.
While we assess the value of the auction, we will discuss a marketing budget and strategy with you as well. If you agree to it, we will move forward with a plan of action, and we can report the results directly to you.
The best auction will have a great marketing strategy with proper planning and a proper budget.
We want to get a visual of every piece being auctioned, and we want to be able to have a picture and description of it for the marketing and the website listings. This will help you get the best for your listings.
We will help with all of this. And you will see why you hired us.
CREATING AN ACCOUNT OR REGISTERING
HOW DO I REGISTER AND BID?
BIDDING
You can bid on items at auctio in person, by phone, or online depending on the auction type. You must register regardless. We will provide instructions for each event for you to follow.
WINNING BIDS, PAYMENT METHODS, & RETURNS
If you win an item, you will be responsible for paying the hammer price plus a buyer’s premium of 10%. You will also be responsible for shipping and handling charges. Payment is due within 7 days of the auction or at auction – it depends on the auction style.
Your winning bid is considered a binding contract, and you will be responsible for that item
No. If you win the bid, then you win the item. You will be held liable for that purchase.
We accept cash, check, money order, wire transfer and credit card.
We do not offer a return policy. All sales are final. And items are as is.
SHIPPING
We may ship items at times for online auctions. But only within the continental United States. Shipping charges are calculated based on the weight and destination of the item and will be added to your final bid amount.
INSURANCE, SERVICE, & GUARANTEE
We are committed to providing excellent customer service. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us via email at [email protected] or call us at 360-398-2141.
For each auction, guarantees on items will vary. As a default, we do not offer personal guarantees on items sold, and every item is sold as is. However certain platforms or companies we work with may offer added guarantees. We will note this if it is needed in the event description.
WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MERIDIAN EQUIPMENT AUCTIONS?
Please contact us via email at [email protected] or call us at 360-398-2141 if you have more questions.
We have been doing this for more than 4 decades. We have made our clients very happy. Ask us for a list of references, and we will provide it for your peace of mind.