A new car auction company has opened its doors, and online presence, in South Africa.
CarTrust allows bidders to either attend its weekly Saturday auction in Midrand, or bid online with just a click of a mouse.
The online process is designed to be user-friendly and makes bidding in a Johannesburg-based auction possible for people in other areas of the country. It’s also appealing to women who wish to try their hand at either selling or buying a car in an auction from the safety of their own home.
Buyers must register online at www.cartrust.co.za, pay a deposit, look through the car catalogue and make their bid. Online bidding can either be made prior to an auction, or while the live auction is happening.
As for sellers, they need to drop their car off at CarTrust in Midrand, Johannesburg, on the Tuesday before the Saturday auction and fill out the necessary paperwork. This is explained in more detail on their website.
CarTrust places an emphasis on transparency and says the reserve price, dealer trade-in price and dealer selling price will be disclosed to the buyer in order to guide participants to a fair market price. Also, in contrast to the “voetstoots” approach normally associated with auctions, all of CarTrust’s cars will have an independent on-site AA accredited inspection through Dekra. This report will be provided to prospective bidders and the re-sale price will also be determined accordingly.
The car’s service history will also be disclosed to bidders and registered bidders will be able to test-drive vehicles in a secure area prior to the auction.
CarTrust is situated at Unit 5, Clovelly Business Park, 342 Old Pretoria Road in Midrand, and the first auction will take place on September 17.