What Is a Clearing Sale? A Guide for Buyers and Sellers

A clearing sale is an auction of all or most of a farm's plant, equipment and sundries. It is one of the oldest traditions in Australian agriculture, and for buyers it is often the best place to find well-kept machinery and useful gear at fair prices.

Why clearing sales are held

• A farmer is retiring or selling the property.
• A farm is changing enterprise, for example from cropping to livestock.
• An estate is being settled.
• A business is upgrading and clearing out surplus equipment.

What you will find

Anything from tractors, headers, trucks and trailers down to workshop tools, water tanks, fencing supplies, livestock yards and household items. Smaller lots are often grouped together, and many are sold as-is, where-is.

How an online clearing sale works

Traditionally buyers gathered on the farm on sale day. Online, every lot is catalogued with photos and a description ahead of time, so buyers anywhere in Australia can inspect the catalogue, ask questions and bid from a phone or computer. Many sales still offer an inspection day on the property.

Each lot may have a reserve, the lowest price the seller will accept. If bidding reaches it, the lot sells to the highest bidder. If not, the lot is passed in. On AuctionsNOW, passed-in lots stay listed after the sale with their highest bid shown, and buyers can keep making offers.

Tips for buyers

• Go through the catalogue early and shortlist the lots you want.
• Inspect on the viewing day if you can, or ask for extra photos and videos.
• Check the collection dates. Clearing sale lots usually have to be removed from the farm within a set window.
• Bring or book suitable loading equipment and transport.
• Remember the buyer's premium and GST when you set your limit.

Tips for sellers

• Start planning a few months out. Good sales are timed around the seasons, when buyers have cash and need gear.
• Clean and service the major items. Presentation makes a real difference to price.
• Gather service records, manuals and keys for each machine.
• Group small items into sensible lots.

Listing is free for sellers. Buyers pay a 5% buyer's premium plus GST on top of the price when they buy.

See upcoming and past auctions, or talk to us about running a clearing sale.