How To Bid

How To Bid

How do I place a bid?

To participate in Salvagebid's online car auctions, begin by registering, purchasing a membership, and placing a refundable security deposit. Locate your desired vehicle and enter your maximum bid in the "Enter Your Maximum Possible Bid" field, then click "Bid Now." This process, known as Preliminary Bidding, allows you to set your highest offer before the Live Auction. Members with Starter, Premium, or VIP memberships can also engage in live bidding during the auction.

What is Preliminary Bidding?

Preliminary Bidding enables participants to submit their maximum bid for a vehicle before the Live Auction. Salvagebid's system will automatically bid incrementally on your behalf, up to your specified limit, aiming to secure the car at the lowest possible price. The highest preliminary bidder is represented during the Live Auction, increasing the chances of winning the desired salvage vehicle.

What is the Live Auction?

The Live Auction is the final phase of bidding, following Preliminary Bidding, where participants compete in real-time for vehicles. Premium and VIP members can join these live online auctions. Each car is assigned an item number, and the auction interface indicates its position in the sequence. When your vehicle's turn arrives, the interface will highlight it, allowing you to place bids in predetermined increments until the auction concludes.

What is 'Buy It Now'?

The 'Buy It Now' feature allows members to purchase certain vehicles immediately at a fixed price, bypassing the auction process. To utilize this option, you must have an active Salvagebid account. All standard fees apply to 'Buy It Now' purchases, and sales are final.

Can I cancel my bid?

Once submitted, bids cannot be canceled or retracted. Ensuring your bid is accurate and intentional is crucial, as winning obligates you to complete the salvage vehicle purchase.

What is the Bidding Limit?

Your bidding limit determines the maximum amount you can bid and the number of vehicles you can bid on simultaneously. Your security deposit and membership level influence this limit. A minimum deposit of $600, or 10% of your intended maximum bid (whichever is greater), is required. To bid on multiple vehicles, separate deposits are necessary for each. For example, a $600 deposit allows for a $6,000 maximum bid on one vehicle, while a $1,200 deposit permits up to $12,000 across two cars.

How do I bid on more than one vehicle at a time?

To bid on multiple vehicles concurrently, you must hold a Starter, Premium or VIP membership and provide individual security deposits for each car. Log into your Salvagebid account and submit additional deposits to increase your bidding capacity.

How long will I be able to bid on each vehicle?

Each auction listing displays a "Time Left" indicator, showing the remaining duration for Preliminary Bidding before the Live Auction begins. This time frame varies per vehicle, so monitor it closely to ensure timely participation.

Can I buy vehicles that state 'Dealer Only'?

Salvagebid provides access to "Dealer Only" vehicles, typically restricted to licensed dealers, allowing the general public to purchase these exclusive vehicles through the platform.

How do I know that I am the highest bidder?

If you secure the highest bid during Preliminary Bidding, Salvagebid will represent you in the Live Auction. Monitoring your bid status through your account dashboard helps you stay informed about your position in the auction.

How does bidding in the Live Auctions work?

During Live Auctions, Salvagebid bids on your behalf up to your maximum bid, competing against other bidders and the seller's minimum price. You win the vehicle if your bid meets or exceeds the seller's reserve. If it's below the reserve, the bid is submitted for seller approval, which can take up to two business days.

What does 'Award Pending' mean?

"Award Pending" indicates that your winning bid is awaiting seller approval, often because it didn't meet the reserve price. The seller has up to two business days to accept, reject, or negotiate the sale. Contacting Salvagebid's customer service can facilitate negotiations during this period.

Why do sellers need to approve the sales?

Sellers often set reserve prices - the minimum acceptable amount for a vehicle. The sale requires seller approval if the highest bid falls below this threshold. Sellers have up to two business days to decide, during which negotiations can occur to reach an agreeable price.

Why did I receive a notification that I was outbid?

Notifications of being outbid indicate that another participant has placed a higher bid. To improve your chances of winning, consider entering the maximum amount you're willing to pay, allowing the system to bid incrementally on your behalf.

I was the high bidder during Preliminary Bidding - why wasn't I awarded the vehicle?

Being the highest bidder in Preliminary Bidding does not guarantee winning the vehicle. The final award depends on your bid in the Live Auction and whether it meets the seller’s reserve price. Factors like bid competition, auction rules, and the seller’s approval process may influence the outcome. If your bid isn't awarded, you can try again in future auctions.

I got outbid - did I lose my deposit?

No, your deposit will not be lost if you get outbid. It is refunded if you do not win any vehicles during the auction. However, the deposit is applied to the total cost if you win a salvage vehicle. If you choose not to go through with the purchase after winning, you may forfeit part or all of the deposit.

Does the bid amount include all of the auction fees?

The bid amount does not include all auction fees. Additional costs, such as buyer fees, taxes, transportation fees, and auction pricing for shipping, may apply. Be sure to use the fee calculator on Salvagebid to understand the total cost of your vehicle, including any extra fees.

How can I search for vehicles only in my area?

To search for salvage vehicles in your local area, use Salvagebid's vehicle finder tool. This allows you to filter results by zip code, search radius, or location-based preferences, ensuring you find vehicles from nearby auctions or local listings. This feature simplifies the process of finding online car auctions near you.

Can I buy in a different state?

Salvagebid allows you to buy salvage vehicles from nationwide online car auctions. You can bid on vehicles in any state, and Salvagebid will assist with shipping the car to your location. Interstate shipping services and vehicle delivery options are available to ensure a smooth purchase if you're outside your local area.

Do you sell to international customers?

Yes, Salvagebid offers international sales for overseas buyers. The platform provides global auction access for customers looking to purchase vehicles internationally. Specific export regulations exist, and Salvagebid can help facilitate international shipping based on the vehicle's location and buyer preferences.