The liquidator agrees to discuss collection but site access is not arranged

The collection truck is booked too early

Suppose a supplier asks a liquidator about goods at a closed site. The response says collection can be discussed once the claim is assessed. The supplier books a truck and tells the driver to attend. That is premature. Clarify the legal position and obtain the actual collection arrangements before spending money or sending people to a gate they may not be authorised to enter.

Recognise the liquidator's role

ASIC describes the liquidator's responsibilities as including protecting and collecting company assets. Your proposed collection therefore needs to be handled through the appropriate process and advice. An invitation to discuss the issue is not confirmation that particular goods can be removed. Keep any disputed entitlement separate from the logistical arrangements needed if release is approved.

Source: ASIC: Liquidation — a guide for creditors

Identify the items covered by approval

Ask for clear confirmation of the goods, quantities and references that may be collected once the claim is resolved. Check those details against your schedule. In the hypothetical example, approval might cover only certain unopened packs, while another group remains under review. The driver should not be asked to decide which disputed items belong to your business.

Arrange practical access and responsibility

Confirm the site contact, date, permitted access, required attendance and any agreed safety or transport requirements. Ask who handles loading and what costs or conditions apply. Do not assume a former supervisor can override the site's current arrangements. Where dismantling, specialist equipment or another party's property is involved, have the appropriate people assess the process before attendance.

Use a factual handover record

Record the items actually collected, their condition and any difference from the approved list. Obtain appropriate acknowledgement and retain photographs where authorised. If the goods do not match or access is unavailable, contact the nominated person rather than expanding the collection or improvising entry. Keep unexpected costs and unresolved items visible for later review.

Reconcile after collection

Update the inventory and creditor account with accounting and legal advice as needed. Do not assume collecting some goods settles every invoice or remaining claim. CRP can help organise the records. A controlled collection should leave a clear trail from approved entitlement through access and handover to the resulting account position, without turning a practical recovery step into another dispute.