Liability Waivers & Best Practices

 

When a winning bidder is required to disconnect or disassemble items they have won, it's a good idea to require them to sign a liability waiver prior to doing so.   That extra layer of protection in case of an accident is always a good idea.  

Examples:   

• Item sold is a vent/hood in a commercial kitchen and must be disassembled.  
• Item sold has hard-wired electrical and must be disconnected.  
• Item sold is 28,000lbs and requires multiple forklifts and/or riggers.  
• Item sold is pallet racking that needs to be disassembled.  

Best practices:

• Let buyers know in the item description and auction details if they will be required to sign a liability waiver. 
• Require a licensed and insured contractor/electrician/plumber to disconnect any equipment that is hardwired or plumbed into the building. 
• Get quotes for disconnection from local contractors/electrician/plumber and add that information into the item descriptions.  
• Consult with the seller/client to determine if disassembling or disconnecting prior to the auction closing would be a better alternative.  

See the attached liability waiver example. 

ATTENTION:  This was not written by a lawyer and should not be taken as legal advice.  Always advise your legal counsel with any liability issues concerning your company.