Frequently Asked Questions
Seller FAQs
How do I sell?
On our home page, click on the 'Sell' button. If you don't already have an account with us, you will be directed to the page where you can register an account. Once registered simply complete and submit the brief form describing your item. Auto Auction staff will review the submission and be in touch. It’s that simple!
Why should I use Auto Auction to sell my car?
Unlike historic selling avenues, Auto Auction will actively seek buyers for your item, not just list and wait for ‘someone’ to come along. Our ability to place your item in front of genuine buyers, puts Auto Auction at the cutting edge of automotive based sales.
What are the costs for sellers?
Nothing, our standard listing is free. Although we do offer seller’s the option of sharing the buyers commission if sellers want to enhance their sale even more.
What is the process to sell my item?
Once you have registered and submitted your item to us, one of our knowledgeable Auto Auction staff will get in touch. We will agree a reserve, then you will provide us with all of the history, details and pictures from which we can then create a description that truly reflects your item. Once you have approved our listing, to ensure all of the details are correct, it will appear in our ‘coming soon’ section, and our online department goes to work spreading the word, after an agreed period of time, the listing will go live, usually for an initial period of 15 days. This can be longer or shorter by prior agreement. If no sale occurs, then we can list at a fixed price in our ‘Buy it Now’ section. If you are unsure of anything, please email our team.
You can download our seller's guide here and our photography guide here.
You can download our seller's guide here and our photography guide here.
What information should I give to Auto Auction for my sale?
Auto Auction prides itself on accurate descriptions, it is in no one’s interest to hide problems or misrepresent an item. Therefore we require accurate descriptions with as much detail and history as possible. Along with this we will require 80 – 140 pictures, showing all that is good and…… any bad points too.
What if I don’t want to take my own pictures?
No worries! Auto Auction can provide a professional photographer at extra cost. It may also be worth considering taking out one of our managed solutions.
As a seller, will buyers wish to view?
Auto Auction provides such an in depth description of each lot, we find the majority of buyers are completely satisfied with this information, and can confidently bid to win.
What is a Reserve? What does the reserve needle mean?
A reserve is a minimum selling figure agreed with Auto Auction, The reserve needle will show how close a particular Lot is to making a reserve - ie: once the needle hits the green, reserve is met and the lot is selling to the highest bidder.
Why do I need to register?
The process includes an identity check, and the registering of a valid payment card. (N.B. No charges will be made without prior agreement). This procedure helps us ensure only genuine buyers and sellers use the platform.
Can I sell or buy without registering?
This is a discreet service for customers who wish to remain anonymous throughout the auction process. We class this as a ‘Managed’ sale or purchase, where Auto Auction takes care of everything. We do still, however, carry out a thorough vetting process.
What if I have multiple cars to sell?
Auto Auction welcomes single items or complete collections. If you have multiple cars for sale, please contact us, we can provide a ‘managed’ solution to help with the process.
What is a ‘managed’ Auction?
For those who wish for a turnkey solution to their sale / purchase, Auto Auction can provide a menu of services, including:
Please email us for details.
- • Collection of the sale item
- • Storage at our facility
- • Detailing as required
- • Photography
- • Hosting any viewings
- • Handover to new owner
Please email us for details.
Will the item be for sale anywhere else?
No! Once the item is listed within our platform, the lot must not be for sale elsewhere. Any transaction outside of the platform will trigger Auto Auction to recover Commissions and fees as per our Terms & Conditions.
Can I withdraw my item?
Once you have submitted your item, and it is within our ‘coming soon’ section, you cannot withdraw from the auction, If for any reason you remove the item from sale, you will be responsible for paying the commission usually paid by the buyer, as per our Terms & Conditions. This would be calculated on either the reserve or from an average of similar vehicles sold.
What if my item doesn’t sell?
We will get in touch to see if we can make a deal with the highest bidder. If not, then your item will be listed in our ‘Buy it Now’ section for 7 days.
What if someone leaves a rude comment or swears on my listing?
Auto Auction is monitored for these rare events. Should you happen to see anything that offends, please contact us immediately. We will take steps to remove the offending comments and reserve the right to cancel the registration of the offending user.
Buyer FAQs
How do I buy?
Found something that takes your fancy? You will need to be registered. Click on the ‘Register’ button at the top of the screen if you're not already logged in, and after a simple verification process you will be allowed to make bids on live auctions and also to comment and ask questions to the seller.
What are the costs for buyers?
6% including VAT up to 100,000 GBP. There is a minimum of 600 GBP (incl VAT) on vehicles, and 300 GBP (incl VAT) on Number Plates. Other items will be marked individually. There is a maximum of 6,000 GBP on all sales.
As a buyer can I view the lot(s) in which I am interested?
Auto Auction provides a great deal of information for each lot, more often than not providing buyers more detail than would normally be seen in person. Viewing may be possible (if conditions allow) at the discretion of the seller. Use the 'auction comment' section to make a direct request to the seller.
How do I contact the seller?
The only way to contact the seller is through the questions area on the individual listings page. Any attempt to make a deal outside of the Auto Auction platform is in breach of our Terms & Conditions, If this does happen then Auto Auction will recover the appropriate commission, plus any charges incurred.
How will I know if I have been outbid?
If you are outbid, you will receive an email, which will include a quick link to allow you to re-bid. Please ensure emails from Auto Auctions are not directed to your ‘spam or junk’ folder by mistake. If you have placed an absentee bid, you will only be notified that you have been outbid, once your maximum bid is surpassed.
What is absentee Bidding?
If you are not able to place bids or may miss the end of the auction, you can place an absentee bid, Auto Auction will then bid on your behalf up to the maximum amount that you entered. All Terms & Conditions are still binding for the absentee bidder.
Can I withdraw my bid?
In short, No. When placing a bid, you are entering a legally binding agreement. If as the highest bidder, you win the lot, our Commission charges will automatically be taken from your registered payment card, and you must pay the seller the total winning amount.
Bidding last minute and sniping?
Sniping is bidding in the final seconds of an auction, to try and ‘steal’ the lot. All of the lots on Auto Auction are timed to end, any bid placed in the final 2 minutes, will extend the time by a further 2 minutes. This way everyone gets a fair chance of winning.
What if I’m the highest bidder but reserve is not met?
The bid you placed is still valid whilst we contact the seller to see if a deal can be reached. If this is not possible, then the lot may enter into our ‘Buy it Now’ section where it can be purchased for the listed price.
What happens if I win the auction?
Congratulations! The buyers fee will automatically be deducted from your registered card. An Invoice covering this amount will be sent to you via email. The sellers contact details, including the outstanding amount payable will be forwarded, then within 7 days the full purchase price must be paid to the seller.
Can you assist with collecting my new car?
Yes! As well as our own fleet, we use reliable, trusted partners throughout the country. Please email us for an estimate.
What if the item I won is not as described?
Auto Auction gathers as much information regarding the Good, bad and current condition of each lot, including dozens of pictures. This along with a detailed written description gives buyers the knowledge to understand what they are buying. If when collecting your item, it is far from described, or misrepresented, then we may consider, on a case by case basis, returning the commission charge and cancelling the sale.