How to Buy Restaurant Equipment
in Our Online Auctions
STEP 1 – REGISTER
To participate in any Main Auction Services online restaurant equipment auction, you must first register for a bidder account.
Click the “Register” button at the top right of the website and complete the registration form. Once approved, your bidder number will be emailed to you for use in all current and future auctions.
Before registering, please review:
General Terms of Sale
Sale-Specific Terms posted on each auction page
A valid credit card is required to complete registration.
If you plan to spend more than $10,000, contact the auctioneer in advance to ensure there are no interruptions to your bidding privileges.
🔗 Want to see what’s available this week?
Browse our Current Restaurant Equipment Auctions.
STEP 2 – VIEW ITEMS
You can explore all available items by clicking “Current Auctions” under the Auctions menu.
Helpful tools while browsing:
Use the Keyword Search bar to find specific equipment such as Hobart mixers, Vulcan ovens, True refrigerators, etc.
Click your browser’s Refresh / Reload button to view the most up-to-date bidding activity.
During auction closing, select “Items Still Open for Bidding” to hide sold items and focus only on active listings.
🔗 Looking for equipment from specific manufacturers?
Visit our new Restaurant Equipment Brands page.
STEP 3 – BID
You can place bids in two different ways:
1. Standard Bid
Enter your amount under “Your Bid”.
This becomes your current and final bid unless someone outbids you.
2. Maximum Bid (Recommended)
Enter the maximum amount you are willing to pay under “Your Maximum.”
The system will:
Start your bid at the lowest allowed increment
Automatically increase your bid only when necessary
Protect your bid up to your max limit
This gives you a better chance of winning without constantly monitoring the auction.
After entering your bids, scroll to the bottom of the page, enter your Bid Number and Password, then click “Submit Bids.”
You will be asked to confirm your bids before they are placed.
Important Bidding Notes
Items typically close at 2–4 lots per minute, depending on the auction.
If a bid is placed within the final minutes of closing, the item will receive a 3–5 minute extension (soft close).
If you’re outbid, you’ll receive an automatic email alert.
You may enter multiple bids on the same page, but changing pages before clicking “Submit Bids” will clear all your bids.
STEP 4 – PAY
Your credit card will NOT be charged automatically after the auction ends.
We accept the following payment methods:
Money Order
Cashier’s Check
Visa / MasterCard / Discover (in-person or by phone)
A 13% buyer’s premium applies (may vary by auction), plus state sales tax unless you provide a valid resale certificatebefore the auction ends.
Payments over $10,000 must be made by cashier’s check or wire transfer and must be received by the next business day after the auction.
Unpaid invoices may be automatically charged to the card on file.
Failure to pay results in:
Permanent ban from all future auctions
Legal collection actions
🔗 For state sales tax rules, see the Texas Comptroller’s Tax Guide:
STEP 5 – PICKUP
Pickup times and instructions are posted on each auction page.
Pickup appointments are mandatory.
If you want Main Auction Services to handle packaging, crating, or shipping, contact the auctioneer before making payment so the shipping cost can be added to your invoice.
If you’re buying from outside the area:
You may send a third-party shipping company
We offer limited loading assistance
You are responsible for providing your own crew, straps, tools, and packing materials
All items must be removed during the posted checkout times. Items left beyond the deadline may incur storage fees.
🔗 Having equipment shipped?
Ask about our packaging & handling services available for select items.
What Our Auction Buyers & Sellers Are Saying
From restaurant owners to equipment resellers, our clients trust Main Auction Services for reliable, hassle-free online auctions. Here’s what they have to say about their experience.
