1. Go through the terms and conditions
This is the first thing one needs to do, even before registering on an online auto auction site. Read about the site, the process through which bidding takes place and contact the customer service department if you have any doubts. Carefully scan the terms and conditions to find out if the auto auction site charges any fees from the buyers and sellers. Find out the protection offered in case anything goes wrong.
2. Avoid offers that seem too good to be true
Don’t get tempted by any such offers that seem too good to be true. There are no lack of offers in cheap online auto auctions, so don’t get too excited about any offer which seems suspicious. Also, beware of scammers who tend to gauge the bidder's excitement during the bidding process and push inexperienced bidders into fake bidding wars to get more money from them.
3. Request for a physical inspection of the vehicle
A physical inspection of the vehicle assures you that the auction site is selling a real product. Physical inspection is important because if you want to buy salvage vehicles online, you won’t be able to gauge the actual condition of a car simply by looking at its pictures. A physical verification will help you verify the information provided on the extent of damage. In fact, you must hire an expert mechanic for a physical inspection of the vehicle before you make a purchase. Some reputable online auto auction sites have tie ups with leading third party inspection companies to provide you clear data on VIN.
Wrap Up
The best way to avoid getting scammed is to buy through a tried and tested auto auction site. Ask your friends and family, who have purchased a used car from any online auto auction, about their experience. You can also read online customer reviews and social media pages to get an idea of a company’s reputation and services. Once you have zeroed in on a reputable online auto auction site, you need to spend some time observing how the bidding takes place on its platform. Browse through the FAQs section of the auto auction website to find answers to the most commonly asked questions by beginners as well as experienced bidders before taking part in the cheap online auto auctions.