Lot # : 9009 - 2012 Ford Escape (CA)

1. DEFINITIONS: The term "Seller" refers to the United States Customs & Border Protection. The term "Auction Company" refers to RBEX Inc dba Apple Towing Co./Apple Auctioneering Co. The term "Authorized Agent" refers to RBEX Inc dba Apple Towing Co./Apple Auctioneering Co.'s prime contractors, sub-contractors and other authorized parties. The term "High Bidder" and "Buyer" refers to the successful high bidder at the Auction. The term "Bidder" refers to any bidder at the Auction. The term "Auction" refers to the Seller's auction event presented by the Auction Company. The term "Property" refers to the assets (vehicles, vessels, and merchandise) to be bid at the Auction and sold to the High Bidder. The term "Contract" refers to the agreement between Buyer and Seller concerning the purchase of the Property. 2. GENERAL INFORMATION: The placement of a successful bid at Seller's Auction establishes a legally binding contract between the successful High Bidder (Buyer) and the Seller. The Auction Company's Auctioneer's announcement of the high bid amount and the bidder's number, or by placing an online bid, establishes the Contract which may be subject to final acceptance by the Seller. This Contract is bound by these Terms and Conditions as well as special terms and conditions published by the Auction Company for the specific Auction and other Federal regulations governing contracts for the purchase of the Seller's Property. The successful bidder is legally bound to pay for the Property awarded in accordance with its/his/her bid. The Auction Company is acting as the agent of the Seller with respect to the sale of the Seller's Property. 3. ELIGIBILITY OF BIDDER: (a) Our services are available only to and may only be used by individuals who can form legally binding contracts under applicable law. Without limiting the foregoing, our services are not available to individuals under the age of 18 or to temporarily or indefinitely suspended members. (b) Eligibility of Bidder: The Bidder warrants that he/she is not: (i) Under 18 years of age; (ii) An employee of any department or agency of the Federal Government prohibited by the regulations of that agency from purchasing property sold hereunder; (iii) An agent or immediate member of the household of the employee in (ii) above; (iv) The contractor, subcontractor or vendor, their agent or employee who has access to information concerning the property to be sold at Seller's auctions that is not generally available to the public; (v) Presently debarred or declared ineligible for the award of contracts by any Federal agency in accordance with 41 CFR 101-45.6; (vi) Or the party or representing the party(s) from whom the property was seized and/or forfeited. 4. PROHIBITED BIDDER: Bidder acknowledges that certain persons are individuals prohibited from purchasing assets from Seller and that under certain circumstances Seller will not sell assets to certain individuals or affiliates. The Auction Company's subcontractor may not act as agent for a third party in purchasing Seller property that is or has been in their custody or control. For breach of any of these warranties, the Seller may terminate these Terms and Conditions and the Contract without liability and may pursue any other sanctions provided by law. 5. REGISTRATION: (a) CREATING A BIDDER ACCOUNT: In the menu bar, create an account by clicking "New Bidder". The username and password that is created will be utilized for all future online auctions. The information provided by the Bidder when setting up the online account will be the information automatically assigned on the title work. (b) ACCOUNT INFORMATION: Bidder is required to provide true, accurate, current, and complete information and maintain and promptly update the registration data to keep it true, accurate, current, and complete. If the Bidder chooses to title their purchases in a business name, the business name and address needs to be utilized. If the Bidder is registering as a business entity, the Bidder represents that they have the authority to bind the entity to these Terms & Conditions. Should the Bidder decide to title their purchases in their person's name, their account information will need to be updated to reflect the desired change prior to the auction closing. This also applies to a change of address or business. This is the responsibility of the Bidder. If the Bidder provides any information that is untrue, inaccurate, not current, or incomplete, or Auction Company has reasonable grounds to suspect that such information is untrue, inaccurate, not current, or incomplete, Auction Company has the right to suspend or terminate the account and refuse any or all current or future participation. Falsifying bidder registration information is prohibited and will result in revocation of bidding privileges. (c) ACCOUNT RESPONSIBILITY: Buyer is responsible for all transactions on its account, including, without limitation, all bids placed by authorized bidders and bids submitted through the Auction Company's bidding platform. Accounts cannot be transferred. In the event of unauthorized use of Buyer's login information, Buyer is responsible for all bids. (d) VALIDATION: Upon initial registration, Bidder may be required to input a credit card number, but it will only be used to verify the Bidders' identity. There will be no additional registration fees. Any discrepancies between the Bidder's credit card information and their Bidder account information may prohibit participation. (e) APPROVAL TO BID: Seller and/or Auction Company reserves the right to accept or deny bidders for any reason or no reason at all with or without notice. (f) BIDDER ACCOUNT CANCELLATION: Auction Company reserves the right to suspend or revoke Buyer's bidding privileges for any reason or no reason at all with or without notice. 6. BID DEPOSIT: No bid deposit required. 7. PREVIEW AND INSPECTION: (a) COVID-19 POLICY: PREVIEW IS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY MADE DIRECTY WITH THE AUTHORIZED AGENT (STORAGE FACILITY) AND ALL ATTENDANTS MUST WEAR MASKS. (b) GENERAL INFORMATION: Bidders are urged to inspect the Property prior to bidding. Failure to inspect shall not constitute cause for cancellation of the sale. Seller and/or Auction Company may, at its discretion, provide photographs of the Property as a courtesy to Bidders. Bidders are warned against bidding on any lot(s) based solely on the sample displayed or based on photographs. Seller and Auction Company makes no warranty in relation to these samples or photographs. (c) DATES & TIMES: Preview is by appointment only made directly with the Authorized Agent. Property is available for inspection only at places and times specified by the Seller and/or Auction Company and notated in each asset's description. Absolutely no access to the Property is allowed without prior Seller authorization. Preview after the authorized date/time is not available. (d) REQUIREMENTS: Prior to access into the venue, a copy of each attendants valid Driver's License will be obtained and retained. Passports and Identification Cards are acceptable. (e) PREVIEW POLICY & STANDARDS: (i) Bidders ARE authorized to 1) Start the vehicle but cannot put the vehicle into gear. 2) Pop the hood to check the fluids. 3) Check the air pressure in the tires (gauge not provided by Authorized Agent). 4) Check temperature of the A/C. 5) Use a paint meter magnet to test the thickness of the paint (not provided by Authorized Agent). 6) Take photos of the assets in the preview. 7) Scan the VIN number with smart phone apps. (ii) Bidders ARE NOT authorized to 1) Excessively rev the engine. 2) Excessively turn the volume up on the stereo system. 3) Enter the preview area with any large bags. 4) Enter the preview area with any electronic equipment used to diagnose or test the vehicles computer system. 5) Tamper with any fuses or components that would make the vehicle appear less valuable to other attendants. 6) Take photos of non-forfeited assets, or of the storage facility. (iii) Authorized Agents ARE NOT permitted to 1) allow access on any other date/time specified for the posted auction. 2) discuss their opinion on the vehicles condition. 3) provide specific details on engine types, specifications, or modifications. It is up to the attendant to make their own determination. 4) provide their opinion on the value of the vehicle, or what they believe it will sell for at auction. It is up to the attendant to make their own determination. 8. ITEMS ADDED OR DELETED FROM THE SALE: Seller and Auction Company reserve the right to add or delete Property to or from the Auction at any time. 9. "AS-IS, WHERE-IS": (a) DESCRIPTIONS: These assets are auctioned off AS-IS, WHERE-IS, WITH ALL FAULTS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AS TO AGE, YEAR OF MANUFACTURE, MAKE, MODEL, ODOMETER, CONDITION OR ANY OTHER SPECIFICATION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR MERCHANTABILITY. DESCRIPTIONS OF VEHICLES, WRITTEN, PUBLISHED, OR ORAL ARE FURNISHED AS A GUIDE ONLY. NO GUARANTEE AS TO THE ACCURACY OF THE DESCRIPTION IS MADE. The Auctioneer shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defect in any lot and makes no warranty in connection therewith. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. No allowance, refund or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, error in cataloging, imperfection, defect, or damage. In addition, any statement that a vehicle starts means that the vehicle was started (with or without assistance) upon arrival during an initial inspection by an Authorized Agent. It is not a warranty or representation that the vehicle will start or run at any time thereafter or that the vehicle is roadworthy. (b) INSPECTION & DUE DILIGENCE: It is the sole responsibility of the Buyer to ascertain, confirm, research, inspect, and/or investigate any Property offered prior to placing a bid. Buyer expressly agrees not to base a bid or otherwise rely on any information provided by the Auction Company or any Authorized Agent. Information on conditions is limited and subject to change without notice. Bidders may obtain additional information by attending the live previews and visually inspecting the items. It is the responsibility of the Buyer to have thoroughly inspected the property and to have satisfied him or her as to its condition and value and to bid based upon that judgment solely. (c) TITLE REMARKS: Some vehicles may have branded titles and or odometer discrepancies. Branded titles and odometer discrepancies, when known, are announced, included in the description, or noted on the vehicle. Absence of mention of branded titles or odometer discrepancies or remarks does not constitute any warranty or guarantee. (d) ACCIDENT HISTORY: Some vehicles may have accident history. It is the buyer's responsibility to gather and examine all available information pertaining to the vehicles history and conduct a thorough review prior to bidding. (e) THIRD PARTY INFORMATION: Seller and Auction Company do not certify the accuracy of the information presented by any third-party company that assist in the sale and will not be responsible for any error or omission made on their behalf. (f) TITLE TRANSFER: Efforts have been made to ensure that the assets offered for sale should be acceptable for licensure, registration, and title action by the state Department of Motor Vehicles; however, despite all best efforts, some exceptions may arise. Therefore, the Seller and Auction Company make no representations, promises, or warranties regarding these assets and cannot guarantee registration or title issuance by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for any Property sold. 10. TECHNICAL BIDDING DETAILS: (a) SOFT CLOSE: All lots end with a "Soft Close." A "Soft Close" means that if any bid is placed within the last three (3) minutes of the close of the Auction, the bid will automatically extend the closing time an additional three (3) minutes. Example: If a bid is placed at two (2) minutes before close, it will extend the closing time to five (5) minutes. This feature protects Bidders from being outbid without the opportunity to be notified, and therefore allows a Bidder to place another bid before the close of the Auction. (b) PLACING A "MAXIMUM BID": Please be aware that when placing your "Maximum Bid", the website will bid on the Bidder's behalf at the preset bid increment until the Bidder's "Maximum bid" is exceeded. At that point, the Bidder will be notified that they have been outbid (if that option is selected when registering). High Bidder will only pay one increment more than the competing Bidder. Please watch the Auction's closing time stop-clock to determine exactly when the lot will close. (c) TIE BID PRECEDENCE: In the event of a tie bid, precedence is given to the earliest bid. Hypothetical Example: Bidder #1 places a Ten-thousand Dollar ($10,000.00) max bid on a vehicle that currently has a high bid of Five-thousand Dollars ($5,000.00). The high bid is now at Five-thousand and twenty-five Dollars ($5,025.00). Bidder #2 places a max bid at Seven-thousand Dollars ($7,000.00). Bidder #2 is immediately outbid by the Ten-thousand Dollar ($10,000.00) max bid and the high bid immediately adjusts to Seven-thousand and twenty-five Dollars ($7,025.00). Bidder #2 decides to place a Ten-thousand Dollar ($10,000.00) max bid this time. He does not surpass the initial Ten-thousand Dollar ($10,000.00) max bid by Bidder #1; therefore Bidder #2 is not the High Bidder. In the case of a tie bid, precedence is given to the earliest bid. (d) PENDING BIDS: Pending Bids are bids that are placed that are not immediately accepted or put into effect by the Auction Company. Typical reasons for pending bids are as follows: (i) FIRST-TIME BIDDER: New accounts or first-time bidders that have never participated in our auctions will be thoroughly analyzed and vetted (See 5. REGISTRATION (b) ACCOUNT INFORMATION). Please note, vetting may take up to 24 hours. Late registrations on the morning of the auction may not be accepted. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE AUCTION IS CLOSING TO REGISTER. (ii) BIDDER REPUTATION: Auction Company is part of a nationwide network of auctioneers that use the Hibid bidding platform. Hibid has developed a rating system for Bidders to protect auctioneers. Bidders accrue points placing bids and registering for auctions. Any time a Bidder is permanently declined by an auctioneer, the bidder loses 20 points. If a bidder has a negative score, he or she may not be able to bid with other auctioneers on the Hibid platform. (iii) DEALER ONLY SALVAGE AUCTIONS: Additional bidding qualifications on assets offered with salvage/ dismantler notations must be met prior to the auction closing. Salvage dealers that wish to bid on these assets must submit a current copy of their State issued Salvage Dealer license to (https://appletowing.formstack.com/forms/salvage) for review. Once approved, the Auction Company will update the Bidder's account and any bids that are Pending will be approved/ accepted. This must take place prior to the auction closing. These bidding privileges will remain in effect until the expiration date on the license. It is the Bidder's responsibility to resubmit a new license upon renewal to avoid Pending bids. (iv) ASSET REQUIRES A DEPOSIT: When a deposit is required, see Section (6) of the Terms & Conditions for step-by-step deposit instructions. 11. RESERVE: (a) CONSIDERATION OF BIDS: This Auction is conducted with Reserve. The Seller reserves the right to approve the final transfer of Property to the successful High Bidder, even after the Auction lot closes. If the minimum reserve price is not achieved, the Seller may withdraw the goods at any time. In addition, the Seller and/or the Auction Company retains the right to reject any bids for any reason or to make counter offers or accept back up offers at their sole discretion. (b) DISCLOSURE OF MINIMUMS: Neither the Seller nor the Auction Company will disclose the reserve amounts. Please note there will not be a "Reserve Met" or "Reserve Not Met" disclosure during the Auction. 12. AUCTION END AND BID APPROVALS: (a) PROCESS: At the close of the sale, all Bidders will be emailed their bid results and the totals will be forwarded to the Seller for final approval. Once the Auction Company receives approval from the Seller, the Bidder will receive an email notification that the bid has been approved or denied. Payment instructions will be given at that time. Each vehicle is considered a separate purchase. (b) AUTHORITY: Seller and/or Auction Company, reserves the right to: (i) declare an item sold, (ii) postpone or cancel the Auction, (iii) extend the bidding time for this Auction (which may re-open bidding on closed items, if any), (iv) waive any technical defects in bids and/or, (v) re-list the Property for auction at another date and time. The decision of the Seller and/or Auction Company on this matter shall be final. Bidder acknowledges that by registering in any auction held by Auction Company, Bidder accepts the Terms and Conditions of this disclaimer. 13. PAYMENT: (a) DEADLINE: All items must be paid in full within forty-eight (48) hours (i.e., 2 business days) from the bid approval email. NO EXTENSIONS FOR FINAL PAYMENT WILL BE MADE FOR ANY REASON. (b) ACCEPTABLE PAYMENT METHODS: Acceptable forms of payment are by method of bank wire transfer or cashier's check with overnight delivery made payable to Apple Towing Co., 8511 S. Sam Houston Pkwy E., 2nd Floor, Houston, TX 77075; ATTN Kristina Cortez. Account information for bank-wire transfers will be provided in the approval email. The wire transfer must include the buyer's name and reference the lots purchased. Title work will be processed the following business day of the bank wire posting to the account. (c) UNACCEPTABLE PAYMENT METHODS: No personal, business, or private issued checks, bank letters, credit/debit cards, money orders, or letters of credit will be accepted. In addition, onsite payment will not be accepted. A High Bidder should not attempt to finance any purchase through a bank or credit union, nor will the Auction Company negotiate with any lender. A Bidder must have the funds available before placing all bids. Payment must be made by the successful registered Bidder. Payment received by parties other than the successful registered Bidder will not be accepted. (d) DEFAULT/NON-PAYMENT: The failure to make required deposit or final payments and/or comply with the timeframes specified in the sales catalog/brochure for removal of the Property shall be deemed forfeiture of any rights, title, and interest the High Bidder may have acquired. The title of such Property shall revert to the Seller without further notice to the High Bidder and will result in the forfeiture of any monies paid. The transaction shall be null and void as to the High Bidder. The Property will be processed for resale at the next available Auction. If a High Bidder does not pay within the specified time frame, backs out, submits a check containing insufficient funds, or issues a "stop payment" that High Bidder will be banned from all future Auction Company's auctions. 14. ADDITIONAL TAXES AND FEES: (a) BUYER'S PREMIUM: There is no Buyer's Premium. (b) SALES TAX: No tax will be collected by the Auction Company on any lot located outside of Arizona. Notice on Arizona lots only: Auction Company must collect the state, county, and city sales tax from Arizona residents depending on asset location unless an Arizona Resale Certificate (Arizona Form 5000A) is provided during checkout. Out-of-state buyers must provide a copy of their ID and complete an ADOR Form 5011 (which will be provided) in lieu of tax. (c) APPLICABLE TAXES AND FEES: All Buyers are responsible for the payment of all applicable taxes or fees imposed by any city, county, tribe, state, country, or political subdivision. 15. NO REFUNDS; ALL PURCHASES FINAL: Auction Company does not make refunds, adjustments, or returns. All purchases are final. All refund requests should be submitted directly to the Seller. 16. PAPERWORK PROCESSING: (a) PROCESS: Once the funds are received, the title work will be executed utilizing the High Bidder's registration information and sent via email to have all copies signed by High Bidder. Once fully executed, the Property Release document will be emailed to the High Bidder. The releasing agent's name and contact information will be presented on the Property Release document. Originals will be mailed to the High Bidder. (b) TITLE DOCUMENTS: (i) VEHICLE TITLE: Purchasers will receive a government Standard Form 97 (Certificate to Obtain Title) which they will take to their local Department of Motor Vehicles to transfer ownership. The SF-97 supersedes the prior title directly into the purchaser's name once processed by the state. The state then mails the new title to the purchaser. Please note: these assets will remain in the name of the defendant in which they were seized until the SF-97s are processed with the state. For this reason, it is very important that the original SF-97 be processed with the DMV immediately upon receipt. (ii) VESSEL BILL OF SALE: Buyers will receive a title via a Coast Guard Bill of Sale for vessels and a SF-97 for boat trailers (if included). Buyer will be provided the Bill of Sale along with the Court Order and/or Declaration of Forfeiture (when applicable). (iii) EXPORT ONLY PROPERTY: BUYER BEWARE: Purchasers of "Export Only" property will receive a bill of sale only. This document serves as a proof of purchase and is not a title. No title transfer documents are available for "Export Only" property. The SF-97 supersedes ownership records for vehicles that are in the Department of Motor Vehicle database (in the United States). Because "Export Only" property cannot be registered, used, resold, or enter the commerce of the United States or its territories, the SF-97 cannot be processed to obtain a title. Essentially, there is no record in the DMV database to supersede. For this reason, purchasers of "Export Only" property will receive a bill of sale only. (c) ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS: In addition to the title, the High Bidder will be required to execute a Buyer's Guide ("As-Is, Where-Is") and a copy of the Terms and Conditions. 17. RELEASE AND REMOVAL: (a) COVID-19 POLICY: MASKS ARE NOT REQUIRED. (b) GENERAL INFORMATION: Removal of the Property is by appointment only and should be made by the Buyer with the storage facility only after the Buyer has received the necessary Property Release document. All Property in a lot must be released to the original High Bidder at one time. No partial release of any lots. Removal is at the expense, liability, and risk of the High Bidder. Please do not make flight arrangements or schedule pickups in advance, until your authorization via email to do so has been received. (c) DEADLINE: It is the sole responsibility of the Buyer to remove the purchased Property by the Removal Date. Removal of the Property must be completed on or before the 7th business day (for domestic Property) and the 60th calendar day (for export only Property) after the sale date, or the Buyer will be in default of the terms of sale and the Property will be resold by the Seller. Said Property shall revert and repossess to the Seller, without further notice to the Buyer, and will result in any monies paid by the Buyer to be forfeited, and the transaction shall be null and void as to the Buyer. Storage arrangement for the Property after Removal Date is solely between the Buyer and the storage vendor and must be agreed upon in writing (signed and dated) prior to the Removal Date deadline. (d) DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR RELEASE: (i) PROPERTY RELEASE: A physical hard copy of the Property Release document is required to pick up the Buyer's Property. (ii) IDENTIFICATION: Buyer must present a photo I.D. at the time of the Property's release. (iii) RELEASE AUTHORIZATION: If the Buyer chooses to send an agent to pick up the Property on their behalf, the Buyer must correctly complete the release authorization section located at the bottom of the property release document identifying the agent to act on their behalf, as well as provide the agent with a copy of Buyer's photo I.D. The agent will be required to provide a copy of their identification as well. These documents may be emailed directly to the storage facility in advance. (e) EXPORT ONLY ASSETS: The following section pertains to EXPORT Only assets: The term "Export Only" refers to merchandise identified by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that cannot be registered, used, resold, or entered into the commerce of the United States or its territories. "Export Only" assets do not meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. Notice: Per the U.S. Government, the contractor (Apple Towing Co. | Apple Auctioneering Co.) is prohibited from offering any assistance in the export process whatsoever. Bidders unfamiliar with the export process are cautioned against bidding on "export only" merchandise until they have familiarized themselves with the export process. Bidders are strongly encouraged to investigate export options prior to purchasing "export only" merchandise. It is recommended that purchasers engage the services of a broker or Customs bonded carrier if they are unfamiliar with export requirements. "Export only" means merchandise is offered on the condition that all licensing and federal permits will be met by the buyer before exportation. It is recommended that you contact your local CBP office or engage the services of a customs broker or bonded carrier for further information. You can also visit the CBP website or export.gov for more detailed export information. Buyers are responsible for obtaining and complying with all export requirements. "Export only" seized property must be physically removed from the United States within 60 days from the sale date. All countries have their own customs and laws and may or may not allow you to import your merchandise into their country. A customs broker or the customs service of the importing country can assist you in answering this question. Information is also available at the U.S. Government's export portal at https://www.export.gov. Helpful links: https://www.export.gov; https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/export-docs/motor-vehicle; https://www.cbp.gov/contact/ports. Purchases must be paid in full prior to removal. Removal is by appointment only and should be made by the buyer with the storage vendor only after buyer has received the necessary Property Release document along with the completed/ approved Form 7512. A physical hard copy of the completed property release is required to remove the property. Buyer must present a photo I.D. at the time of property release. All property and/or merchandise in a lot must be released to at one time. No partial release of any lots. Please do not make flight arrangements or schedule pickups in advance, until you receive authorization via email to do so. (i) EXPORTS: LICENSING & PERMITS: Purchasers are responsible for complying with all applicable federal licensing and permit regulations prior to exportation. Seller | Authorized Agent | Prime Contractor does not warrant the availability of such license or permits, nor do we provide a list of the requirements that must be met. The failure of the purchaser to obtain necessary licensing will not result in the return of any monies tendered for the goods. (ii) EXPORTS: FORMS: A customs Form 7512 must be completed correctly, signed off by the U.S. Customs, and approved by an Apple Towing Co | Apple Auctioneering Co representative prior to removal. Only the named bonded carrier on the form 7512 may remove and export the asset and must do so directly from the storage facility. No other diversion allowed. (iii) EXPORTS: RELEASE & REMOVAL: It is the buyer's responsibility to arrange the shipping and have the property removed prior to the removal deadline. Auction Company will not ship any items. Removal is at the expense, liability, and risk of the buyer. (1) The buyer is not able to remove an export only asset like they normally would with any other vehicle. A CBP 7512 Form is required, and they must contract a broker to get this form executed. This form is not provided by the Auction Company. (2) Only the named bonded company on the 7512 Form may remove and export the asset. (3) The bonded company will often sub-contract this transport, so there needs to be a sufficient authorization paper trail to release the asset to this 3rd party individual. The buyer either needs to name this 3rd party directly on the Release Authorization section of the Property Release Form or may name the bonded company. That bonded company must then provide an additional authorization to the 3rd party. No matter what, there needs to be a paper trail of authorization for the individual that removes the asset. A copy of the Buyer's ID is required. (4) There is however an exception to section 17(e)(iii)(2). If the bonded company on the 7512 form contracts the buyer to remove the asset, then they may remove their own vehicle, but the bonded company must provide authorization for them to do so. The buyer essentially signs their own property release (like they normally would with any other vehicle) and must provide a letter or email of the company in bond's written authorization for them to remove the asset. A copy of the Buyer's ID is required. (iv) EXPORTS: REMOVAL DEADLINE: Removal must be completed on or before the 60th calendar day (for export only property/merchandise) after the sale date or the buyer will default the terms of sale and property and/or merchandise will be resold by the U.S. Government. Additionally, storage vendor will not authorize the release of the property unless a Form 7512 is completed and signed off by the U.S. Customs. Therefore, property and/or merchandise remaining after the removal deadline shall revert and repossess to the government without further notice to the buyer and will result in any monies paid being forfeited and the transaction shall be nulled and voided as to the buyer. (v) EXPORTS: VEHICLE TITLE: BUYER BEWARE: Purchasers of "Export Only" property will receive a bill of sale only. This document serves as a proof of purchase and is not a title. No title transfer documents are available for "Export Only" property. The SF-97, which is usually provided for vehicle purchases from the United States, supersedes ownership records for vehicles that are in the Department of Motor Vehicle database (in the United States). Because "Export Only" property cannot be registered, used, resold, or entered into the commerce of the United States or its territories, the SF-97 cannot be processed to obtain a title. Essentially, there is no record in the DMV database to supersede. For this reason, purchasers of "Export Only" property will receive a bill of sale only. 18. SHIPPING: It is the High Bidder's responsibility to arrange the shipping of the Property. Auction Company will not ship any Property. It is the responsibility of the High Bidder to remove the Property purchased by the Removal Date and to arrange for its shipping. Removal of the Property is at the expense, liability, and risk of the High Bidder. 19. CONTRABAND NOTICE: The buyer shall secure the vehicle and immediately notify the Auction Company (who shall in turn notify the Seller) if any illegal controlled substances, contraband, and/or hidden compartments in seized and forfeited vehicle(s) purchased from the Seller are discovered. 20. COLLUSION: Practices that eliminate competition, such as collusive bidding may warrant criminal, civil, or administrative action against the participant and may be referred to the Seller. 21. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: To serve you best, please direct all questions via email to sales@appletowing.com or call 713-600-7797. Auction Company accepts no responsibility for loss of connectivity, technical difficulties, or any other circumstances beyond our control. 22. DISCLAIMER DUE TO TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES AND INTERNET ISSUES: Auction Company has made every reasonable effort to facilitate online bidding. However, it is possible that technical difficulties and internet issues may arise that affect Auction Company's website, bidding platform, computer, server or the Bidder's computer, personal device or software which is beyond the control of Auction Company. By registering, Bidder acknowledges that Auction Company is not responsible for technical difficulties or internet issues associated with a bid and that, in the event technical difficulties interfere with or prevent a bid, it may be necessary to withdraw items from bidding due to technical errors or uncontrollable circumstances. Further, in the event of the occurrence of a technical difficulty during an Auction, Auction Company, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to: (i) declare a Property sold, (ii) postpone or cancel the Auction, (iii) extend the bidding time for the Auction (which may re-open bidding on closed items, if any) and/or (iv) re-list the Property for auction at another date and time. The decision of Auction Company on this matter shall be final. Bidder acknowledges that, by registering in any auction held by Auction Company, Bidder accepts the terms and conditions of this disclaimer. 23. LIMITATION OF SELLER'S LIABILITY: Under any provisions of the Terms and Conditions and the Contract, Seller's liability to Bidder, if established and proven, shall not exceed Bidder's (whole or partial) payment made to Seller for the Property's purchase price set at the Auction. The liquidated damages specified herein are not penalties, but a reasonable estimate of the cost: (i) to Seller due to pulling the Property from the Auction, if required, and (ii) to Bidder concerning the lost transaction. In no event shall Seller be liable to Bidder for any other actual, punitive, speculative, or consequential damages, nor shall Bidder be entitled to bring a claim to enforce specific performance of the Terms and Conditions and the Contract. 24. REQUIREMENTS TO COMPLY WITH APPLICABLE LAWS: It is the High Bidder's responsibility to ascertain and comply with all applicable Federal, State, local, and multi-jurisdictional laws, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to the registration, licensing, handling, possession, transportation, transfer, export, processing, manufacture, sale, use, or disposal of the Property listed in the sales catalog. The High Bidder or user of this Property is not excused from any violation of such laws or regulations either because the Seller is a party to this sale or has had any interest in the Property at any time. 25. RECALLS: The vehicles being auctioned may be subject to open recall notices. It is the Buyer's sole responsibility to check for and act upon any applicable recall notices. Certain parts subject to those recalls may still be present in the Property. Buyer assumes full responsibility to identify such recalls and will refrain from re-using or selling any part subject to such safety recalls. Failure to mention or absence of notice does not imply that a vehicle does not have an open safety recall and does not constitute any warranty, guarantee, or refund. Recalls and other vehicle safety information is available at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website, www.nhtsa.gov/recalls. 26. EMISSIONS DISCLAIMER: All emissions/ smog-related repairs are the sole responsibility of the Buyer. Seller does not accept responsibility for the failure of any vehicle sold, or the failure of a vehicle to meet safety standards or emissions control equipment regulations as set by any Federal, State, or local agency. Auction Company does not warrant or represent that vehicles currently meet or can be modified to meet local emissions and/or safety requirements. It is the express responsibility of the Buyer to comply with any safety or emission control equipment requirements prior to using any vehicle purchased. Seller may provide a passing smog certification as a courtesy to the Buyer. Please note the expiration on the smog certificate. If the Buyer is provided a passing smog certification, it does not imply or guarantee that the vehicle will pass a future emissions test. Purchases are "As-Is, Where-Is." 27. FALSE ADVERTISING AND UNFAIR OR DECEPTIVE ACTIONS: The use of false or misleading advertisements or other unfair or deceptive practices in commerce is unlawful. In conveying or disposing of any Property purchased from the Seller, the Auction Company exercises caution in preparing advertisements to ensure that it does not violate applicable state, Federal or foreign government laws. 28. RIGHT TO REFUSE: The Auction Company prides itself and its employees on being part of a highly professional organization, and it conducts business at all its facilities, not just based on the above Terms and Conditions, but as a professional entity. During the Auction, which includes but is not limited to preview day, exchange of information on an asset and release/pick up of the Product(s) sold to the High Bidder, the High Bidder or its representative(s) may not engage in any non-business or unprofessional conduct that may be inconsistent with the Seller or Auction Company's business practices. This conduct could include, but is not limited to, disrespect of an employee or use of unprofessional and abusive language, verbal or otherwise. If such conduct is reported to the Auction Company's management, Auction Company has the right to ban that individual from future auctions at any of the Auction Company's facilities. 29. DISPUTES: The High Bidder agrees that in any dispute between the Seller and the High Bidder, or between competing Bidders, arising in connection with any sale of a Property at the Auction, the Auction Company's Auctioneer shall have the right, but not the obligation, to settle such dispute, and the High Bidder shall abide by the decision of the Auctioneer. The Auctioneer's decision shall be final with respect to such matter. All questions or disputes regarding High Bidder, lot identity, price or quantity must be resolved immediately upon the sale of said lot. No changes or adjustments will be made at any later time. The High Bidder further agrees to indemnify the Auction Company and Seller for all liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses including attorney's fees incurred in connection with any such dispute or in connection with any claim, litigation, controversy, dispute or proceeding arising from any purchase of a Property by the High Bidder or from any subsequent sale of such Property to any third party. All requests for refunds or adjustments by High Bidder should be submitted to the Auction Company. The record of the sale of a Property, kept by the Auction Company's Auctioneer and Sale Clerk, will be taken as final in the event of any dispute. Auction Company reserves the right to videotape all live auctions. Any dispute which cannot be resolved by the Auction Company may be directed to the Seller. Any dispute which cannot be resolved by the Contractor may be directed to: Contracting Officer, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Procurement, Suite 1310 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20229. 30. GOVERNING LAW: The validity, construction, enforcement, interpretation, and performance of these Terms and Conditions and Contract shall be governed by the laws of the United States of America, and to the extent that state law would apply under applicable federal law, the state in which the auction is conducted (The State of Texas governs this agreement and venue is proper in Harris County). 31. SEVERABILITY: If any portion of these Terms & Conditions is deemed unlawful, void, or unenforceable, that portion will be deemed severable and will not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions. 32. LICENSING AND REGULATION: RBEX Inc. dba Apple Towing Co. auctions are conducted by Apple Auctioneering Co. and are regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Direct all unresolved complaints to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, P.O. BOX 12157, Austin, TX 78711; 800-803-9202; www.tdlr.texas.gov. Auctioneer Joshua M. Scully, AMM, GPPA, TX#18183, AL# 5647, FL#AU5198, GA#AU004642, KY# 289914, IL#441.002530, MN#AUC27202400011, NC#10519, PA# AU006387, SC#4814; Exempt AR [17-17-104. (a)(1)], IN [§ 25-6.1-3-1(b)(2)], MA [I, XV, ch.100, Section 11], MS [§ 73-4-5. (2)(e)], OH [4707.02 (B)(1)], TN [62-19-103 (3)], WA [RCW 18.11.070 (2)(b)]. Complying with the State of California Civil Code Section 1812.600, the following Bond is filed with the California Secretary of State: Auctioneer Joshua M. Scully dba Apple Auctioneering Co.; Bond #67115955; Disclaimer: The Auction is being conducted in compliance with Sec. 2328 of Commercial Code, Sec. 535 of the Penal Code, and the provisions of the California Civil Code.