1) Verify the company: business license, export track record, and a live video call where they show the actual car and its VIN. 2) Hire an independent pre-shipment inspection. 3) Sign a contract stating the VIN, specs, price, Incoterm, and refund conditions. 4) Pay a 20–30% deposit by bank transfer only after the contract is signed — never the full amount, and never to a personal account. 5) After the inspection passes, pay the balance against a copy of the bill of lading. 6) Track the shipment and prepare import documents. 7) Inspect the car on arrival before releasing any final documents. Each step is a checkpoint. Don't let the seller rush you past one.

A typical safe flow looks like this: 1. Sourcing: you pick a car from listings; the exporter confirms availability, sends photos, video and a condition report. 2. Contract: a written sales contract stating VIN, price, included costs, inspection standards and delivery terms (FOB or CIF). 3. Deposit: usually 10–30% after you or a third party verify the car. Pay to a company account, never personal. 4. Inspection: independent pre-shipment inspection; you approve the report before shipping. 5. Balance payment: due before shipment, against copy of the bill of lading. 6. Shipping and documents: exporter sends original documents by courier; you track the vessel. 7. Arrival: your customs agent clears the car, you pay duties and collect it. Timeline: typically 3–8 weeks from deposit to arrival, depending on route. Any exporter pushing for 100% upfront payment should be treated as a red flag.

The standard process looks like this: 1. Selection: pick the car, request the VIN, registration certificate, and recent photos/videos. For higher-value cars, order an independent third-party inspection. 2. Negotiation and contract: agree on price and terms. Sign a written contract stating the car's condition, price, payment schedule, and delivery terms (FOB or CIF). 3. Deposit: typically 20-30% to reserve the car. Pay to the company's corporate account, never a personal one. 4. Verification: your agent or inspector confirms the car matches the contract before the balance is due. 5. Balance and export: pay the remaining amount; the seller arranges inland transport, export customs clearance, and port loading. 6. Shipping documents: you receive the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading - usually by courier or email. 7. Arrival: your customs broker clears the car, you pay duties and taxes, then register it locally. Total timeline is usually 4-8 weeks depending on the shipping route.