Copart Bidding Guide: How to Buy a Car at Auction from Azerbaijan

Copart is the world's largest online car auction. More than 3 million vehicles are sold every year, and it is possible to take part from Azerbaijan too. However, to register directly you need to be a US-licensed dealer. This is where a broker service — AutoMakler — comes in.

What is Copart?

Founded in 1982, Copart now operates more than 200 sales yards across the USA, Canada, Germany, the UK and the UAE. The cars sold at auction are mostly:

• Insurance total loss (salvage) vehicles
• Cars returned from banks and leasing companies
• Vehicles put up for sale by dealers
• Government and corporate vehicles

What do you need to become a bidder on Copart?

There are three types of membership:

1. Basic Member — no fee, but access only to public sales
2. Premier Member — 199 USD per year, access to more auctions
3. Dealer Member — licensed dealers only (not possible directly from Azerbaijan)

Since becoming a Dealer directly from Azerbaijan isn't possible, you take part through brokers like AutoMakler.

Lot number and search

Every vehicle has a unique Lot Number (7-8 digits). A Copart URL looks like this:

Enter this lot number into the AutoMakler calculator and instantly see the delivered price. Calculate for free.

Bidding strategy at auction

To bid effectively, keep these points in mind:

• Find out the reserve price — the minimum price the seller will accept. AutoMakler can check this (from 1 AZN).
• Set a maximum budget — don't bid with your emotions
• Auction fees are added — usually between 200 and 800 USD
• Buyer Number Fee — Copart's service charge

Delivery and customs

Once your bid is successful:

1. Full payment must be made within 2-5 business days
2. The car must be picked up within 5-7 days (to avoid storage fees)
3. AutoMakler delivers the car to a US port
4. Ocean shipping to the Port of Poti (~35 days)
5. Customs clearance in Baku (3-7 days)

For the full process, read our guide to importing a car from the USA.

The advantages of working with AutoMakler

• Communication in Azerbaijani
• Transparent pricing — all costs known up front
• A free delivery calculator
• A Carfax report from 2 AZN
• Transparent pricing — no hidden fees

Steps to get started

1. Create an account
2. Check the lot you're interested in with the calculator
3. Order a Carfax report
4. Get in touch with us — our team is ready to place your bid