First of all pick the Auction for you, most Commercial Vehicle auctions will be able to advise you the price range and type of vehicles they will be selling.  This will save a wasted journey.  The best auctions are the ones run by BCA or Manheim, these two are the biggest in the UK, there are also some what we call banger auctions which are best avoided and only frequented by Eastern Europeans and Africans looking to strip the cars for export.  There are also dodgy auctions like one near Cardiff, where the auction own most of the vehicles for sale and hence try and bid the price up to retail money and more!!!

On the day of the sale, once you have your catalogue, take it with you when you have a look around the vehicles. If you are unfamiliar with the auction centre, a member of staff can advise you where to find the sale day vehicles. Don’t miss this opportunity to look at the vehicles you are interested in and examine them thoroughly. Please satisfy yourself that the vehicle meets your requirements. Look out for the ‘Car Entry Form’ on the window of the vehicle, this will give you a brief overview of the vehicle description and will help you in making your selection. (See below for details)

It’s worth putting a few vehicles on your shortlist in case you miss out on the one you are after.

Now is the time you should decide how much you want to spend. Remember that in addition to the hammer price, you will have to pay a Buyer's Premium. This Buyer's Premium will be dependant on the price of the vehicle and your account status. As a rule, there is no VAT on used cars. However, in addition to the hammer price VAT is applicable on most commercial vehicles and plant. The auctioneer will announce when describing the vehicle whether it is subject to VAT.

THE AUCTION

This is the exciting bit! Once you have examined the vehicle that has caught your eye, make your way to the appointed auction hall. When your chosen vehicle arrives, listen very carefully to the auctioneer. He will read out the details of the vehicle and start the bidding.

We recommend that if you are new to auctions you attend an earlier auction to get a feel and flavour of the process. Things can move pretty fast, so it’s worth getting up to speed and being comfortable before you try to bid.

DEPOSIT

You will normally be required to pay a cash or Debit card deposit if your bid is accepted.

PAYMENT

Make your way to the Cashier’s Office in the Reception Area where your invoice and vehicle documents will be made available for you. After the excitement of the auction, this is the business end of the operation where the balance must be paid. If you have bid for a commercial vehicle, remember you will also have to pay VAT. Cars with delivery mileage only are subject to VAT in addition to the hammer price, every other car is exempt.

Congratulations, you are only a small step away from driving off in your new vehicle. Before you take the vehicle, we will require full payment of the invoice, the agreed vehicle price (either hammer price or Private Treaty Sale price), plus the Buyers’ Premium. Payments in cash can only be accepted up to £8,999 in accordance with the Money Laundering Regulations 2003.