Bellingham Public Auto Auction LLC
Learn more
Auction Details
Auction Format
Online
Auction Type
Public auto auctions; separate misc item auctions; primarily online monthly via HiBid; FAQ describes a monthly in‑person public auction as well.
Auction Format
Auction Schedule
Online vehicle and misc item auctions run monthly, typically starting at 8:00am on the 1st and ending around 6:00pm between the 5th–9th of each month; preview generally 11:00am–4:00pm on posted preview days (closed Sunday). Site lists 2025 monthly date ranges (e.g., Sep 1–8, Oct 1–6, Nov 1–6, Dec 1–8). The site FAQ also describes an in‑person public auction every first Saturday: gates open 8:00am, miscellaneous items auction at 9:00am, vehicle auction at 11:00am.
Auction Delivery Available
No
Auction Delivery Details
Shipping not available; auctions are local pickup only.
Buyer Fee Details
Not specified. Terms specify pickup must be completed by posted dates; otherwise a $100 meet‑after‑hours fee applies.
Seller Fees
Not specified on the official site or HiBid pages (site invites consignments but does not publish commission/fee schedule).
Storage Holding Fees
Not specified for daily storage. Terms state vehicles must be picked up by the posted deadline; if pickup cannot occur within that window and an employee must meet you later, a $100 fee is charged.
Who can Register
Online: Open to the public; must be 18+; first-time bidders should register at least one hour before the auction starts closing; if you win, a $500 down payment is automatically charged to the card on file. In‑person (per FAQ): Free bidder card registration at the lot on auction day; must be a licensed driver to purchase; if you win a vehicle, an immediate $500 CASH deposit is required.
Fees and Methods
Payment Methods
Online terms: $500 down payment automatically charged to the registered credit card for each winning lot; balance due by posted deadline; no personal checks accepted; past terms list credit/debit cards, cashier’s checks, or money orders accepted for payment. In‑person FAQ: Cash, cashier’s check, credit & debit cards accepted; card payments incur a 3% fee; $500 deposit is CASH only at the time of winning.
Bidding Methods
Online via HiBid (current listings show Online Only). In‑person bidding also described in the site FAQ for first‑Saturday auctions.
Rules and Notes
Extended Notes
Active auction address shown on current listings is 5487 Guide Meridian, Bellingham, WA 98226 (preview/pickup location). The site’s Contact/FAQ pages list 2036 Iron St, Bellingham, WA 98225 and describe a first‑Saturday live auction format; this appears to be older/in‑person guidance. Fees differ between online terms (13% buyer’s premium; $150 doc fee; 8.8% tax; $181.75 estimated title/registration) and FAQ in‑person terms (10% buyer’s fee; $50 doc fee; 8.9% tax; 3% card surcharge). Always check the specific month’s HiBid auction page for the exact preview, checkout windows, fees, and payment rules before bidding.
Pickup Rules
Local pickup only; no shipping. Pickup must occur within the posted checkout window (typically two days after close, e.g., 11:00am–5:00pm). Vehicles must be picked up by the stated deadline; if an employee must meet you after the window, a $100 fee applies. Buyer is responsible for loading and assumes all risk; any assistance by auction staff is a courtesy and requires buyer to waive/indemnify the auction.
Policies
Must be 18 years of age to register as a bidder (online).; Bids are legal binding contracts; no bid retractions/cancellations; you must pay for all vehicles you win.; Soft close: if someone bids at the last minute, closing extends by 2 minutes.; All items sold as‑is/where‑is; no warranties; do your own research and preview in person.; Out‑of‑state buyers seeking non‑taxation must email ID plus one qualifying proof (e.g., utility bill, voter card) 48 hours before closing.; Auction handles licensing through WA Department of Licensing; temporary plate provided; title mailed by the state.; No personal checks accepted (online payment terms).; FAQ shows card payments incur 3% fee; cash has no extra fee.
Third Party
Third Party Available
Yes
Third Party Requirements
No special app, PIN, or gate pass system is stated. Terms reference buyer’s transportation company/representatives on site; buyer assumes risk and must ensure payment/pickup within deadlines.
Third Party Process
Arrange pickup within posted hours; transporter should have buyer’s details and invoice. Auction may assist as a courtesy but assumes no liability; buyer indemnifies auction for injuries/damages during loading/transport.
Self Pickup
Self Pickup Available
Yes
Self Pickup Requirement
Pay invoice in full by the deadline. ID requirement is not specified on current online terms; FAQ indicates purchasers must be licensed drivers.
Self Pickup Process
Arrive during posted pickup dates/times at 5487 Guide Meridian (as listed on each auction). Staff may assist with starting vehicles during preview; loading assistance is not guaranteed and is at buyer risk.
This page was last updated on September 1, 2025 and some details may have changed. Reach out directly to the auction with any questions.
Claim your page
Is this your auction? Reach out to marketing@autohaulerx.com to update any details.