General Selling Tips

Experienced buyers and professionals are usually quite discerning and will demand that their acquisitions meet the highest standards to demand the highest prices. As with most things in life, quality drives price, and you have only one opportunity to present your vehicle as well as possible. Take advantage of that opportunity.

Selling Materials

Carlisle can only present your vehicle as well as you allow us to. Write a good description that accurately and honestly portrays the authenticity, uniqueness, and overall condition of the vehicle. Provide professional or high-quality photos as well. Remember, we are here to help you and can assist with this process.

Inspection and Appraisal

There are quality appraisal and inspection options available to both sellers and buyers. Don’t hesitate to consult with a professional about your selling plans and to help you establish pricing. It serves no purpose to a seller, buyer, or auction presenter to take a vehicle to market that has an unrealistic reserve.

Documentation

Historic documentation, fact sheets, and specification/technical outlines are excellent selling tools. Take the time to create signage and handouts that will educate potential buyers and assure them of considerations such as the vehicle’s provenance, authenticity, originality, condition, or quality. Use traditional print publications, chain of custody or history profiles, web-based services and sites to collect all available information that could help. Print publications, manufacturing materials, original product brochures, club sites, specific vehicle registries, online magazines, and selling sites such as eBay and Collector Car Trader Online are all valuable resources. Be an educated seller!

Represent the Car

Remember that buyers will spend some serious time looking at their potential purchases and that YOU are the best possible representative the vehicle can have. Know the vehicle and stay near it. Be friendly and knowledgeable and spend as much time as possible interacting with buyers and answering their questions. It’s important to even stay with your vehicle in the staging lanes and while it crosses the block. This will allow you to continue to answer questions from buyers and to manage any situations that may arise.

Present the Vehicle Well

Well-detailed cars always bring the most money. Take the time to meticulously clean the car or have a professional do it for you prior to delivery at the auction venue. Once on-site, strive to keep the vehicle as clean as possible right up to the moment selling begins. Professional detailing services are available as an auction venue service.

Reputation

You only get one chance to develop a great reputation in this industry. Speak forthrightly and honestly to potential buyers and allow them a fair chance to make a good decision.