How does Grays work? A Detailed review on Grays Auctions Australia
Grays Auctions — A Detailed Review
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.
Founded in 1922 in New South Wales, Grays 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.
Quick Drive-Through
How Grays Auctions Works
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:
- Cars, Bikes & Accessories
- Trucks & Trailers
- Caravans & Motorhomes
- Boats & Marine Equipment
- Mining, Construction & Agricultural Equipment
- Manufacturing & Engineering Equipment
- 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.
Listings & Vehicle Details
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.
Vehicle Condition
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:
- Good Condition: Younger, well-maintained vehicles.
- Average Condition: Everyday used vehicles and older fleet cars that may show wear and tear.
- Specialty/Problematic: Occasional classic or prestige vehicles, as well as cars with mechanical or cosmetic issues.
Image Quality
Buyer's Premium & Fee Structure
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.
Our Rating
We evaluated Grays Auctions across multiple criteria, alongside aggregated online customer sentiment from verified platforms.
Compare auction houses across Australia → Choose wisely & bid smartly.
Customer Feedback Overview
- Limited physical inspection options
- Some vehicles require post-purchase repairs
- Competitive bidding on popular listings
- 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
- Clear and transparent pricing
- Nationwide access
- Flat buyer's premium
- Easy-to-use bidding
Who Should Buy From Grays?
- Buyers seeking nationwide online access without attending auctions
- Those looking for diverse vehicle categories (cars, trucks, equipment)
- Bidders comfortable with competitive online auctions
- Buyers who can arrange third-party inspections for high-value purchases
- Buyers requiring detailed mechanical condition assessments
- Those seeking in-person physical auctions or immediate pickup
- First-time auction bidders without inspection knowledge
- Buyers with limited budget for post-purchase repairs
How to Bid on Grays? Step by Step Guide
- 1Create an account on Grays.com or mobile app and verify your email/phone.
- 2Browse items in your chosen category (vehicles, machinery, tools, etc.).
- 3Inspect the lot online via images or visit the warehouse if possible.
- 4Choose your bidding method: BidNow (timed online) — set a maximum bid, system auto-bids for you; or Simulcast (live online) — bid in real-time alongside in-lane bidders.
- 5Note special options: Some items may have Buy Now / Fixed Price options available.
- 6Receive notifications if you are outbid or if you win.
- 7Pay immediately: Pay the winning bid + buyer's premium + GST after the auction ends.
- 8Arrange collection: Coordinate pickup or delivery as per Grays instructions within 5 business days.