TradeBid Buyer Arbitration Policy 

Purpose 

This Buyer Arbitration Policy (the “Policy”) sets out the principles, scope, responsibilities, timelines, and limitations governing arbitration and complaint handling for buyers purchasing used vehicles sold through TradeBid, including all OEM official remarketing programs facilitated by TradeBid, in all regions. 

This Policy is designed to: - Ensure clear, consistent, and timely resolution of buyer complaints; - Align buyer arbitration with the operational responsibilities and limitations defined between TradeBid and the Seller; - Provide buyers with transparency, fairness, and confidence when purchasing vehicles through TradeBid. 

This Policy is read in conjunction with TradeBid’s general Terms and Conditions and forms part of the binding framework governing vehicle purchases on the TradeBid platform. 

Scope 

This Policy applies to all used vehicles: - Offered and sold through TradeBid and TradeDesk; - Managed or facilitated by TradeBid; - Purchased by dealers, traders, or other professional buyers (“Buyers”). 

The Policy governs arbitration and complaints relating to: - Vehicle condition; - Vehicle specification; - Documentation and compliance matters. 

Definitions 

For the purpose of this Policy: 

• Buyer: The purchaser of a used vehicle (dealer, trader, or other professional customer). 

• Seller: The professional individual or company offering vehicles for auction. 

• Complaint / Claim: A formal written notification submitted by a Buyer regarding an alleged defect, damage, or deviation from the disclosed condition or specification of a vehicle. 

• Arbitrator: TradeBid personnel responsible for managing and resolving arbitration cases. 

• Business Days: Monday through Friday, excluding public holidays in the applicable country. 

Buyer Obligations 

1. Buyers are fully responsible for reviewing vehicle listings, disclosures, photographs, videos, and condition reports before bidding. 

2. Buyers must complete all reasonable checks on vehicle history prior to purchase. TradeBid is not responsible for providing accident or history reports unless explicitly stated. 

3. By bidding on and purchasing a vehicle, Buyers acknowledge and accept that all vehicles are used vehicles and may show age-related wear consistent with mileage and age. 

Arbitration Eligibility 

A vehicle may qualify for arbitration where: - The issue complained of was not properly disclosed prior to sale; and - The issue materially affects the value, usability, or compliance of the vehicle; and - The Buyer submits the Claim within the defined arbitration period. 

Arbitration is not a mechanism for price renegotiation or buyer’s remorse. 

Arbitration Period and Submission 

1. Arbitration Claims must be submitted within two (2) Business Days of vehicle delivery. 

2. Claims must be submitted in writing via the TradeBid arbitration portal or other designated TradeBid communication channel where prior agreement is in place. 

3. The Buyer must have paid all amounts due for the vehicle within 4 days of receiving the invoice, including transportation costs, prior to submitting a Claim. 

Each Claim must include: - Buyer details and contact information; - Vehicle identification (VIN and/or registration); - Delivery date; - Current mileage; - Description of the issue; - Supporting evidence such as photographs, videos, diagnostic reports, or documentation. 

Supporting Documentation 

Buyers must provide all requested supporting documentation promptly. Failure to provide adequate documentation may result in rejection of the Claim. 

TradeBid reserves the right to request additional evidence or third-party inspection where necessary. 

Buyer Conduct During Arbitration 

Pending resolution of an arbitration case: - The vehicle must not be advertised for resale; - No repairs may be carried out without prior written approval from TradeBid; - The vehicle must not be driven other than for limited diagnostic or test purposes; - The Buyer must take reasonable steps to preserve and safeguard the vehicle at their own cost. 

Failure to comply may render the arbitration case void. 

Communication and Timelines 

1. All communication relating to arbitration must be in writing. 

2. TradeBid will acknowledge Claims and provide status updates within 1 working day of receipt. 

3. Buyers must comply strictly with the timelines and procedural requirements set out in this Policy to preserve arbitration rights. 

4. Buyers must communicate with the assigned Arbitrator on a consistent basis. 

5. If after 5 working days, the buyer has made no attempt to update Tradebid, the Arbitrator will attempt to seek further updates. 

6. If no updates are offer and no progress is made after 10 working days, TradeBid reserves the right to close a case due to inactivity. 

Investigation and Decision 

1. TradeBid, acting as Arbitrator, will assess Claims based on the information submitted and any additional investigation deemed necessary. 

2. TradeBid may consult the Seller, independent inspectors, or technical specialists. 

3. Only issues raised in the initial Claim will be considered. 

4. TradeBid may seek to mediate a resolution prior to issuing a final decision. 

5. Where Seller technical investigation is required, TradeBid will nominate a suitable engineer, associated with the Institute of Automotive Engineer Assessors (IAEA). The entity requesting this additional inspection is liable for any and all cost associated with the inspection and agreed to comply with the outcome of the inspection report. 

Remedies 

If a Claim is upheld, TradeBid may, at its discretion, implement a remedy including but not limited to: - Contribution towards repair costs; - Partial compensation; - Other fair and reasonable remedies aligned with the Auction program limitations. 

Remedies are intended to compensate for actual loss and not to place the Buyer in a better position than prior to purchase. 

Limitations and Exclusions 

Arbitration is not available for: 

1. Matters properly disclosed prior to sale 

2. Normal wear and tear consistent with age and mileage 

3. Wearable items (including but not limited to brake components, tyres, wipers, belts, fluids) 

4. Issues arising after delivery due to misuse, neglect, or unauthorised repairs 

5. Vehicles designated as aged or high mileage where arbitration is expressly excluded 

6. Any frictional surface expected to wear with use. (including but not limited to clutch disc, flywheel, brake pads, brake discs) 

7. Any vehicles listed with the tag “As-Is”/”Red-Light”.  

1. An exception may be made where serious structural damage was not disclosed. 

8. Each arbitration claim is subject to the buyer’s own liability for €300 Ex VAT for technical defects and €300 Ex VAT for bodywork damage. Furthermore, claims for which repair is possible are always processed based on net amounts excluding VAT. 

9. TradeBid does not reimburse the costs of diagnostics. TradeBid reserves the right, at the buyer’s own expense, to request quotes for repairs from an outside workshop or to attach tests (e.g. for activated check engine light) if deemed necessary. 

10. TradeBid is not liable for incorrect information provided by the Dutch Vehicle and Driving License Registration Authority (RDW) or National Car Pass (NAP), such as, but not limited to, make, model or type descriptions. TradeBid is also not liable in case the year of first registration advertised in the auction is not in accordance with the vehicle papers (incorrect information on make and model or fuel/energy type). 

11. Claims related to wear and tear of (parts of) the vehicle or related to unknown previous damage, accidents or collisions that may have been repaired or remedied, will not be accepted. 

12. Vehicles which 10+ years old or with 200,000+ km are “As-IS”/"Red Light" and do not qualify for arbitration, excluding vehicles >€5,000.00 ex vat & Fees. 

Financial Limitations. 

1. All Arbitration claims are subject to a €300.00 ex vat excess 

2. The limit for compensation on arbitrations are as follows: 

1. For vehicles uploaded by a Motor Industry Professional (Salesman, trader, etc.), the final settlement is limited to €1,000.00 ex vat, subject to excess. These are the live auction units that have a reserve on the listing. 

2. For “Self Inspect” vehicles, uploaded by members of the public, the final settlement is limited to €2,500.00 ex vat, subject to excess. These are the “Make and Offer” or “Underwriting” units listed on the website. 

3. Where a vehicle repair is quoted at €5,000.00 ex vat or higher, the sale of the vehicle may be unwound, where reviewed and agreed upon by TradeBid/Trade Desk’s Arbitration Team. 

1. In which case, the seller will issue a refund for any money received and the vehicle may be relisted with the outstanding repairs noted or repaired. 

Timelines and Responsibilities 

Escalation and Seller Alignment 

Where a Claim cannot be resolved within the agreed timelines due to lack of response or resolution from the Seller, TradeBid reserves the right to settle the Claim with the Buyer in accordance with this Policy and the applicable Service Level Agreement. 

Any settlement made by TradeBid in such circumstances will be honoured by the Seller and invoiced accordingly, in line with agreed parameters. 

Finality 

All arbitration decisions issued by TradeBid are final and binding. By using the TradeBid platform, Buyers agree to be bound by the outcome of the arbitration process and waive any further claims in respect of matters submitted to arbitration, except where enforcement of the decision is required. 

Acceptance 

By accessing or using the TradeBid platform and purchasing vehicles through an Auction or Underwriting Service, Buyers confirm that they have read, understood, and accepted this Buyer Arbitration Policy.