FAQ’s
GENERAL AUCTION FAQS
Roadhouse Collectable Auctions (RCA) is an auction house – specialising in vintage, rare, and collectable items. We offer both online and live auctions to help buyers and sellers connect securely and efficiently.
In a timed auction, items are listed with a countdown timer. Bidders place bids until the timer runs out. The highest bid when time expires wins the item.
Yes. RCA hosts live auctions at our premises and, in some cases, on-location at vendor premises. These are also streamed online at the same time where applicable.
Yes, anyone over the age of 18 with valid identification can register to bid.
No, registration is free. However, a valid credit card may be required for security purposes as per our terms and conditions. If you do not have a credit card, please contact the office for assistance in registering.
You must provide your full name, contact information, and a valid payment method.
No. Once registered, you can use your account to participate in all upcoming RCA auctions.
We specialise in vintage signs, petrol memorabilia, collectable tins, advertising pieces, classic automotive items, railway items, militaria and more.
You can subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on social media, or check our website regularly.
Yes, viewing days are offered for most of our auctions, usually including the morning of auction day. Details will be available in the auction listing. Inspections must conclude once the auction has started.
BUYER-RELATED FAQS
Simply log in to your account, view the item listing, and enter your bid.
No. All bids are final and legally binding once placed.
A maximum bid is the highest amount you’re willing to pay. The system automatically increases your bid incrementally only if another bid is placed, so you automatically stay ahead until your max bid is reached.
You will receive an invoice and payment instructions. You are obligated to pay within the specified time frame.
It’s an additional percentage charged on top of the winning bid. This fee is displayed for each individual auction listing.
Yes, all prices include GST where applicable.
We accept direct deposit, credit card (subject to limits and fees), and other approved payment methods outlined on your invoice.
Yes, bank transfer is often the preferred method.
Invoices are sent shortly after the auction concludes.
You’ll be contacted to resolve the issue. A failure to pay may result in cancellation, penalties, and being banned from future auctions. We will work with you to resolve any payment issues.
Not always, but RCA reserves the right to request a deposit on high-value items.
Yes, but they must include your invoice number and details when making the payment. We will also call you to confirm.
You may lose the item, incur late fees, and be restricted from future auctions.
Yes, interest or administrative fees may apply as outlined in our terms and conditions.
Once full payment is received, we will arrange pickup by you, a courier, or postage as per your instructions.
Yes. Collection times and location will be provided to you.
Yes, but RCA must be informed in advance and chain-of-custody must be maintained.
Depending on the item and destination, international shipping is certainly available. Contact us for a quote.
No. Buyers must arrange their own insurance. RCA is not liable for loss or damage in transit locally, interstate or internationally.
RCA takes care in packing, but responsibility lies with the courier. Claims must be made with the courier service.
No. All sales are final unless otherwise stated.
Contact RCA within 48 hours of receipt. We’ll investigate and respond accordingly.
Email us with full details and supporting evidence. We aim to resolve all issues fairly and promptly.
Yes. Contact us in advance to arrange absentee or phone bidding. Conditions apply.
In the event of a technical issue, RCA reserves the right to cancel, pause, reschedule, or extend the auction to ensure fairness and to protect our vendor.
SELLER / CONSIGNOR FAQS
Contact us via email or via our online form. We will discuss your items and arrange consignment terms with you.
Vintage, antique, and collectable items including signage, advertising, petrol and oil related items, automobilia, and grocery shop related memorabilia. No dangerous or prohibited/illegal items.
Usually yes. We assess value case-by-case to ensure auction viability. It does not hurt to ask us the question.
We offer both options depending on location, value and item quantity.
Yes, live onsite auctions can be arranged. Conditions apply.
Commission varies by item type and value. Contact us to discuss rates applicable to your goods to be auctioned.
Yes, it is possible and usually only for valuable items, to protect our vendor. This must be confirmed by us in writing prior to us accepting the goods to be auctioned.
Unsold items can be returned to the vendor or relisted, subject to agreement.
No. Once listed, items must remain available for the scheduled auction.
Three business days after the auction ends and only after buyer payment is received.
Yes. We provide access to watch live auctions online.
RCA manages this to ensure professional and consistent listings.
Yes. We use social media, our mailing list, and various collector networks.
We specialise in large collections and can assist with valuation, transport, and marketing.
No. We welcome private sellers and collectors.
Please notify us immediately. RCA reserves the right to amend listings or withdraw items if needed.
LEGAL, SECURITY & PRIVACY
Yes. We comply with the Australian Privacy Act and only use your data for auction purposes. We will never sell your information.
Yes. RCA adheres to all relevant legislation and industry standards.
Shill bidding (fake or insider bidding) is strictly prohibited. We monitor and act against fraudulent activity.
Your details are private to RCA, but all bidders must be verified. As a consignor, you can not bid on your own items.
Items are described to the best of our knowledge. Authenticity is not always guaranteed unless explicitly stated, however we pride ourselves in understanding the difference with most items and will advise accordingly in our lot description.
Condition descriptions and photos are provided. Certificates are included where available. Costs may be added – if we are required to use an external valuer for example. This is only done with your permission before the auction.
Roadhouse Collectable Auctions (RCA) takes the integrity of our auctions seriously. All bidding activity is monitored, and any suspicious or fraudulent behaviour is subject to investigation. RCA reserves the right to:
- Cancel bids that are deemed to be placed dishonestly or manipulatively;
- Suspend or terminate user accounts involved in fraudulent activity;
- Charge full commission fees if a vendor is found to have bid on and won their own item;
- Take further action where necessary, including reporting serious misconduct to relevant authorities.
Our aim is to ensure a fair and transparent bidding environment for RCA clients.
Yes. Participation in any auction implies agreement to our full terms.
It is available by clicking here or upon request via email.