When collected equipment differs from the description
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If collected equipment appears different from its description, preserve the evidence and notify the organiser promptly. Identify the exact mismatch before deciding what it means. The cause might involve a missing accessory, an incorrect identity, a misunderstanding of the lot boundary or a disputed condition statement.
Do not continue using equipment where the discrepancy raises a safety concern. Seek appropriate advice on making it safe and assessing the issue. Record any necessary action; do not alter evidence simply to test an argument.
Put the description beside the observation
Start with a short comparison, using exact wording where possible:
| Point | What the sale record says | What you observed | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identity | Model or serial stated | Plate details on the collected item | Clear plate photograph |
| Quantity | Listed number or components | Count received | Collection and receiving records |
| Accessory | Named inclusion | Present, missing or uncertain | Photograph and packing record |
| Condition | Specific described fact | Specific different observation | Dated image or appropriate report |
| Collection event | Agreed release arrangement | What occurred | Messages, attendance record and notes |
Do not write "completely misdescribed" where you can identify a narrower difference. "The listing names two chucks; one was present in the received package" gives the organiser something concrete to investigate.
The lot description guide helps separate inclusions, exclusions and photographs. For missing components, use the collection parts discrepancy guide to check packaging, retained boxes and partial collection records.
Preserve the versions and timeline
Save the description available when you decided to buy, any relevant update, the invoice and correspondence. Keep original photographs and documents where possible. Note who recorded an observation and when.
A useful chronology is simple:
- Date and time the relevant description was saved.
- Pre-sale questions and the answers received.
- Purchase and invoice references.
- Collection date, collector and recorded contents.
- Date the discrepancy was first observed.
- Notification sent and any response or agreed next step.
Distinguish direct observations from what someone else reported. If the collector did not check inside a package, do not describe the contents as verified at loading.
Send a factual first enquiry
An initial message can say:
I collected lot [number] from [sale] on [date]. The description states [specific wording]. On receipt I observed [specific difference]. I have attached [evidence]. Please confirm the relevant lot information and how you propose we investigate this discrepancy.
Add any immediate operational or safety concern and a practical contact number. Keep payment instructions and sensitive personal details out of publicly shared evidence.
For a UK Auction Group sale, send the enquiry to UK Auction Group with the sale, lot and invoice references. Ask for acknowledgement and keep a dated record of subsequent discussion.
Do not assume the outcome
The description, terms, type of buyer and circumstances all matter. GOV.UK's guidance on implied rights explains that legal obligations can apply to sales contracts; it is not a decision about a particular dispute.
Read the business and consumer buyer guide before assuming one set of protections applies. Keep any warranty question separate from the description issue: the presence or absence of a warranty does not, by itself, settle every contractual question.
If the disagreement remains unresolved, obtain advice suited to the transaction and jurisdiction. The purpose of the record is to make the facts clear enough for investigation and advice, rather than to predict a refund, rejection right or liability outcome.
Sources
This guide gives general information. Equipment-specific, legal, tax and safety decisions may need a qualified adviser or competent specialist. The guides do not promise sale prices, fees or results.