Customer

Frequently Asked Questions

January 2, 2026
Alex Weinberg
Chief Marketing Officer
Does Bidbus buy my car?

No. Bidbus is not a car dealership and does not purchase vehicles directly. We are a specialized auction platform. We list your car on our marketplace where a network of over 1,000 professional dealers compete to buy it. Once the auction ends, we connect you with the winning dealer to finalize the sale.

Why do I only have 7 days to accept an offer?

The automotive market is incredibly volatile. Data shows that car values fluctuate rapidly, often shifting every seven days. To ensure the offers from our dealers are accurate and reflect current market demand, bids are time-sensitive. Acting quickly helps you lock in the highest possible price before the next market dip.

When do the auctions happen?

Our live 2-hour auctions take place every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. This regular schedule creates a high-energy environment where dealers log in specifically to find new inventory for their clients, driving up the competition for your car.

How do I get paid?

Since the dealer is the actual purchaser, they handle the payment. Once the auction is over and we connect you with the highest bidder, you will coordinate with them to sign the final paperwork and receive your funds, typically via check or electronic transfer.

Is there a fee to use Bidbus?

Listing your vehicle and receiving a market valuation is completely free. We only charge a success fee if your car is sold through our platform. Our fee structure is simple:

For vehicles sold under $30,000: A flat fee of $300.

For vehicles sold at or above $30,000: A fee of 1% of the sale price.

This ensures we are only successful when you are!

Do I have to sell if I don't like the bids?

You can set a Reserve Price, which is the minimum amount you are willing to accept. If the bidding doesn't reach your reserve, you are under no obligation to sell and you won't be charged any fees. We want you to feel confident and in control of the final deal.

What happens if the bidding meets or exceeds my reserve?

Once the auction hits your reserve price, the auction becomes legally binding. Because we have hundreds of dealers competing in real-time, once that "safety net" is crossed, the car is officially considered sold to the highest bidder.

How is Bidbus different from CarMax or Carvana?

With most well-known "instant offer" platforms, the process is a bit of a "black box." You get one take-it-or-leave-it price from a single company. Because these companies are essentially car wholesalers, they are looking to buy your car at the lowest possible price to ensure they can flip it for a profit later. This often results in an offer that is a tier below the actual market value.

Bidbus flips the script

Instead of one buyer giving you a wholesale price, we bring hundreds of dealers to you. These dealers aren't just looking for generic inventory; they are often looking for a specific car to fill an immediate request from one of their own clients.

Because they already have a buyer lined up on their end, they are often willing to outbid the "big box" buy centers and "wholesalers" to secure your vehicle. At Bidbus, you don’t just get an offer, you get a competition.