This page will be an ongoing project, as new questions pop up and we find them worthy to be posted. You'll notice that some of the FAQ seems to be real questions. That's because they are! Thanks to the clients who have inspired this page!
Here we go....
About costs
1. How much will this cost me to buy a car?
Well it all depends on a number of factors. But, lets make it simple to explain. Here are the variable costs:
-the cost of the car
-inland transport from the auction to port
Here are the costs we are sure about:
-our fee of 90,000yen
-5% consumption tax on the cost of the car at auction (the auction charges us this on the winning bid, their fees and inland transportation)
-recycle tax
2. How much will it cost to ship?
Depending on where you live in the world, shipping will vary. For example, to North America, the shipping cost is based on US dollars and the size of the vehicle in cubic metres. North American ocean freight is 80USD/m3. The port fee and shipping fee depends on the size of the vehicle. A regular car or van under 19m3 is 16,000yen port fee and 5,000yen shipping fee.
Other destinations (per cubic metre):
PNG $128USD
UK and Ireland $78USD
East Coast Africa (Kenya, Tanzania) $70USD
New Zealand $1605 NZD
Middle East (UAE, Oman and Qatar) $70USD
Some countries require a suplimental inspection to certify the vehicle's roadworthiness. Inspections like JEVIC or JAAI are additional costs. Please contact us for more details.
About using the auction site
1. Many vehicles seem to be rated at "0" but look great and don't show major repairs on the inspection. Are these vehicles equivalent to what we would call major accident damage repaired, rebuilt or salvage vehicles?
Some vehicles are heavily modified and therefore the auction indicates this with a "0". The inspection sheet will indicate what has been modified. The accident or repaired vehicles should be listed as "A" or "R" or "RA" (repair and accident). Depending on the quality of the repair, they would be totally fine. We need to make sure that comments such as "core support" don't pop up, as that usually is accompanied as "core support repaired/damaged" and that's the chassis or vehicle frame they are commenting on. Otherwise, we can still look at these vehicles, but we do need to be careful.
2. Are there reserves on the cars as I noticed some vehicles say "not sold" at a particular price? Do we know what a reserve might be? Also what does "negotiation" mean after the auction is over?
The vehicles normally have a reserve, but the potential buyers are never told. Unlike Ebay, reserves are not disclosed.
The "negotiation" means that the vehicle didn't sell during the regular go-through at auction but someone was willing to pay more for the vehicle than where the highest bid stopped. The buyer must apply to negotiate with the seller. They put in a price, as guided by the auction, and offer this amount. The seller will have a minimum reserve, and if the offer is at least the same as the minimum reserve, the buyer can win the vehicle. Then, you'll see "negotiation". The transaction is conducted by the auction by phone. The buyer pays an extra fee for this negotiation process.
3. Who actually does the bidding, me or SASTRAD? Do I need to be there to keep bidding or is a max. price set and come back later to see if I won it?
We bid directly to the auctions on your behalf. You have access to our auction site, and the bid you place goes directly to us. We won't place a bid that really is too low. We ask you to give us the maximum amount you'd be willing to pay for the vehicle at auction. We place that proxy bid with the auction company. We can email you with the results.
4. How many times do I get to bid if I don't win a each time?
Well, since we don't place bids that don't have a chance, we don't have a limit on how many bids to place if we don't win.
5. How can I let you know which vehicle I would like to have the inspection sheet translated?
Normally we'd have our clients put in a "1,000" yen bid. This indicates to us to take a look at the vehicle and give our opinion on it. We'll translate the inspection sheet and give you some advice if you'd like.
6. How do I know what a vehicle will sell for at auction?
There is a feature on the site that will give you past auction results for each vehicle, based on its chassis number. Please watch our YouTube video on how to use the auction site.
I won a vehicle, now what?
1. Do I have to arrange for shipping?
No, that's part of what you pay us to do. We will get your consignee details (the end user, like you); the address, phone number and fax, so we can have it put on the Bill of Lading. We'll arrange for the vehicle to go from the auction to port. And, we'll make a shipping booking for the vehicle.
Once the vehicle is on the boat, we'll get an invoice from the shipping agent. They will send the invoice to us and we will send it to you. In order to receive the Bill of Lading (BL) from the shipper, we'll have to pay the shipping line. We normally surrender the BL so we don't have to send it by mail. This "surrender" means will sign off on the Bill of Lading and the shipping line agent at your port will be notified that the shipping invoice has been paid and they are to release your vehicle so it can pass through customs. You'll also get a scan of the surrendered BL from us so you can print that out and use it as proof your shipping has been paid. Your customs broker will be able to handle the receiving of the surrendered BL and they will use it as a document to clear your vehicle through customs.
2. I don't know how to receive a vehicle, what do I need to do?
You'll need a customs broker to complete the customs importing documentation. If you don't know how to find one, we'll help you. The customs broker will receive notification of when your vehicle will arrive, and let you know. They'll also do all the necessary customs work to smoothly clear your vehicle so you can pick it up at port. They may also be able to arrange for inland transportation if you live far from the receiving port. Please speak with your customs broker for their fees and what other services they may be able to provide you.
3. Duty (yes I said duty)? What will that cost.
Each country is different. Please ask us to help you find out what the customs duty is for your country. You'll have to pay that duty when the vehicle arrives and before you can claim it at port. Your customs broker will also be able to answer this question for you.
