Welcome to Auction Travel—where buying and selling exceptional vehicles is exciting, transparent, and surprisingly straightforward. Whether you're bidding for the first time or you're a seasoned collector, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
BIDDING
New to auctions? Don't worry. The process is made with the registration and bidding process as simple as possible. Here's everything you need to get started.
Getting Started with Registration
How do I register to bid at an Auction Travel event?
Head to an Auction referral and "Onsite Bidding," choose your auction, and create an account. Once they review your application, you'll get a confirmation email from our Client Service team—usually within 24 hours.
What documents do I need to register?
Just three things:
Photo ID (driver's license or passport)
Valid credit card (for verification and any registration fee)
Proof of funds (recent bank statement, brokerage statement, or bank letter showing available balance)
If you're registering as a dealer, also need your dealer’s license and resale tax certificate. Companies should provide incorporation documents and VAT/Tax number.
Is there a fee to register?
It depends on the auction. Check the Bidder Registration section on your specific auction page for details. If there is a fee, it's non-refundable—even if you purchase a vehicle.
Why do you need my credit card?
Your card helps us verify your identity and acts as a security measure for payment. Maybe a temporary authorization hold (not an actual charge) that automatically drops off your account within 7-30 days after the auction. Your information is completely secure and confidential.
Can I register on the day of the auction?
Absolutely—but registering in advance to skip the lines. If you do register onsite, bring your photo ID, credit card, and proof of funds document.
Do I need to register for every auction I attend?
Yes, you'll need to submit a new registration for each auction. The good news? Your documents (ID, proof of funds) are only required once per year.
I submitted my registration. Am I approved?
You'll hear from us within 24 hours. Have everything to, confirm you're fully approved to bid. If additional info needed, call and let you know exactly what's missing.
How to Bid: our Options
I can't attend in person. Can I still bid?
Yes! They offer three remote bidding options:
Online bidding (bid in real-time from anywhere)
Telephone bidding (we call you and relay your bids to the auctioneer)
Absentee bidding (set your maximum bid in advance and automation bid for you)
How does online bidding work?
On auction day, return to our website and click the BID NOW button. You'll watch a live stream of the auction and place bids in real-time. First-time online bidders should register in advance to set up their username and password.
Is there an extra fee for bidding online?
Nope! Online bidding is free. You'll still pay the standard buyer's premium (listed on each lot page), applicable sales tax, and any shipping fees—but there's no additional charge for using the online platform.
What is telephone bidding?
If you prefer a more personal touch, many auctions will call you during the auction when your lot comes up. Just provide your phone number (with country code), preferred language, and the lot numbers you're interested in. An Auction Travel representative may relay your bids to the auctioneer on your behalf.
What is absentee bidding?
Think of it as setting a "maximum bid" in advance. Tell us the highest amount you're willing to pay, and starting at the lowest possible price. If someone outbids your maximum, you're out—but you'll never pay more than you authorized.
Understanding Bidding Mechanics
What are bidding increments?
Bids increase in set amounts depending on the current price. Here's how it works for live auctions:
Online auctions use slightly different increments—check the lot page for details.
What does "offered without reserve" mean?
It means the vehicle will sell to the highest bidder, no matter what. There's no minimum price—if you're the top bid when the hammer falls, you win.
What's a reserve price?
A reserve is the minimum price a seller will accept. It stays confidential. If the highest bid doesn't meet the reserve, the vehicle won't sell. For lots with reserves, bidding typically starts at 50% of the low estimate.
How does timed bidding work?
Timed auctions have a set end time, but there's an anti-snipe feature: if someone bids in the final 2 minutes, the auction automatically extends by another 2 minutes. This prevents last-second "sniping" and gives everyone a fair shot.
What is sealed bid bidding?
In a sealed bid auction, you only see your own bid—not what others have offered. You'll see your ranking (1st through 5th, or "5+"), but not the dollar amounts. If someone outbids you, they will notify you by email or text so you can raise your bid if you'd like.
The anti-snipe rule here is 90 seconds: if a top-3 bid comes in during the final 90 seconds, the auction extends by another 90 seconds.
What happens to vehicles that don't sell?
Unsold lots move to our "Still for Sale" section after the auction closes. Interested? Contact one of their Car Specialists to make an offer.
