********* Auction Practises

I attended an auction at the George Car Show. I was interested in one specific item. When the item came up, there were no bids. The Auctioneer asked if there was any interest at all. I made an offer and no further bids were made. My bid was subject to confirmation. I was contacted later the afternoon by a lady from the company. I was requested to pay for the vehicle that I had purchased. I worked out the amount due including the 6% buyers commission required. On arrival at the office the invoice amount was R11600 more than my correct calculations. I was then advised that that is the amount that they want for the vehicle. Other bidders experienced the same scenario on that day. I advised the lady that I feel that it is not ethical to contact a buyer and insist on payment and then to be handed an inflated figure. I also told her that the correct way would be to inform the bidder that his bid was not accepted and that further negotiations could be done. I stopped at their showroom on Monday and spoke to a gentleman at their premises and explained the situation to him. He informed me that the lady was new on the personnel and inexperienced and under pressure at the time of the auction.