Smith Broughton Auctioneers — A Detailed Review
Smith Broughton Auctioneers — A Detailed Review
Smith Broughton Auctioneers is taking online equipment auctions to the next level. With more than 100 items per auction, Smith Broughton has set out to revolutionise the Australian auction market.
Founded in Western Australia in the late 1970s, Smith Broughton Auctioneers is an Australian-owned company based in Midland, offering live and online auctions across mining, construction, transport, agricultural machinery, and surplus assets. Committed to professionalism and transparency, they ensure a smooth auction process for buyers and sellers alike.
Quick Drive-Through
How Smith Broughton Auctioneers Works
Smith Broughton hosts multiple auction categories and listing types. It is a nationwide online vehicle auction platform offering 50–100+ vehicles for bidding on any given day, 24/7. Buyers can purchase quality vehicles through a simple online bidding system where they place a refundable deposit and only pay a buyer's premium if they secure the deal. Unlike traditional physical auctions, Smith Broughton operates entirely online, allowing buyers across Australia to participate without attending a physical auction.
Auctions: 24/7 online
Types of Auctions on Smith Broughton
Smith Broughton lists vehicles across a wide range of categories, most of which are heavy-duty vehicles for mining, construction, transport, and agricultural assets. Individual parts — such as generators and other heavy components — are also listed in the auction.
Auction Structure
- 24/7 online auctions
- All auctions are conducted online across Australia
- Each vehicle has its own scheduled closing time
- Listings are typically active for 4–7 days
Information Available on Listings
Every auction listing includes essential details to help you evaluate the vehicle thoroughly before bidding:
- Features
- VIN / Engine No.
- Engine Type
- Registration Number
- Showing Location
- Fuel Type
- Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)
- Front Tyres & Rear Tyres
- Condition
- Multiple images showing different angles
Vehicle condition is provided simply as used, unused, or non-running.
Listings & Vehicle Details
Smith Broughton listings generally include detailed descriptions — features, VIN, engine no., engine type, registration no., showing location, fuel type, gross vehicle mass (GVM), front tyres, rear tyres, and condition. The major plus is that a downloadable PDF is available for every item.
Vehicle Condition
Cars in auctions aren't limited to poor condition or low-quality stock. Auction vehicles can range from well-maintained machines to those that require repairs and maintenance. Smith Broughton shows vehicle condition only as used, unused, or non-running — a very limited grading approach.
Image Quality
Smith Broughton provides a minimum of 30 photos per vehicle with very good images of all sides. Both the interior and exterior are shown in good quality. Furthermore, the engine and model numbers are also included, winning the trust of customers.
Buyer's Premium & Fee Structure
Instead of inflating prices with hidden margins, Smith Broughton keeps auction pricing simple and transparent with a clear tiered buyer's premium — charged only when buyers successfully win a vehicle:
| Lot Value | Buyer's Premium |
|---|---|
| $5,001 and above | 8.8% (including GST) |
| $5,000 or less | 16.5% (including GST) |
This approach separates the auction fee from the vehicle fee, so buyers are aware of what they're paying for whilst allowing vehicles to be bid at their true market value.
Our Rating
We evaluated Smith Broughton across multiple criteria, alongside aggregated online customer sentiment (weighted average: 4.3 / 5 from Google and ProductReview across 112 reviews).
Compare auction houses across Australia → Choose wisely & bid smartly.
Customer Feedback Overview
- Misleading item condition
- Inadequate inspections or misrepresentation of items
- Slow or unresponsive communication
- Lack of transparency or dishonesty in listings
- Inspect items in person
- Ask for detailed photos
- Read reviews
- Communicate clearly
- Know your rights
- Exceptional customer service
- Professional and friendly staff
- Efficient problem resolution
- Clear communication and follow-up
- Reliable and trustworthy business
Who Should Buy From Smith Broughton?
- Buyers of heavy-duty mining, construction, transport and agricultural equipment
- Those who value extensive photos (30+) and downloadable PDF reports
- Buyers comfortable with 24/7 online-only bidding
- Buyers who inspect in person before bidding
- Buyers needing detailed mechanical condition grading (only used/unused/non-running)
- Those sensitive to a high premium on low-value lots (16.5% under $5,000)
- Remote buyers unable to inspect in person
- Buyers seeking personal-use passenger cars
How to Bid on Smith Broughton? Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Register to Bid — create your account on the Smith Broughton platform.
- 2Email Confirmation — verify your account via the confirmation email.
- 3Find an Auction — browse listings and choose the lot you want.
- 4Request to Bid — request bidding access for your selected lot.
- 5Place a Bid — bid online during the auction window.
- 6Watch an Item — add lots to your watchlist to track them.