Auction or Direct Trade Sale — Which Is Better?
A direct trade sale is faster and certain. An auction is competitive and usually pays more. The right answer depends on how many vehicles you have, how mixed they are, and whether certainty or price matters more this month.
Where a trade sale wins
One clean, in-demand van; an immediate cash requirement; or a vehicle you would rather not have collected and moved. A single buyer can agree a price today and pay quickly.
Where auction wins
Volume, mixed age and condition, damaged and non-running units, unusual body types, and any situation where you need an evidenced market price. Hundreds of buyers bid on the same day, and the ones who specialise in your body type or region bid hardest.
- Price set by competition, not negotiation
- Reserve means you can't be forced into a bad number
- Specialist and export buyers reached automatically
- Independent evidence of market value for the file
The honest trade-off
Auction adds a week or two and carries a small risk of a lot not selling first time. Against that, on a mixed fleet, the aggregate difference in achieved price is usually the bigger number by some distance.
Get Your Free Valuation
Tell us about your Auction or Direct Trade Sale — we'll come back within 24 hours with a trade-backed valuation.
How It Works
Send your vehicle details
Registrations and rough condition are enough — a spreadsheet, an email or a photo of the list.
Free valuation in 24 hours
We return an expected auction range per vehicle, in writing, with no obligation.
Free nationwide collection
Collected from your depot, site or a driver's home, including non-runners.
Sold and settled
Entered into live EAMA Group trade auctions with your reserve, and paid after sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the costs of selling at auction?
Entry and collection costs are agreed in writing before anything moves and shown on the settlement per vehicle.
Can I set a minimum price?
Yes. Every vehicle carries a reserve agreed with you.
How many buyers actually bid?
Live EAMA Group trade sales attract hundreds of registered trade buyers, online and in the hall.
Can I compare an auction estimate with a trade offer?
Yes — get our free expected range and set it against the offer you have. There is no obligation.
Get Your Free Valuation
Tell us about your Auction or Direct Trade Sale — we'll come back within 24 hours with a trade-backed valuation.
Prefer to talk first? Call us or use the contact page.