What are the BRC requirements when buying by auction or private sale?
If the auctioneer is a business engaged in auctions and will receive payment from the buyer, the contracting agency must obtain proof of business registration from the auctioneer in advance of the auction. If an auction is privately run (i.e., by the seller) who is not in the business of selling the goods (i.e., a private sale), then proof of registration is not needed. If the seller through an auction is a business and payment is made to the business (not the auctioneer), proof of registration is required from the seller prior to the sale being consummated. The general principle is that if the seller (person who receives payment from the contracting agency) is in the business of selling the item being purchased, proof is required.
