HOW TO SELL A CAR AT BARRETT-JACKSON: Insider tips to make the consignment process as easy as possible

February 9, 2017
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Whether on live TV or in person, you’ve witnessed the incredible variety of vehicles crossing the block at Barrett-Jackson, and now you’re thinking about consigning your own vehicle. Barrett-Jackson auctions represent the purest expression of the collector car marketplace, where thousands of pre-qualified potential buyers have direct access to your collectible car. Every potential bidder has passed a stringent qualification process to ensure buyers can back up their bid. To put that in perspective, more than 5,000 pre-qualified bidders were on hand at the 2018 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction.

To gain access to Barrett-Jackson buyers, your car must first be accepted for consignment at one of our four premier events. The first step in the process is to submit a Preliminary Consignment Form, which helps us evaluate your car. There are several ways to do this.

Apply online

By far the easiest method of consigning is on our website. Just click on “Consign” at the very top. This will take you to where you can begin the online application process or explore information and additional options.

• Start by inputting your contact information and vehicle details into the online form. Before consigning online, it’s important to gather all vehicle images and documentation in digital form. Scan both sides of your title. Know where the images and scans are located on your computer to avoid interruption.
• If you have multiple vehicles to consign, you may choose to register as a member on the website (top right of the page) and then log in. As a registered member, your contact information is automatically applied to each vehicle application, avoiding repetitive steps. When you click on “Consign” after logging in, you’ll be taken directly to the online consignment process.

Download and print the form

If you’re not computer-savvy, there is also an option from the “Consign” page to download a printable consignment form, which you can fill out by hand and mail with all relevant information and photos.

Speak to an automotive specialist

If you have questions prior to consignment, please call 480-421-6694 and speak to an automotive specialist, who will also be happy to explain the consignment process. You can also email [email protected].

PHOTOS

You might be surprised at how often people send us applications to consign great cars accompanied by mediocre or poor photographs. Help us help you by providing quality photographs of your vehicle before it crosses the block (See “How to Photograph a Car” for some pro tips).

Submit your files Send only full-size files. It’s a good idea to know where your photos and scanned images “live” on your computer before you start the application process. For example, they may be stored in your “Documents” folder or your “Photos” folder. The new Barrett-Jackson website allows you to upload photos directly from your computer, smartphone or tablet.

SHORT AND LONG DESCRIPTIONS

Informative, well-structured descriptions are the single most overlooked aspect of the application process, and can have a positive impact on the sale price of your vehicle. We require that you submit two descriptions with your application:

• Short Description: Appears in the docket list on our website as well as in our printed event catalog. Containing only about 25 to 30 words, this should focus on features and information that cannot be seen “from the curb.” This is not the place to list color or wheel selection, as viewers can see these details in photos and on the auction block. Instead, you should list selling points that may not be immediately evident, such as “ground up restoration,” “fresh engine rebuild” or “twin-turbo.”
• Long Description: This is where you can get into the details of your vehicle, as well as its provenance, if known. People love to read the backstories of cars. This description can be up to 300 words, and can include restoration information, expenditures, major facets, modifications, history, awards and anything else you feel will add to the selling power of your vehicle. Mention any documentation you have to back up any claims, particularly with regard to custom vehicles. Also include basic information, like transmission type, engine size, etc. The long description will appear on the website docket listing and the “car card” that is on the windshield of the vehicle while it is displayed at auction. This description may also be used in marketing materials, and portions may be read by the auctioneers on the block, so it is crucial to mention the most important or impressive things first. Stick to the facts and avoid subjective terms and wild superlatives in your descriptions, such as “world’s greatest car.” Make sure to talk about your specific vehicle, not the marque in general. You want people to understand your car.

TITLES

To effectively process your application, we need a copy of both sides of your title. Don’t take photos of your title. Scan both sides. The scans must be flat and clear. We do not auction cars with liens. Your title must be clear. Of course, the vehicle title and VIN must match. Unless you are a car dealer, the name and address on the title must match the name and address on the Preliminary Consignment Form. If you have any questions relating to titles, please feel free to call an automotive specialist at 480-421-6694.

Also, Canadian vehicles must be titled in the U.S. in order to be eligible for Barrett-Jackson auctions.

DOCUMENTATION

Supporting documentation (including factory documents) is not only useful for boosting bidder confidence, it’s also helpful to support any claims made in your vehicle descriptions. For example, if you claim that your car’s custom-built engine produces 900hp, provide a dyno sheet in support of that claim. (Of course, verifiable factory engine output ratings do not need dyno sheets.) Another example: If your Mustang has a Marti Report, submit a copy of that document along with your application. It is a good idea to make a large poster board with a collage of supporting documentation to display at auction alongside the vehicle.