Our Auction Process
At The Irish Repo Auction, we aim to make the vehicle auction process clear, straightforward and transparent. While bidding and auction participation are completed through our online platform, the process does not end when the auction closes. Our post-auction process is designed to give the successful bidder an opportunity to verify the vehicle, complete the purchase and arrange collection or delivery.
Before You Bid
Before participating in an auction, customers should carefully read the vehicle listing, review all available photographs and information, and make sure they understand the condition and description of the vehicle.
Customers should only place a bid when they are satisfied that the vehicle is suitable for their requirements and that they are prepared to proceed with the purchase if their bid is successful.
Where inspection is available before the auction, customers are encouraged to inspect the vehicle before bidding. Customers should also carry out any independent vehicle history, finance, mileage or other checks they consider necessary.
Bid Participation Fee
A minimum bid participation fee of €100 applies before a customer can participate in an eligible auction.
This fee is intended to confirm the bidder’s commitment to the auction and help prevent unserious or speculative bidding.
The bid participation fee is not an additional vehicle purchase charge when the customer successfully wins the auction. Instead, the applicable refundable portion of the fee is credited towards the purchase of the vehicle.
If You Do Not Win
If you participate in an auction and do not win the vehicle, 92% of your bid participation fee will be refunded in accordance with our refund procedure.
For example, where a customer has paid a €100 bid participation fee:
€100 bid participation fee → €92 refunded → €8 retained
The refund will be processed according to the payment and refund procedures applicable to the auction to the same accountÂ
If You Win
If your bid is successful, the 92% portion of your bid participation fee is transferred towards the purchase price of the vehicle.
For example:
€100 bid participation fee → €92 credited towards the vehicle purchase
The remaining balance of the vehicle purchase price, together with any applicable fees or charges, must then be paid within the required payment period.
The bid participation fee and its refund or credit treatment are subject to the applicable auction terms and conditions. Customers should make sure they understand these terms before paying the fee or placing a bid.
When the Auction Ends
Once the auction closes, the successful bidder will be notified through the appropriate contact details associated with their account.
The winning bidder will then receive information about the next stage of the purchase which is the down payment to secure the bid, including the vehicle location, inspection arrangements, payment requirements and collection or delivery arrangements.
Winning an auction should be treated as a serious commitment to purchase. Customers should therefore only place bids when they are prepared and financially able to complete the transaction.
The 24-Hour Vehicle Inspection Period
After winning an auction, the successful customer is given a 24-hour inspection period to examine the vehicle before completing the purchase.
This period is intended to give the winning bidder a reasonable opportunity to check that the vehicle corresponds with the information provided in the auction listing.
During this period, the customer may arrange for a qualified mechanic or independent automotive professional to inspect the vehicle.
The inspection may include checking the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, electrical systems, bodywork, tyres and other relevant mechanical and physical components.
The customer should also compare the vehicle with the description and information provided in the auction listing.
We strongly encourage customers to use this opportunity to have the vehicle independently checked, particularly where they are not experienced with vehicles.
Checking the Vehicle’s Condition
The purpose of the inspection is to allow the winning bidder to satisfy themselves that the vehicle is substantially consistent with the information and condition stated in the auction listing.
Customers should pay particular attention to any defects, damage, mechanical issues or other conditions already disclosed in the listing.
Auction vehicles are used vehicles and may show normal signs of age, use and wear. Some vehicles may also require repairs or maintenance.
The fact that a vehicle is sold through auction does not mean that every vehicle will be in the same condition. Customers should therefore assess each vehicle individually.
What If the Vehicle Is Significantly Different From the Listing?
If, during the 24-hour inspection period, the customer identifies a material issue that appears to conflict significantly with the vehicle’s advertised description or stated condition, the customer should contact The Irish Repo Auction immediately and provide details of the concern.
Where appropriate, we may request supporting information, photographs, a mechanic’s report or other evidence so that the matter can be assessed.
Any decision concerning cancellation, refund, adjustment or continuation of the transaction will be handled in accordance with the applicable auction terms and the customer’s legal rights.
Customers should not carry out major repairs, modifications or alterations to a vehicle before raising a material condition concern with us.
Completing the Purchase
Once the inspection period has been completed and the customer confirms that they wish to proceed, the purchase moves to completion.
The 92% portion of the bid participation fee will be credited towards the vehicle purchase price, where applicable.
The customer must then pay the remaining balance and any applicable charges within the specified payment period.
Payment must be completed before the vehicle can be released for collection or delivery.
Payment of the Remaining Balance
The successful bidder will be provided with the payment instructions and the amount outstanding after the applicable bid-fee credit has been taken into account.
The outstanding amount may include:
- Remaining vehicle purchase price
- Applicable auction or administration charges
- Collection charges, where applicable
- Transportation or delivery charges, where applicable
- Any other charges clearly identified before completion of the transaction
Customers should ensure that they understand the total amount payable before completing the purchase.
Vehicle Collection
Once payment has been received and all required documentation and procedures have been completed, the customer can arrange collection of the vehicle.
Collection details, including the vehicle location, available collection times and any identification or documentation requirements, will be provided to the successful buyer.
The customer may be required to provide proof of payment and identification before the vehicle is released.
Where someone other than the purchaser is collecting the vehicle, appropriate authorisation may be required.
Vehicle Delivery
Where delivery or transportation is available, the customer may arrange transportation subject to the options available for the particular vehicle and destination.
Delivery costs are normally the responsibility of the buyer unless otherwise stated.
The vehicle will only be released for transportation after the required payment and purchase procedures have been completed.
Vehicle Documentation
The documents available with a vehicle can vary depending on its history and circumstances of sale.
Where relevant documentation is available, the customer will be informed of the documents associated with the vehicle.
Customers should review available documentation carefully and ensure that the registration, vehicle identification information and other relevant details correspond with the vehicle being purchased.
Completion of the Sale
The sale is considered ready for completion once the applicable inspection period has passed, any required checks have been completed, the customer has confirmed the purchase where required, and all outstanding amounts have been paid.
The vehicle can then be released for collection or delivery in accordance with the applicable arrangements.
Customers should retain their payment confirmation, purchase documentation, correspondence and any other records relating to the transaction.
Important Buyer Responsibility
Buying a vehicle through an auction requires careful consideration.
Customers are responsible for reviewing the vehicle listing, understanding the auction conditions, considering the vehicle’s condition and deciding how much they are prepared to pay.
The Irish Repo Auction encourages every customer to carry out appropriate checks before committing to a purchase. This includes checking the vehicle’s history and, where possible, having the vehicle independently examined by a qualified mechanic. The CCPC similarly recommends thorough checks of a used vehicle and independent mechanical inspection where possible.
Our Commitment to a Clear Process
Our aim is to make the auction process transparent from the moment a vehicle is listed through to the completion of the sale.
We want customers to understand:
What they are bidding on.
What they are paying.
What happens when they win.
How the 24-hour inspection period works.
How the bid participation fee is treated.
When the remaining balance must be paid.
How the vehicle can be collected or delivered.
By understanding the process before participating, customers can make informed decisions and approach each auction with confidence.
Important Notice
The information on this page is provided as a general explanation of The Irish Repo Auction process. The specific terms applicable to an individual auction, vehicle, payment, inspection, refund or sale will be governed by the applicable auction terms and conditions. Nothing on this page is intended to remove or limit any rights that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited under applicable Irish law.
Customers should read the applicable terms and conditions carefully before paying a bid participation fee or placing a bid.