Terms & Conditions
REALTRADE ONLINE AUCTION HOUSE
TERMS & CONDITIONS AND RULES OF AUCTION
Effective Date: 11 August 2026
Welcome to RealTrade Online Auction House.
These Terms & Conditions and Rules of Auction govern the registration, bidding, purchasing, payment, collection and use of the RealTrade online auction platform.
By registering for an account, placing a bid, participating in an auction or purchasing an auction item, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.
1. ABOUT REALTRADE
1.1. RealTrade Online Auction House operates an online auction platform through which RealTrade offers goods for sale by auction.
1.2. Only RealTrade may list and sell goods through the RealTrade auction platform. Third-party users may not list, advertise or sell their own goods through the platform unless expressly authorised by RealTrade.
1.3. RealTrade reserves the right to determine which goods are offered for auction and to determine the applicable auction format, starting price, reserve price where applicable, closing time and other auction conditions.
2. REGISTRATION
2.1. Only registered users may participate in RealTrade auctions.
2.2. A user must provide accurate and complete information when registering.
2.3. RealTrade may require reasonable information or verification before allowing a user to participate in an auction.
2.4. Each registered user is responsible for activity conducted through their account.
2.5. Users must not create multiple accounts for the purpose of manipulating an auction or circumventing an account restriction.
2.6. RealTrade reserves the right to suspend or terminate an account where there has been a breach of these Terms & Conditions, fraudulent activity, auction manipulation, non-payment or other improper conduct.
3. WHO MAY BID
3.1. Only registered RealTrade users may place bids.
3.2. A bid submitted by an unregistered person is not valid.
3.3. By placing a bid, the bidder confirms that they have the authority and legal capacity to enter into the transaction.
3.4. The bidder is responsible for all bids placed through their account.
4. THE AUCTION LISTING
4.1. Each auction item will have an individual listing containing information relevant to that item.
4.2. The listing may include:
Item name;
Photographs;
Description;
Condition;
Known defects;
Damage;
Missing components;
Accessories included;
Whether the item has been tested;
Whether the item is working or non-working;
Specifications where available;
Starting bid;
Reserve price where applicable;
Auction closing date and time; and
Any other information RealTrade considers relevant.
4.3. The individual item listing forms an important part of the auction.
4.4. Bidders are responsible for reading the complete item listing before placing a bid.
4.5. Where RealTrade is aware of a material defect, damage, missing component or other relevant condition, it will be disclosed in the item listing where reasonably applicable.
4.6. Photographs form part of the item’s description but may not show every minor mark, scratch, blemish or sign of wear.
5. ITEM CONDITION – VOETSTOOTS / AS IS
5.1. All auction goods are sold voetstoots (“as is”), in the condition disclosed in the applicable auction listing, subject to applicable South African law.
5.2. RealTrade does not provide a general warranty on auction goods.
5.3. Unless otherwise required by applicable law, bidders should not assume that an auction item is new, unused, fully operational, complete or free from defects.
5.4. Items may be offered in a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
New;
Used;
Pre-owned;
Tested and working;
Untested;
Defective;
Damaged;
For repair;
For parts;
Incomplete; or
Other conditions specifically disclosed in the listing.
5.5. Where an item has a known defect, damage or limitation, the relevant information will be included in the item description to the extent reasonably applicable.
5.6. A bidder who places a bid acknowledges that they have considered the item’s disclosed condition before bidding.
5.7. Bidders must not rely on assumptions about an item’s condition. The auction listing and any available inspection opportunity must be considered before bidding.
5.8. Where an item is clearly described as defective, damaged, incomplete, untested, for repair, for parts or otherwise sold in a specified condition, the bidder accepts that disclosed condition when placing a bid.
5.9. RealTrade encourages bidders to request clarification before bidding if they do not understand any part of an item’s description.
5.10. Nothing in these Terms & Conditions is intended to exclude or waive any consumer right or legal remedy that cannot lawfully be excluded under South African law.
6. INSPECTION
6.1. Where physical inspection is available, bidders are encouraged to inspect an item before placing a bid.
6.2. RealTrade may specify inspection dates, times and locations for particular auctions or items.
6.3. A bidder who chooses not to inspect an item remains responsible for reviewing the available listing information before bidding.
6.4. The applicable auction arrangements will specify where and when inspection is available.
6.5. The South African auction regulations provide for consumers to be given a reasonable opportunity to inspect goods before an auction, subject to the applicable auction arrangements and rules.
7. BIDS
7.1. A bid constitutes an offer by the bidder to purchase the applicable item at the bid amount submitted.
7.2. All bids are binding.
7.3. A bidder may not withdraw a bid merely because they:
Changed their mind;
Entered the wrong amount;
No longer want the item;
Found another item;
Failed to read the description;
Failed to inspect the item; or
Did not properly consider the item’s condition before bidding.
7.4. Bidders must carefully check the bid amount before submitting their bid.
7.5. RealTrade may investigate and take appropriate action regarding bids affected by technical errors, fraudulent activity, manipulation or other circumstances that compromise the integrity of an auction.
8. AUCTION CLOSING AND WINNING BID
8.1. The auction will close at the date and time displayed on the applicable auction listing.
8.2. Subject to any applicable reserve price and the applicable auction rules, the highest valid bid at the conclusion of the auction will be regarded as the winning bid.
8.3. The winning bidder becomes responsible for completing the purchase in accordance with these Terms & Conditions.
8.4. RealTrade will notify the successful bidder using the contact details associated with their account.
8.5. Where a reserve price applies, the highest bid may not result in a completed sale if the applicable reserve has not been met.
9. RESERVE AUCTIONS
9.1. Certain auctions may be conducted subject to a reserve price.
9.2. Where applicable, the auction listing will indicate that a reserve applies.
9.3. RealTrade reserves the right not to complete a sale where the applicable reserve has not been met, subject to applicable law and the published auction rules.
10. PAYMENT
10.1. Payment must be received in full before an auction item will be shipped or released for collection.
10.2. Payment instructions will be provided to the successful bidder.
10.3. RealTrade may require payment to clear and be verified before releasing an item.
10.4. Proof of payment does not necessarily constitute cleared payment.
10.5. Items will not be released for collection or shipped until RealTrade has confirmed receipt of the required payment.
11. FAILURE TO PAY
11.1. Winning an auction creates an obligation to pay for the item.
11.2. If a winning bidder fails to make payment within the required period, RealTrade may cancel the transaction and take appropriate action.
11.3. Such action may include:
Cancelling the winning bid;
Relisting the item;
Restricting the user’s account;
Suspending the user’s account;
Cancelling the user’s registration; and/or
Permanently preventing the user from participating in future RealTrade auctions.
11.4. A user whose winning bids remain unpaid may have their RealTrade registration revoked.
11.5. Repeated failure to pay may result in permanent removal from the RealTrade auction platform.
12. SHIPPING
12.1. Shipping is available where offered by RealTrade for the applicable item.
12.2. Shipping charges will be communicated to the successful bidder.
12.3. Full payment must be received before an item is shipped.
12.4. The bidder is responsible for providing correct delivery information.
12.5. RealTrade is not responsible for delays caused by incorrect or incomplete delivery information supplied by the buyer.
12.6. Shipping times may vary depending on the courier, destination, item size, weight and other circumstances.
13. COLLECTION
13.1. Where collection is available, the buyer may collect the item after full payment has been received and verified.
13.2. The buyer may be required to provide suitable identification and proof of purchase or payment.
13.3. Collection arrangements, location and applicable collection times will be communicated by RealTrade.
13.4. Buyers are responsible for ensuring that they have suitable transport and equipment where an item requires specialised handling, loading or transportation.
14. RETURNS, REFUNDS AND CHANGES OF MIND
14.1. RealTrade operates an auction model and not a conventional retail-store sales model.
14.2. A successful bidder may not request a cancellation, return or refund simply because they have changed their mind or no longer want the item.
14.3. A bidder is responsible for carefully reviewing the item’s listing and disclosed condition before bidding.
14.4. An item that was accurately described and whose relevant defects or condition were disclosed in the auction listing will not become returnable merely because the successful bidder subsequently dislikes the condition of the item.
14.5. Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes, restricts or waives any right or remedy that applicable South African law requires RealTrade to provide.
15. NO GENERAL WARRANTY
15.1. RealTrade does not offer a general warranty on auction items.
15.2. Unless expressly required by applicable law, no warranty is provided regarding:
Future performance;
Remaining lifespan;
Continued operation;
Battery life;
Cosmetic condition beyond the disclosed description;
Compatibility with other equipment;
Suitability for a particular purpose; or
Any condition not represented by RealTrade.
15.3. The bidder is responsible for determining whether an item is suitable for their intended use before placing a bid.
16. PROHIBITED BIDDING CONDUCT
Users may not:
16.1. Place bids with no intention of paying.
16.2. Manipulate auction prices.
16.3. Use multiple accounts to manipulate bidding.
16.4. Bid using another person’s account without authorisation.
16.5. Attempt to interfere with the operation of the auction platform.
16.6. Submit fraudulent or misleading information.
16.7. Attempt to circumvent a suspension or registration revocation.
16.8. Engage in any conduct intended to unfairly influence the outcome of an auction.
17. TECHNICAL PROBLEMS
17.1. RealTrade makes reasonable efforts to maintain the availability and operation of its online auction platform.
17.2. RealTrade cannot guarantee that the website or auction platform will always operate without interruption.
17.3. Internet connectivity, telecommunications failures, hosting problems, device failures, browser problems and other technical circumstances may prevent a bidder from placing a bid.
17.4. Bidders are responsible for ensuring that they have a reliable internet connection and suitable device when participating in an auction.
17.5. Where a technical problem materially affects an auction, RealTrade may, where reasonably necessary, suspend, extend, cancel or restart the affected auction.
18. AUCTION RECORDS
18.1. RealTrade will maintain appropriate records relating to its auctions.
18.2. Such records may include information concerning:
The auction;
Registered bidders;
Items offered;
Winning bidders;
Winning bids;
Sale prices;
Items withdrawn or unsold;
Reserve prices where applicable; and
Challenges or disputes relating to the auction.
18.3. South African auction regulations provide for an auctioneer’s vendor roll and related auction records.
19. ACCOUNT SUSPENSION AND TERMINATION
19.1. RealTrade may suspend or terminate an account where a user breaches these Terms & Conditions.
19.2. Grounds for suspension or termination may include:
Non-payment;
Fraud;
Auction manipulation;
Misuse of the platform;
Providing false information;
Abuse of staff or other users;
Attempting to circumvent a suspension; or
Repeated breaches of the auction rules.
19.3. Where a registration is revoked, the user may no longer participate in RealTrade auctions unless RealTrade expressly permits the account to be reinstated.
20. PERSONAL INFORMATION
20.1. RealTrade will process customer information in accordance with applicable South African privacy and data-protection laws.
20.2. Personal information may be used for purposes including:
Account registration;
Auction administration;
Payment processing;
Shipping;
Collection;
Customer communication;
Customer support;
Fraud prevention; and
Legal and regulatory compliance.
21. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
21.1. RealTrade’s name, logo, branding, website design, photographs, graphics, written content and other intellectual property may not be copied, reproduced, modified or commercially used without permission.
22. FRAUD AND UNLAWFUL ACTIVITY
22.1. RealTrade reserves the right to investigate suspected fraudulent or unlawful activity.
22.2. Where appropriate, RealTrade may suspend an account, cancel transactions, preserve relevant records and report suspected unlawful activity to the appropriate authorities.
23. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
23.1. RealTrade will take reasonable steps to operate its auction platform and provide accurate item information.
23.2. RealTrade cannot guarantee that every auction listing will contain every possible characteristic, defect or condition of an item, particularly where such condition was not reasonably known or detectable.
23.3. Bidders are therefore encouraged to review the complete listing and make use of any available inspection opportunity before bidding.
23.4. Nothing in these Terms & Conditions limits liability or excludes rights where such limitation or exclusion is prohibited by South African law.
24. CHANGES TO AUCTION RULES
24.1. RealTrade may update these Terms & Conditions and Rules of Auction from time to time.
24.2. The current version will be made available through the RealTrade website.
24.3. Where an auction has already commenced, RealTrade will not materially change the rules governing that auction in a manner that unfairly prejudices participating bidders, except where required to correct an error, comply with law or protect the integrity of the auction.
25. GOVERNING LAW
25.1. These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.
25.2. Any dispute relating to RealTrade, its auctions, purchases or these Terms & Conditions will be dealt with in accordance with applicable South African law.
26. ACCEPTANCE
By registering for a RealTrade account, placing a bid, participating in an auction or purchasing an auction item, the user confirms that they have:
Read these Terms & Conditions;
Read the applicable auction listing;
Considered the condition of the item;
Considered any disclosed defects or limitations;
Considered any available inspection opportunity; and
Agreed to be bound by these Terms & Conditions and the applicable Rules of Auction.
REALTRADE ONLINE AUCTION HOUSE
All goods are auctioned in their disclosed condition. Bid responsibly. Read the description. Inspect where possible. Know what you are bidding on.
