Frequently Asked Questions

BIDO is a cross-border auction and marketplace infrastructure that combines access, inspection, escrow, logistics, and forex into one trusted pipeline between Global Vehicle Auctions for African Buyers. It allows buyers in Africa to purchase verified vehicles and goods directly from European sellers without relying on middlemen or informal brokers.

BIDO allows buyers to browse Europe-based listings, bid directly without agents, pay in local currency, order inspections, and arrange shipping and delivery — all within one dashboard. This removes dependency on middlemen and informal WhatsApp brokers.

• Browse and bid from anywhere
• Pay in local currency with transparent FX conversion
• Order inspection before committing
• Track shipment in your account

BIDO is open to individual buyers, individual sellers, corporate sellers (dealerships, yards, fleet operators), and inspection agents. You must be at least 18 years old and provide accurate account information. By creating an account, you confirm you have the legal capacity to enter binding agreements.

When you find an auction that interests you, place a bid at or above the current minimum. The platform records your bid in real time. If someone outbids you, you can respond immediately. Some auctions include automatic time extensions to prevent last-second sniping, ensuring fair competition for everyone.

If your bid is the highest when the auction ends, you win. You will receive a notification and payment instructions. Your payment enters escrow — it is held securely while the seller arranges delivery. Funds are released to the seller only after you confirm receipt.

Yes. Many sellers list items with a Buy Now fixed price. If a listing has a Buy Now option, you can purchase it immediately without waiting for an auction to end. The same escrow and inspection protections apply to Buy Now purchases.

Buyers can open a dispute within 48–72 hours after delivery. BIDO can freeze escrow funds, review evidence, arrange a return, partial refund, or compensation. If the inspection report was misleading, inspector liability may apply.

When a seller lists an item on BIDO and an auction starts, the listing is locked for the auction period. The seller agrees to an exclusive bidding window (typically 3–7 days). During this period:

• The seller cannot sell the item outside BIDO
• Cancellation requires admin approval
• Breach of this agreement results in penalties, reputation downgrade, or suspension

This ensures buyers can bid confidently without fear of double-selling.

Sellers choose BIDO because it offers direct access to African buyers, Buy-Now + Auction in one place, lower barriers to listing, integrated Africa-focused logistics, faster inventory turnover, spare parts monetization, and a local inspection economy that increases buyer confidence. BIDO is built Africa-first while being global in reach.

BIDO uses a tiered seller verification system. For individuals: government-issued ID, selfie and liveness check, address verification, phone and email confirmation, and bank account verification. For corporate sellers: business registration documents, director's ID, yard/warehouse address verification, tax or VAT ID, and corporate bank verification. New sellers start with limited volumes until trust is built through successful transactions.

BIDO uses a milestone-based escrow system. Funds are released in stages: after inspection approval, after loading and Bill of Lading issuance, and after delivery. For trusted sellers, up to 100% can be released at shipment stage so sellers are not forced to wait until the car arrives.

Escrow is a secure payment method where funds are held by a trusted third party until transaction conditions are met. BIDO uses escrow because it eliminates the risk of direct payments — sellers know payment is secured before dispatching, and buyers know their money is protected until delivery is confirmed.

Yes. BIDO supports local currency checkout, FX conversion via partners, escrow settlement in base currency, and transparent FX pricing. Future upgrades include wallets and alternative settlement methods for exporters and buyers.

Inspection builds trust and liquidity. It verifies VIN and condition, reduces disputes, increases buyer confidence, attracts more bidders, protects escrow release logic, and creates accountability for inspectors. Buyers can choose from inspection levels: QuickCheck, ProCheck, or Certified.

Inspectors are fully accountable on BIDO. Their reports are audited. Misleading reports trigger penalties or removal. Inspector bonds or insurance can be used to compensate buyers. Reputation scoring limits future jobs. Inspection quality is a core trust layer for BIDO.

No. BIDO enforces strict conflict-of-interest controls. Inspectors cannot inspect their own listings or referrals they submitted. Geo-fencing and device/IP checks prevent proximity abuse. Random assignment and audits detect manipulation. Violations lead to penalties, reputation loss, or permanent removal.

Yes. Every inspected component includes condition grading: Excellent, Good, Fair, Rough, or Non-Runner. Each grade is supported by notes, photos, and videos. This helps buyers make faster and better decisions during bidding.

BIDO provides escrow protection, inspection accountability, dispute mediation, and platform-level safeguards. However, BIDO does not own the goods. Liability is limited to services provided (inspection, escrow handling, logistics coordination). BIDO facilitates trade, inspection, and logistics but does not manufacture, own, or modify listed items.

Yes. BIDO includes disclaimers on pricing, inspection scope, market risk, transport risk, and ownership responsibility. These protect the platform while maintaining transparency for all users.

Yes. BIDO integrates export documentation, container/RORO booking, air freight for parts, port clearance partners, and inland and last-mile delivery. Buyers select shipping options at checkout and track progress in their dashboard.

Yes. BIDO supports local currency checkout with FX conversion handled by partner providers. You see transparent FX pricing before confirming payment. Escrow settlement occurs in the base currency agreed with the seller.