Thinking of buying a car? Then try your luck at Automotive Auctions. The general experience has been good and you will have an opportunity to buy the car of your choice at a good price. The excitement of a live auction and the atmosphere make it a fun-filled experience. The process is also simple and safe.

Here are a few things to keep in mind while attending automotive auctions.

• Remember to carry your Australian drivers licence with you. If you are buying on behalf of another person or entity, remember to bring a letter of authority. You will need these for the registration process.
• Also carry along with you, cash or a bank cheque towards settlement of deposit. This is needed if your bid is successful. The balance amount can be paid the next day through a bank cheque or by cash payment.
• Before you are allowed to bid in Automotive Auctions, potential buyers are to necessarily register with the company holding the auctions. Before registering, make sure you read and understand the ‘Terms and conditions of Sale’. Take care to register in the name in of the person or entity purchasing the vehicle, as the invoice will be issued in that name.
• After registration, a buyer’s number will be allotted to you. This number is valid only for the auction you are attending. Every time there is a fresh sale, a new number will be allotted. If you don’t have this number, you will not be allowed to take part in the bidding process. It doesn’t matter if you don’t bid as it wont normally cost you anything.
• Every item on sale has a lot number and the auction takes place in numerical order. Generally vehicles are sold in less than 2 minutes.
• If you are not comfortable with the bidding process, then it is best to get yourself familiar with the process by visiting a few automotive auctions. This will help you build confidence.
• When you make your first bid, make sure you are heard so that the auction team makes sure you don’t miss out in the bidding process.
• Generally, the bids go up by $200 in every round. But the amount can also depend on the auctioneer.
• Once you have made a bid for a vehicle you cannot withdraw. Make sure you pay attention to the bidding process until the vehicle is sold.
• If your bid is a success, then the item will be allotted to you or ‘knocked’ down for you. Your buyer number will be noted. Make the required deposit on the same day. Go with the remaining amount on the next day, make the payment and take your vehicle home.

Many of the automotive auctions offer facilities for finance, insurance and registration. This makes life easier for you.