OPENLANE FAQ: The Complete Dealer Guide to Buying Inventory Online
3 mins
Buying inventory online should be simple, transparent and efficient. This FAQ is designed to help you get the most out of OPENLANE by answering common questions dealers have when sourcing vehicles online. From understanding condition reports to financing, delivery and buyer protections, you’ll find everything you need to make confident, informed purchasing decisions all in one place.
Does OPENLANE provide vehicle condition reports?
Yes. Every vehicle includes a detailed condition report completed by experienced inspectors that include:
- Exterior and interior condition
- Mechanical and electrical systems
- Mileage, make and model details
These reports give you a clear snapshot so you can make informed buying decisions.
Can you save searches on OPENLANE?
Yes, you are able to save and manage your favorite searches. You can quickly access your preferred search criteria and view new vehicles that match your specifications.
OPENLANE also offers a notifications system to keep you informed about new vehicles that match your search criteria. You will receive a notification whenever a vehicle meeting your requirements becomes available.
Does OPENLANE have a mobile app?
Yes. The OPENLANE app provides dealers with seamless on-the-go access to the OPENLANE marketplace, allowing you to browse thousands of daily listings from wherever you are. It’s available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
To learn more about the OPENLANE Mobile App, read our Mobile App Guide.
What’s Included in OPENLANE Intelligence?
OPENLANE Intelligence is a set of advanced tools designed to give dealers clearer, more reliable vehicle condition reports.
It combines AI technology with experienced inspections to help you spot issues faster and buy with confidence.
Here’s what’s included:
- AI Enhanced Exterior Damage Detection: Inspectors take photos and AI scans the vehicle for any visible damage. Each finding is verified by an inspector and highlighted so you can quickly see what matters.
- AI Enhanced Engine Analysis: High-quality engine audio is captured by an inspector and analyzed with AI-assisted anomaly detection that compares to similar (ex. make, model) healthy engines. This helps detect unusual sounds that may signal problems.
- Intelligent OBD2 Decoder: Complicated diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are translated into simple, color-coded alerts so you can easily understand potential risks.
- Predictive Pricing: OPENLANE analyzes market data, past sales, vehicle condition and history details to help estimate a vehicle’s value. This helps you bid more confidently and avoid overpaying.
Absolute Sale Options: Which one is right for you?
Absolute Sale: When a vehicle is marked as Absolute Sale, the seller has committed to selling it to the highest bidder by 3:00pm CT that day. That means if you’re the top bidder at the deadline, the car is yours, with no last-minute changes or withdrawals.
Automated Absolute Sale: You set a target price when you list the car; as soon as a buyer’s bid hits that number, the system automatically triggers an Absolute Sale and guarantees the unit will sell by the end of the day.
Can I use a floorplan to fund my purchase?
Absolutely. OPENLANE allows dealers to use floorplan financing, making it easier to purchase inventory without tying up cash.
OPENLANE also integrates with AFC, allowing eligible purchases to be added to your AFC account with terms tailored to your business. The result is greater flexibility and more buying power when sourcing vehicles.
How does vehicle delivery work?
Transportation is built right into the OPENLANE marketplace. We use a vetted network of local and national haulers to deliver vehicles straight to your lot—or wherever you need them. You buy the car, we handle the ride. It’s that simple.
What buyer protection does OPENLANE offer?
OPENLANE offers buyer protection primarily through our As Described Guarantee, which ensures that vehicles match their listings and condition reports. If a vehicle has certain covered undisclosed issues, buyers can file a claim within a set timeframe and use OPENLANE’s arbitration process to seek a resolution.
Read more about OPENLANE’s arbitration process in our guide here.
Start browsing thousands of dealer-only listings on OPENLANE today, and buy with confidence using tools built for smarter decisions.