Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about our auctions.
How do I bid?
A: Forrest Faulknor and Sons is a sealed bid auction. If you only want one vehicle you can submit up to three bids on three different vehicles. You must number your bids in order of preference. We will take your highest numbered choice. If there are no choice numbers, you are contracted to take all bids that are accepted. The highest bid from all those submitted is the successful bid.
How do I become a member?
A: The fee to become a member is $70 for one year. You can come into our office Monday 8-8, Tuesday 8-5 or Wednesday through Friday 8-4:30. In order to become a member, you must have a sponsor or referral from a previous member, belong to AAA or you must bank with one of our consignors.
What are your hours of operation?
A: Monday 8-8 and Tuesday 8-5 our auction is open for viewing and bidding. We are open Wed, Thu, Fri 8-4:30 for vehicle pickups ONLY.
Where are you located?
175 Sylvester Road, South San Francisco. See our directions page for a map and details.
Do cars sell for any price?
A: No. All cars are sold “with reserve” unless otherwise noted. Our institutional consignors reserve the right to accept or reject the highest bid. However they are extremely motivated to sell the vehicles. Vehicles are consigned to us to sell. Over the past 16 years we have been in business, we have sold over 75,000 vehicles.
Does the amount owed on the vehicle have any influence on the selling price?
A: No our consignors only want a fair price. Cars are appraised based on the current wholesale market.
Can I buy the vehicle for the amount owed?
A: We are not supplied that information. In almost all cases, the amount owed is very substantial. If we happen to sell the repossessed vehicle for more than the amount owed, by statute, the surplus must be paid to the originator of the loan.
How do I pay?
A: Either Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or certified funds.
How do I pick up my vehicle?
A: You can either come to our facility in South San Francisco, (we are only 5 minutes from San Francisco International Airport-if necessary, if you fly in to SFO, we can pick you up during working hours), or we can arrange economical transportation for any destination in the United States. You can either pre pay us or pay upon delivery.
Where do the vehicles come from?
A: We get our cars from lenders and institutional leasing companies. We do not have any dealer cars. Forrest Faulknor and Sons do not own any of the vehicles.
How long do we have to pick up the car?
A: We like you to pick up vehicles by Friday. If it is going to take any longer, we need a 10% deposit.
When will we be notified?
A: We will call the highest bidder as soon as we get approval from the legal owner. You should hear from us no later than the Friday after the sale.
What if we decide after we bid that we don’t want the car?
A: All bids are designed as legal and binding contracts, if you change your mind, you can ask that your bid be withdrawn before the close of bidding. After that time, your bid must be honored.