Posting a vague notice about an upcoming auction and watching confusion pile up in your inbox is a special kind of pain. Someone asks what’s being sold. Someone else wants to know if they need to register. A third person missed the date entirely because the original message buried it under three paragraphs of preamble.
A well-written auction notice does the opposite. It gives people exactly what they need to show up ready, bid with confidence, and walk away without questions. The format is simple. The information is specific. And the tone makes it easy to trust.
Whether you’re handling a government surplus sale, an estate auction, a charity fundraiser, or an online liquidation, these 15 samples cover the range. Adapt freely.
Auction Notice Samples
Each sample below is ready to use as-is or with light edits for your specific context. The mix covers formal and friendly, short and detailed, print-ready and digital.
1. General public auction notice
NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION
Notice is hereby given that a public auction will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m., at the Greenfield County Fairgrounds, 4400 Route 9, Springfield.
Items available for bidding include farm equipment, commercial kitchen appliances, surplus office furniture, and assorted tools. All items will be available for preview on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. on auction day. A valid government-issued photo ID is required to register. A 10% buyer’s premium will apply to all winning bids. Payment is due in full by 5:00 p.m. on the day of the sale. Accepted forms of payment include cash, certified check, and major credit cards.
Items are sold as-is, where-is. All sales are final.
For a full item list and additional details, visit www.greenfieldauctions.com or call (413) 555-0192.
Greenfield County Surplus Division
47 Administration Plaza, Suite 3
Springfield, MA 01101
2. Estate auction notice
ESTATE AUCTION — FULL CONTENTS OF THE HARMON RESIDENCE
On behalf of the Estate of Margaret R. Harmon, a complete estate auction will take place on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. The auction will be held at 822 Maple Ridge Drive, Cedarville.
The sale includes antique furniture, fine china, a collection of oil paintings, sterling silver flatware, vintage jewelry, a grand piano, and thousands of books. Additional household items will be offered throughout the day.
Preview hours are Saturday, September 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sunday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Bidder numbers will be issued at the door. No pre-registration is required.
All items are sold as-is. The estate and its representatives make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding any item. A 12% buyer’s premium applies. Payment by cash or check only. No credit cards accepted at this sale.
Inquiries may be directed to Harmon Estate Executors at (304) 555-0378.
3. Online auction notice
ONLINE AUCTION NOW OPEN: INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT LIQUIDATION
Bidding is now live for the complete liquidation of Strata Manufacturing Co., formerly located in Raleigh, North Carolina. All items are available for online bidding through August 29, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time. The sale closes lot by lot on a rolling five-minute extension basis.
Available lots include CNC machinery, industrial presses, conveyor systems, forklifts, and warehouse shelving. A full catalog with photos, measurements, and condition reports is available at www.strataindustrialauction.com.
Registered bidders may inspect items in person at 1100 Strata Industrial Parkway, Raleigh, on August 22 and 23, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Inspection is strongly encouraged for large equipment.
To participate, create a bidder account at the link above and submit a $500 refundable deposit by August 20, 2025. A 15% buyer’s premium will be added to all winning bids. Successful bidders will receive removal instructions by email within 48 hours of sale close. All items must be removed by September 12, 2025.
For assistance, contact Apex Liquidation Services at info@apexliquidation.com or (919) 555-0241.
4. Government surplus auction notice
NOTICE OF COUNTY SURPLUS PROPERTY AUCTION
Mercer County Department of General Services
Mercer County will conduct a public surplus property auction on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the County Vehicle Maintenance Facility, 3300 Depot Road, Trenton, New Jersey.
Items offered include retired county fleet vehicles (sedans, pickup trucks, and utility vans), retired law enforcement equipment, grounds maintenance machinery, and miscellaneous office electronics. A complete list of available property is posted on the county website at www.mercercountynj.gov/surplus.
All prospective bidders must register in advance. Registration closes September 26, 2025. To register, visit the Department of General Services office at 640 South Broad Street, Trenton, or register online through the county portal.
Vehicles and equipment will be available for inspection on October 1 and 2, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Items are offered in as-is condition. The County makes no representations or warranties regarding the condition or fitness of any property offered.
Payment in full is due on the day of the auction. Accepted payment methods: certified funds or money order only. A 10% buyer’s premium applies. The County reserves the right to withdraw any item without notice.
Questions should be directed to the Office of General Services at (609) 555-0117.
5. Charity auction notice
You’re Invited: Annual Gala & Silent Auction
Benefiting Cedarville Children’s Hospital Foundation
Join us for an evening of dinner, entertainment, and live and silent bidding at the Cedarville Grand Ballroom on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. The live auction begins at 8:00 p.m.
This year’s auction features weekend getaways to Napa Valley and Costa Rica, a private chef dinner for ten, courtside NBA tickets, custom jewelry, signed sports memorabilia, and exclusive dining and spa packages.
Silent auction bidding opens at 6:30 p.m. and closes at 9:00 p.m. All bidding for silent auction items is conducted via smartphone using our event app. Guests will receive access instructions upon arrival.
Tickets are $250 per person or $1,800 for a table of eight. All proceeds support pediatric surgical programs and family support services at Cedarville Children’s Hospital.
To purchase tickets or donate an item for auction, visit www.cedarvillekidsfoundation.org or contact events@cedarvillekidsfoundation.org.
All bids and ticket purchases are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. A receipt will be provided at the event.
6. Real estate auction notice
AUCTION: COMMERCIAL PROPERTY AT 215 WESTBROOK AVENUE
A public auction for the sale of commercial real estate located at 215 Westbrook Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the property site.
The property consists of a 14,200-square-foot retail and office building situated on 1.3 acres in the North Westbrook Business District. The building includes six retail units, two floors of office space, and a paved parking lot with 42 spaces. Full property details, inspection reports, and title documents are available at www.ohiopropertyauctions.com.
A 10% deposit of the winning bid, in certified funds, is required immediately upon the close of bidding. The balance is due at closing within 30 days. The property is offered in as-is condition with no contingencies.
Prospective bidders must register in advance and submit proof of financial qualification. Registration deadline is September 19, 2025. Contact Midstate Realty Auctions at (614) 555-0388 or register online to receive bidder credentials and due diligence documents.
Cooperating broker commission available. Contact listing office for details.
7. Vehicle auction notice
PUBLIC VEHICLE AUCTION — SATURDAY, JULY 19, 2025
Lakewood Auto Auctions will hold its monthly public vehicle auction on Saturday, July 19, 2025, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at 5500 North Commerce Drive, Lakewood, Colorado.
This month’s lineup includes over 80 vehicles: passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, motorcycles, and one Class A motorhome. Vehicles span model years 2006 through 2022. A preview list with VINs, mileage, and run order will be posted at www.lakewoodautoauctions.com by Wednesday, July 16.
Vehicles are available for inspection on Friday, July 18, from noon to 5:00 p.m., and on auction morning from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Test drives are not permitted. Titles will be provided at payment.
Bidder registration begins at 8:00 a.m. A refundable $200 registration deposit is required and will be applied to any purchase or returned by end of day. Payment in full is required within two hours of auction close. Cash, cashier’s check, and debit cards accepted. No personal checks.
A 5% buyer’s premium applies to all vehicles. All sales final.
For questions, call (720) 555-0155.
8. Art auction notice
SPECIAL AUCTION: MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ART
Whitmore Fine Art Auctions — Fall 2025 Sale
Whitmore Fine Art Auctions is pleased to present its Fall 2025 sale of modern and contemporary works on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at Whitmore Gallery, 88 Chandler Street, Boston, Massachusetts.
The sale comprises 62 lots, including paintings, sculpture, works on paper, and limited-edition prints by both emerging and established artists. A printed catalog is available on request. The full digital catalog with provenance and condition reports is available at www.whitmorefineartauctions.com.
Preview exhibitions will be held October 8 through 10, daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on auction day from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Specialist appointments for private previews can be arranged by contacting us at preview@whitmorefineartauctions.com.
Absentee and telephone bids are accepted. Online live bidding is also available through our website. Bidder registration must be completed by October 9, 2025. A buyer’s premium of 20% applies to the first $200,000 of the hammer price, and 12% on any amount above that.
Whitmore Fine Art Auctions is a licensed auctioneer in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. License No. AU-2240.
9. Foreclosure auction notice
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
By virtue of a judgment entered in the Circuit Court of Dunmore County, this property will be offered for public sale at the front entrance of the Dunmore County Courthouse, 100 Court Square, Dunmore, Virginia, on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
The property subject to sale is located at 774 Old Hollow Road, Dunmore, Virginia, and is described as a single-family residential dwelling of approximately 1,840 square feet situated on 0.72 acres. Tax Map Reference: 051-A-00-00-0119.
The property will be sold subject to all existing liens, taxes, and encumbrances of record. Terms of sale require a 10% deposit, in cash or certified funds, payable immediately upon conclusion of bidding. Settlement must occur within 30 days.
The property is sold as-is, with no representations or warranties of any kind. Neither the Court nor the Special Commissioner makes any guarantee regarding the condition, title status, or habitability of the property. Interested parties are advised to conduct their own due diligence prior to bidding.
A complete legal description and all filings related to this matter are available at the Dunmore County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Inquiries may be directed to the Special Commissioner at (276) 555-0091.
This notice is published pursuant to Virginia Code § 55.1-321.
10. Farm equipment auction notice
RETIREMENT AUCTION — BENSON FAMILY FARM
After 38 years of farming, the Benson family is dispersing the full contents of their operation. The auction takes place Saturday, August 30, 2025, beginning at 8:30 a.m., at 9900 County Road 14, Whitfield, Iowa.
Equipment on offer includes a 2018 John Deere 8370R tractor, two Kinze 4905 planters (2020 and 2019 models), a 2017 Gleaner S98 combine with corn head and bean head, grain carts, tillage equipment, a 1,200-bushel grain bin, fuel tanks, shop tools, and extensive miscellaneous farm hardware.
The Bensons have maintained meticulous service records on all major pieces. Records will be on-site for review beginning at 7:00 a.m. on auction day.
No buyer’s premium on this sale. Payment is due in full by end of day. Cash, farm checks from established accounts, and wire transfers accepted. All equipment is sold as-is.
Lunch will be provided on-site by the Whitfield FFA chapter.
For a printed catalog or to arrange an early preview, contact Heartland Farm Auctions at (515) 555-0276 or auctions@heartlandfarm.com.
11. Livestock auction notice
WEEKLY LIVESTOCK AUCTION — BLUEGRASS STOCKYARDS
Bluegrass Stockyards will hold its regular weekly auction on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, beginning with feeder cattle at 8:00 a.m., followed by cow-calf pairs at 10:00 a.m., dairy replacements at noon, and sheep and goats at 1:30 p.m.
Consignments are being accepted through noon on Monday, July 21. To consign livestock, contact the yard manager at (859) 555-0402. Sorting pens and overnight board are available.
Sale results, buyer credentials, and bidder registration can be managed through the Bluegrass Stockyards online portal at www.bluegrassstockyards.com. All livestock are sold subject to Kentucky Department of Agriculture health requirements. Health papers must accompany any consigned animals.
The stockyards cafe is open from 6:30 a.m. on sale day. A licensed veterinarian will be on premises throughout the sale.
Bluegrass Stockyards — 7200 Stockyard Road, Lexington, Kentucky — (859) 555-0402
12. Short notice emergency auction notice
URGENT: EMERGENCY LIQUIDATION AUCTION — TWO DAYS ONLY
Due to the immediate closure of Meridian Office Supply Co., an emergency liquidation auction will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, July 9 and 10, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day at 320 Commerce Park Drive, Unit 7, Memphis, Tennessee.
Available items include commercial printers, copiers, standing desks, ergonomic chairs, filing systems, display shelving, warehouse pallet racking, and a forklift. All items must be sold and removed by end of day July 10.
No registration is required. Bidding is continuous and open to all. First come, first served on walk-in offers. Items priced to move. Payment accepted in cash or approved bank transfer only.
This sale is managed by Pinnacle Liquidators on behalf of the business owner. For a preview inventory list, email listings@pinnacleliquidators.com.
13. Auction notice for a homeowners association
NOTICE OF HOA LIEN SALE
Ridgecrest Homeowners Association
Please be advised that pursuant to the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions of Ridgecrest Homeowners Association, the following property will be offered for public sale to satisfy an unpaid assessment lien.
Property Address: 412 Ridgecrest Circle, Unit 8B, Fairmont, West Virginia
Owner of Record: James T. Colvin
Amount of Lien: $4,218.75 (including assessments, interest, and collection costs)
The auction will be held on September 12, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Ridgecrest Community Clubhouse, 400 Ridgecrest Boulevard, Fairmont.
Any party wishing to bid must present a cashier’s check for the full amount of the lien prior to the start of bidding. The successful bidder will receive a deed transferring the Association’s interest in the property only. Title is subject to all prior liens, mortgages, and encumbrances of record.
The owner of record retains the right to redeem the property prior to the date of sale by paying all amounts owed in full. For payoff figures or questions, contact Ridgecrest HOA Management at (304) 555-0344.
This notice is provided in accordance with West Virginia Code § 36B-3-116.
14. Antique and collectibles auction notice
FALL ANTIQUE & COLLECTIBLES AUCTION
Henderson Auction House — Established 1978
Henderson Auction House presents its 47th Annual Fall Sale on Saturday, October 4, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at our facility at 2200 Old Henderson Pike, Nashville, Tennessee.
The sale features over 400 lots of American and European antiques, vintage advertising, carnival glass, folk art, early American pottery, Civil War militaria, vintage toys, railroad memorabilia, and mid-century modern furnishings. A selection of lots will be highlighted in our printed catalog, available by mail on request.
Preview will be held October 2 and 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and October 4 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Absentee bids are accepted through our website and must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on October 3.
Bidder registration opens at 9:00 a.m. on auction day. A valid ID and a $100 refundable deposit are required to receive a bidder paddle. An 18% buyer’s premium applies to all lots. Payment accepted in cash, personal check (with ID), or credit card. Shipping is available for small lots at buyer’s expense.
Henderson Auction House is a member of the National Auctioneers Association.
Call us at (615) 555-0189 or visit www.hendersonauctionhouse.com for the full lot catalog.
15. Internal company auction notice (employee sale)
TO: All Employees
FROM: Facilities Management
RE: Annual Surplus Asset Employee Auction — July 18, 2025
Facilities Management will hold its annual internal surplus auction for employees on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Building C, Conference Room 14.
Items available include retired desktop computers and monitors, office chairs, standing desk converters, filing cabinets, a commercial-grade coffee maker, and assorted breakroom appliances. All items have been cleared from active inventory and are offered in their current condition.
This sale is open to full-time and part-time employees only. Employee ID must be presented at the door. Each employee may bid on up to five items. Winning bids will be deducted from the next available paycheck, or payment may be made by personal check at the time of purchase. No credit cards will be accepted at this sale.
Items will be displayed and available for inspection beginning at 10:30 a.m. Bidding will be conducted by silent auction format. Bid sheets will be posted on each item. The highest bid on each sheet at 2:00 p.m. wins.
Items not claimed by 4:00 p.m. on July 18 will be offered to secondary bidders or donated. Please contact facilities@companyname.com with any questions.
Wrapping Up
A good auction notice earns trust before a single bid is placed. When people know exactly where to go, what to expect, and how the process works, they show up prepared, and that’s better for everyone.
Pick the sample closest to your situation and swap in your details. Pay particular attention to the payment terms and inspection windows, those are the two things buyers read twice before they commit.