Simply log onto eBay Motors, find a vehicle of your choice, and start bidding. All the same traditional eBay rules apply to eBay Motors, and there’s no auction fee to bid on vehicles listed.
To get started on the platform, you’ll need to register. Salvage Bid offers a free membership that allows you to bid only during preliminary bids. You also only get to purchase one vehicle on the free plan. For $200 a year, gain access to the Premium plan, which unlocks every auction and feature on the website. Live auctions require a Premium plan. Auto Auction Mall requires a security deposit of 10% of the amount you wish to spend. However, Auto Auction Mall’s membership is free for everyone and registration is simple. If you do win an auction, you’ll be required to pay Auto Auction Mall a $299 fee for its services.
A Better Bid offers free registration to browse. However, to bid, you’ll pay a fixed transaction fee of $250, plus applicable fees that are determined after your purchase. The Premium Membership will cost you $150 annually but gives access to a discounted transaction fee and five free vehicle history reports.
The Purple Wave platform is free after registration and there are no fees. However, there is a 10% buyer’s premium added to the end of every purchase price to be paid along with your invoice. For bids of more than $10,000, you might be required to provide a bank letter of guarantee or a credit card pre-authorization.
As a public buyer without a license, you’ll be charged a $200 annual fee for IAAI’s service. You’re eligible to bid only on auctions that are open to the public and on inventory available to the public.
Cranky Ape allows you to set an absentee bid, letting the website bid on your behalf up to your max. The website also lists vehicles for Buy Now privileges, meaning you can skip the online auction and purchase directly.
