Buying at Auction

We extend a warm welcome to everyone who attends our auction days and also those who attend virtually through our partner, Live Bid's online bidding system.

As the UK's largest independent commercial vehicle auctions, and being conveniently located next to the motorway network for easy access, we get high attendance on our sale days.

However, we appreciate that not all of our visitors will be as experienced in buying at auction as many of our regular customers are. Our professional, friendly staff will be on hand on sale days to answer any questions you may have about the vehicle buying process - from tips on bidding, to what you'll need to do when your bid is successful.

To help you, we've produced some key points below:

Before the auction

Give yourself plenty of time before the auction starts, to allow you to:

  • Park - our on-site parking facilities can get very busy
  • Familiarize yourself - with the saleroom and our other facilities
  • Pick up a free catalogue - we provide details of all of the days lots
  • Identify vehicles of interest - to plan when you need to be bidding
  • Take a closer look - feel free to inspect any vehicles before the sale starts
  • Find yourself a seat - seating is limited in our heated saleroom
  • Set a bidding limit - best to prepare yourself for when the bidding starts
  • Grab yourself some refreshments - drinks and snacks are available in our on-site cafe

When the auction gets underway

The tension rises as the auction starts. There are a couple of things to consider if you want your bid to be successful:

  • Bid clearly - raise your arm and check that the auctioneer has seen you and acknowledged your bid
  • Bid quickly - with a packed saleroom and bidders online, bids can increase quickly on attractive lots
  • Keep track of the price - bid prices will be displayed on a screen behind the auctioneer.

When the hammer goes down

If your bid is successful and the auctioneer indicates that the vehicle is yours:

  • Provide your details - unless you are already known to the auctioneer, give your name and contact details
  • Pay your deposit - buyers not known to the auction will be required to leave a 10% deposit on all lots purchased, minimum of £2000
  • As of 1st April 2024 - The Truck Auctions attracts a buyer's premium of £365 PLUS VAT on each lot, The Trailer Auctions attracts a buyer premium of £295, The Light Commercial Auctions attracts a buyer's premium of £325. Plant & Equipment Auctions attract a buyers premium of 5% (Minimum £20). ALL LOTS ARE PLUS VAT, unless an alternative buyer’s premium is stated in the catalogue, or announced by the auctioneer.
  • Pay the balance - all vehicles need to be paid for in full no later than 5:00pm on the next working day following the sale. We accept Bank transfer only (Faster payment, BACS, CHAPS Etc). We will no longer accept cash, cheque or any card payments. This is to fall in line with our group company policy (The Fleet Auction Group). This decision is non negotiable.
  • Collect your vehicle - all vehicles must be removed from site within 10 days of purchase. If you buy more than one vehicle you must have paid for them all in full before any one vehicle can be removed. Any vehicles left onsite longer than this, is liable to get re-entered into our auction with any shortfall in sale price, will be charged to yourself.

If you are unsuccessful and don't win any vehicles you were bidding on, then that's no problem. We have auctions every week with a constantly changing selection of stock.

Why not join our mailing list and we'll keep you up to date with all of our commercial auctions and vehicles which you may be interested in.

See full Conditions of Sale »

We have extensive connections with a variety of the biggest players in the UK commercial vehicle trade - fleet operators, asset management companies, insolvency specialists, plant, machinery and truck traders, as well as the individual owner operators.

This allows us to sell up to 20,000 vehicles every year. If you haven't already, why aren't you one of them?

Our Sales & Support team are waiting to help you to sell your vehicle

Selling at Auction

The details you will need are:

  • Registration No.
  • Mileage
  • Date first registered
  • Mot expiry dates
  • Brief description
  • Import details (if applicable)
  • Hire Purchase details (if applicable)
  • Your name, address & contact details
  • Your Company VAT No.

We will then help you to place a value on the vehicle and suggest an appropriate reserve price.

Once the formalities have been completed and your vehicle has been collected/delivered to the auction to be prepared ready for sale, we will need the following documents where available:

  • V5 vehicle registration document (log book)
  • MOT certificate (if applicable)
  • Service history - old MOT's, service sheets etc
  • Passport or utility bill and the completion of the 'vendor' pack and self billing agreement

If you have any questions about the selling process don't hesitate to speak to one of our sales and support team.

See full Conditions of Sale »

 

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