Requirements, Bidding Rules & Fees
A transparent breakdown of what buyers and sellers need, how bidding works, and exactly what you pay — modeled on trusted government-surplus marketplaces.
Buyer Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age and register a free account with a valid email and contact details.
- Provide accurate identity and country information — buyers across the Caribbean and the USA are welcome.
- Understand that every bid is a legally binding offer to purchase at that price.
- All lots are sold as-is, where-is with no warranty — inspect photos, condition notes, and location before bidding.
- Winning buyers must complete payment promptly (within 5 business days of auction close) including the buyer's premium.
- Arrange collection or approved freight/shipping; import duties and customs clearance are the buyer's responsibility.
Seller Requirements
- Sellers are onboarded and approved by CaribSurplus before listing any assets.
- Provide clear title/ownership documentation and authority to sell each asset.
- Describe each lot honestly with accurate condition, specifications, photos, and pickup location.
- Set a starting price, optional reserve, and honor the sale to the winning bidder once the reserve is met.
- Make assets available for buyer inspection and timely collection after payment clears.
- Comply with all applicable US export and local regulations for cross-border sales.
Anti-Sniping Soft Close
If a bid is placed within the final 3 minutes of an auction, the closing time is automatically extended by another 3 minutes. This repeats until no new bids arrive, giving every bidder a fair chance to respond — no last-second sniping.
Bid Increments
The minimum amount your bid must increase scales automatically with the current price:
| Current Price | Minimum Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 – $100 | $5 |
| $100 – $500 | $10 |
| $500 – $1,000 | $25 |
| $1,000 – $5,000 | $50 |
| $5,000 – $10,000 | $100 |
| $10,000 – $25,000 | $250 |
| $25,000 – $50,000 | $500 |
| $50,000+ | $1,000 |
Payment & Fees
9% Buyer's Premium
A 9% buyer's premium is added to every winning bid and shown before you pay. Example: a $10,000 winning bid totals $10,900.
Secure Checkout
Payments are processed through encrypted Stripe checkout directly from your account dashboard once you win.
Payment Window
Full payment (winning bid + premium + any applicable taxes) is due within 5 business days of the auction close.
Collection & Shipping
Most lots are pickup-only. Our team can help coordinate Caribbean freight and customs for eligible items.
All lots are sold as-is, where-is with no warranty expressed or implied. Bids are binding. CaribSurplus facilitates the marketplace; buyers are responsible for verifying condition, arranging collection, and covering any duties or taxes. Please review our Terms & Disclaimers in full before bidding.
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