Auction System

The bidcars.ch auction system enables transparent and efficient trading of vehicles. This guide explains how the auction system works, how to place bids, and what happens after an auction concludes.

Auction System Overview

Auctions on bidcars.ch work according to the following basic principles:

• Vehicles are offered for auction for a fixed period (typically 24-48 hours)
• Qualified buyers can place bids as long as the auction is active
• The current highest bid is visible to all participants
• The auction ends automatically at the specified time
• After the auction ends, the highest bidder wins if the reserve price has been met

Access to Auctions

To participate in auctions, you need:

• An active team account on bidcars.ch
• The 'bids.create' permission (enabled by default for all team members)
• An active subscription that allows bidding

Note: There is a special 'Bidder' role designed specifically for team members who should only place bids but not manage vehicles.

Finding Auctions

There are several ways to find active auctions:

• Via the main page, which displays current and upcoming auctions
• Via the 'Vehicles' section in the marketplace, using the 'In Auction' filter
• Via the detailed search function with various filter options

The search function allows filtering by make, model, year, price range, and many other criteria.

Placing Bids

To place a bid on a vehicle:

1. Select a vehicle in an active auction
2. Review the vehicle details, images, and current highest bid
3. Click on the 'Place Bid' button
4. Enter your bid amount (must be higher than the current highest bid)
5. Confirm your bid

Bids are subject to the following rules:

• Each new bid must exceed the current highest bid
• You cannot bid on your own vehicles
• All bids are binding and cannot be withdrawn
• Bids must be placed manually - there is no automatic bidding system

You will receive notifications when you are outbid or when you win an auction.

Auction Status

An auction can be in one of the following states:

• Draft: The auction is being prepared but is not yet active
• Active: The auction is running and accepting bids
• Completed: The auction has ended and the result is determined
• Cancelled: The auction was cancelled for administrative reasons

Upcoming auctions are displayed with a countdown until they start

Active auctions show the remaining time until they end

Winning an Auction

If you are the highest bidder when the auction ends and your bid meets or exceeds the reserve price:

1. You will receive a notification that you have won the auction
2. The seller's contact details will be provided to you
3. You should contact the seller within 24 hours
4. Arrange payment and collection directly with the seller
5. The vehicle will be displayed in your account under 'Purchased Vehicles'

Note: bidcars.ch provides the platform for trading, but the actual transaction takes place directly between buyer and seller.

Selling a Vehicle Through Auction

If your vehicle has been successfully auctioned:

1. You will receive a notification about the successful sale
2. The buyer's contact details will be provided to you
3. The buyer will contact you to arrange payment and collection
4. Prepare all necessary documents for the vehicle transfer
5. The vehicle will be displayed in your account under 'Sold Vehicles'

If no bids have reached the reserve price:

• You can offer the vehicle for auction again, possibly with an adjusted price
• You can negotiate directly with interested bidders whose bids were below the reserve price
• You can remove the vehicle from the market (status 'Withdrawn')

Tips for Successful Auctions

Tips for buyers:

• Thoroughly check the vehicle details before placing a bid
• Set yourself a personal limit and stick to it
• Consider additional costs such as transport and taxes
• Keep an eye on active auctions, especially shortly before they end

Tips for sellers:

• Provide high-quality images and detailed information
• Set a realistic reserve price based on market data
• Respond quickly and thoroughly to inquiries from potential buyers
• Prepare all relevant documents before the auction begins

Restrictions and Rules

Note the following restrictions and rules of the auction system:

• All participants must be registered users with valid team accounts
• Sellers cannot bid on their own vehicles
• Bids cannot be withdrawn
• The platform only mediates between buyers and sellers but is not involved in the actual transaction
• Sellers are obligated to describe vehicles truthfully
• Buyers are obligated to complete won auctions

Depending on your subscription, fees may apply for successful sales. Details can be found in the pricing information.