Clearing Sale

clearing saleClearing Sale: If you are travelling and staying in a country region and want a great day out, keep an eye out in the local papers for a Clearing Sale. These are fantastic social occasions and cheap if you don’t start buying. On this occasion, we were heading to one on a property called “Avonside” in NSW and had to travel some way, so we decided to stay at the Buckley’s Crossing Hotel nearby.

The Crossing is an entry point to the magnificent Snowy Mountains, and staying at the Pub would allow us to be at the sale nice and early. Getting to a sale early will enable you to look over the items before the sale begins. It also meant spending a fantastic night at a wonderful local pub.

clearing saleWhat is a Clearing Sale

A clearing sale is an auction sale of farm equipment held on the farm or station property. Anything and everything is for sale, from large machinery such as harvesters, tools, implements, utes, motorbikes, and 4-wheelers. Tractors, tools for the workshop, household items, and collectable items that may have lain around for years. For the archaeologists amongst us, this massive display of personal effects and work items provides some insight into what the property ran and a glimpse into the life of the owners.

clearing saleI used to think auctioneers spoke quickly because they would earn more money. However, that is not entirely true… I have found that they talk fast to keep the bidding alive and exciting because people would lose interest if it were slow and tedious. The guys selling at “Avonside” in this sale in the Snowy Mountains kept the crowd laughing whilst the bidding flew thick and fast, and it was a lot of fun.

Bargains are there for the taking. In most cases, the machinery and farm equipment are in good condition and ready for use. It makes for a great day out, and you can chat, meet locals, and buy more junk for the home. Beware! What you buy is removed that day. So no point in buying stuff that won’t fit in the car or ute.

Antiques

These days you can spot the antique dealers who attend a big clearing sale, mainly when lots of old furniture, collectables and knick knacks are advertised. They will be the people bidding on everything old and antique looking. Buying antiques is more challenging than it sounds. You need to know what to buy and how much to spend. The selling at a clearing sale can sometimes be like eBay auctions. People get a bee in their bonnet, and quite an insane bidding can take place. For instance, I remember watching a couple of buyers bidding on Sunshine Milk tins in Tasmania many years ago. That’s right, old containers with no labels and many with no lids. The lot of 10 empty tins sold for $20!

Generally, a clearing sale is strictly cash. On arrival you will register, and assigned a bidders number. To get your number, you will need to provide your ID so you can be verified. If you are going to pay by cheque for larger items (a tractor for $20,000). Then the items’ possession is upon cheque clearance. You will need to speak with the auctioneers before bidding.