KEEPING THE CUSTOMER AT THE TOP OF THE LIST: Barrett-Jackson goes the extra mile

October 3, 2019
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Since its very beginnings nearly 50 years ago, Barrett-Jackson has worked diligently to provide the best experience possible not only for those who attend the events, but also for bidders and consignors, who, after all, are the heartbeat of the business.

Deciding to buy or sell a vehicle at the World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions can be a big decision for many people, and Barrett-Jackson’s goal is to make that process as easy as possible. Bidder and consignment department specialists are ready to guide customers through the process when completing bidder registrations or consignment applications, and are just a phone call or email away should any questions arise.

Consignors have many resources at their fingertips to assist in filling out an application, writing a description, taking good photos of their vehicles, determining what paperwork is needed, learning how to transport your vehicle to the auction and more. Once the application is in, our consignment team gets to work – at a level greater than most other collector car auctions –reviewing the paperwork to make sure all is in order, examining the title to make sure it’s free and clear, checking for any VIN issues, and reviewing CARFAX records and mileage claims when possible. (In keeping with our goal of transparency, Barrett-Jackson requires a description include CARFAX information if a vehicle, according to the CARFAX, has been damaged or involved in an accident.)

Bidding on a car at Barrett-Jackson is an exciting, exhilarating experience. But if you’re new to the game, it can also be a learning experience, as a bidder badge comes with great responsibility.

First and foremost: educate yourself. Look through the vehicles for sale at the next Barrett-Jackson event by reviewing the docket on Barrett-Jackson.com or by examining the auction catalog, both of which include the seller’s descriptions of the vehicles. It is important to remember that each of those descriptions is the sole representation of the consignor, and not endorsed or verified by Barrett-Jackson. If something catches your eye, check out the car on-site, where you may find the consignor on hand to answer questions. If a vehicle’s description says it comes with documentation or awards, you can request to see those items by visiting the Property Room on-site. Of course, if you have further questions or need more information about a particular vehicle, stop by the consignment office on-site, where team members will try their best to get answers for you.

Where Barrett-Jackson really shines in its commitment to its bidders is through its stellar team of nationally recognized automotive experts, whose task is to review certain rare vehicles that may be represented, by the consignor, as having matching numbers, original equipment or documented with exceptional show provenance.

The team of marque experts includes Jerry MacNeish of Camaro Hi-Performance (Chevy Nova SS/Chevelle/Camaro), Jim and JB Mattison of Pontiac Historic Services (Pontiac/Buick/Oldsmobile), David Wise of MMC Detroit/Wise Vehicle Inspection Reports (Mopars), NCRS Master Judge John Ballard (Corvettes) and Jason Billups of Billups Classic Cars (Shelbys and Fords).

The newest member of the team, with the task of reviewing the ever-growing segment of customs and Resto-Mods, is Mark Schwartz, who brings with him more than 30 years in the automotive restoration and modification business. Schwartz, who has a passion for building Resto-Mods and Pro-Touring cars, is co-owner of the California-based Campbell Auto Restoration, known for its ultra-high-performance engine, chassis/frame upgrades and show-winning restorations.

“Mark is one of the busiest guys at the auctions,” admits Barrett-Jackson’s Director of Consignment Relations, Mike McCullough. “If a consignor describes a custom or Resto-Mod as having an LS9, an LS1, an LT, a Turbo 400 with a Gear Vendors overdrive, a 4L60E transmission, 20-inch Foose wheels … Mark checks that. He is thorough – because he has to be.”

While the experts are not on-site to do inspections for individuals, if a potential buyer has questions about a vehicle an expert has reviewed, the consignment team will do their best to connect them.

“Our company is based on car experts who have built their lives around this hobby,” says Barrett-Jackson Chairman and CEO Craig Jackson. “Real car guys, passionate car guys, like those who make up our team of experts. Barrett-Jackson is unquestionably a leader in attempting to substantiate that certain rare and high-end cars – including customs and Resto-Mods – are what consignors say they are. We feel it helps elevate the hobby.”

Experts, processes, transparency … that’s what differentiates Barrett-Jackson from other collector car auctions.