You are a van fleet operator with vehicles to sell and you consider the auction route for the first time. What’s the first thing you do?

Do you try a couple of vehicles out and see how you get on? Wrong!

James Davies, Manheim’s group CV manager, said: “The first thing to do is come and have a look at one of our sites without entering any vehicles.

“If you’ve never been to a van auction before it’s a memorable occasion – and you’ll learn a lot about what’s selling, what’s not and at what price.

“There’s no point whatsoever putting a reserve of £4,000 on your vehicles if similar ones are making only £3,000.

“They just won’t sell and they’ll be sitting in our yard losing you money.”

After the visit, is it time to try a few vehicles? WRONG AGAIN!

The second step is to call the auction house and arrange an interview with a remarketing specialist.

The advice is all free for the taking and it could mean a difference of £500-600 per vehicle when they go through.

The expert will advise the seller on what prices to expect and also whether the vehicles in question are worth patching up before going under the hammer.

For example, a £100 polish-up could mean an extra £400 at selling time, whereas a mighty ding may cost the seller £500 to fix with no return.

Mr Davies said: “There are all sorts of things to think about.

“If you have, say 30 similar vans to sell, it may be best splitting them into batches rather than selling them all at once. It may also be worth taking some to different centres where prices are better.

The consultative support we give is all free and part of the package.

“There are plenty of buyers – just don’t expect too much money.”