H&F International Limited – Important Auction Information
Auction Information
All sales commence at 9:00 AM every Tuesday and run for a period of seven (7) days, concluding at 9:00 AM on the seventh day. Lots that meet the reserve price will conclude and be invoiced accordingly. Any additional lots may be extended until 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM that afternoon.
If an auction extends beyond this period, it will continue daily for a further seven (7) days, with lots closing between 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 3:00 PM until the auction fully concludes.
Where a lot has met its reserve, the Auctioneer reserves the right to reduce the remaining auction time to ten (10) minutes and invoice the successful bidder once the lot has ended.
Bids
All bids submitted are valid and binding, including where the reserve price is not met, and may be treated as provisional bids.
Underbidders may be contacted within 24 hours following the close of the auction and offered the lot at their final submitted bid. Any such offer is discretionary and does not constitute a legally binding obligation unless accepted and invoiced by the Auctioneer.
Viewings
Viewings are available up to 24 hours before the auction ends and are strictly by appointment only.
Enquiries and Viewings: 01638 453300 (Option 1)
Delivery (Nationwide)
For delivery quotations, please contact the accounts department. Nationwide delivery is available excluding Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Collections
Following full payment, buyers have five (5) days to collect their vehicle or item. Collections are strictly by appointment only.
Failure to attend with an appointment will result in refusal of entry.
After five (5) days, a one-off £75 + VAT administration charge will apply.
Storage charges of £50 + VAT per day will accrue until collection.
All charges must be paid in full prior to release of any lot.
Collections Contact: 01638 453300 (Option 3)
Business-to-Business Sales Only
All auctions conducted by H&F International Limited are strictly business-to-business transactions. By registering for an auction and placing any bid, the bidder expressly warrants and represents that they are acting in the course of business and not as a consumer. Accordingly, consumer protection legislation, including (without limitation) the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, does not apply. Any attempt to misrepresent consumer status in order to gain access to a trade auction may be treated as fraud and misrepresentation.
Auctioneer Acting as Agent Only
H&F International Limited acts solely as auctioneer and as agent for the seller of each lot. The Auctioneer does not own the lots offered for sale and is not a party to the contract of sale. Any contract for the purchase of a lot is made directly between the buyer and the seller. The Auctioneer accepts no responsibility or liability for any default, omission, or breach by the seller.
Binding Nature of Bids
All bids placed through the bidding platforms are irrevocable and legally binding. By placing a bid, the bidder confirms that they intend to purchase the lot in accordance with the Terms & Conditions and that they have the financial ability to complete the transaction. A bid may constitute a legally enforceable offer and, upon acceptance, forms a binding contract of sale.
Risk and Title
Risk of loss or damage to a lot passes to the buyer at the conclusion of the auction. Legal and beneficial title to the lot shall not pass until full payment of all sums due has been received in cleared funds and collection has been completed in accordance with the Terms & Conditions.
Anti-Money Laundering, Sanctions, and Source of Funds
H&F International Limited is subject to obligations under applicable anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, and sanctions legislation, including (without limitation) the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, the Terrorism Act 2000, and the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (as amended).
The Auctioneer reserves the right, at any time and at its sole discretion, to request information and documentation from any bidder or buyer to verify identity, trade status, ownership and control, and the source of funds used for any transaction. This may include, without limitation, photographic identification, proof of address, company incorporation documents, beneficial ownership information, and evidence of the lawful origin of funds.
Where such information is requested, the bidder or buyer must provide it promptly and to the Auctioneer’s satisfaction. Failure to do so may result in refusal to accept bids, suspension or termination of the bidder’s account, cancellation of any sale, withholding of delivery or collection, or reporting to relevant authorities.
The Auctioneer is under no obligation to disclose whether a suspicious activity report has been made and shall not be liable for any loss or delay arising from compliance with its legal or regulatory obligations.
Payment
Payment is due within 24 hours of the invoice date, being one (1) working day from issue.
Late payment will result in:
A £75 + VAT administration fee;
Interest charged at 5% + VAT per day on the total invoice amount (hammer price and Buyer’s Premium combined);
Storage charges of £50 + VAT per day until full payment is received.
Where an auction is extended beyond seven (7) days, the payment deadline remains 24 hours from invoice issue. Failure to comply will result in late payment charges being applied.
Invoicing
Invoice 1 of 2 covers the hammer price and VAT where applicable.
Invoice 2 of 2 covers the Buyer’s Premium, Buyer’s Surcharge, Administration & Handling Charge, and VAT where applicable.
Invoices are issued within 30 minutes of a lot ending.
Buyers must ensure their account details are accurate prior to bidding. No invoice amendments will be made unless the information is reflected in the bidding account.
Payment Details
Account Holder: H&F International Limited
Bank: HSBC
Account Number: 61873024
Sort Code: 40-16-10
IBAN: GB92HBUK40161061873024
SWIFT: HBUKGB4124D
Payment is strictly by BACS transfer only.
Contact Information
Enquiries: 01638 467000 (Option 1) | auctioninfo@hfinternationalltd.com
Accounts: 01638 467000 (Option 2) | accounts@hfinternationalltd.com
Collections: 01638 467000 (Option 3)
Auctioneers: 01638 467000 (Option 4)
Fred@hfinternationalltd.com | heath@hfinternationalltd.com
Additional Fees and Buyer’s Premium
Buyer’s Premium: 20% + VAT (24% total).
Some selected lots may carry a different Buyer’s Premium. Bidders are responsible for checking each listing prior to bidding and are deemed to have been made aware of all applicable charges before submitting a bid.
Administration & Handling Charge and Buyer’s Surcharge
All lots are subject to a mandatory Administration & Handling Charge of £695 + VAT.
In addition, all applicable lots are subject to a Buyer’s Surcharge calculated at 20% of the hammer price + VAT.
These charges apply in addition to the Buyer’s Premium and form part of the total purchase price payable. Full details are set out in the Lot Description, the “Additional fees” section of the bidding platform, and the Terms & Conditions.
Final Notice
All relevant information is provided within this Important Auction Information and the Terms & Conditions. Any assertion that the information was not seen or read prior to bidding shall constitute the bidder’s own neglect and does not invalidate a legally binding contract formed by placing a bid.
Deposits, Verification, and Account Responsibility
The Auctioneer reserves the right, at its discretion, to request deposits, proof of identity, proof of trade status, or additional verification at any stage. Failure to provide such information may result in cancellation of bids, refusal to complete the sale, or suspension of the bidder’s account. All bids placed through a bidder’s account shall be deemed to have been authorised by the account holder.
Default, Remedies, and Enforcement
Where a buyer fails to pay, collect, or otherwise comply with the Terms & Conditions, the Auctioneer may, without limitation, rescind the sale, resell the lot, recover losses, charge storage, interest, and administrative fees, commence legal proceedings, issue statutory demands, and suspend or terminate the buyer’s bidding privileges.
Descriptions, Images, and Information for Guidance Only
All descriptions, photographs, videos, grades, mileage readings, statements, and other information relating to any lot are provided for guidance purposes only and do not constitute any representation or warranty. Neither the Auctioneer nor the seller warrants the accuracy or completeness of such information, and no reliance should be placed upon it. Any error, omission, or inaccuracy shall not entitle the buyer to rescind the contract or claim damages.
Inspection, Due Diligence, and Road Use Responsibility
It is the sole responsibility of the bidder to inspect the vehicle and carry out all necessary checks, investigations, and due diligence prior to placing a bid. This includes, without limitation, checks as to mechanical condition, safety, roadworthiness, compliance with construction and use regulations, emissions standards, registration status, mileage accuracy, and suitability for use on the public highway. Any decision to drive or otherwise use a vehicle on the public highway following purchase is entirely at the buyer’s risk. The Auctioneer accepts no responsibility or liability for any offence, loss, damage, injury, penalty, or prosecution arising from the buyer’s use of the vehicle, and no recourse shall lie against the Auctioneer in this respect.
Grading System
A grading system is used for mechanical assessment purposes only. Grading details are provided in the Terms & Conditions and within individual lot descriptions and are offered strictly as guidance.
If there is any doubt as to condition, bidders are strongly advised to arrange a viewing prior to bidding.
It is the sole responsibility of the winning bidder to ensure that any vehicle is roadworthy before use on the public highway .
Auctioneer Notes
Where the Auctioneer identifies minor or major issues or wishes to clarify lot details, such information will be stated within the Auctioneer Notes section of the lot description.
Vehicle Condition, Inspection, Risk and Grading – Important Legal Notice
All vehicle lots offered by H&F International Limited are sold strictly on a Business-to-Business basis and are offered and sold “as seen, as lying, as existing, and with all faults” at the time of sale. No vehicle is sold as roadworthy, safe, fit for purpose, or compliant with any statutory, regulatory, or manufacturer requirements unless expressly confirmed in writing by H&F International Limited.
Nothing stated by H&F International Limited, the vendor, or any employee, agent, or representative, whether orally, in writing, electronically, or via any auction platform, shall constitute a warranty, guarantee, undertaking, or representation as to condition, roadworthiness, mileage, history, compliance, merchantability, or suitability for any particular purpose. Any description, photograph, grading, assessment, commentary, or auctioneer remark is provided for guidance only and must not be relied upon.
Bidders are strongly advised, and are deemed to have been given the opportunity, to inspect all vehicle lots prior to bidding, either personally or through a suitably qualified independent agent. Any failure to inspect a vehicle prior to bidding is entirely at the bidder’s own risk and does not give rise to any right of complaint, cancellation, rescission, price adjustment, or claim after the auction.
Upon the fall of the hammer or acceptance of a bid, all risk in the vehicle passes immediately to the buyer. Any decision to start, drive, test, transport, register, insure, repair, modify, or use a vehicle following purchase, including taking the vehicle onto the public highway, is made entirely at the buyer’s sole risk and responsibility. The buyer is solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, insurance requirements, taxation obligations, and safety standards. H&F International Limited accepts no liability whatsoever for any offence, loss, damage, injury, claim, penalty, prosecution, or third-party liability arising from or connected with the buyer’s possession or use of a vehicle.
No recourse shall be available against H&F International Limited or the vendor in respect of the condition, grading, performance, roadworthiness, or legal usability of any vehicle once a bid has been placed and accepted.
Vehicle Grading System (Grades 1, 2 and 3) – Guidance Only
H&F International Limited operates a grading system for vehicle lots for the limited purpose of providing a general mechanical indication only. The grading system is not a condition report, inspection certificate, warranty, guarantee, or confirmation of roadworthiness, safety, or fitness for purpose. It does not replace the buyer’s obligation to conduct their own inspections and due diligence.
Grade 1 – Runner (Guidance Only)
A vehicle graded as Grade 1 is one which, at the time of limited assessment, showed no illuminated dashboard warning lights, no obvious faults identified during a low-speed movement or observation of up to approximately fifteen miles per hour, no visible fluid leaks, and where the gearbox selected gears and the clutch operated. The vehicle started, ran, and moved under its own power at the time observed.
This grade does not indicate that the vehicle is free from defects, mechanically sound, roadworthy, or compliant with legal or safety requirements. Latent, intermittent, electrical, emission-related, or safety-critical faults may exist and may not be apparent at the time of assessment.
Grade 2 – Runner with Known or Potential Faults
Vehicles graded as Grade 2 include, without limitation, vehicles exceeding 100,000 miles, vehicles over three years of age, and vehicles where dashboard warning lights, mechanical faults, oil leaks, electrical issues, or other defects were observed or suspected.
A Grade 2 vehicle may run and move under its own power but must be assumed to require repair, maintenance, investigation, or remedial work. Any limited movement or observation does not constitute a test drive and does not imply reliability, safety, or suitability for use on the public highway.
Grade 3 – Non-Runner / Major Mechanical Faults
Vehicles graded as Grade 3 are identified as having major mechanical faults, which may include faults to the engine, gearbox, clutch, drivetrain, braking system, electrical systems, or other critical components. Such vehicles may not start, may not move under their own power, or may be unsafe to operate.
Grade 3 vehicles must be assumed to require transportation by trailer or recovery vehicle. Any indication that a vehicle starts does not imply that it is capable of being driven, registered, insured, or legally used.
Limitations of the Grading System
The grading system is based solely on limited observation and does not involve dismantling, diagnostic scanning, emissions testing, road testing, or comprehensive mechanical inspection unless expressly stated in writing. Mileage readings, warning lights, vendor statements, third-party reports, and documentation are not warranted and may be inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading.
Grades may not reflect defects that arise after the auction, defects not apparent at the time of assessment, or issues that develop during storage, transportation, or collection.
Buyer Responsibility and Acceptance of Risk
By placing a bid, the buyer expressly acknowledges and accepts the grading system, its limitations, and that the vehicle is purchased entirely at the buyer’s own risk. The buyer further acknowledges that no claim, complaint, rescission, refund, price reduction, or contribution shall be permitted against H&F International Limited or the vendor in respect of grading, condition, performance, roadworthiness, or suitability for use.
The buyer accepts full responsibility for all consequences arising from ownership, possession, transportation, repair, registration, insurance, and use of the vehicle.
Governing Law and Jurisdiction
All auctions, bids, contracts, and disputes arising out of or in connection with them shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction.
Please refer to the terms and conditions for more information