Question 1

How long is an Instant Offer good for?

Accepted Answer

Seven days. If it expires, run the VIN again for a fresh number. Nothing is committed until you accept an Instant Offer.

Question 2

What happens after I accept?

Accepted Answer

You complete a short self-inspection and upload the registration and Carfax. Signal advances your funds before pick-up, arranges transport, and handles import, conformity and title. At the same time, the remarketing process is kicked off and the vehicle is offered to US buyers.

Question 3

Which vehicles are eligible?

Accepted Answer

Vehicles valued between CAD 20,000 and CAD 100,000, under 150,000 km, model year 2021 or newer. Vehicles outside those parameters can be submitted for a manual review.

Question 4

What does it cost to run a quote?

Accepted Answer

Nothing. Run as many as you like, on any vehicle you're appraising. You pay nothing until a vehicle sells, and Signal's fees are taken from the upside, never from your guaranteed amount.

Question 5

What if the vehicle sells for less than the offer?

Accepted Answer

You keep the full guaranteed amount. A shortfall is netted against the upside on your other vehicles in the same month's reconciliation. It never reduces the guaranteed amount on any vehicle, and Signal never invoices you for it.

Question 6

How and when do I get paid?

Accepted Answer

Twice. The guaranteed amount is advanced before the vehicle is picked up. The upside on vehicles that sold in a month is reconciled at month end and paid by the 20th of the following month. For example, upside on vehicles sold in January is settled by February 20.

Question 7

Does the offer change after I accept?

Accepted Answer

No. The number locks the moment you accept, and whatever the US market does afterward, your amount holds. The only time an offer changes is when a vehicle has a serious issue that was misrepresented in the self-inspection.

Question 8

What does the self-inspection involve?

Accepted Answer

It's simple: about a dozen photos, a quick walk-around, a video of the engine running, and a disclosure of any damage. Signal uses the self-inspection to start the remarketing process.

Question 9

Do I need to be enrolled before I can see a number?

Accepted Answer

No. Anyone can run a VIN and see a number. Accepting an Instant Offer requires enrollment.

Question 10

Who handles transport, and when is the vehicle picked up?

Accepted Answer

Signal arranges and pays for transport from your dealership. Pickup is typically within 24 to 48 hours of dispatch.

Question 11

What if the vehicle has accident history or open recalls?

Accepted Answer

Vehicles with accident history under CAD 5,000 are accepted; above that they are declined. All open recalls must be repaired before pickup. After you accept an Instant Offer, you have 72 hours to complete the outstanding items.

Question 12

Is the offer in CAD? Who carries the FX?

Accepted Answer

The offer is a CAD amount and is paid in CAD, and so is the upside. Signal carries the currency exposure on the sale in the US.

Question 13

How is the offer priced?

Accepted Answer

The number is based on the vehicle's current US wholesale value, adjusted up or down for market conditions, installed options and similar factors. A small buffer is built in, and any upside on that buffer is passed back to you when the vehicle sells.

You take the number. None of the risk.

A firm number, backed by US demand

Quote, accept, export, settle

Take the number now. Keep the upside you used to give away.

Frequently asked questions

Ready to take wholesale risk off your used car department?