How to Consign a Car

Why Barrett-Jackson?

Throughout its rich 40 year history, the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company has become world renowned for offering the finest selection of quality collector cars, outstanding professional service, and capturing a sales success second to none. Whether you are looking to sell a classic, sports, muscle, or one-of-a-kind car, Barrett-Jackson will work to get you the best price possible. Here are some important tips that will maximize your selling experience at Barrett-Jackson…

Preparation: Before the Event

• Consign Your Vehicle: The best auction times are given to cars consigned early. “Prime Time” Lot numbers and surrounding Lot go fast, with similar vehicles competing for placement. Barrett-Jackson carefully screens prospective entries in an attempt to ensure car quality, authenticity and realistic market value pricing. If you are looking to sell a top quality vehicle, consign as early as possible to maximize your exposure. You should think 4-6 months before an event.
• Take Advantage of Advertising: Excellent quality or professional photos included with your early consignment are essential and can be used in pre-auction ads and promotional materials. Include your photos, the title for vehicle(s) featured in Barrett-Jackson’s ad campaign must accompany your Preliminary Consignment Form.
• Have Your Paperwork Correct: A correct title, properly completed forms, and pre-paid fees will expedite your registration process. At the auction site, Express Check In lines are provided for those who have completed all of these necessary procedures. Help us help you. Complete and accurate descriptions and history of your car assists the promotion of the car during the auction preview and while the auctioneers describe your vehicle while on the auction podium.
• Instructions: During the Check In process, cooperation and carefully following instructions provided by the auction staff will get your vehicle positioned on the field and ready for sale with minimal fuss and hassle.

No Reserve

"No Reserve" means that your car will be sold, regardless of the bid offered. Typically, No Reserve cars generate a higher, more frenzied level of bidding activity because the buyers know that the car will be sold to the highest bidder. Make no mistake, No Reserve cars can generate the most exciting moments at the auction. Make your decision carefully or ask our staff for assistance.

Showtime at the Auction Site

• Check-in Early: Have plenty of time to get your vehicle in its proper assigned space, thus allowing as many prospective buyers as possible to view your car.
• Detail Your Car: Wipe your car off regularly while on display and before your car gets transferred to the sale staging area. Not only does this enhance the appearance, but gives you an opportunity to interact with prospective buyers. A fully detailed car is significantly more attractive to interested buyers.
• Be Accessible: Be with the vehicle or have someone available to provide pertinent information about your car. No one knows your car like you do. If you can’t be available, place a note on your car with times you will be available to answer questions. A car that remains locked up with no one around to answer questions is not conducive to piquing the interest of a potential buyer. The car is essentially sold when the buyer sees the car on display during the preview. The auction simply establishes the price!
• Honesty is the Best Policy: Be accurate. If you don’t know something, say so. Don’t make any representation about facts you are unsure of. Serious purchasers may actually have more interest because of your genuine candor, but statements that later prove false will compromise your integrity and place your sale at risk.
• Prepare a Fact Sheet: Include your Lot # and the day your car will sell. Prospective buyers can take this with them as a reminder of when your car is selling, use it for comparison, or research their prospective purchase (your car). This serves as an example of your honest representation that makes a potential buyer feel secure.
• Have Copies of Vehicle Documentation: Prospective buyers would like this available for inspection. Documentation includes, but is not limited to old registrations, purchase orders, maintenance history, magazines articles in which your vehicle appears, show history and authenticity of your car’s provenance.
• Remain With Your Car: As you move through the staging process and as it prepares to go over the block, many people will see your car at this time (who may not have seen it in the display area) and being available to answer any new, or last minute questions is critical. Remember, this is your final chance to interact "face-to-face" with the buyers. A number of buyers only look at cars during the staging process.
• Cross the Block with your car: We strongly suggest that you are present with your car at the auction block. Situations manifest themselves on the block that may require your attention. After all your hard work getting your vehicle to this critical point, this is your "moment in the sun"”… take full advantage of it!
• Remember the little stuff: The best restored car in the world will not do well at auction if the battery fails or the car runs out of gas. The unexpected may happen and the auction company is available to assist you, but, as the consignor, you need to check all the obvious items to ensure your car runs and shows well.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Ask: This can be an intimidating exercise, but if you have a question or problem, we can help. Remember, Barrett-Jackson’s goal is to sell your car and have you as a satisfied customer.

The auctioning of your car is a team effort and regardless of size, reputation or location, the organization cannot do it all. You, the consignor must be a willing participant and are an integral part in getting your car sold for top dollar. The auction company does not guarantee success, but as a team, we can optimize the chances for a successful sale at top dollar.

After the Gavel Falls

Sold! With all the necessary paperwork in order with our auction office at the time of car consignment, your payment will be mailed to you within 21 banking days following the close of the event.