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Learn All About These 7 Types of Online Car Auctions: An Insider Guide

Learn All About These 7 Types of Online Car Auctions: An Insider Guide

Read all about car auctions, their different types and the bidding process to start buying cars with convenience and at incredible prices!

Are you looking to expand your dealership's inventory by participating in online car auctions?

Perhaps you're looking for reliable vehicles at wholesale prices to cater to your customers. If any of these scenarios resonate, the solution might be a few clicks away in the world of car auctions tailored for used car dealers.

In this blog post, we'll delve into what online car auctions entail, which types of car auctions are available to dealers, and the entire process of bidding for cars on the eCarsTrade platform.

So, fasten your seatbelts - it's time to discover the secrets of acquiring inventory through online auctions!

Online car auctions - what are they, how they work and who can participate?

Online car auctions offer a fast and convenient way for used car dealers to source vehicles.

While car auctions have existed for decades, the shift to digital platforms has accelerated in recent years due to their efficiency and accessibility. In fact, in 2020, online auctions made up nearly 19% of the remarketing and leasing market.

Vehicles sold through auctions often come from leasing companies, fleet owners, or private sellers. Ex-lease cars, in particular, are well-maintained and may still be under manufacturer warranty.

The process is straightforward: dealers join the auction, search for specific models, submit bids within the designated timeframe, and wait for the results to see if they won.

The key advantages for dealers include:

Access to wholesale prices
A wide range of vehicles
Transparent listings
The ability to compare multiple cars quickly

Types of car auctions

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a closer look at the different types of auctions.

This will help you understand some different ways to source cars through eCarsTrade auctions and provide you with the knowledge you need to choose the type best suited to your needs.

First, let’s explain the types of auctions according to the audience.

► Public auctions

Public car auctions offer a way for private customers to purchase used vehicles.

To participate in a public auction, buyers usually need to complete a registration process and pay a one-time or annual registration fee. Once registered, participants can browse the available vehicles and place bids during the auction.

However, it’s important to proceed with caution. In many public auctions, vehicles and documentation cannot be thoroughly inspected before bidding.

Additionally, the competitive environment can lead to impulsive bidding, sometimes resulting in buyers paying more than they intended.

While public auctions can be a cost-effective way to purchase a car, they do require careful preparation and research to avoid unexpected issues after the purchase.

► Online auctions

Online car auctions have become the preferred method for car traders and private buyers, offering a flexible and efficient way to purchase vehicles without needing to visit a physical location.

These platforms provide access to a wide range of vehicles from different regions, making it easier to find specific models or price ranges.

Since the cars don’t need to be stored on-site, the available inventory is often much larger than at traditional auctions.

Key benefits of online car auctions include:

Convenience – Buyers can participate from anywhere, saving time and travel costs.
Speed – The entire bidding and purchasing process is streamlined, allowing for faster decision-making.
Transparency – Listings typically include detailed specifications, photos, and available documentation to help buyers assess a vehicle’s condition.
Security – Reputable platforms offer secure payments, data protection, and customer support throughout the process—from bidding to collection.

Online auctions continue to grow in popularity due to their accessibility, efficiency, and the broad selection of vehicles available.

► Open auctions

In Open auctions, the current highest bid is shown to every buyer so that they can easily out-bid them by just offering a slightly higher bid.

That means that your chances to win the car are really high as long as you’re willing to keep your bids high. Keep in mind that the car is not automatically yours if the auction ended and your bid was the highest.

Why? The seller still retains the right to decide if your winning bid was acceptable for them or not.

In Open auctions, you are not able to cancel your bids so you have to be sure you’re able to pay for the vehicle. Follow the auction until the very end to make sure other traders don’t outbid you.

► Blind auctions

Most eCarsTrade auctions are Blind auctions. In Blind auctions you are not able to see the current bid.

In an online setting, where there are thousands of cars available, the car you’re bidding on might be overlooked by other buyers or seem too pricy for their budget and they may decide against bidding.

After a couple of days of waiting, the car could be yours at well under the market price!

The supplier will usually set the minimum bid ahead of the auction so you won’t be able to enter the auction with a very small amount of money.

At eCarsTrade, we recommend a minimum bid as well as an estimation price to give buyers a fair chance at securing their vehicles.

On top of that, we also calculate your chances of winning the bid so you can make a more informed decision about how much you should bid. Unlike Open auctions, you are able to change your bids as long as the auction is ongoing.

If you’re looking for low risk and a wealth of opportunities, Blind auctions are for you

► Fixed Prices

Finally, some auction platforms (eCarstrade included) will also offer cars for fixed prices. This means a set price will be given to the car and buyers can only purchase the car if they’re willing to pay the supplier’s price.

Fixed prices are a great way to start if you’re still nervous about placing bids in auctions. You simply click on “Buy now” if you're ready to purchase the car for the displayed price.

Why European companies bid on eCarsTrade auctions

Thousands of professional car traders across Europe choose eCarsTrade to source vehicles for their businesses.

As a B2B auction platform, eCarsTrade is built specifically for the needs of dealers, not private buyers.

Unlike many open auction sites, our platform provides detailed information, professional support, and purchasing conditions that are tailored to automotive professionals.

eCarsTrade vs other online auction platforms

eCarsTrade stands out by offering high-quality vehicles, detailed photo galleries, and multilingual customer support.

Each vehicle includes essential information about the vehicle and most have service history and appraisal reports.

We also offer flexible services such as vehicle delivery to EU countries, multilingual support, and dedicated Account managers to assist buyers throughout the process.

Traders can access auctions 24/7, place unlimited bids, and benefit from loyalty-based advantages through our Silver and Gold membership tiers.

What types of vehicles can you find on our auctions?

Ex-lease vehicles

These cars come from completed lease agreements and are typically in good condition. Many have verified mileage and complete documentation, including service records and appraisal reports.

They’re an excellent option for dealers looking for dependable, ready-to-sell inventory.

Зробіть ставку на транспортні засоби колишнього лізингу від найкращих європейських лізингових компаній!

Ми співпрацюємо з авторитетними постачальниками, щоб надати вам широкий вибір вживаних автомобілів від компаній, що займаються орендою та короткостроковою орендою:

Відкрийте для себе всі колишні лізингові автомобілі для продажу!

Знайдіть правильні транспортні засоби для свого бізнесу та впевнено робіть ставки на нашій прозорій та безпечній аукціонній платформі.

Used electric and hybrid vehicles

As demand for eco-friendly vehicles continues to rise, electric and hybrid vehicles are becoming a more attractive option for both retail customers and fleet buyers.

eCarsTrade regularly lists EVs and hybrids from well-known brands, with battery condition and charging history documented when available.

Used light commercial vehicles

Light commercial vehicles include vans, pickups, and utility vehicles used by small businesses, couriers, and tradespeople.

The platform offers a wide range of LCVs with varying mileage and body configurations, including refrigerated vans and high-roof models.

Damaged cars

These vehicles have visible or reported damage, all clearly documented in photos and descriptions.

Damaged vehicles are popular among buyers who specialize in repairs or resale of parts. Each listing includes details on the type and extent of damage to help assess repair potential.

Getting started: How to easily participate in your first auction

eCarsTrade is open exclusively to professional car dealers.

To participate, you’ll need to register and provide your company details and documents, including your VAT number and a copy of the owner’s ID or passport. Once verified, you’ll gain full access to the platform.

A one-time deposit is required to unlock unlimited bidding, as a guarantee of your purchasing ability. This deposit is fully refundable if you choose to stop using the platform.

Once registered, you can browse thousands of vehicles, use filters to narrow your search, and bid on cars that match your business needs.

Each auction includes a live countdown timer, so you always know how much time remains.

If you place the winning bid, you’ll receive a confirmation email with payment instructions. All purchased cars are first transported to our warehouse in Belgium, from where you can pick them up.

To support your success, we offer two loyalty tiers:

Silver – Standard access with unlimited bidding.
Gold – For traders purchasing 5+ cars/month. Benefits include extended payment terms and reduced commission.

Our team is always available to assist you—from registration to delivery.

For more guidance, visit our FAQ section!

Elevate your stock with auctioned vehicles at eCarsTrade

We hope this article has given you all the knowledge you need to find success at auctions as a used car dealer.

With a better understanding of what car auctions are, how they work, and the different types available to savvy buyers, you’re perfectly positioned to start sourcing quality cars at reduced prices and selling them for good profit.

If you haven’t already, sign up for a free account on eCarsTrade and enter the exciting world of car auctions!