Car auctions are yet another avenue to sell your car, truck, SUV or motorcycle, but have you been ignoring this channel because you haven’t a clue how to get started? Sure, it can be daunting to navigate the car auction scene, but don’t worry, we’ve got your back! At Direct Connect Auto Transport, a leader in auto transport since 2001, we’ve mastered the art of the car auction. Why? We’re just slightly obsessed with everything-cars, that’s why! So, you can count on us for the tips, tools and insider secrets to help you sell your first vehicle at auction without any fear of the unknown.

auto auction buyers guide

Tips For First Time Auto Auction Sellers

Get your paperwork in order. It seems obvious that you should have legal ownership of the vehicle you’re considering selling in a car auction, but this is the most important and first step you should take. Be sure you own the vehicle (and can prove it with a title in your name) or possess a dealer license so you can legally sell the vehicle in question.

Do your research. Before selling a car at auction, you need to have a firm grasp on its worth. You’ll need to set a reserve price (which is essentially the lowest price you’ll accept) that is based on the research you undertake to understand the market value of your vehicle. Here’s where you have to be reasonable (not set a price that is too high for the market value) but not set the bar too low so that you lose money.

Get real about your automobile. Exaggerating the truth about the condition of your vehicle is not a good idea. You may love your car and have fond memories with your automobile, but when it enters into the car auction, you need to be honest about the state it’s in. Even worse, trying to hide damage or dodge questions about the condition of the car will make most bidders suspicious and hesitant to buy from you. People buying cars at auction understand your car is not brand new, but don’t want to deal with a dishonest or misleading seller. Otherwise, trying to sell your car at a car auction will likely be a colossal waste of time.

Find the perfect auction for your vehicle. There are multiple options to consider when selling a car at a car auction. Your best bet is to find the one that aligns with your unique vehicle. Of course, there are live and online car auctions. Live auctions may be a better option for you if your car is in bad condition because dealers often buy up these types of cars for parts or scraps. Internet auctions provide the convenience of not having to leave your home while attracting bidders from outside your area. Be sure to match the auction with your type of vehicle as well. For example, many auctions specialize in a type of car like vintage, muscle cars or high-end sports cars.

Set your car up for success. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. So, don’t take poor quality pictures of your car and don’t skimp on the detailing service. Make sure all the details are shared and that your car is looking primo before it heads to the car auction! Don’t overlook the importance of your descriptions as well. Buyers want to know:

  1. How many were made
  2. How many people have owned it
  3. Car history
  4. What is original and what isn’t.

Supporting facts, documents and proof are extremely helpful as buyers don’t necessarily want to take your word for it!

Locate an Automobile Auction event near your location. Check out Old Car Weekly’s calendar for a list of car auction and auto events.!

 

Shipping Cars To And From Car Auctions

Now that you’re ready to master the car auction scene and get the most for your vehicle, let’s make sure you know about your options for auto transport to and from the auto auction. Car shipping is the way savvy automobile owners get there cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles from point A to point B. They might be relocating for a new job, shipping older kids off to college or buying the perfect vehicle from a seller far away. Car shipping is the most affordable and reliable way to get that vehicle to its final destination without a road trip – that is if you hire the leader to do the auto transport. That’s where Direct Connect Auto Transport comes in. We’ve offered quality car shipping services for close to two decades that include:

World-class insurance with every shipment

Ability to ship cars, SUVs, motorcycles, vintage vehicles, luxury sports cars and more

Real-time tracking insights

Free, instant online auto transport quotes with no hidden costs

World’s largest network of thoroughly-vetted drivers

Damage-free guarantee

A+ rating from Better Business Bureau

5-star average online rating from current customers

Accredited with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

24/7, Year-round customer service

Good luck at the car auction and when you’re ready to ship your next vehicle, be sure to stop by Direct Connect Auto Transport for your free, instant car shipping quote!

Calculate Transport Cost To And From An Auction On Our Quote Page.

 

Reference

  1. Old Car Weekly – Auto Auction Calendar 2019 
  2. 2018 WAAC Opening and Prelims Pt 1 – From the 2018 World Automobile Auctioneers Championship – from ADESA Chicago.