Question 1

Are your auctions open to the public?

Accepted Answer

Our auctions are held across the nation and are generally open to the public. However, we also host specialized auctions exclusively for Salvage Dealers. In these auctions, certain assets are categorized under specific conditions such as "DISMANTLER," "NON-REPAIRABLE," or "SCRAP/PARTS ONLY."  These assets are strictly reserved for purchase by licensed Dismantlers, Salvage, or Scrap Parts Dealers. Eligible participants in these exclusive auctions are required to provide a valid state issued scrap dealer license. It is important to note that these particular assets are not available for bidding to the general public.

Question 2

Is everyone permitted to bid?"

Accepted Answer

Our services are available only to and may only be used by individuals who can form legally binding contracts under applicable law. Without limiting the preceding, our services are not available to individuals under the age of 18 or to temporarily or indefinitely suspended members.

The following persons shall be prohibited from purchasing property through the U.S. Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Program and are also, therefore, barred from placing bids to buy such property:

i. Defendants in Criminal Cases: The defendant from whom the property to be sold was forfeited.

ii. DOJ Employees and USMS Contractors: DOJ Employees who have not received a waiver from their agency pursuant to 5 C.F.R. § 3801.104(a) and USMS contractors who have not received a waiver.

iii. Civil Forfeiture Actions/Administrative Forfeiture: Any person whose conduct gave rise to a civil or administrative forfeiture of the property to be sold.

iv. Insider Knowledge: Any person who, by virtue of their association with the DOJ AFP, has acquired material, non-public, information about the property to be sold.

v. Law Enforcement: Federal, state, and local law enforcement officers who perform duties associated with the seizure and forfeiture of property in conjunction with DOJ.

Bidder acknowledges that certain persons are prohibited from purchasing assets from Seller and that under certain circumstances, Seller will not sell assets to specific individuals or affiliates. The Auction Company's subcontractor may not act as an agent for a third party in purchasing Seller property in their custody or control. For breach of any of these warranties, the Seller may terminate these Terms and Conditions and the Contract without liability and pursue any other sanctions provided by law.

Question 3

What are the starting bids?

Accepted Answer

For LIVE auctions, the starting bids are determined by the crowd. For ONLINE auctions, the bids start at $100.00.

Question 4

What are the Reserves?

Accepted Answer

All vehicles and surplus items in our auctions have a reserve price, which is set by the seizing agency. This reserve price is confidential and will not be disclosed to the public. In the event that a bid falls short of meeting the reserve, the highest bidder will be notified. At this juncture, there is a possibility that the seizing agency may choose to disclose the reserve price and offer the vehicle exclusively to the highest bidder at that price. Should the agency extend such an offer, the bidder retains the discretion to accept or decline the offer. In cases where the reserve price is not met, and the highest bidder declines the offer, the vehicle will be re-auctioned at a later date in an attempt to achieve the reserve amount.

Question 5

Can I buy a vehicle before the auction?

Accepted Answer

We do not sell any items in advance of the auction. All vehicles are forfeited via court order, and as a requirement that demands the vehicles be sold at a public auction.

Question 6

How do I Register?

Accepted Answer

In the menu bar, create an account by clicking "Login / New Bidder" or by clicking "Register to Bid" button. Click the "New Bidder? Click Here" button. Enter your email address when prompted. A new window will pop up instructing you to complete your account information. The username and password that is created will be utilized for all future online auctions. Important: The information provided when setting up the bidder account will be the information automatically assigned on the title work.
Once your account has been created select the auction that you wish to participate in by clicking on the title of the auction or by clicking the "View Catalog" button. Click on the "Register to Bid" button. Enter your user name and password then accept the Terms & Conditions. You are now ready to place your online bids. 
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Question 7

How do I Bid?

Accepted Answer

Once registered, select the lot you wish to place a bid on. You may click the "Bid (amount here)" button for a one time bid, or enter your "Maximum Auto Bid" by selecting the lot and physically typing in the highest you are willing to bid for that item. 
Technical bidding details to understand and consider: 
Soft Close: All lots end with a "Soft Close." A "Soft Close" means that if any bid is placed within the last three (3) minutes of the close of the Auction, the bid will automatically extend the closing time an additional three (3) minutes. Example: If a bid is placed at two (2) minutes before close, it will extend the closing time to five (5) minutes. This feature protects Bidders from being outbid without the opportunity to be notified, and therefore allows a Bidder to place another bid before the close of the Auction.
Placing a "Maximum Auto Bid": Please be aware that when placing your "Maximum Bid", the website will bid on the Bidder's behalf at the preset bid increment until the Bidder’s "Maximum bid" is exceeded. At that point, the Bidder will be notified that they have been outbid (if that option is selected when registering). High Bidder will only pay one increment more than the competing Bidder. Please watch the Auction’s closing time stop-clock to determine exactly when the lot will close.

Question 8

I've placed a bid, but it says Pending. Now what?

Accepted Answer

Pending Bids are bids that are placed that are not immediately accepted or put into effect by the Auction Company. Typical reasons for pending bids are as follows:
First-Time Bidder: New accounts or first-time bidders that have never participated in our auctions will be thoroughly analyzed and vetted. 
Bidder Reputation: We are part of a nationwide network of auctioneers that utilize the Hibid bidding platform. Hibid has developed a rating system for Bidders to protect auctioneers. Bidders accrue points placing bids and registering for auctions. Any time a Bidder is permanently declined by an auctioneer, the bidder loses 20 points. If a bidder has a negative score, he or she may not be able to bid with other auctioneers on the Hibid platform.
Dealer Only Salvage Auctions: Additional bidding qualifications on assets offered with salvage/ dismantler notations must be met prior to the auction closing. Salvage dealers that wish to bid on these assets must submit a current copy of their State issued Salvage Dealer license for review. CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT LICENSE. Once approved, the Auction Company will update the Bidder's account and any bids that are Pending will be approved/ accepted. This must take place prior to the auction closing. These bidding privileges will remain in effect until the expiration date on the license. It is the Bidder's responsibility to resubmit a new license upon renewal to avoid Pending bids.
Asset Requires a Deposit: When a deposit is required, see Section (6) of the Terms & Conditions for step-by-step deposit instructions.

Question 9

What does "Soft Close" mean?

Accepted Answer

All lots end with a "Soft Close." A "Soft Close" means that if any bid is placed within the last three (3) minutes of the close of the Auction, the bid will automatically extend the closing time an additional three (3) minutes. Example: If a bid is placed two (2) minutes before closing, it will extend the closing time to five (5) minutes.

The Soft Close feature ensures fairness and transparency in the bidding process. Extending the closing time when active bidding is near the end provides all participants an equal opportunity to bid, reduces sniping behavior, and promotes a competitive and engaging auction experience.

Question 10

How is a tie bid in an online auction possible, and who is the winner?

Accepted Answer

In the event of a tie bid, precedence is given to the earliest bid. Hypothetical Example: Bidder #1 places a $10,000 max bid on a vehicle that currently has a high bid of $5000. The high bid is now at $5,025. Bidder #2 places a max bid at $7000. Bidder #2 is immediately outbid by the $10,000 max bid and the high bid immediately adjusts to $7,025. Bidder #2 decides to place a $10,000 max bid this time. He does not surpass the initial $10,000 max bid by Bidder #1 therefore he is not the high bidder. In the case of a tie bid, precedence is given to the earliest bid.

Question 11

I've won! Now what?

Accepted Answer

Once all items in the auction close, email notifications will be sent (from bidresults@appletowing.com) to all participating bidders with the final results. For each lot the bidder bids on it will list "successful" or "outbid." The auction company will be seeking final approval from the government on all lots at this time. 
Once approval is received, high bidders will receive an email (from approval@appletowing.com) with payment instructions and our bank account information (options: wire, bank deposit, or cashier's check overnight). Please check your email (and junk mail) periodically after receiving this notice. Payment must be RECEIVED within 48 hours of acceptance.
Once payment is received, the auction company will execute the title documents and email them to the buyers via DocuSign for electronic signature. 
Once documents are signed by the buyer, Property Release documents will be emailed to the buyer as well as the storage vendor.
Once Property Release email received,  buyer must immediately contact storage vendor to arrange property removal. 
Original title documents will be mailed to buyers. Once originals title documents received, originals need to be processed at local DMV. 
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Please note: these assets will remain in the name of the defendant in which they were seized, until the titles are processed with the state. It is very important that the titles be transferred with your local tax office immediately upon receipt.

Question 12

How do I make a payment?

Accepted Answer

DEADLINE: All items must be paid in full within forty-eight (48) hours (i.e., 2 business days) from the bid approval email; otherwise, the buyer will forfeit the pre-bid deposit. NO EXTENSIONS FOR FINAL PAYMENT WILL BE MADE FOR ANY REASON.

ACCEPTABLE PAYMENT METHODS: Acceptable forms of payment are by method of a bank wire transfer or cashier's check with overnight delivery made payable to Apple Towing Co., 8511 S. Sam Houston Pkwy E., 2nd Floor, Houston, TX 77075; ATTN: Auction Department. Account information for bank wire transfers will be provided in the approval email. The wire transfer must include the buyer's name and reference the lots purchased. Title work will be processed the following business day of the bank wire posting to the account.

UNACCEPTABLE PAYMENT METHODS: No personal, business, or privately issued checks, bank letters, credit/debit cards, money orders, or letters of credit will be accepted. In addition, onsite payment will not be accepted. A High Bidder should not attempt to finance any purchase through a bank or credit union, nor will the Auction Company negotiate with any lender. A Bidder must have the funds available before placing all bids. The successful registered Bidder must make payment. Payment received by parties other than the successful registered Bidder will not be accepted.

DEFAULT/NON-PAYMENT: The failure to make the required deposit or final payments and comply with the timeframes specified in the sales catalog/brochure for removal of the Property shall be deemed forfeiture of any rights, title, and interest the High Bidder may have acquired. The title of such Property shall revert to the Seller without further notice to the High Bidder and will result in the forfeiture of any monies paid. The transaction shall be null and void as to the High Bidder. The Property will be processed for resale at the next available Auction. If a High Bidder does not pay within the specified time frame, backs out, submits a check containing insufficient funds, or issues a "stop payment," that High Bidder will be banned from all future Auction Company's auctions.

Question 13

Do you collect a Buyer's Premium?

Accepted Answer

We do not collect buyers' premiums! We want you to understand exactly how much you will be paying when you place your bids. The amount you bid is the amount you pay.

Question 14

What about taxes?

Accepted Answer

We do collect sales tax on surplus sold. The auction company will not collect tax on any lot outside Arizona. Notice on Arizona lots only: The auction company must collect (Guadalupe 10.3%, Nogales 8.6%, Tucson 8.7%, Yuma 8.41%) sales tax from Arizona residents depending on asset location unless an Arizona Resale Certificate (Arizona Form 5000A) is provided during checkout. Out-of-state buyers must provide a copy of their ID and complete an ADOR Form 5011 (which will be provided) in lieu of tax.

Question 15

I've paid. When can I pickup my purchase?

Accepted Answer

Once the funds are received, the title work will be executed utilizing the High Bidder's registration information and sent via email to have all copies signed by the High Bidder. Once fully executed, the Property Release document will be emailed to the High Bidder. The releasing agent's name and contact information will be presented on the Property Release document. Upon receipt of this Property Release email, you may immediately schedule the removal of your purchase. Please note you must make an appointment with the storage facility directly. Some require 24-48 hours notice.

Question 16

Do you provide transportation or have any recommendations?

Accepted Answer

Our towing company is based in Houston, TX and would be more than happy to provide a free shipping quote for items bought in Texas. However, we do not have trucks located at our various auction facilities nationwide that service the general public. In these distant markets, our trucks strictly service government tows. We recommend obtaining a free shipping quote with Sherpa Auto Transport, Bargain Auto Transport, Montway Auto Transport, United Road, eShip, Ship a Car Direct, Executive Auto Shippers, AmeriFreight., SGT Auto Transport, Nexus Auto Transport, hasslefreecargo.com, fr8star.com (for heavy equipment), uship.com, arishipping.com (boats), or rljones.com (exports).

Question 17

What does "AS-IS, WHERE-IS" mean?

Accepted Answer

These assets are auctioned off AS-IS, WHERE-IS, WITH ALL FAULTS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AS TO AGE, YEAR OF MANUFACTURE, MAKE, MODEL, ODOMETER, CONDITION OR ANY OTHER SPECIFICATION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR MERCHANTABILITY. DESCRIPTIONS OF VEHICLES, WRITTEN, PUBLISHED, OR ORAL, ARE FURNISHED AS A GUIDE ONLY. NO GUARANTEE AS TO THE ACCURACY OF THE DESCRIPTION IS MADE. The Auctioneer shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defect in any lot and makes no warranty in connection. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. No allowance, refund, or set aside will be made for any incorrectness, error in cataloging, imperfection, defect, or damage. In addition, any statement that a vehicle starts means that the vehicle was started (with or without assistance) upon arrival during an initial inspection by an Authorized Agent. It is not a warranty or representation that the vehicle will start or run at any time thereafter or is roadworthy.

INSPECTION & DUE DILIGENCE: It is the sole responsibility of the Buyer to ascertain, confirm, research, inspect, and investigate any Property offered before placing a bid. The buyer expressly agrees not to base a bid or otherwise rely on any information provided by the Auction Company or any Authorized Agent. Information on conditions is limited and subject to change without notice. Bidders may obtain additional information by attending the live previews and visually inspecting the items. It is the buyer's responsibility to have thoroughly inspected the property and to have satisfied them as to its condition and value and to bid based solely on that judgment.

Question 18

What does "BRANDED TITLE" mean?

Accepted Answer

When a vehicle is involved in an accident, stolen or weather-damaged and it is determined that the repairs will cost more than the vehicle is worth, the insurance company will total the vehicle and take possession. Insurers then sell these vehicles at auction to salvage yards or salvage rebuilders. To warn future buyers that an insurance company has declared the vehicle a total loss, the vehicle will be issued a salvage title. Rebuilders then repair the vehicle, have it pass a detailed inspection, then a Rebuilt Salvage title is issued. Other title brands include Not Actual Mileage (when there is an odometer discrepancy, or a rollback recorded), Mileage Exceeds Mechanical Limits (typically on older vehicles where the analog odometer does not have enough digits to accurately record the mileage and it "rolls" back starting over at zero), Buyback/ Lemon (when the manufacturer has bought this particular vehicle back due to a defect), Flood Damage, and Hail Damage.

Question 19

What does “Total Loss Reported” mean?

Accepted Answer

This means the vehicle was declared a total loss by an insurance company. Normally when this happens a Salvage title is issued. However, that is not always the case. We try to keep an eye out for these clean title vehicles that have been declared a total loss to warn our buyer base. This declaration will affect the value negatively.

Question 20

What does "EXPORT ONLY" mean?

Accepted Answer

The term "Export Only" refers to merchandise identified by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that cannot be registered, used, resold, or entered into the commerce of the United States or its territories. "Export Only" assets do not meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards.  Notice: Per the U.S. Government, the contractor (Apple Towing Co. | Apple Auctioneering Co.) is prohibited from offering any assistance in the export process whatsoever.

Bidders unfamiliar with the export process are cautioned against bidding on "export only" merchandise until they have familiarized themselves with the export process. Bidders are strongly encouraged to investigate export options before purchasing "export only" merchandise. It is recommended that purchasers engage the services of a broker or Customs bonded carrier if they are unfamiliar with export requirements.
 
"Export only" means merchandise is offered on the condition that all licensing and federal permits will be met by the buyer before exportation. It is recommended that you contact your local CBP office or engage the services of a customs broker or bonded carrier for further information. You can also visit the CBP website or export.gov for more detailed export information. Buyers are responsible for obtaining and complying with all export requirements. "Export only" seized property must be physically removed from the United States within 60 days from the sale date.

All countries have their own customs and laws, and may or may not allow you to import your merchandise into their country. A customs broker or the customs service of the importing country can assist you in answering this question. Information is also available at the U.S. Government's export portal at https://www.export.gov.​
 
Helpful links:
https://www.export.gov
https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/export-docs/motor-vehicle
https://www.cbp.gov/contact/ports
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Licensing and Permits: Purchasers are responsible for complying with all applicable federal licensing and permit regulations prior to exportation. Seller | Authorized Agent | Prime Contractor does not warrant the availability of such license or permits, nor do we provide a list of the requirements that must be met. The failure of the purchaser to obtain necessary licensing will not result in the return of any monies tendered for the goods.
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Forms: A customs Form 7512 must be completed correctly, signed off by the U.S. Customs, and approved by an Apple Towing Co | Apple Auctioneering Co representative prior to removal.  Only the named bonded carrier on the form 7512 may remove and export the asset, and must do so directly from the storage facility. No other diversion allowed. 
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Release & Removal: It is the buyer's responsibility to arrange the shipping and have the property removed prior to the removal deadline. Auction Company will not ship any items. Removal is at the expense, liability, and risk of the buyer.  
 
•    The buyer is not able to remove an export only asset like they normally would with any other vehicle. A CBP 7512 Form is required, and they must contract a broker to get this form executed. This form is not provided by the Auction Company.
•    Only the named bonded company on the 7512 Form may remove and export the asset. 
•    The bonded company will often sub-contract this transport, so there needs to be a sufficient authorization paper trail to release the asset to this 3rd party individual. The buyer either needs to name this 3rd party directly on the Release Authorization section of the Property Release Form or may name the bonded company. That bonded company must then provide an additional authorization to the 3rd party. No matter what, there needs to be a paper trail of authorization for the individual that removes the asset. A copy of the Buyer's ID is required. 
•    There is however an exception to this. If the bonded company on the 7512 form contracts the buyer to remove the asset, then they may remove their own vehicle, but the bonded company must provide authorization for them to do so. The buyer essentially signs their own property release (like they normally would with any other vehicle) and must provide a letter or email of the company in bond’s written authorization for them to remove the asset.​ A copy of the Buyer's ID is required. 
 
Purchases must be paid in full prior to removal. Removal is by appointment only and should be made by the buyer with the storage vendor only after buyer has received the necessary Property Release document along with the completed/ approved Form 7512. A physical hard copy of the completed property release is required in order to remove the property. Buyer must present a photo I.D. at the time of property release. All property and/or merchandise in a lot must be released to at one time. No partial release of any lots. Please do not make flight arrangements or schedule pickups in advance, until you receive authorization via email to do so.
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Removal Deadline: Removal must be completed on or before the 60th calendar day (for export only property/merchandise) after the sale date or the buyer will default the terms of sale and property and/or merchandise will be resold by the U.S. Government. Additionally, storage vendor will not authorize the release of the property unless a Form 7512 is completed and signed off by the U.S. Customs. Therefore, property and/or merchandise remaining after the removal deadline shall revert and repossess to the government without further notice to the buyer and will result in any monies paid being forfeited and the transaction shall be nulled and voided as to the buyer. 
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Vehicle Title: BUYER BEWARE: Purchasers of "Export Only" property will receive a bill of sale only. This document serves as a proof of purchase and is not a title. No title transfer documents are available for “Export Only” property. The SF-97, which is usually provided for vehicle purchases from the United States, supersedes ownership records for vehicles that are in the Department of Motor Vehicle database (in the United States). Because “Export Only” property cannot be registered, used, resold, or entered into the commerce of the United States or its territories, the SF-97 can not be processed to obtain a title. Essentially, there is no record in the DMV database to supersede. For this reason, purchasers of “Export Only” property will receive a bill of sale only.

Question 21

With all of the fraud going on these days, how do I know you’re a legitimate company?

Accepted Answer

Apple Towing Co is one of the largest government contractors for managing and selling seized vehicles in the United States. Apple Towing manages over 100 seized asset storage facilities servicing the U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. Department of the Treasury, and U.S. Marshals Service.

We encourage you to visit the U.S. Marshals Service website at https://www.usmarshals.gov/what-we-do/asset-forfeiture. From their home page: Under the “What We Do” tab in the menu bar, click “Asset Forfeiture.” All Apple Towing & Apple Auctioneering Co auctions are advertised on this page.

To confirm U.S. Customs & Border Protection auctions visit: https://home.treasury.gov/services/treasury-auctions.

To confirm U.S. Treasury auctions visit: https://www.treasury.gov/auctions/treasury/gp/.

We also suggest viewing our Press & News Coverage page.

Frequently Asked Questions