Q&A
Auction Information
How can I access Japanese auctions?
Provide Cars partners with auction venues across Japan. By creating a free online account, you can access nationwide auction information.
Can the auction sheets be translated?
Yes, auction sheets can be translated for free with just one click.
What happens after winning a bid?
Provide Cars handles all export procedures, so you don’t need to do anything after winning. Just wait until the export preparation is complete.
Are there any registration fees or membership fees?
No, there are no registration or membership fees to use Provide Cars' services.
What are the steps in the car purchasing process?
- Consultation & Planning: A specialist agent confirms your vehicle preferences, budget, and import conditions.
- Deposit Payment: A deposit of ¥100,000 or 10% of the vehicle price is required to start bidding. (100% refundable)
- Search, Bidding & Winning: Bidding is free, and auction sheet translations are available. We advise on fair pricing to help you win.
- Payment & Documentation: After winning, an invoice is issued, and once payment is complete, the export process begins.
- Shipping Arrangements: After the vehicle is deregistered, we arrange the fastest available shipping and provide departure and arrival updates.
What payment methods are available?
You can pay via bank transfer, PayPal, or Wise. Wise is recommended as it helps save fees.
What is the minimum deposit required for bidding?
A minimum deposit of ¥100,000 is required. If the vehicle price exceeds ¥1,000,000, a 10% deposit is necessary.
How long do I have to complete the payment after winning a bid?
Payment must be completed within 3 to 7 business days after the invoice is issued.
How long does it take for the purchased vehicle to be shipped?
It depends on the destination country. After deregistration, we arrange the earliest available shipping schedule. You can check the estimated time on the dedicated page.
Can you handle customs clearance procedures such as JEVIC certification?
Yes, Provide Cars can arrange necessary procedures like JEVIC certification, but additional fees apply.
Can I cancel after winning a bid?
No, bids placed in auctions are considered actual purchases, and cancellations are not allowed. Please bid carefully.
Can I check if a vehicle is importable?
Yes, our agents verify import requirements and advise in advance if a vehicle cannot be imported.
What kind of bidding support does Provide Cars offer?
- Free auction sheet translation
- Market price advice
- Prevention of incorrect bids
- Full process management after winning
What fees are involved?
The vehicle's FOB price includes the vehicle cost, service fees, and domestic transportation costs. Detailed pricing can be found on the "FOB/CIF" page.
What information is provided about the vehicles?
You can view detailed auction-provided information, including photos, auction inspection reports, and vehicle condition details.
What happens if I don’t win the bid?
If you don't win, you can review the bid prices to refine your strategy for the next auction.
Can I request a third-party inspection for the vehicle?
Yes, a third-party inspection report is available for an additional fee of ¥1,000.
Can I view the auctions without registering?
No, you need to register for free to access detailed auction information.
How many vehicles can I purchase with one registration?
There is no limit. You can reuse your deposit to bid on multiple vehicles.
Banking Information
Is a deposit required before bidding?
Yes, a deposit is required to start bidding. The minimum deposit is ¥100,000, or 10% of the vehicle price if it exceeds ¥1,000,000.
Is the deposit refundable?
Yes, the deposit is 100% refundable. If you do not win the bid or decide not to proceed with the purchase, you can request a refund.
How can I pay the deposit?
You can transfer the deposit using the following methods:
- Bank Transfer (MUFG Bank, Kansai Mirai Bank)
- PayPal (Primary Account, Secondary Account)
- Wise (Kansai Mirai Bank Nishinomiya Chuo Branch)
What are the bank details for deposit transfers?
Main Account (MUFG Bank)
- Bank Name: MUFG Bank, LTD
- Branch Name: Nishinomiya Branch
- Branch Code: 479
- SWIFT Code: BOTKJPJT479
- Account Name: PROVIDE CARS LTD.
- Account Number: 4579761
Secondary Account (Kansai Mirai Bank)
- Bank Name: Kansai Mirai Bank, LTD
- Branch Name: Nishinomiya Chuo Branch
- Branch Code: 261
- SWIFT Code: OSABJPJS
- Account Name: PROVIDE CARS LTD.
- Account Number: 0598075
How can I pay using Wise (TransferWise)?
If using Wise, you can transfer funds in either of the following ways:
- Send directly to deposit@providecars.com
- Use the following Kansai Mirai Bank account details:
Wise Transfer Bank Details
- Bank Name: Kansai Mirai Bank
- Branch Name: 西宮中央支店 Nishinomiya
- Account Type: 普通
- Account Number: 0598075
- Account Holder: プロバイド カーズ
What information is required when sending the deposit?
For new customers, please enter "Deposit from [Your Name]" when making the transfer. This ensures smooth processing of your payment.
Can I pay the deposit via PayPal?
Yes, you can send the deposit using either the Primary Account or Secondary Account on PayPal.
Can I reuse the deposit for future bids?
Yes, the deposit can be reused for future bids. It can also be applied as part of the vehicle purchase payment.
How long does it take for the deposit to be processed before I can start bidding?
Once the deposit is received, you can usually start bidding on the same day or the next business day.
Can I send money from overseas?
Yes, both MUFG Bank and Kansai Mirai Bank support international transfers via their SWIFT codes.
Service and Fees
How are Provide Cars' fees determined?
Provide Cars' fees vary based on the purchasing plan. The basic plans are as follows:
- Basic Dealer (Purchasing 10+ cars per month): ¥80,000 + 2% of the vehicle price (for vehicles over ¥1,000,000)
- Dealer (Purchasing 3+ cars per month): ¥80,000 + 3%
- Private Buyer (Purchasing 1-2 cars per year): ¥90,000 + 5%
- Platinum Buyer (For special customers): ¥400,000 + 5%
What services are included in Provide Cars' fees?
The following essential services are included in the fee:
- Free auction sheet translation
- Access to past auction price history
- No additional bidding or winning fees
- Error supervision (Prevention of incorrect bids)
- Export certificate translation
- Digital maintenance book provided
- Transportation & export procedures (Deregistration, shipping arrangement)
- 30 days of free storage
- Mileage guarantee
How do Provide Cars' fees compare to other companies?
Many competitors advertise "low fees" but often add hidden costs such as:
- Company X: "Auction House Fee" ¥24,000 – ¥40,000
- Company Y: "Customs Clearance Fee" ¥16,000
- Company Z: "Winning Fee" ¥19,000
- Other companies: Charge a "bidding fee" even if you do not win
Provide Cars eliminates these hidden costs by bundling all essential services into a single transparent fee, making it the most cost-effective option.
Are there additional costs besides the vehicle purchase price?
Additional costs may apply depending on the situation:
- Domestic transportation (From auction house to port): ¥5,500 – ¥60,000 (varies by distance)
- Third-party inspection fee (Optional): ¥2,000
- Negotiation fee (If required): ¥10,000
- Manufacturer recall handling fee (If required): ¥30,000
- Storage beyond 30 days: ¥500/day
- Country-specific inspection fees (JEVIC, JAAI, etc.): Varies by country
- Marine insurance (0.5% of CIF value): Minimum ¥5,000
- Vanning & Terminal Handling (For container shipping only): ¥32,000 per vehicle
What is the domestic transportation fee?
Domestic transportation is the cost of moving the vehicle from the auction house to the nearest port in Japan. Since auction locations are spread across the country, fees vary based on distance and range from ¥5,500 to ¥60,000.
Can you explain ocean freight (shipping)?
Provide Cars supports both RORO shipping (Roll-on/Roll-off ships for vehicles) and container shipping. We provide the latest shipping schedules to ensure the most cost-effective transport.
Are country-specific inspections required when importing from Japan?
Yes, some countries require pre-export inspections. Examples include:
- New Zealand: Biosecurity inspection (checks for pests and contamination)
- Bangladesh: JAAI certification (vehicle compliance check)
- African countries: JEVIC certification (mileage verification)
Provide Cars checks the requirements of your country and arranges necessary inspections.
Are there extra fees for special auction procedures?
Some special cases may require additional procedures, such as:
- Purchasing high-value vintage cars
- Negotiations with sellers (Only charged when successful)
- Third-party vehicle inspections
In most cases, no additional fees apply, but if special procedures are needed, we will notify you in advance.
Does Provide Cars charge consumption tax?
No, since Provide Cars is an export company, the 10% domestic consumption tax does not apply. This is a key cost-saving advantage compared to many competitors.
Do import regulations vary by country?
Yes, import regulations differ by country. Provide Cars verifies whether your desired vehicle can be imported and prevents bids on non-importable vehicles.
Can you provide FOB price examples?
Example: UK Newcastle (Private Buyer)
- Vehicle price: ¥500,000
- Fee: ¥90,000 + ¥25,000 (5%)
- Domestic transportation: ¥12,000
- Total FOB price: ¥627,000
Example: Sydney, Australia (Basic Dealer)
- Vehicle price: ¥500,000
- Fee: ¥80,000
- Domestic transportation: ¥12,000
- Total FOB price: ¥592,000
Example: Auckland, New Zealand (Dealer)
- Vehicle price: ¥500,000
- Fee: ¥80,000 + ¥15,000 (3%)
- Domestic transportation: ¥12,000
- Total FOB price: ¥607,000
What is the difference between FOB and CIF?
- FOB (Free on Board):
The seller (Provide Cars) is responsible for the vehicle until it is loaded onto the ship at a Japanese port.
The buyer must cover the ocean freight, insurance, and other costs and arrange the transportation themselves. - CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight):
The seller (Provide Cars) includes the shipping cost and insurance fee to the destination port in the total price and handles the transportation process.
The buyer does not need to arrange shipping but must accept the seller's choice of shipping provider.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of FOB?
Advantages:
- The buyer can freely choose their own shipping company and insurance provider.
- The seller’s responsibility ends once the vehicle is loaded at the Japanese port, so costs may be lower.
Disadvantages:
- The buyer must arrange and pay for ocean freight and insurance.
- Logistics management becomes more complex, increasing the buyer's workload.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of CIF?
Advantages:
- The seller arranges shipping and insurance to the destination port, reducing the buyer’s workload.
- The buyer does not have to manage shipping logistics or risk management.
Disadvantages:
- The seller (Provide Cars) chooses the shipping provider and insurance, so the buyer cannot select them.
- CIF includes shipping and insurance costs, making it potentially more expensive than FOB.
How should I decide between FOB and CIF?
Choose FOB if:
- You already have a trusted shipping provider.
- You want to control shipping costs.
Choose CIF if:
- You want an easy shipping arrangement.
- You want Provide Cars to handle vehicle transportation.
What costs are included in CIF?
CIF prices include the following costs:
- Ocean freight (Shipping from a Japanese port to the destination port)
- Marine insurance (Covers accidents or damage)
- Port charges (Loading fees and related costs)
Which is cheaper, FOB or CIF?
FOB prices are usually lower, but the final cost depends on the shipping company's rates.
CIF allows Provide Cars to handle shipping arrangements, ensuring a smoother transaction.
Does CIF include customs clearance procedures?
No, CIF does not include customs clearance (import declaration, taxes, etc.).
The buyer must handle customs clearance in their country.
Can I choose between FOB and CIF with Provide Cars?
Yes, both FOB and CIF options are available. You can choose based on your preference.
When should I decide between FOB and CIF?
You must decide before bidding on a vehicle.
Provide Cars staff can recommend the best option based on your country and situation.
Examples of FOB and CIF calculations
FOB Price Example (UK Newcastle - Private Buyer)
- Vehicle Price: ¥500,000
- Fee: ¥90,000 + ¥25,000 (5%)
- Domestic Transportation: ¥12,000
- Total FOB Price:¥627,000 (Excludes ocean freight)
CIF Price Example (Sydney, Australia - Basic Dealer)
- Vehicle Price: ¥500,000
- Fee: ¥80,000
- Domestic Transportation: ¥12,000
- Estimated Ocean Freight: ¥120,000
- Total CIF Price:¥712,000 (Includes delivery to the destination port)
Trading Terms
Is a deposit required before bidding?
Yes, a deposit is required.
- For purchases under ¥1,000,000: A ¥100,000 deposit is required.
- For purchases over ¥1,000,000: A deposit of 10% of the vehicle price is required.
- If the purchase is unsuccessful, the deposit will be refunded after deducting a ¥5,000 bank transfer fee.
What are the conditions for canceling a bid?
- Bid cancellations must be notified to Provide Cars at least one hour before the official auction time.
- For auctions scheduled after 5:00 PM, cancellations must be requested by 4:00 PM.
- If the cancellation deadline is missed, the customer must cover related costs (e.g., re-auction fee of approximately ¥70,000).
How can I use the vehicle translation service?
- Customers can request auction sheet translations before bidding.
- If there are too many requests, translation may be delayed, and bidding will proceed only after translation is confirmed.
- If a translation mistake occurs (e.g., "color change" not translated), Provide Cars takes responsibility, and the customer is not obligated to purchase.
How is bidding conducted?
- Provide Cars bids on behalf of customers (proxy bidding).
- Customers specify their maximum bid price.
- Provide Cars reserves the right to refrain from bidding if:
✔ The vehicle does not meet import regulations in the buyer’s country.
✔ Another customer has placed a higher bid.
✔ The vehicle has a serious issue (e.g., unexportable damage).
Are storage fees charged for vehicles?
- Vehicles stored for more than one month after purchase will incur storage fees, which must be covered by the customer.
- Example: If a payment delay or shipping delay occurs, the storage costs are the customer’s responsibility.
What is the fee for purchasing a vehicle through special negotiation?
- A ¥10,000 negotiation fee is charged for vehicles purchased through special negotiations.
How is the domestic transportation cost determined?
- The cost is based on the distance from the auction house to the export port.
- Fees range from ¥5,500 to ¥60,000 depending on distance.
- Vehicles at farther auction locations may be cheaper, making the total cost lower even with transport fees included.
What should I be aware of when purchasing damaged vehicles?
- Vehicles sold "as is where is" may require unexpected repair costs.
- The vehicle may become non-drivable after the auction or require oil leak repairs before export.
- These repair costs are the customer’s responsibility.
Who is responsible for issues not listed on the auction sheet?
- Provide Cars is responsible for issues listed on the auction sheet.
- The customer is responsible for unlisted issues (e.g., undercarriage rust not mentioned in the sheet).
What is the difference between the manufacturing year and the registration year?
- In Japanese auctions, the year listed is the registration year, not the manufacturing year.
- Some countries have import restrictions based on manufacturing year (e.g., Pakistan). Customers must check regulations before bidding.
Can I make a claim for vehicles with over 100,000 km mileage?
- No claims are accepted for vehicles with over 100,000 km mileage.
- These vehicles often require maintenance, and the customer assumes the risk.
Can I choose between CIF and FOB?
Yes, both CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) and FOB (Free on Board) options are available.
Provide Cars can recommend the best option based on your needs.
How are service fees calculated?
- Individual Purchase (1 car): ¥90,000 + 5% of the vehicle price + domestic transportation cost
- Multiple Purchases (5+ cars per month): ¥80,000 + 3% of the vehicle price + domestic transportation cost
- For container shipping, additional costs for vanning and terminal handling apply.
Are there restrictions for anti-money laundering (AML) compliance?
Yes, to prevent money laundering, Provide Cars:
- Does not transfer funds for purposes other than vehicle purchases (e.g., sending money to other dealers).
- Refunds can only be sent to the original sender's account.