FAQ | theimportguys

How Do The Auctions Work?

The Basics:

Retainer Requirement: A $2,500 retainer is needed to start bidding. If your bid is successful, you'll receive an invoice for the full amount, payable within 48 hours. Failure to pay within 7 days will result in forfeiture of your retainer and future bidding privileges.

How to Bid: Submit bids via email at sales@theimportguys.com or call 1-833-JDM-4YOU we will walk you through each vehicle, provide a translation, and an inspection.

Deposit Options:

Online payment: Wave Payment Link
Credit card over the phone: 1-833-JDM-4YOU

Retainer Refund Policy: The retainer is refundable unless you conduct more than five vehicle inspections or place more than five bids. After these actions, the deposit becomes store credit, usable toward any auction car or inventory vehicle. This policy applies to all deposits made after November 15, 2024.

Delivery & Title Process

Shipping: Vehicles by default are shipped to the Port of Tacoma, if you are distant from our warehouse we can ship to your preferred port, we have shipped and cleared every port in the country. shipping typically takes 8–12 weeks, depending on vessel availability.

Title Processing: Once the vehicle clears customs, we apply for the title. It usually takes 4–6 weeks for the title to arrive after the vehicle is ready for pickup. The title will arrive directly in your name.

Storage Services in Japan

For vehicles under 25 years old, we offer storage options:

Outdoor Storage: $175/month
Indoor Storage: $300/month

Fee Structure

Service Fees:

Vehicles up to $20,000: $1,500
$20,001–$40,000: $2,500
Over $40,000: $3,500
Show & Display vehicles + Race Use: $5,500
4.5% of total - applies to all vehicles

Additional Costs:

Japan to U.S. Shipping: $1,100–$2,300+
Inland Transportation in Japan: $200+
Export Agent Fee: $850
Auction House Fee: Approximately $220
Import Tariffs: 2.5% for cars, 25% for trucks
Bill of Lading: $149.50
Bank Wire Fee: $50
Tacoma Port Fees: $185 ramping fee, $175 storage fee
CBP Entry/Broker Cost: Approximately $215
Transportation from Tacoma to Ferndale, WA: $275
Washington Title: $92
Certification of Translation: $95

Taxes & Licensing:

Washington Residents: Sales tax and licensing fees are due at registration.
Out-of-State Residents: Sales tax and licensing are payable in your home state upon registration.

We guarantee you will not have to lift a finger in this process, after more than a decade we have it down to a science.

DEPOSIT REFUNDS: Deposits are fully refundable until the following: 5 Inspections completed at auction or 5 bids placed.
After this point the deposit can be used as store credit for any services or cars.

Can You Hold a Vehicle for Me?

Yes! We can hold in-stock vehicles for 7 business days with a non-refundable deposit of 10% or $2,500 (whichever is greater).
Need more time? Extended holds are only available for pre-approved financing delays.

Are Vehicles Covered by Warranty?

No, all vehicles are sold as-is. You're welcome to inspect the car in person or we can deliver it to a trusted third-party shop within 15 miles of our Ferndale location for an independent inspection (at your cost).