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A comprehensive guide to bidding, strategies, and the auction process.
Step into the refined world of collector car auctions, where carefully curated vintage and special edition vehicles meet passionate enthusiasts. Our secure platform ensures a professional, transparent bidding experience for serious collectors seeking exceptional automotive finds. This guide will equip you with complete knowledge of our auction process, from registration through successful acquisition.
Three essential steps to begin your auction journey and start bidding on exclusive vehicles.
Sign up with your email and phone number to create your account.
Upload verification documents to confirm your identity.
Explore our curated collection, review detailed photos, inspection reports, and vehicle histories before bidding.
Careful preparation helps you buy the right car at the right price—and bid with confidence when the moment comes. Every car is sold on an "as-is" basis, so study the vehicle thoroughly to know exactly what you're buying and at what price.
Auction listings usually include provenance, current condition, restoration or service details, and high-quality photos. Treat these as initial information but not your only source. Cross-check features like low mileage, rarity, or professional restorations against auction data and recent comparable sales.
Attend preview sessions, or if bidding online, arrange for an in-person check by a trusted professional. Check body panels, paint, panel gaps, mechanical components, and note or photograph any areas of concern.
Combine your inspection notes, listing insights, and researched prices to determine a maximum bid you're comfortable with. Don't forget to include all buyer costs such as premiums, handling, registration, shipping, and any post-auction expenses.
The step-by-step process from your first bid to winning the auction.
Choose your bidding strategy based on your preference and situation.
Price increases immediately when you bid. A bold strategy that can deter other potential bidders by showing immediate commitment and driving up the current price.
Set your maximum and let our system bid incrementally for you. The system agent counters other bidders automatically until your maximum limit is reached.
We place a temporary hold on your payment method for security. This is not a charge - just a pre-authorization that ensures serious bidding intent and protects against fraudulent activity.
Review your bid amount and strategy choice, then confirm to make it official. Once confirmed, your bid becomes active and you'll receive notifications about the auction status and any competing bids.
If you're the highest bidder when the auction ends, congratulations! The security deposit is applied toward your payment, and we'll coordinate with the seller for documentation transfer and collection arrangements.
When you win an auction, our fee (Buyer's Premium) is added to the final amount payable. This fee is standard practice in the auction world and helps ensure a professional, secure, and high-quality buying experience at Collins.
2.5% of final hammer price*
When you win an auction, our fee is added to the final amount payable.
* Minimum Fees: Cars ฿50,000 | Motorcycles ฿25,000
Temporary pre-authorization hold on your payment method for bidding security.
Charges as part of [buyer's premium] to the winner • Released automatically if you do not win the auction.
Clear guidelines ensuring fair and secure auctions for all participants
All bids are legally binding once placed - no cancellations allowed. When you place a bid, you are making a commitment to purchase if you win.
Vehicle inspection strongly encouraged before placing bids. Schedule a viewing to examine the vehicle's condition and documentation thoroughly.
Complete payment required within 3-7 days of winning. Accepted methods include bank transfer and cash with secure escrow protection.
All vehicles sold "as-is" unless explicitly warranted. Buyers are responsible for understanding the vehicle's condition before bidding.
Key terms and features you'll encounter during auctions.
Manual bid placed immediately, becoming the new current bid.
Automated bidding agent up to your maximum limit.
Fixed price option to purchase immediately.
Opening bid amount where the auction begins.
Minimum price the seller will accept.
Auction time extended when bids placed in final 2 minutes.
Lowest acceptable amount | starting point for negotiations.
Private negotiation tool for direct communication with seller.
Registration is straightforward: provide your email and basic information, verify your email address, then submit identification documents before placing your first bid. The entire process typically takes 24-48 hours for verification.
Payment is due within 48 hours of winning an auction. The pre-authorization hold on your card will be captured as part of the payment. You'll receive a detailed invoice including the buyer's premium and any applicable taxes.
While physical inspections depend on the seller's location and availability, we provide comprehensive photo galleries, detailed condition reports, and vehicle history documentation for every lot. Many vehicles also include professional inspection reports.
Yes, Collins Auctions welcomes international bidders. We can assist with export documentation, shipping arrangements, and currency conversions. Additional fees may apply for international transactions and logistics.
After winning, you'll receive payment instructions and Collins will facilitate contact with the seller. We coordinate the transfer of ownership documents, arrange transportation if needed, and ensure a smooth collection process. Most transactions complete within 7-14 days.
Join Collins Auction and discover your next automotive treasure.
Every vehicle in our auctions undergoes rigorous inspection and authentication by our team of automotive experts. We ensure transparency through detailed condition reports and verified provenance documentation.
Join our consignment program and reach thousands of passionate collectors worldwide.
Or register to become a member