1. Getting started for overseas buyers
1. What is Qiaotong-Auto?
Qiaotong-Auto is a B2B cross-border used-vehicle matching platform connecting China with African markets. It presents compliant export supply and supports buyers, importers and dealers with listings, inquiries, export guidance and reference prices in multiple currencies.
Unless a transaction document expressly states otherwise, the platform provides information and business introductions and does not sign the vehicle sale contract.
2. Do I need an account?
Public listings can generally be viewed without an account. Registration may unlock favourites, inquiries and information-management features, subject to the functions currently available.
For recurring or bulk procurement, you may also ask support to establish a business contact.
3. How do I find suitable vehicles?
Filter by brand, price, year, mileage, transmission, colour or location, or search by model name from the top search box.
If no listing matches, send support your preferred model, budget, year, quantity and destination country.
4. Which languages are supported?
The website currently supports Chinese, English and French. Original vehicle records or third-party documents may use another language; request clarification before transacting.
2. Listings and vehicle information
1. Does a listing show the final vehicle condition?
Images, mileage, year, specifications and descriptions are initial listing information and do not replace a formal inspection, physical verification or transaction contract.
Before purchasing, request an inspection report, VIN and detailed exterior and interior records, and confirm condition and acceptance standards in writing.
2. How often are listings updated?
Supply is updated continuously, while popular models may change quickly in availability and price. After you register a requirement, sales may notify you when a matching vehicle becomes available.
3. Can I request a model not shown on the website?
Yes. Submit the model, budget, year, quantity, destination and other essential conditions through support. The platform may assist in matching supplier inventory but cannot guarantee availability.
4. What should I verify before a transaction?
At minimum, check the VIN, title, mileage, accident and repair history, inspection report, export eligibility and current vehicle images.
Also confirm destination rules affecting import or use, including vehicle age, emissions, steering position and modifications.
3. Prices, currencies and exchange rates
1. Which currency is displayed?
Vehicles are generally shown with a base price in CNY and may include reference amounts in USD, GHS or XOF. Actual currency availability is shown on the page.
2. Is the displayed price the final transaction price?
No. It is usually a vehicle reference price and may exclude inspection, international freight, insurance, duties, clearance, port, banking and local destination charges.
Obtain an itemised written quotation and confirm its validity period and inclusions before transacting.
3. How are exchange rates calculated?
Converted amounts are references and may be delayed, rounded or affected by market movement. The parties must confirm the final currency, rate basis, payment time and fees in writing.
4. How can I make payment safer?
Confirm that the beneficiary company, bank account and contracting party match. Do not send money to an unverified personal account based only on a chat screenshot.
Keep contracts, invoices, bank receipts and communications. Independently reconfirm any last-minute change to beneficiary details.
4. Inquiries, online support and WhatsApp
1. How do I start an inquiry?
Submit your requirement from a vehicle page or the support entry. Include model, budget, quantity, year and destination so the request can be routed appropriately.
2. Why does support suggest WhatsApp?
WhatsApp is commonly used for cross-border business communication and for sending images, inspection reports, quotations and shipping documents. Moving to WhatsApp is optional and its own terms and privacy rules also apply.
3. Are support conversations retained?
Inquiry and support records are retained for necessary periods under the Privacy Policy for follow-up, security and dispute checks. They are not sold or disclosed for unrelated purposes.
4. How quickly will I receive a response?
We aim to respond promptly during business hours. Complex quotations or supplier confirmations may take longer, and messages outside business hours are handled in the next working period.
5. Export, logistics and customs
1. Which African countries can receive vehicles?
The platform currently focuses on West African markets including Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire and may expand where supply-chain and compliance conditions permit. Import eligibility always depends on current destination law and customs rules.
2. Who handles export and import procedures?
The supplier or its export provider usually handles procedures in China, while the overseas buyer handles destination permits, clearance and taxes. The transaction contract must define the actual responsibilities.
3. How long does shipping take?
Timing depends on origin, destination, vessel schedule, transshipment, weather and clearance. Sales or logistics providers can estimate a schedule, but it should not be treated as an absolute guarantee.
4. Who pays destination duties and clearance costs?
Unless agreed otherwise, the buyer generally bears destination duties, port charges, import permits and clearance costs. Verify current rules with local customs or a professional agent before payment and shipment.
5. Which export and shipping documents are commonly required?
Depending on the transaction and destination, documents may include a sale contract, commercial invoice, vehicle list, bill of lading, export records, registration or deregistration documents and inspection records. Confirm the exact list with the exporter, carrier and destination agent.
7. Transaction security
1. How can I reduce transaction risk?
Contracts, payments, condition and delivery terms must be confirmed in formal written documents. Website content is not the final sale contract.
Be cautious with prices far below market level, sellers unable to provide a VIN or current records, pressure to pay a personal account, or sudden beneficiary changes.
2. What are the risks of an off-platform transaction?
The platform may be unable to verify or trace communications and payments conducted entirely elsewhere. Always verify the party, vehicle and bank details and use a formal contract, regardless of the communication channel.
3. How do I report a suspicious listing or conduct?
Pause payment and preserve the URL, account, chat, quotation and payment request. Report them through support so the platform can investigate and, where justified, remove content or restrict an account.