How Open Bid works
A straightforward online car auction — real condition reports, a transparent fee, and fully- online checkout. No games, no hidden costs.
- 1
Register — free
Create an account in a minute. General public place a refundable $100 deposit to bid (applied to your purchase, or refunded if you don't win). Licensed dealers are exempt. We review new bidders before your first bid.
- 2
Browse & inspect
Every lot has a real condition report — grade, known issues, undercarriage photos, walkaround and cold-start videos, title status, and a vehicle-history link. What you see is what you're bidding on.
- 3
Bid — we bid for you
Set your maximum and our system bids the minimum needed to keep you in front, up to your max. A bid in the final minutes extends the clock, so there's no last-second sniping. We text and email you the instant you're outbid.
- 4
Win
When you're the high bidder at close and the reserve is met, the car is yours. You'll get a text and email with your total and next steps — no surprises.
- 5
Pay & get it delivered
See your all-in total up front — winning bid + a flat 5% buyer's fee + tax. Pay the fee and deposit by card (3% card fee) and the vehicle balance by wire or cashier's check. Arrange pickup or door-to-door delivery at checkout.
What it costs
- • Buyer's fee: a flat 5% of your winning bid ($250 min) — half of what many auctions charge.
- • Deposit: refundable $100 to bid (public bidders). Applied to your purchase or refunded.
- • Card fee: 3% on card payments, or pay by wire/ACH with no card fee.
- • Plus sales tax, title & license — all shown before you bid.
Questions? See the Terms of Sale.