Frequently Asked Questions
About us
YachtBid.com is an online platform specializing in the fast and successful auctioning of luxury yachts. We work with professional brokers, Bright Auctions and Troostwijk Auctions to offer both buyers and sellers a safe and transparent experience.
Bright Auctions is Europe’s premier platform for luxury goods, cars, and yachts, connecting owners with serious buyers through a seamless and transparent bidding experience. With a strong focus on high-value transactions, Bright Auctions ensures competitive bidding, secure sales, and optimal returns, delivering efficiency and exclusivity in every auction.
Troostwijk Auctions, part of TBAuctions, is Europe’s leading online B2B auction platform, trusted by millions of registered users. The company specializes in auctioning B2B products and yachts from bankruptcies, as well as unique vessels with distinctive character and those primarily suited for business use.
- Fast sale: Yachts are sold within three months.
- Global visibility: Extensive marketing ensures maximum exposure.
- Secure payments: All transactions are processed through a secure, notary-supervised escrow account.
- Transparency: The bidding process is fully transparent for both buyers and sellers.
Since 2015, YachtBid.com has successfully sold over 500 luxury yachts, achieving a sales rate of over 85%. Last year alone, 52 yachts were sold.
You can find our recent sales results, including photos, testimonials, and case studies, on our Hall of Fame page
Creating an Account
It’s very simple!
- Go to the Bright Auctions website and click on Login.
- Enter your information and verify your email address and phone number.
- Complete registration by agreeing to the Terms and Conditions
- Done! You can now participate in auctions
Registration is free!
Yes, you can update your details anytime in your profile
Click ‘Forgot Password’ on the login page and follow the steps to reset your password.
Bidding and Buying
- Log in on Bright Auctions, select a lot, get bid access, enter your bid.
- Check the total amount (including auction fees and VAT).
- Click ‘Confirm’ to place your bid. Note: All bids are legally binding.
- Get bidding access to one auction through a one-time payment or;
- Become a Premium Member of Bright Auctions and get bid access to all auction.
With an automatic bid, you set a maximum price. The system automatically increases your bid in small increments until your maximum is reached.
Yes, click the heart icon next to a lot to add it to your favorites. You can view your favourites in your Bright Auctions profile.
No, all auctions are public auctions and bids are legally binding and can not be withdrawn.
No, items purchased in the auction cannot be returned. The right of withdrawal does not apply to public auctions.
All auctions are public auctions under Article 6:230g (1)(j) of the Civil Code, meaning the statutory right of withdrawal does not apply. Once you place the highest bid and the lot is allocated to you, the purchase is final and binding.
Bids cannot be withdrawn or changed, so we strongly recommend attending the viewing days before bidding.
Yes, the auction closing takes place at Bright Auctions, Het Eek 15, Tiel, Netherlands. To attend, you must register at least one business day in advance by emailing auctioneer@Brightauctions.com with the lot name. Upon approval, you will receive a confirmation email.
Bids cannot be withdrawn or changed, so we strongly recommend attending the viewing days before bidding.
Yes, viewing days are organized before the auction. YachtBid.com strongly recommends inspecting the yacht. Viewing schedules are listed on the website.
No, unfortunately that is not possible. Viewing is only possible during the viewing days. After the auction you can only view the lot after full payment has been made.
No, all lots are sold in the condition they are currently in, As is, Where is. No guarantees are made about quality, function or any defects. As a buyer, you accept the item as is and cannot later make any claims such as repairs or compensation.
Selling via Auction
- Contact YachtBid.com to create a customized auction plan.
- We handle all marketing, brochures, and viewing days.
- Your yacht is auctioned online via Bright Auctions.
If your yacht doesn’t sell, it can be re-auctioned, or you can opt for a private sale within three months.
- Key advice: Make sure the yacht is clean, tidy and well maintained, both inside and out.
- Provide professional photos and videos.
- Conduct a pre-auction technical survey.
- Include detailed technical information and maintenance records.
For the best price, the average auction duration is around 2 months. Need a faster sale? It’s possible, but it may impact the final result. Patience pays off!
Safety
All payments are processed through Stripe’s secure escrow account. This keeps the money safe until the transaction is completed.
Stripe is a globally known and reliable company specializing in online payments. Bright Auctions chooses Stripe to securely process transactions between buyers and sellers. Stripe prioritizes security with end-to-end encryption, fraud detection, and PCI DSS Level 1 compliance—the highest industry standard. With real-time monitoring and advanced AI-driven fraud prevention.
Both YachtBid.com and Bright Auctions operate under government supervision, ensuring transparency and legal compliance throughout the auction process.
Financial Settlement
- The highest bidder will receive an invoice.
- Payment is transferred to a secure Stripe account.
- Ownership of the yacht is transferred once payment is confirmed.
- After full transfer of ownership, including removal of the register registration, the purchase price will be transferred to the seller.
If payment is delayed, please contact YachtBid.com immediately. Prolonged delay may result in the yacht being offered to another bidder. Please note that auction fees will still apply in this case.
Buyers pay auction fees on top of the winning bid. These fees are displayed when you place your bid.
VAT and International Purchases
- Outside the EU: VAT-free with proper export documentation.
- Within the EU: 0% VAT for businesses with a valid EU VAT number
Sales can be processed VAT-free if export documents are provided.
The Broker's Role
- Gives more confidence to potential buyers
- Establishes a sales strategy and reserve price.
- Prepares professional photos, videos and detailed technical descriptions.
- Manages marketing and communication with potential buyers.
- Ensures smooth transfer of ownership after the auction.
A broker plays a crucial role in the sale of a yacht. They build trust with potential buyers, which often leads to higher bids. In addition, brokers ensure a smooth process, from preparation to the final transfer of ownership.
Absolutely! We are happy to work with your current broker. This can be done simply based on the existing agreement. If desired, we will contact your broker to explain the auction process.
Yes, definitely! We have an extensive network of experienced brokers with whom we have excellent experiences. Feel free to contact us; we would be happy to help you find a suitable broker.
Contact
Have questions about buying or selling a yacht via our auction? Contact us through any of the following options:
- Email: info@yachtbid.com
- Phone: +31 30 727 1020
- Contact form: Visit YachtBid.com/contact.
Our friendly team is happy to assist you!
Glossary
- Escrow Account: A secure account where payments are held until the transaction is complete.
- Viewing Day: A designated day for potential buyers to inspect a yacht.
- Reserve Price: The minimum amount the seller is willing to accept for a yacht.
- Auction Fee: Costs paid by the buyer for auction services.