WCA Buyer FAQs
Questions
Who is allowed to attend and buy? >How do I register for an auction? >
What do I need to bring with me to an auction? >
Is a deposit required to attend an auction? >
May I write a personal or company check to pay for my purchases? >
May I use a credit card to pay for my purchases? >
Can I register for an auction online and still come to the auction and bid? >
Can someone bid on my behalf? >
What is the difference between using NextLots to bid online and an absentee bid? >
What are the facilities like where I will be bidding? >
Can I inspect the equipment for auction in advance? >
When do I have to pick up my purchases? >
When is final payment on my purchses due? >
Is there a loading ramp? >
Does WCA offer assistance with overseas shipments? >
What will it cost to have my California vehicle reistration completed through WCA? >
What if my vehicle is not currently registered? >
If I buy equipment that has an out-of-state registration, does WCA guarantee that I can get it registered in my home state? >
I am a licensed California contractor but do not have a California Seller's Permit. If I buy equipment located in California, is my purchase taxable? >
When can I claim a valid Exemption from sales and/or use tax? >
What is a 1031 exchange? >
Questions and Answers
Who is allowed to attend and buy?All auctions are open to the public. back to questions >
How do I register for an auction?
You can register for an upcoming auction in person (at the auction venue) or online. In either case, part of the registration process is acquiring a bidder number. When you register for an auction on site, you receive a bidder number that allows you to bid on items in the auction. When you register for an auction online, you receive a unique, permanent bidder number from NextLots. This bidder number allows you to bid on all WCA online auctions. .
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What do I need to bring with me to an auction?
US Buyers
- A valid U.S. driver's license or passport.
- A $500 refundable security deposit. The deposit can be paid via cash, or credit card.
- A valid passport.
- A $5,000 refundable security deposit. The deposit can be paid via cash, credit card, or bank wire.
Is a deposit required to attend an auction?
US Buyers
- A $500 refundable security deposit is required at registration. This deposit can be made by cash, or credit card. NOTE: If you use a credit card for your security deposit, WCA will only place an authorization on your card. You do not need to stop by the office before you leave. No charge will be made on your card.
- A $5,000 refundable security deposit is required at registration. This deposit can be made by cash, credit card or bank wire.
- A $1,000 refundable security deposit is required for U.S. online buyers, and a $5,000 refundable security deposit is required for international online buyers.
May I write a personal or company check to pay for my purchases?
Yes, personal checks will only be accepted with a letter of guarantee from your bank. However, they will not be accepted for the initial deposit required for a bidding number.
Sample bank letter of guarantee >
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May I use a credit card to pay for my purchases?
Credit cards are not accepted for final payment but may be used for the initial deposit required to receive a bidder number. Credit cards may also be used for the 25% deposit due on the day of the auction. Any deposits made by credit card will NOT be applied to your invoice.
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Can I register for an auction online and still come to the auction and bid?
Of course you are welcome to bid live at the auction even if you have registered online. When you arrive at the auction, you must go to the registration office to fill out a bidder card. This will allow you to bid on items in the live auction.
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Can I have someone bid on my behalf?
You may have someone bid on your behalf; however, the representative that you send to the auction will ultimately be responsible for your purchases on your behalf.
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What is the difference between using NextLots to bid online and an absentee bid?
NextLots is live online bidding where you may view lots and bid online while the auction is actually taking place. Absentee bidding is offering a set price where the auctioneer bids on your behalf up to your maximum bid.
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What are the facilities like where I will be bidding?
The WCA auction site is located in Perris, CA. The auction yard is large and entirely outdoors. WCA offers several different options for purchasing food and water, toilet facilities, covered seating areas and ample parking.
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Can I inspect the equipment for auction in advance?
Certainly, we encourage you to come to our auction yard and inspect equipment as you like. The yard is usually open several days before the auction begins. Additionally, the auction yard opens at 6:30 AM before any auction that begins at 8:00 AM.
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When do I have to pick up my purchases?
Purchases must be picked up no later than Wednesday at 4pm following the auction.
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When is final payment on my purchases due?
Final payment is due Monday following the auction by 5pm.
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Is there a loading ramp?
Yes, WCA has a ramp to help you load your equipment.
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Does WCA offer assistance with overseas shipments?
WCA maintains relationships with several fully insured transportation companies. A WCA equipment specialist can help you coordinate local, national, or international shipping. Additionally, we can coordinate dismantling and containerizing, if needed.
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What will it cost to have my California vehicle registration completed through WCA?
You will be assessed the standard DMV license and transfer fees and taxes applicable to your purchased vehicle. WCA also applies a $55 fee for all DMV items.
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What if my vehicle is not currently registered?
WCA can provide you with a report of sale to place in your vehicle so you may legally drive on California roads regardless whether the vehicle is currently registered.
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If I buy equipment that has an out-of-state registration, does WCA guarantee that I can get it registered in my home state?
WCA will furnish you a valid title from the vehicle's registration state. Because registration requirements differ greatly from state to state, you should contact your motor vehicle agency for any special out-of state registration requirements. When possible, WCA will assist you in obtaining other documents necessary for registration.
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I am a licensed California contractor but do not have a California Seller's Permit. If I buy equipment located in California, is my purchase taxable?
Yes. If you purchase construction equipment that is located in California, your purchase is taxable.
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When can I claim a valid Exemption from sales and/or use tax?
You may be exempt from sales tax if you meet the following criteria: (1) You have a valid California Seller’s Permit, (2) You have completed a California Resale Certificate, (3) You have submitted a Bill of Lading from a common carrier for shipment of your purchase for transport out of state or country, (4) You have a valid Mexican Merchant card with the appropriate category code, (5) You qualify for a partial farm exemption and have filled out a California completed Farm Exemption Form and provided it to WCA.
Bill of Lading
Resale Certificate of Mexican Merchant
California Resale Certificate
Farm Exemption Form
What is a 1031 exchange?
The term "Tax Free exchange" is a reference to Internal Revenue Code Section 1031. This law allows taxpayers to trade one piece of property for another without paying federal income taxes on the transaction provided certain qualifications are met. This allows a taxpayer to sell an old piece of property and defer the federal income taxes that they would have paid on the sale of that old property into the purchase of new property – if they follow the rules of the code section.
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