Who are CD Auction Group?

CD Auction Group is Britain’s leading online auction company, with more than 25 years experience in electronic auctions. Our company prides itself on providing an open and transparent auction environment that offers great value for money for both vendors and buyers alike.

Who are Cars Direct?

Cars Direct is the vehicle auction division of CD Auction Group. The business has been trading since 1989 and is a trusted, well established name in logistics, operations and vehicle remarketing.  

What other services do you offer?

CD Auction Group can handle more than just the sales process with a range of highly efficient and cost effective additional services available to both vendors and buyers. These ensure that buying and selling through CD Auction Group remains a ‘hassle-free’ process from start to finish.

The services offered include transport, storage, valeting, vehicle refurbishment, pool fleet management for vehicle fleets and off-site sales which can mean real savings on transport costs.

How do I contact you?

Our friendly and experienced staff are here to help you, why not call them on 01536 40 99 99.  Our office hours are Mon-Fri 08:30am -05:30pm, Sat 09:00am - 01:00pm or use the contact tab on the web 24/7.

Can anybody bid on the website?

Yes, anybody can bid, but you have to register then be approved and authorised, before you can place a bid. If you are only ‘approved’ you will be able to see pricing information, but you will not be able to bid.

Please contact our supportive sales team (01536 40 99 99) to gain authorised status. A pre-authorised deposit may be required (see our ‘How it works’ section for more details).

Do I have to register to look around the website?

If you are not a registered user you can still view details of vehicles for auction however you will not be able to submit or view prices being bid – click here to register.

How do I register?

As stated above, this is easy and you can do it via the Sign-In tab on the home page. We will need sufficient information to identify you and/or your business. After registration there may be a short delay while we validate your application before approving you to bid online.

You should familiarise yourself with our processes (see our ‘How it works’ section for more details) and you should also study our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

How do I become authorised to bid?

Depending on your business type, you may be authorised to bid immediately. Alternatively, you will be instructed on how to be authorised via an email.

Explain the “My Details” page?

On your “My Details” page, you will be able to view your current, registered contact details (email, address, telephone number, etc.). You will also be able to set what marketing you receive from us, along with type of vehicle and the age/mileage you look for. Additionally, you will be able to see what Buyer’s Premium you will be paying.

What is a Buyer’s Premium?

A Buyer’s Premium is a percentage of the final selling price of items (minimum fee applicable) and is added to the total amount payable.

How can I change my registration details?

In order to change your details, you will need to contact us via email or telephone.

Can I view vehicles prior to placing a bid?

It is essential that you ensure your satisfaction with a vehicle prior to bidding. You can view lots for sale, this must be arranged 48hs prior to an auction (Mon-Thurs, 10am-1pm). Only customers who are currently registered on our website will be given access to our site to view vehicles.

To be allowed onsite to view you must;

• Report to reception.
• State the lot numbers of the vehicle(s) you wish to view.
• Wear suitable clothing.

N.B. Please be aware that our site is a working area and vehicles will be driven and some machinery may be operated within our compound. Children under 16 will not be permitted. The registered buyer may bring an advisor, however a maximum of 2 people will be permitted to view a vehicle.

How do I bid/buy?

There are 2 ways to bid:

• Online – via our internet bidding service. The easiest and simplest way to bid. You are not required to physically attend the auction. You will just need to be registered and authorised to bid. A pre-authorised deposit may be required.

• Onsite – In person, while an auction is taking place. You will need to arrive with plenty of time to register and/or be authorised to bid. A pre-authorised deposit may be required.

We strongly recommend you familiarise yourself with our processes (see our ‘How it works’ section for more details) and you should also study our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

What is a reserve price?

A reserve price is the minimum price at which a seller is willing to sell a vehicle. If a bid is made at or above this price, the seller is obliged to sell. The reserve price is not disclosed to buyers, but you will be able to see when the reserve price has been met.

Explain the guide price shown on the bid sheet?

The guide price is purely there as a steer to the bid price you will need to make in order to purchase the vehicle.

Can I retract or change my auction bid?

Once bids are submitted, you cannot remove or modify them, although you can place additional bids. If you make a mistake when bidding, please contact us immediately on 01536 40 99 99.

Can I use an automated bidding system?

Yes, in fact we recommend you use our ‘robo-bid’ feature because bidding activity can get quite hectic as the sale nears completion. This will automatically bid for you in pre-set increments up to the maximum bid you select.

It will not bid above your chosen maximum and your maximum is not disclosed to other bidders or the vendor.

How does extended bidding work?

Extended bidding prevents sniper bidding at the end of the auction.

• Extended Bidding is activated at 1pm.
• If you have made a bid on any lot before 1pm, you will be eligible for extended bidding on these lots only.
• Each and any bid received will extend the bidding time by a further five minutes.
• Bidding automatically ceases on each lot after five minutes of inactivity.

What happens if my bid is below the reserve price?

If your bid is below the reserve price, it is a “provisional sale”. We will now begin the negotiation with the vendor. Once we have an answer, as the best bidder we will come back to you.

How quickly do I have to pay?

If your bid is successful then an invoice for the final amount due (including any fees and less any pre-authorised deposit) will be generated. This will be sent to you electronically and payment is required within 24 hours.

Items are expected to be collected within 48 hours of the sale and you may be charged storage fees if items are not paid for and collected within our standard terms.

How do I pay?

Payment must be made by electronic bank transfer, debit or credit card. Credit card payments are subject to a handling charge of 2.75% to cover fees charged to us by the issuing company. Payment cannot be split over 2 different cards.

To comply with Anti-Money Laundering Regulations we may require the following documentation before we can release your vehicle: Proof of Identity: Passport or Driving Licence (with Photo). Proof of Address: Utility Bill or Bank Statement – issued in the last 6 months.

If the vehicle is to be paid by a 3rd party they will also be requested to provide proof of I.D. and proof of address. We can only accept payments drawn on accounts with a UK or EU regulated credit institution or from an equivalent jurisdiction (as may appear from time to time on the list of equivalent countries agreed by the EU Committee on the prevention of Money laundering and Terrorist Financing)

Please note CD Auction Group does not accept cash and does not offer or arrange any form of finance or hire purchase. If you wish to finance your purchase please arrange this privately before bidding.

CD Auction Group does not accept payments over the phone.

Can my purchase be delivered?

Yes, we can deliver your vehicle and we would be delighted to provide you with a quote for delivery. The cost will depend on the number of vehicles purchased, delivery area and method of transport required. Delivery is normally within 48hrs of payment being received.

Explain VAT on motor vehicles?

As a general rule there is no VAT on used vehicles. Where VAT is shown on an Auction list, the following key will apply:-

Q relates to Qualifying Cars.
The VAT element will be split from the sale price and shown separately.
Only VAT registered buyers, purchasing vehicles for a qualifying purpose may reclaim the VAT.

M relates to Marginal Cars.
VAT is not shown separately and cannot be recovered.

+VAT applies to all Commercial vehicles, Plant and Equipment.
VAT at current rates is charged on top of the sale price is almost all cases.
You should consider that all commercial vehicles, Plant and Equipment sales are subject to VAT unless we declare otherwise.

IF YOU ARE UNSURE PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO ASK A MEMBER OF STAFF.

What do I do if I need more information?

If you need any more information, please call our friendly staff on 01536 40 99 99 or use the contact tab on the web 24/7.