7 steps to join makana.com auctions successfully

Picture this: You’re looking at a used skid steer loader listed on an auction platform. You’ve seen similar machines sell for 20% more than your budget, so you’re cautiously optimistic. You click “Register,” toss down your deposit, and settle in for what looks like a clean, digital process. But the real learning comes in those last few seconds of the auction.

In many traditional auction houses, you’d stand in a crowded yard, wave your paddle, yell “here!” and hope for the best. 

The problems: hidden fees, limited visibility into condition, favoritism, or even shady shill bidding by people connected to the house. In those places, you’re as much fighting the system as you are fighting other bidders.

In comes makana.com, flipping the script and bringing auctions to you in a modern, oversimplified experience. Because on paper, auctions are neat. 

But in practice, they’re messy, human, and full of nuance. We’re here to address the real pain points, traps, and smart hacks to survive and thrive in auctions. Don’t have time? No problem! Here’s a quick visual on how to participate in makana.com auctions in 7 simple steps:

Step 1: Create and verify your makana.com account

To participate in auctions, you need to create a verified buyer account. You can do that either online or offline (at our JAFZA yard).

Online

• Sign up on makana.com

• Choose Individual or Company.

• Verify your email and mobile number.

• Add your refundable deposit (more below).

Offline

Provide a copy of your Emirates ID or Passport (for individuals) or Trade License (for companies). Our team will create and verify your account for you.

Your verified account ensures secure, fair bidding for all buyers.

Step 2: Add a refundable deposit

Before bidding, you’ll need a refundable deposit. The amount you put down determines your bidding power. Your bidding limit is basically 4x the deposit you make. See following table:

Remember:

• Deposit = 25% (4x) of your planned bidding limit.

• Deposits are fully refundable after the auction.

• Card deposits include a 2.95% processing fee.

Accepted payment methods:

• Credit/debit card (instant)

• Bank transfer

• Cash or cheque (at yard)

Step 3: Browse and find your desired lots

Explore ongoing and upcoming auctions on makana.com.

Each auction lot includes:

• Photos & videos

• Full specs (make, model, year, hours)

• Detailed inspection report

• Current bid & bidding increment

• Location and auction end time 

Add items to your Watchlist to track them easily, or set a MaxBid if you want the system to bid automatically on your behalf.

Step 4: Place your best bids

Just as typically, there are two ways you can bid in auctions; normal and MaxBids.

Normal bid: You manually raise your offer following the increment table (see below).

MaxBid: You set your highest offer, and the system auto-bids for you, always keeping you in the lead until your max is reached.

Remember:

• All bids are final and legally binding.

• Tie bids go to the earliest bidder.

• Anti-sniping extends the timer briefly if a bid lands in the last seconds.

• Auctions may close lot by lot or in batches.

To keep bidding fast and fair, the minimum bid increment increases as the price rises, just as the below table:

Example: If the current bid is AED 230,000, the next minimum bid must be AED 235,000. If the price crosses AED 400,000, the increment automatically jumps to AED 10,000, making the next bid be AED 410,000. This prevents small-step bidding wars and keeps auctions fair for everyone.

When the timer hits zero and the reserve (if any) is met, you win.

Step 5: Complete payment

Winners receive an order confirmation email immediately after the auction ends.

Full payment must be completed within 48–72 hours using one of the following payment methods:

• Bank transfer

• Online card payment

• Cash or cheque (UAE only)

• POS payment at yard

Your final invoice includes:

• Winning bid (Hammer Price)

• Transaction & documentation fees (More on this below)

• VAT (if applicable)

Important: Failure to pay on time can lead to deposit forfeiture, blacklisting, and legal recovery action.

Step 6: Transfer of ownership

Makana handles all the paperwork for you. You just complete payment and wait for the confirmation.

Depending on the machine’s destination, registration type varies according to the following:

• Mainland units: Transfer via RTA or local traffic authority

• Freezone units: Transfer via JAFZA gate pass & invoice

• Imported machines: Delivery against customs declaration

You’ll be notified once ownership is officially transferred to your name.

Step 7: Pickup and delivery

After full payment and transfer and ownership paperwork is in order:

• You’ll receive a Release Order (and Gate Pass, if applicable).

• You can arrange self-pickup or request Makana delivery.

• Pickup must be completed within 15 working days.

Remember: Storage fees (AED 100/day) apply after 15 days.

Buying for export outside the UAE

Makana supports international buyers with:

• Export documentation (Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin)

• Customs clearance via JAFZA

• Delivery to port or freight forwarder

• Shipping coordination with logistics partners

Your entire purchase from payment to port can be handled seamlessly with Makana’s export team.

Makana fees for auction buyers

Transparency is key. Here’s every buyer-related fee upfront:

All fees will be clearly displayed in your invoice.

Recommended steps for auction buyers

A quick recap of what’s expected from every buyer:

• Inspect the machine or review its inspection report.

• Make sure funds are ready before the auction closes.

• Pay on time.

• Arrange pickup or shipping within the deadline.

• Comply with UAE customs and export regulations.

Remember: All machines are sold “As-Is, Where-Is”, no warranty, no returns.

Pro tips for a smooth auction experience

• Complete your verification early.

• Pay your deposit at least 24 hours before the auction.

• Add your machines to Watchlist & set Max Bid.

• Review inspection reports carefully.

• Arrange funds and transport ahead of time.

• Enable email or WhatsApp notifications.

• Complete payment and pickup on schedule.

Frequently asked questions (Auction FAQs)

Q: Can I inspect the machine before bidding?

A: Yes, either physically at our yard or through detailed online inspection reports.

 

Q: Can I cancel my bid?

A: No. All bids are legally binding once placed.

 

Q: Is shipping included in my bid price?

A: No. Shipping and delivery are optional and quoted separately.

 

Q: Can I finance my purchase?

A: Currently, all purchases are paid in full. Financing options may be introduced later.

 

Q: What happens if I don’t pay after winning?

A: Your deposit will be forfeited, and you may be blacklisted from future auctions.

 

By bidding in any Makana auction, you agree to our Auction Terms & Conditions.

All sales are final. Always review the inspection report and confirm all details before bidding.

 

Contact & support

Makana Yard: JAFZA, Dubai, UAE

Support email: hello@makana.com

Phone: +971 52 114 4423 (WhatsApp support available)