Rules and Regulations
- Light System
- Green Light Program
- Auctioneers and Bidding
- Frequently Asked Questions
Know the Light System!
As each vehicle comes up to the auction block - the seller and
auctioneer will make a few announcements about the vehicle. One of the most important
things to remember is which light is the vehicle being run under. This
will give
you some clues as to the mechanical condition of the vehicle you are about to bid
on.
-
Green Light
Green light vehicles will be marked with a
green marker in the middle of the vehicle windshield. Green Light means
that the seller the vehicle is providing you the opportunity to make
sure that there are no engine, transmission or rear end problems with the vehicle.
These vehicles are being announced as in good mechanical condition with regards
to the driveline. This does not mean that the vehicle is totally free of items needing
repair or that a sale can be cancelled because of defects other than the
drive train. Bid with confidence! You have 90 minutes after your high
bid to inspect the vehicle yourself for any drive train problems.
-
Yellow Light
This means that the seller is making an announcement
about the condition of the vehicle. Some common announcements:
1. Mechanical Defects
2. Salvage, Rebuilt or title that has some issue
3. TMU which means the actual mileage of the vehicle
is not known
-
Red Light
Red light vehicles are sold as-is, where-is, with no
representations. There is absolutely no arbitration on red light vehicles.
-
Blue
Light - "Title Delay"
Title is not
present at auction today. It may require up to 30 days including weekends and holidays
for the title to arrive at American. Buyer is warned not to expend and money on
these vehicles until the title has arrived and cleared at the auction. American
will not be responsible for transportation or other expenses on returned vehicles.
A service fee of $40.00 will be deducted from sellers check for each vehicle sold
without an assignable title.
Auctioneers and Bidding
The auctioneers do work at a quick pace. With over 400 vehicles to offer for sale
at every auction - the action can be quick paced - so here are a few hints:
- Listen carefully to the current bid amount - if you are not sure of what the current
bid is - ask the auctioneer or one of the employees in the lane
- Research your vehicles - know what you want to pay for each vehicle. Make use of
our info desk and the NADA Value Guides. Try to pick a couple of vehicles that will
suit your needs. Bid with Confidence!
- Raise your hand high - there are always many people in the lanes - make sure the
auctioneer sees that you want to bid.
- If the seller does not sell the vehicle to the high bidder don't be afraid to approach
the seller on the block and ask him what his minimum price is - if you are really
interested in the vehicle he will work with you to make a deal. Remember, the cars
are here to SELL!
Remember Our Goal is 100% Customer Satisfaction!
Frequently Asked Questions and Terms
Lane and Slot Numbers - Each vehicle available for sale is marked
with a lane and slot number. The lane number tells you which lane that vehicle will
run through. The slot number 5 tells you that vehicle will be the 5th vehicle to
be auctioned off in that lane. Vehicle B165 will be the 165th vehicle to be auctioned
in lane B.
Preview - Preview time starts at 8:00 AM. It is strongly suggested
that every buyer take this time to look over each vehicle you might be interested
in. Take notes on the lot number and lane number so that you will have some idea
when and where the vehicles you are looking at will be on the auction block. Make
notes on each vehicle - take some time to research each vehicle for condition, miles,
etc. Take advantage of NADA vehicle pricing guides we make available to each buyer.
Good Buyer Rule #1 - Do a little research - take advantage of the
market books we have available. Ask our staff for suggestions
or more info - the better informed you are - the better the buy you will make. All
your questions are important - please take advantage of our staff's experience and
knowledge.
Good Buyer Rule #2 - Always choose 4 to 5 vehicles that you have
interest in. Because there are numerous buyers, your first choice may end up with
a bid that is more than you want to pay. Since this happens many times, your second
or third choice may often be your best buy. Also - your first choice in vehicles
may be one of the last vehicles to run. If you miss that one, you've missed out
until the next week.
Auctioneers and Bidding - The auctioneers work at a pretty rapid
pace. Please watch and listen very carefully to the pricing. Don't be afraid to
walk up to the auctioneer booth to find out exactly what price is being currently
bid. There are always numerous bidders. If you think the auctioneer doesn't see
you, raise your hand high and don't be shy!
Remember, there are always dealers buying vehicles in the same
lanes you are bidding and they are there for a reason. To buy cars for resale or
to buy wholesale. All the vehicles that are here and available for sale are being
offered at thousands less than you will find on the dealers lots!!!