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How does Grays work? A Detailed review on Grays Auctions Australia​

The main goal of this page is to serve as the primary resource for the Grays Auctions review. With that goal in mind, let’s begin with a brief introduction.

Grays is the premier e-commerce platform in Australia, specialising in industrial, automotive, and commercial products. They offer a wide range of products sourced directly from manufacturers and trusted distributors, ensuring you receive high-quality goods at competitive prices.

Grays was founded in 1922 in New South Wales and has grown into a major Australian-owned auction and eCommerce business with operations across Australia and New Zealand. With a strong focus on online bidding and asset remarketing, Grays supports individuals, businesses, and government organizations through reliable auction services and nationwide reach.

SnapShot / Quick Drive-through Grays Auctions Review

  1. 1
    Grays Auctions is a nationwide online vehicle auction platform with 300+ listings on any given day.
  2. 2
    There are multiple auction types such as cars, bikes and accessories, mining, construction and agriculture equipment, manufacturing and engineering assets, boats, trucks and trailers, caravans, motorhomes, home appliances, computers and electronics, and jewellery.
  3. 3
    Listings usually include descriptive information such as model, year, odometer (km), transmission, fuel type and energy capacity and multiple photos providing multiple views.
  4. 4
    Buyers can expect a wide range of vehicles from different conditions: good, average and speciality/problematic conditions.
  5. 5
    All auctions are conducted entirely online nationwide — no physical bidding required.
  6. 6
    Each vehicle has its own scheduled closing time — typically after 4–6 days of listing — with inspections available Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm (excluding public holidays) and collections required within 5 business days of auction close during the same hours.
  7. 7
    Grays uses a transparent buyer’s premium that varies based on the final bid price and total purchase price of the vehicles.
  8. 8
    Overall, with a final weighted average rating from Google Reviews, Trustpilot and ProductReview: 3.0 / 5, Grays Auctions is your go-to for transparency, reliability and flexibility.
Image of 4WD from Grays Auctions
Source: grays.com

How Grays Auctions Work?

Grays hosts multiple auction categories and listing types. Grays is a nationwide online vehicle auction platform offering 300+ vehicles for bidding on any given day. Buyers can purchase affordable deals for quality vehicles through a simple online bidding system where they place a refundable deposit and only pay the buyer’s premium if they secure the deal. Unlike traditional physical auctions, Grays operates entirely online, allowing buyers across Australia to participate without attending a physical auction.

Grays also allows physical inspection and collections of vehicles at the following locations:

  • New South Wales (Head Office): 5 Holbeche Road, Arndell Park NSW 2148
  • Northern Territory: 38 Toupein Road, Yarrawonga NT 0830
  • Queensland (Auto): 131 Main Beach Road, Pinkenba QLD 4008
  • Queensland: 13-17 Lorna Court, Bolhe QLD 4818
  • Victoria: 140-152 National Drive, Dandenong South VIC 3175
  • Victoria (Industrial): 451 Palmers Rd, Truganina VIC 3029
  • South Australia: 3 Maxwell Rd, Pooraka SA 5095
  • Western Australia: 6 Spartan Street, Jandakot WA 6164

Types of Auctions on Grays

Grays lists vehicles across a wide range of categories to ensure buyers consistent choice and flexibility.

Usually, 7 different types of auctions are held regularly or occasionally:

  1. 1.Cars, Bikes & Accessories
  2. 2.Trucks & Trailers
  3. 3.Caravans & Motorhomes
  4. 4.Boats & Marine Equipment
  5. 5.Mining, Construction & Agricultural Equipment
  6. 6.Manufacturing & Engineering Equipment
  7. 7.Industrial & Business Equipment

Auction Structure

  • All auctions are conducted online across Australia
  • Each vehicle has its own scheduled closing time
  • Listings are typically active for 4–7 days
  • “Going, Going, Gone!” extends the auction 10 minutes if bids are placed at the last moment

Information Available on Listings

Listings usually include:

  • Vehicle make, model and year
  • Odometer (km)
  • Transmission and fuel type
  • Condition notes
  • Multiple images showing different angles

Overall, Grays positions itself as a transparent and flexible alternative to traditional car buying.

4.5 – It includes almost every detail about the car.

Review of Vehicle Details Listed on Grays

Grays listings generally include detailed descriptions such as model, year, odometer (km), transmission, and fuel type. This allows buyers to shortlist vehicles efficiently before deeper research.

4.5 – It includes almost every detail about the car.

Review of Vehicle Conditions on Grays

Cars in auctions aren’t limited to poor condition or low-quality stock. Auction vehicles can range from well-maintained cars to those that require repairs and maintenance. Grays vehicle listings can be divided into three broad types:

  1. 1. Good Condition: Younger, well-maintained vehicles.
  2. 2. Average Condition: Everyday used vehicles and older fleet cars that may show wear and tear.
  3. 3. Specialty/Problematic: Occasional classic or prestige vehicles, as well as cars with mechanical or cosmetic issues.

2.5 – It includes every visible issue but left interior (engine) issues.

Review of Images on Vehicles of Grays

4 – A very good detailed photo, also includes the issue of the car in the photo.

Review of Buyer’s Premium on Grays

Instead of inflating the car prices with hidden margins, Grays keeps auction pricing simple and transparent with a clear buyer’s premium which is charged only when buyers successfully win a vehicle. The buyer’s premium varies based on the final bid price and total purchase price of the vehicles, as outlined below:

Final Bid Price
Buyer’s Premium

$0 – $2,000
$495
$2,001 – $5,000
$650
$5,001 – $10,000
$710
$10,001 – $30,000
7%
$30,001 – $40,000
6%
$40,001+
5%

For example, if a car is won at $20,000, the total payable amount would be approximately $21,400, including the 7% buyer’s premium. This approach separates the auction fee from the vehicle fee so buyers are aware what they’re paying for whilst allowing vehicles to be bid at their true market value.

(3.5) – The fee comes around 5 – 8% normally, which is best for high-priced vehicles but high for low-price vehicles.

Average Reviews of Grays Auctions from Customers Online

Google, Trustpilot and ProductReview ratings weighted by number of reviews.

  • Google Ratings: 3.0 based on 76 reviews

: 3.0 × 76 = 228

  • Trustpilot: 3.7 based on 1,060 reviews

: 3.7 × 1,060 = 3,922

  • ProductReview Rating: 2.8 based on 3,589 reviews

: 2.8 × 3,589 = 10,049.2

  • Total weighted score: 228 + 3,922 + 10,049.2 = 14,199.2
  • Total reviews: 76 + 1,060 + 3,589 = 4,725

Final rating: 14,199.2 ÷ 4,725 = 3.0

Final Score for Grays Auctions after Reviewing different factors:

3.5 – Grays performs well due to its wide vehicle selection and nationwide online access, making auctions convenient for buyers across Australia. However, the rating is lowered because vehicle condition details are left to include the significance data about the interior of the car and buyers may face post-purchase issues, so careful review before bidding is essential.

Compare auction houses across Australia. Choose wisely & Bid smartly.

Overall Pros and Cons

Common Complaints

Limited physical inspection options
Some vehicles require post-purchase repairs
Competitive bidding on popular listings

Ways to Deal with These Issues

Check vehicle photos and condition reports carefully before bidding.
Consider arranging a third-party inspection if buying high-value vehicles.
Set a maximum bid in advance to avoid overpaying in competitive auctions.

Common Compliments

Clear and transparent pricing
Nationwide access
Flat buyer’s premium
Easy-to-use bidding

In conclusion, Grays offers transparent fees, diverse listings and a structured online bidding process to make it easier for buyers to approach vehicle auctions with clarity, analysis and confidence.

How to Bid on Grays? Step by Step Guide

  1. 1
    Create an account on Grays.com or mobile app and verify your email/phone.
  2. 2
    Browse items in your chosen category (vehicles, machinery, tools, etc.).
  3. 3
    Inspect the lot online via images or visit the warehouse if possible.
  4. 4
    Place a bid
  5. 5
    BidNow (timed online): set a maximum bid, system auto-bids for you.
  6. 6
    Simulcast (live online): bid in real-time alongside in-lane bidders.
  7. 7
    Some items may have Buy Now / Fixed Price options.
  8. 8
    Receive notifications if you are outbid or if you win.
  9. 9
    Pay the winning bid + buyer’s premium + GST after the auction ends.
  10. 10
    Arrange pickup or delivery as per Grays instructions.

In conclusion, Grays offers transparent fees, diverse listings and a structured online bidding process to make it easier for buyers to approach vehicle auctions with clarity, analysis and confidence.

Auction Time:

Grays have no fixed time and date of the auctions. But every car has its own time and days limit below the specific vehicle. Most auctions run 4–6 days.

Inspection: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm (excluding Public Holidays)

Collection: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, within 5 business days of auction close (excluding Public Holidays)

FAQs- Grays Auctions Review

Is Grays an online or physical auction?

Grays operates entirely online, allowing buyers across Australia to bid without attending a physical auction.

Each listing clearly states condition categories such as New, Seconds, Used, or Faulty. Read this carefully before bidding — most auction items are sold “as is,” meaning you accept the item in the condition described.

Yes — many Grays auctions offer pre-bid inspection opportunities. If inspections are available, the dates, times and locations will be shown on the auction listing so you can check the item’s condition before placing a bid.

No — vehicles and other items are usually sold with no warranty. Condition descriptions are provided by the vendor, and Grays does not guarantee accuracy, so inspect thoroughly before you bid.