Payment Rules & Policies

1. Responsibility for Auction Fees

Know Your Fees Before Bidding

Each vehicle purchased through our Services is subject to certain auction fees assessed by both Auto4Export (“Auto4Export Fees”) and the Auction (“Auction Fees”). Collectively, these are referred to as “Auction Fees.”

Fee Information & Calculator

  • - A Fees Calculator is available on each lot listing page, allowing you to estimate your total purchase price (including Auction Fees) based on your bid amount.
  • - Important: The Fees Calculator is an estimate only; you remain obligated to pay the final invoice amount, even if it differs from the Calculator’s estimate.
  • - If you disagree with any charges on your invoice, you must notify us before you pay. Once payment is made, no refunds or fee disputes are permitted.

2. Taxes

You Pay Sales & Use Taxes

You must pay all applicable sales, consumption, use, and other taxes imposed by local, state, and federal authorities.

Reimbursement for Our Tax Liability

You agree to reimburse Auto4Export for any applicable taxes we must pay on your behalf for any vehicle purchased for resale to you.

Wholesale Purchases

If you purchase vehicles at wholesale under a valid sales tax exemption certificate, you agree to repay and defend Auto4Export and our Dealer(s) against any tax assessments, fines, or penalties imposed if a taxing authority later determines the sale is taxable.

3. Authorized Payment Methods

Accepted Methods

  • - Wire Transfer
  • - MoneyGram
  • - Zelle

No Other Methods

If you attempt to pay by an unapproved method, we reserve the right to cancel your purchase and relist the vehicle.

Payment Deadline

  • - Domestic Buyers: Payment must be received by 5:00 p.m. (Pacific) on the next business day after the sale date.
  • - International Buyers: Payment must be received by 5:00 p.m. (Pacific) on the second business day after the sale date.

4. Late Fees

Failure to Pay on Time

If you do not pay in full before the deadline, you incur Late Fees (see Member Fees).

End of Late Fees

Late Fees are no longer charged after (1) your purchase is canceled and relisted, or (2) your vehicle is declared abandoned.

Automatic Charges

You authorize us to charge any Late Fees to any payment method you use with our Services.

5. Storage Fees

Picking Up Your Vehicle

If you do not remove your vehicle (see Vehicle Pick Up Rules & Policies) from the facility within the allotted time (generally 3–5 days after auction), you will be charged Storage Fees (up to $50/day).

Facility-Specific Policy

Each facility sets its own time limits and fees; it is your responsibility to review these before bidding.

Payment & Removal

All Storage Fees must be paid in full before you can remove your vehicle. Storage Fees are not a penalty but rather a reasonable estimate of actual losses or costs incurred when a vehicle remains at the facility.

6. Transaction Fee Obligation

Owed Even If Purchase Not Completed

If you fail to complete a purchase for any reason, you still owe the Transaction Fee in addition to any other applicable fees

7. Relist Fees

Failure to Complete Purchase

If you fail to pay in full by the payment deadline, we or our Dealer may cancel your purchase and ask Auction to relist the vehicle.

Relist Fee Components

The Relist Fee equals Auction’s Fee plus the Transaction Fee.

Relist Fee Deadline

Relist Fees must be paid by 5:00 p.m. (Pacific) on the next business day after the auction end date.

Late Payment of Relist Fees

If not paid on time, you may incur additional Late Fees.

Actual Losses

You acknowledge that Relist Fees are not a penalty or liquidated damages; they represent our actual losses when you fail to complete a purchase.

8. Application of Payments to Unpaid Balances

Right to Offset

We may apply any payment you make (by wire transfer or otherwise) first to any outstanding unpaid balance (e.g., Membership Fees, Auction Fees, Storage Fees, Late Fees, Relist Fees) before applying it to the purchase price of another vehicle.

Example

If you send $1,000 for Vehicle B but owe $600 in Relist Fees for Vehicle A, we may first apply $600 toward Vehicle A’s Relist Fees, leaving only $400 toward Vehicle B. You remain responsible for the unpaid reminder on Vehicle B.

9. Collections

Unpaid Debts

If you fail to pay any owed amount, we may refer your account to a third-party collections agency.

Collections Fee

You agree that we may add a reasonable collection fee of at least $100 to the original amount due.

10. Account Suspension for Unpaid Balances

Bid Privilege Revocation

If you have an unpaid balance with us or our Dealers, we may suspend your Member Account or revoke your bidding privileges at our sole discretion.

11. Definition of “Sale Date”

Date of Possession

The “sale date” for a purchased vehicle is the date on which you take possession — typically the date the transporter picks up the vehicle.

Auction Date vs. Sale Date

The auction date or bid acceptance date is not considered the sale date for these purposes.

12. Definition of “Sale Date”

Your Responsibility

Unless we explicitly agree to submit a title application on your behalf, you are responsible for all ownership transfer, title registration, and any related requirements.

Release & Indemnification

You release and agree to defend and indemnify us from any liability, damages, or losses arising from your failure to handle title or registration properly.

13. No Refunds

All Sales Final

The transactions you enter through our Services are non-cancelable and irrevocable. As a result, all fees and charges (vehicle purchase price, Auction Fees, Storage Fees, Late Fees, Relist Fees, etc.) are non-refundable.

No Exceptions

Apart from limited membership fee refunds (if any), no refunds will be issued for any reason.


By using our Services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Payment Rules & Policies. Failure to comply may result in additional fees, cancellation of purchases, or suspension of your bidding privileges.



Bidding Rules & Policies

1. Review of Terms and Policies

Before you begin bidding, we encourage you to carefully review and understand the following documents and resources: Additionally, please consult our:

If you have any questions, contact our Buyer Services Center at [email protected] or +1 (770) 544-7007 before placing any bids.

2. Marketplace Disclaimer

Auto4Export functions solely as a marketplace and does not provide any guarantees, representations, or warranties regarding the condition or quality of vehicles listed for sale. We strongly encourage and advise you to inspect any vehicle in person before bidding or agreeing to purchase.

3. Irrevocability of Bids

No Bid Retractions

You agree that you cannot retract, delete, or cancel any bid for any reason once placed.

Payment Obligation

If your bid is accepted, you must pay the bid amount plus all applicable fees, including any bids placed during the Preliminary Bidding Period or the Live Virtual Auction. This obligation applies regardless of how or where your bid was placed (e.g., on our website, an auction website, or via a kiosk at an auction facility).

4. Rejection of Bids by Auction

Auction’s Discretion

The Auction (from which vehicles are sourced) may, at its sole discretion and without notice, reject or cancel any bid at any time.

No Liability for Rejected Bids

You acknowledge and agree that such decisions are outside of Auto4Export’s control. You therefore release Auto4Export from any liability, damages, or losses related to the rejection or cancellation of your bid.

5. Postponement, Cancellation, or Withdrawal of Sale

Right to Postpone or Cancel

Auto4Export, our Dealers, or the Auction may postpone, cancel, unwind, or withdraw a vehicle from sale at any time, for any reason, without prior notice.

No Liability for Canceled Sales

You understand that these actions might be beyond our control. You release Auto4Export, our Dealers, and the Auction from any liability for additional costs or losses you may incur due to the postponement or cancellation of a sale.

6. Automatic Bidding System

Purpose of the Automatic Bidding System

We utilize an automatic system to transfer your maximum bid (“Maximum Bid”) to the original auction. This system places incremental bids (up to your Maximum Bid) on your behalf during the Preliminary Bidding Period and the Live Virtual Auction.

Advantages

  • - The system automatically bids one step above the current high bid, helping you maintain the highest bid without manually increasing it each time.
  • - This functionality can enable you to win a vehicle at a price below your stated Maximum Bid if bidding does not reach that amount.

7. “Buy It Now” Option

Immediate Purchase

Certain vehicles may feature a “Buy It Now” option. By selecting this option, you agree to immediately purchase the vehicle at the stated price (plus applicable fees).

No Cancellation

You cannot retract, delete, or cancel a “Buy It Now” commitment for any reason once submitted.

8. “On Approval” Vehicles

Seller Approval

If a vehicle is listed “On Approval,” your high bid must be approved by the seller. Until the seller (via the Auction) accepts your bid, you have not purchased the vehicle.

Timeframe

In some cases, it may take up to three (3) business days (including the auction date) for the seller to notify the Auction of acceptance.

Notification of Acceptance or Rejection

You agree that your bid is not officially accepted or rejected until you receive notification from us. Acceptance or rejection is outside of Auto4Export’s control, and you release us from any related liability, damages, or losses.

9. “On Minimum Bid” Vehicles

Minimum Bid Requirement

If you place the highest bid on a vehicle listed “On Minimum Bid” and your bid meets or exceeds the seller’s reserve (the “minimum bid”), you are obligated to purchase the vehicle when the auction ends.

Below Minimum Bid

If your high bid does not meet or exceed the minimum bid, you will not be automatically awarded the vehicle. Instead:
  • 1. You may maintain your high bid
  • 2. You may increase your high bid, and
  • 3. The seller may accept, reject, or counteroffer your high bid.

Win Guarantee

You may authorize Auto4Export to negotiate directly with the seller for an amount up to your Maximum Bid (or the seller’s reserve price, whichever is lower) to secure the best possible purchase price for resale to you.

High Bid Is Binding

Even if the seller provides one or more counteroffers, your high bid remains open and binding until 8:00 pm (Pacific) on the next business day after the auction date. You cannot revoke or cancel your high bid during that period.

10. No Bidding on Your Own Item (“Shill Bidding”)

Consignment Sales

If you consign a vehicle for sale, you may not bid on that vehicle yourself.

No Artificial Price Inflation

You also may not bid on any vehicle if you know the seller and your intent is to drive up the selling price. This rule applies to family, friends, partners, roommates, coworkers, employees, and similar relationships.

11. Title Variations

Title / Ownership Documents

If you purchase a vehicle located in a different state than your own, you may receive a different state’s title or ownership document (e.g., you live in Idaho and buy a vehicle located in Nevada, but receive an Oregon salvage certificate).

Processing Time & Additional Fees

Title processing times for “comparable” (but different) documents can take 5–7 weeks and may result in additional fees.

12. Special Requirements for California Residents

1. Purchasing Vehicles Outside California

  • - If you are a California resident purchasing a vehicle not located in California, you can do so under our usual process. The vehicle will be sold to you by one of our Dealers, and all payments are made via our online membership marketplace on the Dealer’s behalf.
  • - California sales tax will be included in your purchase.

2. Purchasing Vehicles in California

  • - If you are a California resident and the vehicle is located in California, we do not sell vehicles directly in California; rather, one of our affiliated Dealers will handle the sale.
  • - If you purchase a California-based vehicle listed with a certain title type, you may instead receive an Acquisition Bill of Sale. The vehicle may need to pass various inspections before it can be registered, and we do not assist with repairs, registration, or inspections.
  • - A vehicle with a non-repairable title cannot be registered in California.

3. Export Purchases

  • - If you are a California resident intending to purchase a vehicle in California for export, you must notify us before bidding.
  • - You will need a clean title (not just an Acquisition Bill of Sale) to export. If you advise us in advance, we can arrange for a clean title marked “Export Only” as required.

By placing any bid or committing to purchase (including “Buy It Now”), you acknowledge and agree to these terms, policies, and procedures. Failure to comply with these obligations or any additional terms specified in our Member Terms and Conditions may result in cancellation of your transactions, suspension of your Member Account, or further legal action.



Security Deposit Rules & Policies

1. Required Security Deposit for Account Activation

  • - You must submit and maintain a Security Deposit (“Security Deposit”) of at least $600 at all times to keep your Member Account active.
  • - An initial Security Deposit of no less than $600 is required before you can bid on any vehicle.

2. Accepted Payment Methods for Security Deposit

You may pay your Security Deposit via:
  • 1. Credit Card
  • 2. Debit Card
  • 3. Wire Transfer

3. Buyer Power & Bid Limits

Your Security Deposit represents 10% of your maximum bid (“Buyer Power”).
Example: A $600 Security Deposit entitles you to bid up to $6,000.

If you want to bid on more than one (1) vehicle simultaneously, you must submit an additional Security Deposit for each additional vehicle.

4. Increasing Your Security Deposit

To place a bid exceeding your initial Buyer Power (e.g., $6,000), you must increase your Security Deposit via your My Account page.

You may not be able to increase your Security Deposit during an auction if bids have already surpassed your current limit. Plan ahead to ensure your deposit is sufficient before bidding begins.

5. Reauthorization of Credit Card Deposits

If you use a Credit Card for your Security Deposit, we may place a temporary “hold” on your account for the deposit amount instead of charging your card.
  • - This hold may appear as a pending transaction but does not constitute an actual payment.
  • - Depending on your credit card provider, the hold may expire after a set period (e.g., 30 days). If it expires, you may need to reauthorize the hold to keep your Member Account active.
  • - If you have saved your card on file, your Security Deposit will typically renew automatically. We will notify you via email and in your My Account if your deposit is no longer valid.

6. Changes to Security Deposit Requirements

We may change the requirements for your Security Deposit at any time and for any reason, including but not limited to:
  • - Increasing the minimum deposit;
  • - Changing how Buyer Power is calculated; and
  • - Altering the forms of payment accepted.

7. Security Deposit Is Not a Vehicle Payment

You cannot use your Security Deposit to pay for a vehicle (or any portion of a vehicle purchase).

However, if your Security Deposit was made via wire transfer, we may, at our discretion, apply all or part of the deposit to the unpaid purchase price or any outstanding fees.

Please refer to our Payment Rules & Policies for more details.

8. Applying Security Deposit to Unpaid Fees

If you owe any unpaid fees to us or our Dealer(s) (for any reason), you agree that we may (in our sole discretion) apply your Security Deposit to cover those amounts.

By using our Website, Products, and Services, you expressly authorize us to charge your Credit Card for any owed amounts, even if such amounts exceed your initial Security Deposit.

9. Releasing or Refunding Your Security Deposit

We will release/refund your Security Deposit upon your request if:
  • 1. You have no unpaid balance with us or any of our Dealers;
  • 2. You have no pending bids or transactions; and
  • 3. You are not in violation of our Member Terms and Conditions.

You must request the release/refund via your My Account page and obtain a confirmation number.

Once your Security Deposit is released/refunded, you will no longer be able to bid on vehicles.

10. Credit Card “Holds” vs. Actual Refunds

If your Security Deposit was funded by Credit Card, we may release the “hold” rather than issuing an actual refund transaction.
  • You do not pay any money upfront if it’s just a hold.
  • Removing the hold releases the pending transaction.
  • Your bank or card issuer controls how quickly the hold disappears; it may take up to one statement cycle.

11. Refunds Paid via Other Methods

If you funded your Security Deposit without a Credit Card:
  • - For U.S. residents or U.S. account holders:
    • 1. If the deposit came from your account, you must provide your routing and account numbers for an ACH refund.
    • 2. If the deposit came from a third-party (not you), you must provide a voided check from the third-party’s checking account for the ACH refund.
    • 3. If neither you nor the third-party payer has a bank account or voided check, please contact us for alternative arrangements.
  • - For non-U.S. residents, the refund will be processed via wire transfer.

Please allow up to thirty (30) business days for all refund and release requests to be processed.


By maintaining a Member Account and paying a Security Deposit, you acknowledge and agree to the above Terms & Policies regarding your Security Deposit.



Membership Rules & Policies

1. Eligibility to Register

By registering for a Member Account, you represent and warrant that:
  • 1. You are at least eighteen (18) years of age;
  • 2. You have the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract; and
  • 3. You possess the right, authority, and ability to comply with these Member Terms and Conditions.

2. Accurate Account Information

Initial Registration

You must provide true, accurate, and complete information at the time of registration, including your legal name, address, telephone number, and a valid email address. You must also submit a copy of a government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport).

Ongoing Updates

You agree to keep your account information updated (via your My Account page) so that it remains accurate and complete. You assume sole responsibility for any losses, liabilities, or other issues resulting from your failure to maintain accurate account information.

Privacy Notice

Please review our Privacy Policy for more information about how we collect, use, process, and share your information.

3. Permission to Access Third-Party Services

If you choose to register through a third-party service (e.g., Facebook or Google), you authorize us to:
  • 1. Access and use certain information from that service, as permitted by its terms; and
  • 2. Store your login credentials for that service.

Please review our Privacy Policy for more details on the types of information we collect from third-party services.

4. Security of Login Credentials

Once you complete registration, you will receive an email containing the login credentials for your Member Account. You agree that:
  • - You will keep your password secure and confidential.
  • - You will not transfer any part of your Member Account to another person.
  • - You will not register for or create more than one Member Account.
  • - You will comply with our Member Terms and Conditions as well as all applicable laws and regulations.
  • - You are responsible for all activity (including bidding) that occurs through your Member Account, whether on our Services, on the Auction’s website(s), or through kiosks at auction facilities.

5. Communication Consent

We, our Dealer(s), and our Buyer Services Center may need to contact you about your account or your bidding and purchasing activity. By providing your contact information, you agree:
  • - To receive phone calls at the telephone number(s) you provide.
  • - That if the telephone number provided is a mobile number, you consent to receive SMS or other text messages (standard minute and text charges may apply).
  • - To receive emails at the email address provided, and that such emails satisfy any requirement that notices be provided in writing.

6. Marketing & Promotional Materials

You acknowledge that you affirmatively consent to receiving marketing and promotional materials by mail, email, and/or fax.

You may opt out of these communications at any time by following the instructions in the relevant communication or as otherwise set forth in our Privacy Policy.

7. Security Deposit Requirement

You must maintain a Security Deposit of at least $600 at all times to keep your Member Account active.

An initial Security Deposit of at least $600 is required before you may bid on any vehicle.

Please see our Security Deposit Rules & Policies for further information.

8. Valid Photo ID Requirement

Before you can bid on or purchase a vehicle using our Services, you must upload a valid, government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport) to your account.

9. Respectful Conduct

You must remain respectful and civil toward other members and our employees. Any conduct, language, or behavior that is unlawful, harassing, abusive, threatening, defamatory, obscene, hateful, or otherwise violates the rights of others (including privacy rights) is strictly prohibited and may result in immediate termination of your Member Account.

10. Termination or Suspension of Your Account

We reserve the right, at our discretion and without notice, to terminate or suspend your Member Account and/or your use of our Services if we believe that you have:
  • - Engaged in collusion with another member;
  • - Violated any provisions of our Member Terms and Conditions, Rules & Policies, or any applicable laws; or
  • - Infringed upon the rights of other members, our employees, or any third parties.
If your Member Account is terminated or suspended:
  • - Any pending or completed transactions may be canceled.
  • - We may pursue legal action against you for reimbursement of all related losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorney fees).
  • - We may report your activities to law enforcement or other relevant third parties.
  • - You will not receive any refund; you will lose access to and use of our Services.

11. Canceling Your Member Account

You may cancel your Member Account at any time, provided:
  • 1. You have no unpaid balance;
  • 2. You have no pending bids or transactions; and
  • 3. You are not in violation of our Member Terms and Conditions.
To cancel, you must submit a cancellation request via your My Account page and obtain a cancellation confirmation number. No refund will be issued upon cancellation, and you lose all access to our Services immediately thereafter.

12. Outstanding Balances

Regardless of account termination, suspension, or cancellation—by you or by us—you remain responsible for any unpaid amounts you owe to us or our Dealers in connection with your use of our Services or the purchase of any items.


By creating and maintaining a Member Account, you acknowledge and agree to abide by these Terms and Conditions. Failure to do so may result in suspension or termination of your Member Account and/or further legal action, as we deem appropriate.



Delivery Rules & Policies

Auction Lot Locations

Due to differences in applicable law or in our vendors’ operating procedures, your shipping company may need to pick up your vehicle from a different location than the one listed at the time of auction. For instance, a vehicle located in Sacramento, CA, at the time of auction could ultimately require pickup in Portland, OR. Such circumstances may lead to longer delivery times and added delivery costs.

Right to Withhold Release of Vehicle

We reserve the right to not release any vehicle to you. You agree that we have no obligation to release a vehicle to you (or your shipping company) if you have an unpaid account balance (e.g., vehicle purchase price, Auction Fees, Storage Fees, Late Fees, Relist Fees, or other applicable fees) or are otherwise in violation of our Agreement.

Assumption of Risk & Bailee Relationship

1. Risk of Loss

From the moment your bid is accepted by the Auction (as the auction operator) or the auction seller, you assume all risk of loss for the vehicle. During the period your vehicle remains on the Auction’s property (or another designated pickup location), the facility is acting solely as a bailee for your vehicle.

2. Limited Liability

Neither Auto4Export nor the Auction is liable for damage to or loss of your vehicle (or parts thereof) caused by operational procedures at the facility, theft, vandalism, weather, acts of God, or any other circumstance.

3. Removal & “As Is” Acceptance

Auto4Export bears no liability once your vehicle is removed from the Auction facility (or other pickup location). Upon removal—whether by you or a third party on your behalf—you accept the vehicle “AS IS,” “WHERE IS,” and “WITH ALL FAULTS.” Refer to our general release and indemnity provisions in our Member Terms and Conditions for more details.

No Liability During Shipping

  • Damage in Transit: Auto4Export is not responsible for any damage to or loss of your vehicle (or its parts) while in transit.
  • After Delivery: We are not liable for any damage or discrepancy once the vehicle has been delivered to your specified destination.
  • Risk of Loss: You accept all risk of loss if you choose to have your vehicle transported by a third-party service provider (including those referred by us). Refer to our general release and indemnity provisions for more details.

Compliance with Transportation Laws

When your vehicle is picked up and transported, you must ensure that you and the shipping company comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including properly loading and securing the vehicle.
  • Assistance by Auction Personnel: Auction staff may assist in loading your vehicle upon request, but neither Auto4Export nor the Auction is liable for any damage arising from loading, securing, or transporting the vehicle.
  • Your Responsibility: You agree to release and indemnify Auto4Export and the Auction from any claims or damages related to the loading/transportation of your vehicle. See our Member Terms and Conditions for details.

Referral to Third-Party Service Providers

We may help coordinate transportation and delivery services by referring you to one of our recommended third-party providers. You acknowledge and agree that we may share your Member Account details (including your contact information) with these service providers for shipping or logistical purposes. For information on managing your data and communication preferences, please review our Privacy Policy.


By using our Services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these rules regarding vehicle pickup, risk of loss, and liability.



Member Fees

The fees outlined below may apply when using our Services. Each listing page includes a Fees Calculator that provides an estimated total; however, please note that the amount stated on your final invoice is the amount you are obligated to pay, even if it differs from the Fees Calculator estimate. Unless otherwise specified, all fees are assessed on a per-vehicle basis.

1. Membership Fees

Membership: Free

2. Purchase-Related Fees

When purchasing a vehicle, Members must pay Auto4Export Fees, Documentation Fees, and Auction Fees. Additional fees may apply as specified below. Any incurred fees must be paid in full.

a. Auto4Export Transaction Fees

These fees vary depending of the purchase price and are calculated per vehicle:
  • - For vehicles under $3,000 - $295
  • - For vehicles above $3,000 - $395 or 3% of the purchase price, whichever is greater

b. Documentation Fee

The Documentation Fee varies based on the buyer’s location and the vehicle’s title or ownership document. It generally ranges from $75 to $99.

c. Auction Fees

Auction assesses several fees, some of which may appear combined in the Fees Calculator and on your invoice. Auction’s fees are subject to change at any time without prior notice.

3. Other Fees

  • Late Fees: $50 per day
  • Storage Fees: Up to $50 per day, depending on the facility and/or duration of storage (refer to our Payment Rules & Policies Payment Rules & Policies)
  • Incoming Wire Fee (International): $25 per transfer
  • Outgoing Wire Fee (International): $30 per transfer (USD)
  • Relist Fees:
    • - Auction’s Fee: The greater of $600 or 10% of the vehicle’s purchase price
    • - Auto4Export’s Transaction Fee: Based on your Membership level (see Auto4Export Transaction Fees above)

By using our Services, you agree to pay all applicable fees as outlined above. If you have any questions regarding these fees, please consult our Payment Rules & Policies Payment Rules & Policies or contact us for more details.