“Dealer Auction Guide 2025: How to Buy Cars Wholesale with a Dealer License” Buy Low and Sell High!

Dealer Auctions Explained: How to Buy & Sell Cars Like a Licensed Dealer

If you’re getting your dealer license to access dealer-only auctions, this video is for you. I’ll break down how auctions work, what to bring, inspection options, arbitration, and the best platforms like Manheim, ADESA, IAAI, ACV, CarMax, and even small local auctions. Watch until the end and I’ll also show you how to:
✅ Get your dealer license step-by-step in your state
✅ Find the cheapest dealer surety bonds & insurance
✅ Access dealer management software with a free trial + $250 credit
✅ Connect with every dealer auction in the U.S. and Canada

Major Dealer Auctions

Manheim – The largest wholesale auto auction network with condition reports, Manheim Certified, and Manheim Market Report (MMR).

ADESA / OpenLane – Digital + in-person auctions with transport, inspections, and financing options.

IAAI (Insurance Auto Auctions) – Specializes in salvage, damaged, and total-loss vehicles.

ACV Auctions – 100% online with transparent condition reports and mobile bidding.

CarMax Auctions – Dealer-only sales direct from CarMax retail lots, mostly “as-is.”

Local Independent Auctions – Smaller, community-based auctions with fewer bidders and unique local trade-ins.

Rental Car Auctions – Companies like Hertz and Enterprise sell rental returns (and even current rentals).

What You Need for Auction Day

Government photo ID

Copy of your dealer license

Bank letter of guarantee (often $25k–$50k)

Sometimes a signed Power of Attorney so auctions can transfer titles on your behalf

You’ll also want an Auction Access ID, which gets you into 400+ auctions nationwide and online. Learn more at auctionaccess.com.

If you would like to obtain a Texas Dealers License visit texasdealers.com for my Texas DMV Approved Dealer Pre-License Course.
https://texasdealers.com

Auction Fees & Lanes

Expect buyer’s fees ($200–$500 on most vehicles under $10k, more for highline vehicles).

Larger auctions may have 20+ lanes running at once—new trades, lease returns, highline cars, trucks, classics, even commercial equipment.

Auction Tips

Don’t buy at your first auction—observe 5–6 to learn pricing.

Research wholesale values using Black Book and Manheim MMR (more accurate than NADA/Blue Book).

Write down your max bid before the auction starts—and stick to it.

Never let emotions drive your bidding. Every bid is binding.

Inspections & Arbitration

Pre-Auction Inspection (PAI): Happens before the auction to check engine, transmission, odometer, warning lights.

Post-Auction Inspection (PSI): After purchase, verifies structural/mechanical condition. Often worth the extra cost as protection.

Arbitration: The process if a vehicle was misrepresented (title issues, odometer rollback, undisclosed frame/engine problems).

Auction Lights System

Green: Ride & Drive (major components guaranteed)

Yellow: Limited guarantee or announced conditions

Red: As-Is (no arbitration)

Blue: Title absent (expect delivery within 30 days)

Online Bidding & OVE

Most auctions allow live online bidding with real-time inventory and shipping options. OVE (Manheim’s Online Vehicle Exchange) lets licensed dealers buy/sell 24/7.

Must-Have Tools

OBD-II Scanner – Check codes and vehicle health before bidding.

Dealer Management Software – Automate forms, financing, and buy-here-pay-here operations (free trial + $250 credit at dealerlicense.com).

Start Your Dealer Journey

To get licensed, bonded, and insured, visit dealerlicense.com
:

Click Get Licensed for step-by-step state guides

Get fast dealer bond quotes

See trusted insurance providers

Access state-approved courses

Claim dealer software free trial + $250 credit

Would you like a 30 day free trial AND a $250 credit which will allow you to use the best Dealer Management Software I have found?
Just click on the link below:

https://get.dealercenter.com/get-a-de...

I can send your Dealer Surety Bond quote the Bond Carrier that specializes in issuing bonds to people based on your credit score. This can save you hours and hours of calls by matching your credit score with the best Bond Carrier. I believe this will assist you in obtaining the cheapest dealer surety bond possible.

Just click on the link below: (please wait 30-45 seconds for the Bond Quoting System to load)
https://dealerslicense.com/dealer-sur...


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