How iBiD Works: all four process guides
Your iBiD auction buying process
Find an event → inspect the lot → calculate total cost → register and obtain required approval → bid → confirm the award and pay → collect and install.
Ask iBiD about event availability and use the registration route identified for that event. This guide is not an open bidding catalog. A store account, saved item or inquiry does not mean you are approved to bid.
Auction learning center · All machinery guides · Ask iBiD a question
When buying used woodworking machinery at auction, choose a machine that fits your work, then check whether its condition, total cost and removal requirements fit your budget and schedule. The winning bid is only one part of the purchase.
1. Read the event and lot information
Confirm the sale location, closing date and time zone, inspection arrangements, payment deadline and final removal date. Read any reserve, approval, bidding-extension and bid-increment rules. Determine whether your bid applies to the complete lot or is multiplied by a stated quantity. Resolve conflicting descriptions and missing terms with iBiD before bidding.
2. Research and inspect
Use the model library and machine-type guides to prepare questions. Verify the actual lot’s serial number, options, utilities and condition. Ask about missing guards, tooling, software transfer, service support and testing limitations. Arrange an inspection or independent specialist review when available. A photo or generic specification does not prove the condition or capability of that machine. Use the inspection checklist.
3. Set an all-in budget
iBiD’s 15% buyer’s fee is added to your winning bid. A $10,000 winning bid has a $1,500 buyer’s fee, making $11,500 before tax and other costs. Allow for inspection, dismantling, rigging, loading, freight, insurance, unloading, repairs, installation, utilities and commissioning. Obtain removal quotes before committing, especially when pickup deadlines are tight. See fee and maximum-bid examples.
4. Register through the event’s instructions
Check the event’s registration and approval requirements, accepted payment methods, any deposit and any identity or resale-document requirements. Approval for one event may not establish eligibility for another. Do not assume a general store account is an approved bidder account. Use only the bidding route identified for that event; a project inquiry is not a bid.
5. Bid within your limit
Understand whether the event supports maximum/proxy bids, extensions or other bidding rules before using them. Recheck the lot number and quantity before confirming a bid. Do not assume a bid can be withdrawn or that the first displayed closing time is final. Save the lot description and event terms that informed your decision.
6. Confirm the award and payment instructions
Check the final award or invoice for the lot, quantity, winning bid, 15% fee, tax and any disclosed charges. Resolve discrepancies before sending funds. Independently verify unexpected changes to payment instructions using a known iBiD contact. Obtain the required release confirmation before sending a carrier.
7. Coordinate pickup and installation
Book the required pickup appointment, confirm contractor access and insurance, and provide the lot and release details. Check accessories and condition at collection and document any discrepancy promptly through the event’s contact process. Plan safe unloading and installation at your facility before the truck departs. Review the decommissioning and rigging guide.
Before committing: Read the terms for the specific auction and lot, and resolve missing or conflicting details with iBiD in writing. This guide explains preparation; it does not set payment deadlines, pickup dates, deposit rules, warranties, or other event terms.
iBiD Machinery · Updated October 14, 2026
Ready-to-bid checklist
- Correct lot, quantity basis, included items and condition checked.
- Inspection completed or testing limitations understood.
- Maximum bid includes the 15% buyer’s fee plus applicable tax and other costs.
- Registration submitted and any required bidder approval confirmed.
- Reserve, closing/extension rules, payment deadline and deposit terms reviewed.
- Rigging and freight quotes, site restrictions and removal deadline confirmed.
- After award: invoice checked, payment/release confirmed and pickup booked.