TERMS AND CONDITIONS
CITY OF AMES ONLINE AUCTION SALES
1. Terms of Sale: By participating in this online auction, buyer agrees to the terms and conditions detailed below.
a. Eligibility to bid - This auction site is only available to people who are legally able to form binding contracts as the buyer of an auction item. If you are under the age of 18 or otherwise do not meet these requirements, you are not eligible to use this auction service.
b. Payment - may be made by cash, money order, or cashier's check payable to the City of Ames.
c. ID - Winning bidder must produce valid photo identification at the time of payment and pick up of goods purchased, even if paying cash.
d. Confirmation - At the time of payment, buyer shall present City with a copy of City's e-mail notification to buyer that he/she is the successful bidder for that item and all such e-mail notifications presented by buyers is subject to confirmation by the City.
e. Payment Deadline - All payments must be made within 10 business days (excluding City holidays) of the close of the auction at which the item being paid for was sold.
f. Place of Payment - Unless otherwise noted in the description of the item sold, payments shall be made at the City of Ames, Finance Department, 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, Iowa 50010, Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
2. No Warranty - All items being auctioned online are sold "As Is - Where Is" with no warranty either express or implied. All sales are final - No Refunds. Buyer is responsible for inspecting items offered online and all bids must be based solely on the buyer's personal inspection and evaluation of the item. Inspection times for items on sale are posted along with that item's description.
3. Contract - At the time an auction item is awarded to a bidder, a legally binding contract is established between the City of Ames and the bidder. The city of Ames will pursue legal remedies allowed by law against any bidder who fails to make required payment(s).
4. Item Pick Up - All items sold via online auctions must be picked up by the winning bidder at the City of Ames location indicated in the item's description. Buyer must pick up the items within 10 business days (excluding City holidays) of the auction at which those items were sold or the City has the right to re-list the items for sale or dispose of the items by any lawful means. Buyers must allow sufficient time to load purchases on to their vehicles before close of business for the City location at which such items are being picked up. Pick up hours for the City location indicated for that item is posted alongside details for that item.
5. Shipping - Successful bidder shall arrange for packaging, pickup, insurance, and delivery with a carrier of your choice.
6. The City of Ames reserves the right to withdraw any item from the sale up until the time the sale of the item is awarded.
7. Bid Deposits. City of Ames will require bid deposits on items over $500 in order to ensure fairness and equity to all buyers as a way to decrease default bidding. The deposit will be reversed if no default occurs or the bidder does not win the auction. Public Surplus will collect and retain the deposit if there is a default by the winning bidder.