How to Organize a Car Auction

Detail is essential when organizing a car auction. There are 2 things to always remember: things always take longer to get done than planned, and what can go wrong, will go wrong. Organization is the only way to be successful. Online payment options and registration are ways to help an auction run smoothly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Invitation cards
• Thank you cards
• Website

1. Select the date of the car auction. Make sure that there aren't other auctions on the same day or week of your event.
2. Check to see if there is a theme. They may be all 4-wheel drive, all sporty or all minivans.
3. Write a marketing plan. This does not have to be elaborate. It can be a simple checklist.
4. Create a checklist of all the things that you need to accomplish to organize the car auction. Live or die by this checklist.
5. Find a web designer to build a software program for online registration and to place bids. The software will need to be eCommerce ready.
6. Pick car dealers you want to enter the auction and send them an invitation. Make sure the invitation includes an RSVP and a registration number.
7. Sell cars that are reputable. Provide all the history you can find on the vehicle. Deal honestly and build a solid reputation.

Tips & Warnings

• The auction doesn't have to be large--5 to 6 car dealers is enough to have a very good bidding war.
• Create a car detail page that tells everything a buyer could want to know about the cars you are selling.
• Remember reputation is everything in the car business.
• Demand partial payment after a bid, to ensure final payment.
• Make sure that the bidders can pickup the vehicle or that delivery is part of the cost of the vehicle.