FAQ's

What is TradeBid? 

Launched in Dublin in 2021, TradeBid is Ireland’s most advanced digital dealer marketplace. TradeBid is an online technology-driven, automotive remarketing system where dealers can launch and participate in real-time vehicle auctions at any time from their desktop or mobile device. It allows sellers to get instant bids for their vehicles from a wide range of buyers across the country.

Why did we create TradeBid?

With the shift in sales moving more online, we felt that there was a need to centralise trade sales in Ireland and create a more competitive and transparent marketplace for buyers and sellers to do so. TradeBid is a first-of-its-kind online digital dealer marketplace in Ireland that connects trade buyers and sellers across the country without them ever having to meet face to face.

Where does TradeBid operate?

TradeBid operates in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the United Arab Emirates.

How does TradeBid work?

Sellers upload their vehicles through the TradeBid Seller App. During this upload process, each vehicle goes through an Artificial Intelligence driven inspection using software called Monk AI. Monk automatically detects any defects on the vehicle’s exterior and notes this in a detailed report (available on the listing).

The seller inputs any additional information and sets a reserve price. This vehicle then goes into the auction marketplace where buyers can bid on the vehicle. All vehicles also feature comprehensive history checks.

TradeBid prides itself on its technology and ease of use. Buyers who purchase vehicles through the TradeBid platform get the vehicle delivered via leading logistic partners directly to their door. All payments are handled online through the portal in a seamless end-to-end experience.

TradeBid also offers solutions for dealers who sell large volumes of vehicles to the trade on a monthly basis, taking all of the manual work out of it for the seller. Contact us directly for more information on this service.

How do I sign up?

You can register to be a buyer, seller, or both on our website, tradebidauctions.com. During this process, we will ask you for some details about yourself and your business (if applicable). Once registered, you will be granted access to the platform. You cannot bid or buy a vehicle until you have entered your bank details in the profile section of the platform. All payments are done automatically and securely once you buy a vehicle via SEPA Direct Debit.

What information is required?

We require information about you, and information about your business. If you are a NextGear Capital client we will require your dealer ID. Once you register, we require your bank details for payment.

How do I buy on TradeBid?

Dealer-to-Dealer Auctions:

TradeBid’s online auction platform allows you to browse and bid from a desktop or mobile device, meaning you can buy without leaving the comfort of your dealership. TradeBid’s dealer-to-dealer auctions connect buyers with vehicles from approved sellers and operate as timed auctions.

If you are the winning bidder when the auction ends then you win the vehicle. You can also use the proxy-bidding function on TradeBid, where you enter your max bid for the vehicle and we will automatically bid on that vehicle for you, up to your max bid.

OEM Vehicles:

TradeBid connects buyers with leading OEM brands, allowing them to access exclusive trade vehicles. These vehicles are also listed in timed auctions, however, buyers place blind offers on the vehicle rather than competing in an open auction. When the auction closes, the highest bid for the vehicle is sent to the seller for acceptance. Buyers will be informed as soon as the bid is approved by the seller.

What are the buying fees on TradeBid?

TradeBid's fixed fees are tiered to ensure a fair and transparent system. The admin fee on vehicles €3,000 and under is €39 + VAT. The admin fee on vehicles over €3,000 is €99 + VAT.

The minimum buyer fee is €119 + VAT and the maximum buyer fee is €599 + VAT.

Please refer to the chat below for additional details.

Delivery Fees:

• Dublin to Dublin €119 + VAT
• Cork to Cork €149 + VAT
• Nationwide €199 + VAT

Fees for Commercial Vehicle Auctions:

• All vehicles purchased are subject to a 10% + VAT buyer fee of the sales price of the vehicle
• Minimum buyer fee of €350 + VAT
• €30 + VAT Admin Fee

Delist Fee

A delist fee of €200 applies to any vehicle that is pulled from the live auction where there has been a bid placed

What happens once I buy?

Once you buy a vehicle on TradeBid, you will be directed to the checkout flow. Here you will see the purchase price of the vehicle, along with the associated fees (buyer fee, transport & inspection). You submit your delivery address, select your payment method (if through NextGear Capital or through bank transfer via SEPA DD), and click submit. We will automatically then pull the funds from your bank or NextGear Capital and arrange delivery of the vehicle to you via our transport partner.

How long are the auctions?

The length of the auction is indicated in the vehicle listing via a countdown timer.

Who are the sellers? How can I trust the information I’m getting from the seller?

All of our sellers go through a vetting process to ensure that they are legitimate sellers. All sellers are 100% and are well-known dealers across the country. The seller's name (dealership) will be listed on each vehicle for comfort. Aside from TradeBid vetting the seller, each car goes through a comprehensive inspection process and features a history check. TradeBid has a strict one-strike policy to prevent any wrong-doing on the platform.

How do I sell on TradeBid?

Sellers upload their vehicles through the TradeBid app. During this upload process, each vehicle goes through an artificial intelligence-driven inspection using software called Monk. Monk automatically detects any defects on the vehicle’s exterior and notes this in a detailed report (available on the listing). The seller inputs any additional information and sets a reserve price. This vehicle then goes into the auction marketplace where buyers can bid or purchase the vehicle. All vehicles are history-checked also.

Do I have to sell the vehicle if I don’t get the money I want?

After the live auction, the seller has one business day to decide whether they want to accept the highest offer on the vehicle, only if the vehicle does not reach the reserve price set by the seller before the auction. If the reserve price has been met, the seller must sell the vehicle at that price.

How do I pay for a vehicle?

Payment is made via SEPA Bank Transfer or via NextGear Capital (if you are a NextGear Capital client and choose this method of payment on the vehicle). All payments are handled directly through the platform, so no manual intervention is required by the buyer.

How do I get the vehicle delivered?

Once the checkout process has finished and payment has been taken from the buyer’s bank account or NextGear Capital account, TradeBid arrange with our transport partners to have the vehicle collected from the seller and transported directly to the buyer. The buyer will be informed once the vehicle has been collected and when it is due for delivery.

What happens if the vehicle is not as described when it is delivered?

TradeBid has an internal arbitration team that offers a free service in the event of any concerns regarding a vehicle bought through the platform. Simply fill in the ‘Arbitration’ form within the buyer dashboard and we will be in contact.

How are funds transferred between Buyers & Sellers?

We are a 100% EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) mandatory platform because we believe in convenience and trust. This allows us to ensure that payments are quick, efficient and guaranteed on every sale. Other than EFT (direct debit from your bank account), TradeBid dealers can also transfer funds from floorplan financing (NextGear Capital).