How Do Auction Reserves Work?
A reserve is the minimum price you agree in advance for each vehicle; if bidding on the day doesn't reach it, the vehicle simply doesn't sell rather than being sold for less than you accepted. Reserves are set per vehicle, based on the expected auction range, and give you control over the downside while still letting competitive bidding push the price up.
Where the figure comes from
We appraise each vehicle from its registration, mileage and condition and return a written expected auction range within 24 hours. The reserve is agreed with you from within, or close to, that range — it is not set arbitrarily and should reflect what similar vehicles have actually been achieving.
What happens on the day
Buyers bid competitively against each other. If bidding passes the reserve, the vehicle sells to the highest bidder at that price — which is often above the reserve itself, since the reserve is a floor, not a target. If bidding does not reach the reserve, the vehicle is not sold in that session.
If a vehicle doesn't meet its reserve
It rolls into a following sale, usually after a short conversation about whether the reserve should be adjusted in light of the bidding seen. This happens occasionally and is normal — it does not mean the vehicle is unsellable, only that the market on that particular day didn't reach the figure set.
- No extra collection charge for re-entering a vehicle
- Reserve can be reviewed based on actual bidding activity
- You are never obliged to accept a below-reserve offer
Setting reserves across a fleet
On a multi-vehicle disposal, reserves are agreed once per vehicle up front so individual lots don't need re-approval on sale day, which keeps a staged fleet disposal moving without repeated sign-off delays.
Get Your Free Valuation
Tell us about your How Do Auction Reserves Work? — 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
Can I set the reserve myself?
You agree it with us based on the expected auction range; you are not obliged to accept a range that doesn't work for you.
Can a reserve be too high to sell at all?
Yes — a reserve set well above the realistic market range will simply mean the vehicle doesn't sell, which is why we base it on comparable trade results.
Does a reserve cost anything extra?
No, agreeing a reserve is part of the standard valuation and entry process.
What if I want to change the reserve after agreeing it?
Reserves can be adjusted before a vehicle is entered into a sale, or reviewed if it doesn't sell first time.
Get Your Free Valuation
Tell us about your How Do Auction Reserves Work? — we'll come back within 24 hours with a trade-backed valuation.
Prefer to talk first? Call us or use the contact page.