8 Surprising Facts Every Seller Should Know About Car Consignment

When most people decide to sell their car, the same three options come up:

• Trade it in at the dealership

• Take an instant cash offer

• Try selling it privately

But there’s a fast-rising smarter option that many sellers don’t know about (but those who do, love it) - and it often puts thousands more in your pocket with far less hassle: car consignment.

Here are 8 surprising facts that explain why consignment is changing the way people sell their cars.

Fact 1: Most sellers earn $1,500-$3,500 more

Trade-ins and instant offers are built on wholesale pricing. Consignment flips the script: your car is marketed at retail value, just like a dealer’s own inventory.

Example: A car worth $18,000 on trade might sell for $21,000-$22,000 on consignment. That’s thousands back in your wallet, even after our network dealer's reasonable consignment fees.

Fact 2: You stay the owner until it sells

Your name stays on the title until the deal is finalized, giving you full control. You can cancel the consignment anytime before the car sells - no lock-ins, no surprises.

Fact 3: Most vehicles sell in 15-45 days

Once marketed, most consigned cars sell in under six weeks. Trucks, SUVs, and premium models often move even faster - because qualified retail buyers with dealer arranged financing are willing to pay more than wholesalers.

Fact 4: Dealers handle the whole process for you

No listings, no endless messaging, no strangers at your house or job. Consignment dealers handle professional photos, marketing, buyer calls, test drives, negotiations, buyer financing, buyer trade-ins and post-sale DMV paperwork. You simply approve the final offer - they handle everything else.

Fact 5: You only accept offers you’re happy with

Unlike trade-ins or instant cash offers, consignment puts you in control. If a buyer's price isn’t right, you can counteroffer through the dealer or wait for the next buyer. No pressure, no settling. The dealer will keep you informed of the current retail market for your car and make recommendations along the way.

Fact 6: Cars with loans can still be consigned

Even if you’re still making payments, many consignment dealers will accept your car and handle the payoff immediately after the sale. Once the lien is cleared and their commission is netted out, any remaining balance is yours - often much higher than if you’d traded the car in.

Fact 7: Consignment is safer than selling privately

Skip the risks of random meetups, scams, foul-play, and tire-kickers. With consignment, everything happens at a licensed dealership by dealer personnel. It’s professional, secure, and far less stressful. You also remain completely anonymous to the buyer - that protects your privacy and liability.

Fact 8: Your car can be marketed nationwide

Consignment dealers don’t just rely on your local market. They promote cars through online platforms, national networks, client lists, and even international buyers - reaching a wider audience and speeding up the sale.

The Bottom Line

Car consignment gives you the best of all worlds:

• More money (retail pricing)

• Less hassle (dealer handles everything)

• More control (you choose offers to accept)

• More safety (licensed dealership environment)

It’s a smarter way to sell - and thousands of private sellers are already making the switch. Here's what some are saying:  Read seller testimonials

Ready to see what your car could bring on consignment?  Get Started with Retail My Ride

Prefer to speak to a car consignment expert first? Call us at 833-795-CARS (2277) - our team will walk you through the process and answer any questions.