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How to Buy
Welcome to the "First Time User" section of Nationwide Auction's website. We have designed this section to help users that have minimal experience or are completely new to the exciting world of public auctions. This section will also help you have a better understanding of how an auction works and above all to have a pleasant and rewarding experience at Nationwide.

To better understand the auction process and to be able to enjoy all of the benefits of being a Nationwide customer, please review the following. If you have other questions or concerns that are not addressed in this section, please call (626) 968-3110 and ask for Customer Service or click here to send us a message.
A Nationwide Auction is a fun and easy place to buy a vehicle or item. If you come prepared with a general understanding of what goes on at an auction, it will be an enjoyable experience and you'll likely get a great bargain at the same time.
AUCTION
All vehicles at the auction are numbered. This number, or Lot Number, as we call them, determines the order in which a vehicle will "run across the block" during the sale. Each vehicle is listed in the auction catalog with this number next to a description and other information about it. It is also placed in a conspicuous area on the vehicle, usually on a card taped to the windshield. Pay attention to this number as it will assist you in determining when the vehicle you are interested in will likely be offered by the auctioneer "on the block".

If you are interested in buying a particular vehicle, be sure to bid on it while it is "on the block" and the auctioneer is taking bids on it. Don't wait until after the auction to try to buy the vehicle. Your best deal will be struck during the "live" auction. Don't be afraid. The auctioneer and the auction ringmen are here to help you.

If at anytime you need help or have a question while at a Nationwide Auction please don't hesitate to ask any one of our helpful and friendly employees for assistance or visit the "Customer Service Booth. We are here to make your experience at Nationwide be a positive one and we need you to recommend Nationwide to your friends and relatives. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. Happy Bidding!
The following "6 EASY STEPS" should help you get started. Good Luck!
 
1.)  Know what you want to buy
Decide how much you want to spend. You may even secure financing if necessary (Contact Nationwide’s Financing Department for help) Do your homework by checking newspapers, looking at automotive dealer ads, checking Kelley Bluebook values. Then browse or search through our inventory on this website to find the perfect vehicle.
 
2.)  Come early and preview the auction inventory
At most of our locations vehicles may be "previewed" two days before each sale from 8AM to 5PM and on the day of the sale from 7 AM until 8:30 AM. Please note: The auction starts promptly at 9 AM
 
3.)  Register - Get your bidder card - have fun
Go to the Registration Office when you arrive at Nationwide. Registration is FREE, simple, and fast – all you need is a valid ID and you must be at least 18 years of age You may register during preview days, Thursday and Friday prior to the auction, or the morning of the sale You may also register on line at: www.nationwideauction.com
 
4.)  Bid - Buy
Every vehicle offered for sale will drive across the “block” one at a time. Listen to the auctioneer when the vehicle you are interested is ready for bidding. Pay close attention to the auctioneer as we have many vehicles to sell and the auction moves very quickly, selling one vehicle nearly every minute. When the auctioneer calls out a price that you are willing to pay – raise your bidder card. Others may bid on your vehicle – as well, continue to bid until the price the auctioneer calls out exceeds the price you are willing to pay, or you are awarded the bid.
 
5.)  Visit the cashier
Once you have purchased a vehicle, go to the cashier's counter where you will be required to leave 25% non-refundable deposit on your vehicle, or you may pay for your purchase in full. If you are financing your vehicle through Nationwide's Finance Department see the representative in the finance office to complete your transaction. When you pay for your purchase in full you will be required to sign DMV forms including a sales contract, and you will be issued a gate release form. Payment can be made anytime by 5PM on the day of the sale, or on the next business day (usually Monday) following the sale by 5PM.
 
6.)  Check out and drive off
When you are ready to check out, if you have not already paid for you purchase in full please do so at this time. Then present the gate release form, that was issued to you by the cashier, to the Nationwide representative in the checkout booth, and your new vehicle will be brought to you for you to drive home. Enjoy you new vehicle.
It’s as simple as that. It’s easy, quick, and fun. Come to observe an auction even if you don’t intend to buy. You’ll never know what you may see at Nationwide. Don’t pay more at a retail dealership or store. Come to Nationwide and take advantage of the greatest bargains around.

We hope you find this information helpful. We have attempted to answer most of the questions we think you may have and have provided easy to follow step-by-step instructions on how to buy at Nationwide Auctions.

If you have more questions or need further assistance please don’t hesitate to call us. In Southern California call at (626) 968-3110, and ask for Customer Service. Please refer to the local number for each location you are interested in.

Good luck at the auction!
Bid Now
The Nationwide Auction System's "Bid Now" Program is a unique way to buy. The program offers vehicles and items for sale on the Nationwide website without having the time constraints of a regularly scheduled physical auction. No waiting for the next auction. No more guessing at the actual selling price. You'll know the total cost before committing to buy and you can Bid It Now.

1.    What is the "Bid Now" Program and how does it work?

The "Bid Now" Program is a new way of purchasing vehicles on the internet at auction prices without having to wait for a scheduled physical auction. The seller decides on a price that he would be willing to sell the vehicle for and this price is posted on the "Bid Now" website. This price is not negotiable. If you want to purchase the vehicle and are willing and able to pay this posted price, hit the "Bid Now" button, and you are an owner. It's that simple.

2.    What is a "Bid Now Back Up Order"?

If the vehicle you interested in has already had a Purchase Order placed on it, you may place a back up offer to buy in the event the original buyer fails to complete the purchase transaction. Simply hit the "Back Up Order" button and fill in the required fields. You will be shown your order "position" and will be immediately notified if your order to purchase has been accepted. In any case, your order to purchase will be voided after 7 days if it is not accepted.

3.    When do I have to pay for my vehicle? Can I use a credit card?

You will be expected to pay for your vehicle immediately upon making your selection. If the vehicle you selected is a GSA vehicle you may make your payment with a credit card. All others must be paid for with cash or cashiers check at a Nationwide Auction location unless other payment arrangements have been made.

4.    When can I take my new Nationwide vehicle home?

You can take your new vehicle home with you as soon as you pay for it in full or your financing has been approved and completed.

5.    Where do the "Bid Now" vehicles come from?

Many of the vehicles being offered in the "Bid Now" Program are GSA government fleet vehicles, dealer consigned vehicles, lease returns, some bank and credit union vehicles and car rentals units.

6.    How are the "Bid Now" prices decided on? Would I get a better deal at the auction?

The prices are set by the seller and are usually based on what the seller "needs" to get for them. Sellers use different methods to make that determination. In many cases this needed amount may be set as the minimum acceptable price.

7.    What kind of condition are these vehicles in?

Many of the "Bid Now" vehicles are well maintained and regularly serviced fleet vehicles. However, because they come from various sources, and this is an auction after all, vehicles are sold "As Is".

8.    Are there any warranties available?

Many of the vehicles being offered in the "Bid Now" Program have warranties available on them. Be sure to ask the "Bid Now" representative for more information regarding warranties.

9.    Can I get financing with a "Bid Now" vehicle?

Yes, contact the "Bid Now" Representative for information on Nationwide's various financing options. You may also fill out the finance application on the line at www.nationwideaution.com. If you are pre-approved from another lending institution or credit union we may be able to apply your approval to the purchase of a Nationwide vehicle. Be sure to mention you are pre-approved for financing to our representative.

10.    When and where can I see the vehicles being offered in person?

The "Bid Now" vehicles are on display at various Nationwide Auction Systems locations. Most locations have vehicles available for viewing Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Call your nearest Nationwide location for more information and details on the "Bid Now" Program.

11.    Can I trade in my old car at Nationwide?

Yes, Nationwide will be glad to appraise your old vehicle and offer you a trade-in allowance towards the purchase of a new one. Be sure to notify the "Bid Now" representative of your intent to trade in your old car. Nationwide also buys vehicles "outright". Ask the "Bid Now" representative to arrange an appointment to have your vehicle appraised for possible purchase by Nationwide.
General FAQ
Buying through Nationwide Auction Systems
Where does Nationwide get all of the great vehicles offered at the auction?
What is the Starting Price for an Auction item?
Do the vehicles offered for sale have minimum bid prices that must be reached before they can be sold?
Can I change my mind after winning the bid on a vehicle?
Have the vehicles offered for sale at Nationwide already passed State emissions tests?
Do any of the vehicles offered at Nationwide have warrantees on them?
Does Nationwide handle all of the title transfers and other required paperwork for me?
When do I get my title?
Selling through Nationwide Auction Systems
How do I sell assets through Nationwide Auction Systems?
Registration
How much does it cost to register at Nationwide Auction Systems?
Terms of Sale
Financing
Does Nationwide offer any Financing?
Proxy Bids
What is a Proxy Bid?
How do I submit a Proxy Bid?
Can I place Proxy Bids on more than one item?
Payments & Fees
When and how do I have to pay for my vehicle?
Does Nationwide charge sales tax or other fees?
Can you give me an example of what my total “out the door cost” is when buying a vehicle at Nationwide?
If I am pre-qualified to buy a vehicle through my credit union or bank, can I use this at Nationwide?
Vehicle Pickup
When do I get to take my vehicle home?
General - Nationwide Website
How do I search for an asset?
Why do some items have a "Bid It Now" logo?
 
Buying through Nationwide Auction Systems
Where does Nationwide get all of the great vehicles offered at the auction?
Many sources, including government seizures, repossessions, various government agencies including cities, counties and states, car rentals, charitable organizations, fleet users and automobile dealers to name a few.
What is the Starting Price for an Auction item?
The auctioneer, a veteran in the business will start the auction for an item at a fair market price. If no bids are taken at this price, the auctioneer will lower the bid amount to get the bidding started.
Do the vehicles offered for sale have minimum bid prices that must be reached before they can be sold?
Some vehicles have minimum sales prices set by the consignors. Most however, are sold to the highest bidder.
Can I change my mind after winning the bid on a vehicle?
No. Bidding at an auction is serious. You will be bound by law to pay for anything that you win the bid on.

It is the buyer's responsibly to inspect any vehicle or item they are bidding on. Take advantage of the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the vehicles and items being offered during preview days and prior to the start of the auction.
Have the vehicles offered for sale at Nationwide already passed State emissions tests?
It depends on the various states’ requirements. In California all vehicles offered for sale to the public have passed the California state emissions test. There is no charge for this service.
Do any of the vehicles offered at Nationwide have warrantees on them?
All vehicles sold at Nationwide Auction Systems are sold "as is". However some vehicles offered for sale at Nationwide may have the balance of the manufacturers warranties still on them.

In addition Nationwide offers extended warranties on many of the vehicles in the sale that qualify. Please inquire at the Registration/Finance counter, or refer to the auction catalog.
Does Nationwide handle all of the title transfers and other required paperwork for me? When do I get my title?
Yes as an added service Nationwide will handle all of the title transfers for you if you desire. You can however elect to handle this yourself. Just let the cashier know at the time of checkout. In California DMV will mail the transferred title directly to you.
Selling through Nationwide Auction Systems
How do I sell assets through Nationwide Auction Systems?
You must first sign a Nationwide Auction Systems consignor agreement. To receive an application please contact our sales office at (626) 968-3110 or by email at: sales@nationwideauction.com
Registration
How much does it cost to register at Nationwide Auction Systems?
Registration is FREE to the public. You must be at least 18 years of age and hold a valid drivers license from the state of where the auction is being held (eg. CA drivers license for a CA Auction). A $500 refundable deposit is required if you do not have a license, or if your license is from out of state.
Terms of Sale
Please click here for Terms of Sale.
Financing
Does Nationwide offer any Financing?
Yes, Nationwide has an excellent Finance Department and programs for everyone. Please visit our finance department at the auction site on preview days or on the morning of the auction.

You may also apply online by going to the finance area of our website, or call the finance department at an auction site nearest you.
Proxy Bids
What is a Proxy Bid?
A Proxy Bid allows you to submit the maximum amount you are willing to pay for an Auction item so that you do not need to attend the Auction in person. Nationwide Auction Sytems will bid on your behalf up to your maximum bid amount.
How do I submit a Proxy Bid?
At the Auction Site:
Go to the Registration Office at the Auction Site and please follow these steps:
1. Register as a Bidder at the Registration Office and notify the Cashier that you plan on leaving a Proxy Bid.
2. You must leave a 25% deposit of your maximum bid amount (fully refundable) in the form of cash, cashier’s check, company check (with a bank letter of guarantee) or a wire transfer.
3. Give all the information regarding the lot number(s), description of the item(s) and the bid amount(s) to the cashier.
4. All winning bidders will be notified the following business day via telephone.

Via our WebSite:
You may either bid in person by attending one of our regularly scheduled auctions, or you may submit a proxy bid online that will be used during the live auction.

To be able to submit proxy bids online, you must first register as a Bidder on the web site. Once you have registered you will be able to use enhanced features like the "Wish List" and "Favorites", however you will need to take some additional steps before you will be allowed to place proxy bids.

You must follow these steps in order to be approved for online proxy bidding:
You will need to deposit money to your account in order to bid.
Go to "My Nationwide" from the main menu and then select "Add a Deposit" in the "Account" section.
Enter in the amount you plan to deposit (25% of your planned proxy bid) and the method of the deposit, this notifies us that a deposit is pending.
Once we receive the deposit you will be notified by email that your account has been approved for bidding and you will be able to place proxy bids up to 4 times the amount of your deposit.
You can use wire funds, or a company check (with a bank letter of guarantee) for the deposit.

Proxy Bids sent via our website must be submitted before 5PM on the Friday before the auction, unless it's announced otherwise.

All winning bidders will be notified the following business day via telephone and email.

How to send the deposit:
Mail
Please send your deposit to the following address:
Nationwide Auction Systems
13005 E Temple Ave.
City of Industry, CA 91746
Attn: Online Proxy Bid Deposit
Please include your Name, contact Phone Number and Email Address when sending your deposit.
Note: If you will be mailing your deposit it is recommended that you send it via a traceable method (i.e. FedEx, UPS, USPS Priority Mail)

Wire Transfer
(Please call 626-968-3110 for wire information)

Can I place Proxy Bids on more than one item?
Yes, there is no limit on how many Proxy Bids you can submit. However, your deposit (refundable) must be 25% of the total maximum bid amount for all items.
Payments & Fees
When and how do I have to pay for my vehicle?
You will be required to provide a 25% non-refundable deposit as soon as you win the bid. You may pay for your purchase in full at this time also. You will have until 5PM on the following business day to pay the balance of your purchase. Forms of acceptable payment are Cash, Cashiers Check, Company Check (with a bank letter of guarantee) or a wire transfer.

Wire Transfer Information:
(Please call 626-968-3110 for wire information)
Does Nationwide charge sales tax or other fees?
Yes the state of California requires Nationwide to charge sales tax on every vehicle purchased. The amount of this tax will vary depending on the county in which the vehicle will be registered.
Can you give me an example of what my total “out the door cost” is when buying a vehicle at Nationwide?
You will be charged the winning bid amount, the buyer's premium, sales tax for the state or county you are in, a documentation fee and when applicable state DMV fees.

  Example:
Nationwide Auctions - Example of Charges
Bid Price $5,000.00
15% Buyer's Fee $750.00
Smog Certificate $58.25
Document Fee $45.00
DMV Fee's (will vary) $125.00
Sales Tax (e.g. 8.25%) $458.56
TOTAL 6,436.81
If I am pre-qualified to buy a vehicle through my credit union or bank, can I use this at Nationwide?
Yes, visit our Finance Department for details on how to use your credit union or bank’s pre-approval.
Vehicle Pickup
When do I get to take my vehicle home?
As soon as you pay in full, you will be issued a “gate pass” and you will be given the keys to your new vehicle.
General - Nationwide Website
How do I search for an asset?
Nationwide Auction Systems provides 2 different kinds of tools that allows you to search for a specific asset. Please click on the links belows to learn more about them.
Please click here to learn about the Keyword Search. Please click here to learn about the Advanced Search.
Why do some items have a "Bid It Now" logo?
Items listed on our website that have the "Bid It Now" logo can be purchased immediately for a fixed price without having to wait for an auction. Offers for an item can be submitted by clicking the logo and providing the information requested. Your offer is automatically presented to the seller for approval. Since this is not an auction you will not be notifed about competing offers so always make your best offer.



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