Frequently asked questions
Do you have vehicles in stock?
We source to order rather than hold a fixed lot. That means you get the exact vehicle, grade and budget you want from over 100,000 auction listings a week — not whatever happens to be in a yard.
How does the auction access work?
Register for free on our auction platform (auc.imperialmotors.co.jp) with your name, company, country and phone. Our team verifies you — usually within one business day — and once approved you log in and browse the live auction listings yourself. Send us the lot numbers you like; we inspect, advise on grade, and bid on your behalf.
How do I pay?
Bank transfer (T/T) to our Mizuho Bank account in Kobe, or Wise in GBP or EUR. All details are published on the Payment page. We never accept payment to personal accounts and we never change bank details by email.
What is the difference between FOB and CIF?
FOB covers the vehicle and all Japan-side costs up to loading; you arrange shipping. CIF adds sea freight and insurance so the price is delivered to your port. Every quote is itemized so you can see each cost.
Is the advance deposit refundable?
Yes — 100%. The deposit only exists to avoid last-minute cancellations once a vehicle has been bought at auction for you. If we don't win a bid, it's returned or applied to the next one.
Can I see the auction grade sheet before bidding?
Yes. Every auction lot comes with an inspection sheet — overall grade (5 down to R), exterior and interior grades (A–D), and a damage diagram. We'll walk you through it for any lot you're considering.
How long does shipping take?
Typically 3–8 weeks depending on destination: about 1–2 weeks to Vladivostok, 3–5 weeks to Oceania, North America and South Asia, 4–7 weeks to Africa, 6–9 weeks to Europe and the Caribbean. See the Shipping page for the full table.
RoRo or container — which should I choose?
RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) is the most economical for a single vehicle and has the widest port coverage. Container suits multiple vehicles, high-value units, ports without RoRo service, or when you want to ship spare parts alongside.
Which documents will I receive?
Bill of Lading, Export Certificate, commercial invoice, and any required inspection certificate — couriered by DHL before the vessel arrives so you can clear customs on time.
Do you handle pre-export inspection (JEVIC, QISJ, JAAI)?
Yes. Where your country requires it, we arrange the inspection before shipment and include the certificate with your documents.
Can you help with import rules for my country?
Yes. Age limits, right- or left-hand-drive restrictions and inspection requirements differ by country and change often — we confirm the current rules for your destination at quotation, before you commit.
How do I know this is a legitimate company?
Imperial Motors Co. Ltd. was founded in Kobe in 1954 and holds motor vehicle dealer permit No. 631210900027 from the Hyogo Prefectural Public Safety Commission. Our licence plate, team, address and bank details are all published on this website — and you can call us on the number listed before sending any payment.
How do I get access to the live auction?
Go to the Auction Access page and register for free on our auction platform with your name, company, country and phone. Our team verifies you, usually within one business day, and then you can log in to the live auction view. Access is only granted to genuine buyers and is personal to you.
Do I need to pay a deposit before bidding?
Yes. An advance deposit is required before any bidding, based on the vehicle price: JPY 100,000 for cars under JPY 1,000,000, up to JPY 500,000 for cars above JPY 2,010,000 (full table on the Auction Terms page). It is refundable anytime before a bid succeeds (bank charges deducted), or applied to your final invoice when you buy.
How does bidding work — do I bid myself?
No. You tell us the lot number and your maximum bid; we bid on your behalf at the auction hall, never above your ceiling. Bid requests must reach us before the cut-off time for that auction.
What is the auction grade and how do I read the sheet?
Every lot has an inspection sheet: an overall grade from 5 (near new) to R (repaired), exterior and interior grades A–D, mileage, and a damage diagram with codes like A1 (small scratch) or U2 (dent). We walk you through it on any lot you're considering.
Can I cancel after I win a bid?
Before the bid succeeds, yes — withdraw any time and your deposit is refunded. After a successful bid, cancelling means the deposit for that price band is forfeited as the cancellation fee (see Auction Terms), because the auction house charges us a penalty.
What happens after I win?
The same day you receive a proforma invoice with every cost itemized — vehicle price, auction fee, our service fee, inland transport, inspection and freight if CIF. Pay the balance within the period stated, and we inspect, prepare and ship the vehicle.
Is the auction price the final price?
No. The hammer price is the vehicle only. Add the auction house fee, our service fee, inland transport to the port, any required inspection, and shipping. Your invoice shows every line so there are no surprises.
What if the car has problems not shown on the sheet?
Auction vehicles are sold as inspected by the auction house; the sheet is the condition record. We inspect every car ourselves after purchase and report anything unusual before shipping. Normal wear for the age and mileage is not grounds for a claim.
Full rules, deposit table and cancellation policy: Auction terms.