This is a comprehensive training program created by seasoned Florida auto dealers and professional auctioneers.
Inside, you’ll discover how to register for auctions, master bidding strategies, and handle the post-purchase process — including dealer financing and logistics. To ensure your success, Express Car Time also provides live phone support and exclusive resources to help you avoid costly mistakes and maximize profits.
As soon as you enroll, the full course is instantly available in your Express Car Time account.
$99 – Unlimited Access
What's Included?
8 sections / 27 Lessons
24/7 Online Access
Chat & Phone Support
Created by Dealer Experts
Section 1: Introduction to Vehicle Auctions
Buying and selling at auctions opens up unique profit opportunities. With the right knowledge, you can secure vehicles below retail, resell for strong margins, and expand your dealership. This section introduces the world of vehicle auctions — from dealer-only to public sales — and equips you with the terms, processes, and systems to get started with confidence.
1. Dealer-Only vs. Public Auctions
Licensed dealers gain access to exclusive dealer-only auctions where vehicles are priced at true wholesale values and typically come with inspections and buyer protections. Public auctions, while open to anyone, usually have higher prices and fewer guarantees. Understanding the difference ensures you’re always buying smart.
2. Where Auction Vehicles Come From
Vehicles at auctions have many sources: repossessions, lease returns, rental fleets, dealer trade-ins, corporate fleet rotations, consignments, insurance salvage, and even vehicles with accident history. Recognizing these sources helps you anticipate pricing and resale potential.
3. Registering for Dealer-Only Auctions
Florida dealers register directly with auction houses or through centralized systems like AuctionACCESS. This lesson walks you through step-by-step registration so you can unlock entry to top auctions nationwide.
4. Checking In at Live Auctions
Learn how to participate in-person or online. Dealers gain access to detailed pre-sale inventory lists and condition reports. On auction day, in-person attendees check in to receive bidder badges, while online buyers log in remotely to bid in real-time from their phone or computer.
5. Auction Slang Every Dealer Should Know
From Simulcast to Subject To, Run & Drive, MSO, and Curb Stoning, this lesson ensures you understand the fast-paced auction lingo so you can follow along — and bid like a pro.
Section 2: Predicting Auction Prices
Success at auction depends on knowing a vehicle’s value before you bid. This section covers the biggest pricing factors and teaches you how to leverage professional tools for accurate evaluations.
6. What Affects Vehicle Prices?
From reserve prices to model year, mileage, options, region, and history — every factor influences the hammer price. Learn how to calculate wholesale and retail values so you never overpay.
7. Wholesale & Retail Pricing Tools
Explore tools like Kelley Blue Book, NADA, and Manheim Market Report to determine accurate market pricing. You’ll also learn how to interpret post-sale auction data to spot market trends and predict demand.
8. Auction Fees Explained
From buyer/seller fees to no-sale, re-run, storage, cancellation, and oversized fees — every transaction carries costs. This lesson helps you budget properly and factor fees into your profit margins.
Section 3: Buying & Selling Vehicles
Dive into the heart of auctions — how to buy strategically and sell profitably. Learn how reserve prices and minimum bids work, explore different bidding methods, and master live auction techniques with a fast-talking auctioneer. Also discover how dealers consign and sell their own vehicles at auction, including setting minimum prices and making required disclosures.
9. Minimum Bids & Reserves
Learn how sellers set minimum acceptable prices and how “Subject To” or “If” bids create room for negotiation.
10. Bidding Types & Strategies
Discover the most effective strategies: proxy bidding, live in-person, online simulcast, sealed bids, and “Buy Now” deals. More importantly — learn how to set a strict max bid and avoid emotional overspending.
11. Live Bidding with Auctioneers
Auctioneers speak fast, and the atmosphere can be overwhelming. This lesson teaches you how to follow their rhythm, avoid traps like shill bidding, and win cars at the right price.
12. Selling & Consigning at Auction
As a dealer, you can also sell vehicles at auction. Learn how to consign cars, set floor prices, and disclose conditions properly to stay compliant and maximize your return.
Section 4: Finding Vehicles at Auctions
Finding the right vehicles is half the battle. This section teaches you how to prepare before sale day and stay focused when hundreds of cars are crossing the block.
13. Pre-Sale Inventory Lists
Learn how to access and review pre-sale vehicle lists so you arrive prepared with a shortlist of cars worth bidding on.
14. Lanes & Run Numbers
Auctions move quickly, and every car has a lane and run number. This lesson teaches you how to track your target vehicles as they move through the lot.
15. Saved Searches & Alerts
Set up automated searches and alerts so you never miss a profitable vehicle.
Section 5: Auction Condition Reports & Inspections
Not every car is what it seems. This section gives you the tools to evaluate vehicle condition and avoid costly mistakes.
16. Auction Lights & Announcements
Green, red, yellow, or blue lights tell you everything about a vehicle’s condition and guarantee level. Learn what each means before you bid.
17. Inspecting Vehicles Yourself
Even with reports, nothing beats your own eyes. This lesson shows you how to check engines, interiors, safety features, and body condition before committing.
18. Pre-Sale Condition Reports
Understand how vehicles are graded, what’s included in reports, and the limitations you should be aware of.
19. Post-Sale Inspections
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amLearn how arbitration works if issues arise after your purchase. Post-sale inspections protect you from hidden problems with key components.et, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum ducimus cupiditate similique quisquam et deserunt, recusandae.
Section 6: Titles & Documentation
Paperwork is just as important as the car itself. This section explains everything you need to know about vehicle titles, including clean, salvage, rebuilt, and other branded titles. You’ll also learn about title guarantees, disclosures, and how long it takes to receive paperwork after purchase — ensuring every deal you make is legal, compliant, and ready for resale.
20. Clean, Salvage & Branded Titles
Not all titles are created equal. Clean, salvage, rebuilt, flood, and lemon titles all carry different resale values. This lesson helps you spot risks and opportunities.
21. Title Guarantees & Disclosures
Auctions have strict title policies. Learn about guarantees, how long it takes to receive titles, and what disclosures sellers must provide.
Section 7: Auction Rules & Policies
Every auction has its own set of rules — and breaking them can cost you time, money, or even your dealer access. This section walks you through buyer and seller responsibilities, auction guarantees, and dispute resolution processes. By understanding the policies ahead of time, you’ll avoid surprises and operate with full confidence.
22. Auction Guarantees
Most auctions provide arbitration and limited guarantees. Learn how these protect you as a buyer.
23. Seller Responsibilities
Sellers must disclose water damage, odometer rollbacks, structural issues, and other conditions. Know the rules to avoid penalties.
24. Buyer Responsibilities
As a buyer, due diligence is on you. Learn how to comply with rules, avoid disputes, and protect your dealer license.
Section 8: Paying & Transporting Your Cars
Winning the bid is just the beginning. This section shows you how to complete payments securely, explore financing options like floor plans, and handle logistics for picking up or shipping your purchases. You’ll walk away knowing exactly what to do once the gavel drops — from payment to delivery.
25. Payment Options
From ACH to bank wires and floor plans, this lesson walks you through secure auction payment methods.
26. Financing Purchases
Explore lines of credit and floor planning options so you can scale your dealership without tying up all your cash.
27. Retrieving & Shipping Cars
Understand gate passes, shipping arrangements, and deadlines for pickup so your cars don’t rack up storage fees.
FAQ
How do car auctions work?
Cars are listed for sale at regular auctions (daily, weekly, or monthly). Dealers bid live or buy immediately through “Buy Now” options. After purchase, payment is made via cash, wire, or financing. Public buyers must also pay tax and registration fees — licensed dealers avoid these upfront costs.
How do you buy vehicles from insurance companies?
Insurance firms sell cars (damaged or undamaged) directly at dealer-only auctions. These sales give buyers access to a large, varied inventory at competitive wholesale prices.
Can I buy a car from an auction without a dealer license?
Yes, but only at public auctions. The downside is you’ll pay retail-level fees, taxes, and registration, which makes flipping less profitable. A Florida dealer license gives you access to wholesale auctions — with better prices, financing, and tax advantages.