How it works
Two ways to buy a vehicle at Auto Auctioneers
Buy at a fixed price while the 7-day price window is open, or bid at auction once it closes. Both routes are handled by the same agent, in the same account.
The 7-day fixed-price rule
Fixed-price vehicles are sold at the advertised price for 7 days from the day the lot is listed. Each lot carries its own countdown, so you always see exactly how long the price is held. When the window ends, any unsold lot automatically moves into the auction catalogue, the fixed price is withdrawn and the vehicle opens for bidding — where the price can rise well above the original figure, or occasionally fall below it if there is no competition. A window may be extended by our team, but a fixed price is never held for more than 7 days at a time. Nothing is reserved by browsing: the first buyer whose request is confirmed by an agent secures the car.
A vehicle is never in both states at once. While a lot is fixed price it carries no bids and no auction clock; once it is catalogued for auction the fixed price disappears and the only way to buy is to bid.
Buying at a fixed price
No bidding, no waiting for a hammer. Available while the lot's 7-day price window runs.
- 01
Pick a fixed-price vehicle
Every fixed-price lot shows one locked price in AUD. That price is held for 7 days from the day the lot is listed, and a countdown on the lot shows the time remaining.
- 02
Send your buyer request
Complete the buy-now form with your business or private details, ID and delivery address. No payment is taken at this stage.
- 03
An agent confirms the lot
We check the vehicle is still unsold, reserve it in your name for 24 hours and send you the invoice with the total including fees.
- 04
Pay and receive your vehicle
Every lot shows its own payment terms: 25%, 50% or 100% of the invoice payable within 48 hours by bank transfer. We then deliver the vehicle door-to-door anywhere in Australia — or you can book a reserved collection slot at the yard. All transport and transfer paperwork follows Australian road and consumer law.
Bidding at auction
Open only to buyers authorised in advance by a Auto Auctioneers agent.
- 01
Apply for bidding authorisation
Companies and private buyers must be identified before a bid is legally accepted. Send your documents to info@smartauctions.com.au.
- 02
An agent reviews your file
A Auto Auctioneers buyer-services agent verifies your ABN or photo ID, licence and bank details, and sets your bidding limit.
- 03
Approval within 24 hours
You receive your bidder number and login. Approval lasts for all future auctions — you only register once.
- 04
Bid, win, settle
Bid live or leave a maximum bid. If you are the highest bidder above reserve, the lot is yours. No deposit is taken before the sale — you then pay the amount shown in that lot's payment terms (25%, 50% or 100%) within 48 hours.
Who can be authorised to bid
Businesses and dealers
- · ABN/ACN and ASIC company extract
- · Motor dealer or wrecker licence, if applicable
- · Director photo ID and authorised buyer list
- · Company bank account for refunds
Private buyers
- · Australian driver licence or passport
- · Proof of address issued in the last 3 months
- · No bidding deposit required
- · Signed acceptance of our conditions of sale
Fees, payment and collection
Buyer's premium
Applied to the hammer price or fixed price and shown on your invoice before you commit.
Administration fee
A flat per-vehicle documentation fee covering transfer paperwork.
Deposit
None is taken before the sale. After the sale each lot carries its own first payment: 25%, 50% or 100% of the invoice.
Payment
Payment is due by bank transfer within 48 hours. Vehicles are released once the funds clear.
Storage
Free for 5 business days after payment, then $40 per day.
Delivery
Door-to-door transport quoted on request to any Australian address.
Still unsure which route suits you?
Speak to an agent on 1800 936 161 or email info@smartauctions.com.au — we will tell you whether the vehicle you want is better bought now or at auction.