At North Country Auctions, every auction format we offer is built around one mission: connecting hardworking buyers with quality equipment, trucks, tools, and vehicles — while delivering strong returns for our consignors.
From our flagship live events in Dighton, MA to multistate retirement liquidations and online-only sales, we run three primary auction formats: Ground Auctions, Timed Auctions, and Virtual (Webcast) Auctions. Each format serves a different purpose and gives both buyers and sellers flexible ways to participate.
🏁 Ground Auctions (Live Onsite Auctions)
Ground auctions are the heart of North Country Auctions — the big, high-energy events that draw crowds from across New England and beyond. These auctions are ideal for heavy equipment, trucks, trailers, and large consignments.
🔧 How Ground Auctions Work
- 🏗️ Equipment is staged onsite at our Dighton yard or an offsite location.
- 👀 Buyers can preview items in person, start machines, and inspect them thoroughly.
- 🎤 A live auctioneer conducts the sale with support from ringmen.
- ⚡ Bidding is fast, competitive, and transparent.
- 🔨 When the hammer falls, the highest bidder wins.
⭐ Why Choose a Ground Auction?
- 🤝 Hands-on inspection of equipment
- 🔥 High bidder engagement and competitive energy
- 💰 Strong results for large, high-value assets
⏱️ Timed Auctions (Online-Only Auctions)
Timed auctions are perfect for tools, attachments, support equipment, and mixed consignments. These auctions run entirely online and stay open for a set period.
🖥️ How Timed Auctions Work
- 📸 Items are listed online with photos and descriptions.
- 📅 Bidding remains open for several days.
- 🧭 There is no live auctioneer — bidders place bids at their own pace.
- ⏳ When time expires, the highest bid wins (with soft-close extensions to keep things fair).
🌐 Why Choose a Timed Auction?
- 📲 Convenient and flexible for buyers
- 🌎 National reach without the logistics of a live event
- 🧰 Ideal for smaller items or large quantities of mixed lots
💻 Virtual Auctions (Live Webcast Auctions)
Virtual auctions combine the excitement of a live auction with the convenience of online bidding. These are commonly used for multiday equipment sales and retirement liquidations.
🎥 How Virtual Auctions Work
- 🎙️ A live auctioneer conducts the sale via webcast.
- 💻 Bidders participate remotely through online bidding platforms.
- 📍 Items may be located at our Dighton yard or at offsite seller locations.
- ⚡ Bidding happens in real time, just like a ground auction — only online.
🚀 Why Choose a Virtual Auction?
- 🏠 Live auction energy without the travel
- 🌐 Real-time bidding from anywhere
- 🏗️ Ideal for high-value equipment and multilocation events
📊 Auction Format Comparison
🧭 Which Auction Format Is Right for You?
At North Country Auctions, we match the auction format to the assets and the goals of our consignors:
- 🏁 Ground Auctions deliver unmatched energy and strong competition.
- ⏱️ Timed Auctions maximize convenience and reach.
- 💻 Virtual Auctions blend live excitement with online accessibility.
No matter the format, our team ensures every auction is run with integrity, transparency, and the no-nonsense approach that built our reputation.