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Online Parts International Catalogue System

The Auction Pages

Special Conditions for Auction Participants

Submitting any form on this site constitutes acceptance of these terms.

Rules of Auction

Company Name: Parts-Ring (Pty) Ltd

Company Registration: 2024/381751/07
Physical Address: 21 Kine Park Crescent, Morgenster, Brackenfell, 7560

1. Nature of the Auction

Agency Relationship: Parts-Ring (Pty) Ltd (the “Auctioneer”) acts strictly as an agent on behalf of the Seller. The contract of sale is concluded between the Seller and the Buyer.

Compliance: This auction is conducted in accordance with Section 45 of the Consumer Protection Act, No. 68 of 2008 and its Regulations.

Type of Auction: Unless otherwise stated on the lot description, all auctions are “With Reserve,” meaning the Seller or Auctioneer may withdraw the lot if the reserve price is not met.

2. Registration Requirements

Relevant bidder registration form found here.  

FICA & Identification: In accordance with Regulation 26 & 30, every bidder must register before participating. You must provide:

Full Name and ID/Passport Number.

Physical Address and Internet Protocol (IP) Address.

Contact Details.

Bidding on behalf of another: If you are bidding for a company, you must upload a letter of authority on the company letterhead and a certified copy of a resolution authorizing you to bid.

3. The Bidding Process

The “Hammer”: An electronic auction is complete when the portal’s timer hits zero or the “Sold” notification is triggered. This constitutes the “fall of the hammer” as per Section 45(3).

Retracting Bids: Once a bid is placed on the portal, it cannot be retracted unless the Auctioneer determines a manifest error has occurred.

Vendor’s Roll: A record of all bids, bidders, and sale prices will be maintained by Parts-Ring (Pty) Ltd as required by law.

4. Financials & Commission

Buyer’s Premium: A commission of [X]% will be charged on the hammer price.

VAT Note: Parts-Ring (Pty) Ltd is currently not a VAT vendor. Therefore, no VAT is charged on the commission/service fee.

Payment: The full purchase price plus the commission must be paid into the designated account within [e.g., 48 hours] of the auction closing.

5. Goods Sold "As Is" (Voetstoots)

Exclusion of Warranty: As per Section 55(1) of the CPA, goods sold at auction are excluded from the standard “right to safe, high-quality goods.” All parts are sold “voetstoots” (as they stand).

Inspection: Bidders are responsible for reviewing all photos and descriptions provided on the portal before placing a bid.

The meaning of Voetstoots – Key legal principles
  • As Is Condition: The buyer agrees to purchase the item in its existing state, effectively “shoving it with their foot” (the literal Dutch translation) to test it before buying.
  • Patent Defects: These are visible flaws (e.g., a broken window or cracked wall) that an ordinary person would notice during a reasonable inspection. The seller is generally not liable for these, as the buyer is assumed to have seen them.
  • Latent Defects: These are hidden flaws (e.g., a leaking roof or faulty plumbing) that are not discoverable by a standard inspection. The voetstoots clause protects the seller from liability for these unless they knew about the defect and deliberately concealed it.

6. Mandatory Legal Disclosure

Section 45(1) to (5) of the CPA:

1. In this section, “auction” includes a sale in execution…

2. When goods are put up for sale by auction in lots, each lot is regarded to be the subject of a separate transaction.

3. A sale by auction is complete when the auctioneer announces its completion by the fall of the hammer…

4. Notice must be given in advance if a sale is subject to a reserved price or a right to bid by the owner.

Special Conditions for Auction Participants

1. The “Neutral Middleman” Provision

Online Parts International (Parts-Ring) operates as a neutral platform connecting independent sellers, manufacturers, and distributors with buyers. While we provide the OPIC (Online Parts International Cataloguing) system for technical accuracy, Parts-Ring does not own the inventory listed by third parties and is not a party to the final contract of sale unless explicitly stated.

2. Item Condition & “Aged Stock” Disclaimer

  • As-Is Basis: Many items sourced via the OPIC system or Auctions are “Aged Stock,” “Surplus,” or “New-Old-Stock” (NOS). These are sold on an “As-Is” basis.

  • Warranty: Original manufacturer warranties may be expired due to the age of the component. Parts-Ring provides no independent warranty unless a “Bench-Test” or “Certification” service is purchased as an add-on.

  • Technical Fit: The responsibility for verifying part compatibility (SKU/Model matching) lies solely with the Buyer.

3. Logistics & Shipping Risk

  • Fulfillment: Parts-Ring facilitates logistics and drop-shipping coordination.

  • Transfer of Risk: Risk of loss or damage passes to the Buyer the moment the item is dispatched from the seller’s warehouse or the Parts-Ring Cape Town hub to the carrier.

  • International Sourcing: For parts sourced internationally, the Buyer is responsible for all local customs, duties, and import VAT unless otherwise quoted.

4. Auction-Specific Clauses (For your Auction Page)

  • Binding Bids: Every bid placed is a legally binding contract to purchase the item at the bid price plus any stated buyer’s premiums or shipping costs.

  • Vetting: Parts-Ring reserves the right to vet bidders or request deposits for high-value industrial or automotive equipment.

  • Right of Refusal: We reserve the right to withdraw any item from auction if the technical description is found to be inaccurate prior to the hammer falling.

5. Quote Validity & Pricing

Due to the volatile nature of electronics surplus and international exchange rates, all private quotes provided via the Contact Form are valid for a period of 48 hours only.

Section 45 of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), No. 68 of 2008, specifically regulates the conduct and legal requirements of auctions in South Africa. It provides a framework to ensure transparency and protect consumers during the bidding and sale process.

The key provisions of Section 45 include:
  • Definition of “Auction”: Includes any sale in execution of a court order.
  • Separation of Lots: When goods are put up for sale in lots, each lot is considered the subject of a separate transaction unless there is evidence to the contrary.
  • Completion of Sale: A sale by auction is legally complete only when the auctioneer announces it by the fall of the hammer (or another customary method). Until this announcement, a bidder has the right to retract their bid.
  • Mandatory Advance Notice: Auctioneers must provide advance notice if a sale is subject to:
    • reserved or upset price.
    • A right for the owner or auctioneer (or someone on their behalf) to bid at the auction.
  • Protection Against Price Manipulation: If no advance notice of the owner’s right to bid is given, it is strictly prohibited for the owner or auctioneer to bid or employ anyone to do so. If this rule is violated, a consumer can approach a court to have the transaction declared fraudulent.
  • Regulatory Power: The Section empowers the Minister to prescribe further detailed requirements regarding the conduct of auctions and the records that must be maintained.
    South African 
Note on Defects: While the CPA generally protects against defective goods (Section 55), goods bought at an auction are specifically excluded from those standard quality protections. This means they are often sold on a voetstoots (as-is) basis.

FICA refers to the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (No. 38 of 2001), a South African law designed to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism by requiring “accountable institutions” (like banks and attorneys) to verify the identity of their clients.

The specific regulations you mentioned relate to information management and reporting:
  • Regulation 26 (Access to Records): This regulation authorises the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) to access records kept by accountable institutions to obtain further information regarding suspicious transactions or other reports. It ensures that the government can verify and investigate the data collected during the identification process.
  • Section 30 (Cash Conveyance Reporting): While often discussed alongside regulations, Section 30 of the Act specifically requires the reporting of cash or bearer negotiable instruments (like cheques) being moved into or out of South Africa if they exceed a prescribed threshold. This is known as a “Cash Conveyance Report” (CCR).
 
Standard Identification Requirements
Under FICA, you are typically required to provide the following for verification:
  • Individual Identity: A valid green bar-coded ID book, a Smart ID Card, or a valid passport for foreign nationals.
  • Proof of Residence: A utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement, usually not older than 3 months.
  • Tax Information: A South African income tax registration number, where applicable.
  • Entity Verification: For companies or trusts, additional documents like registration papers (e.g., CIPC documents) and resolutions identifying authorised representatives are required.
In 2026, the primary monetary thresholds for FICA reporting in South Africa are as follows:
 
1. Cash Transaction Threshold (Section 28)
Accountable institutions must submit a Cash Threshold Report (CTR) for any single cash transaction—received or paid—that exceeds a specific limit.
Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC)
  • Threshold: R49,999.99 (Reports are required for any amount of R50,000.00 or more).
  • Reporting Period: Within 3 business days of becoming aware of the transaction.
  • Note on Aggregation: As of late 2022, the requirement to automatically aggregate a series of smaller transactions to reach this threshold was abolished; however, linked transactions may still trigger a Suspicious Transaction Report (STR).
     
 
2. Cross-Border Cash Conveyance (Section 30)
This applies to the physical movement of cash or “bearer negotiable instruments” (such as travellers’ cheques or bills of exchange) across South African borders.
 
  • Threshold: R24,999.99 (Reporting is required for R25,000.00 or more).
  • Requirement: Individuals must declare these amounts to a customs officer at the border or via the SARS Online Declaration System.
     
 
3. International Funds Transfer (Section 31)
For electronic funds transfers (EFTs) moving into or out of South Africa, specific reporting duties apply to authorised dealers.
 
  • Threshold: R19,999.99 (Reporting is required for R20,000.00 or more).
     
 
Summary Table of FICA Thresholds
 
Reporting TypeThreshold Amount (Reporting Trigger)Legal Section
Cash Threshold (CTR)R50,000.00 and aboveSection 28
Cross-Border CashR25,000.00 and aboveSection 30
Electronic TransfersR20,000.00 and aboveSection 31
Failure to report transactions exceeding these thresholds can result in administrative sanctions, fines of up to R100 million, or imprisonment for up to 15 years. For official guidance on filing these reports, visit the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) Reporting portal.

Binding Bids

Legal Commitment to Purchase: Every bid placed on the Online Parts International (Parts-Ring) platform constitutes a legally binding contract of sale. By placing a bid, the Bidder warrants that they have the immediate funds available to complete the transaction.

Default & Penalties: Failure to complete a purchase following a winning bid may result in:

  • Immediate suspension or permanent banning from the Parts-Ring and OPIC systems.

  • A “Relisting Fee” or “Cancellation Penalty” (typically 10-15% of the bid price) to cover administrative and logistics overhead.

  • Formal reporting to credit bureaus for significant industrial or commercial defaults.

As-Is / No-Warranty

“As-Is” Condition Disclosure: All items listed via Auction or the OPIC Cataloguing system are sold in “As-Is” condition at the time of sale. This specifically applies to:

  • Aged Stock / NOS: New-Old-Stock items may have degraded packaging or expired manufacturer warranties due to shelf-life.

  • Technical Suitability: Parts-Ring provides the SKU and manufacturer data for identification only. We do not warrant that a part is “fit for a specific purpose” or compatible with the Buyer’s existing systems.

  • No Returns on Surplus: Due to the nature of liquidation and surplus distribution, all auction sales are Final. Returns or refunds will only be considered if the physical item received does not match the SKU/Part Number listed in the auction description.

N.B. Submitting any form on this site constitutes acceptance of these terms.