Bidding Tips

Frequently Asked Questions
What to do at Auction
Auction Terminology

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register for an auction?

All potential bidders must pre-register on-site. The office staff will guide you through the process.

How much does it cost to register?

Nothing. There is no fee to participate at Bentley Auctions.

Can I test drive a vehicle before bidding?

Test drives are available all week long and prior to the start of the auction which starts at 11 A.M.

I can't attend the auction. Can I buy a vehicle before it goes up for auction?

Yes! We are open Monday to Saturday. You don't have to wait for the auction to get an excellent deal.

How do I pay for my vehicle?

We accept all major credit cards, Interact, certified cheque. We also offer financing options. Click here for our on-line pre-approval application.

Are warranties available?

We are pleased to offer extended warranties for most vehicles. Click here to learn more.

Can I withdraw my bid?

Under most circumstances, your bid is considered a legal commitment to purchase the vehicle.

Can I sell my car at the Auction?

We are pleased to accept vehicles on consignment for sale at the Auction. Click here to learn more.

What to do at an auction

Set yourself a bidding limit. Take into consider the costs of the Buyers' Premium and Administrative Fees. Choose a top price and stick with it.
Follow the bidding. When the sale begins, the auctioneer will call out each lot number and will start the bidding. As the people signal to him by waving or nodding he will call out their bids in regular sums or increments.
Attract attention to your bid. In a packed saleroom don't be afraid to attract the auctioneer's attention: wave your catalogue or bidding card and call out if need be. However, if the bidding is rising rapidly, the auctioneer will usually only take bids from two people at a time. When one drops out he will look around the room for someone else to join in. If you are still within your limit that is your moment! Prior to the start of the auction, let one of the Floor Manager's know which vehicle you're interested in. He'll check with you to see if you're ready to bid.
When it's all over. The auctioneer will indicate that the bidding is finished by banging a small hammer, called a gavel, and recording the sale and the name or number of the successful bidder. The Floor Manager will bring you to the Administration area to complete the paperwork to finalize the sale.
Remember that your bid is a legal offer to purchase the vehicle. Don't bid if you're not prepared to purchase the vehicle.

Terminology

Absolute Auction - An auction with no limiting conditions or reserves. The highest bidder will win the car without limitation.

Auction - The selling of cars in a public forum with competitive and open bidding.

Auctioneer - The person who calls out bid prices and directly conducts the car auction and its pricing.

Auction Block - The place where the auctioneer stands and conducts the auction.

Auction Subject to Confirmation - Same as a Auction with Reserve.

Auction with Reserve - An auction in which a minimum sale amount is specified for the car. If bidding does not reach this amount, the car is not sold.

Bid - A legally-binding contract to purchase a car at the price called out by the auctioneer.

Bid Assistant - Employees who assist in identifying bidders.

Bidder Number - A number issued to a prospective bidder upon registering for a car auction.

Caveat Emptor - "Buyer Beware" A legal term of Latin origin stating that the buyer assumes all risk for the car purchased at auction, with no warranties implied unless otherwise stated.

Commission / Buyers' Premium - A fee charged for selling the car at auction.

Hammer Price - The latest price established before the auctioneer strikes the gavel and a car is sold.

Minimum Opening Bid - The starting bid price of a car at auction.

Preview - A specified time before the auction begins wherein prospective bidders can view all the cars up for auction.

Reserve Price - A minimum price at which the vehicle will be sold. Most vehicles at Bentley Auctions do not have a Reserve Price.

Tie Bids - Bids placed by two or more parties simultaneously. It is the responsibility of the auctioneer to resolve tie bids.

Withdrawal - Failure to achieve the reserve price or insufficient bidding on a car.

This is a public auction. All attendees at the auction must register prior to entering the viewing area. The information provided on this web site is merely a guide and is subject to numerous factors which may be incorrect or inaccurate. We do our best to avoid errors or inaccuracies, but it is the responsibility of all customers to verify all facts. Some vehicles have announcements or declarations which will be made at the point of sale.

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