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Frequently Asked Car Consignment Questions

By connecting with a licensed 'Consignment Pro' dealership listed on Retail My Ride, you get more Value, Safety, Expertise, and Convenience.

You might be interested in reading: Why Choose Car Consignment? More Money, Safety, Simplicity

Dealerships that accept vehicles on consignment look at vehicle type, mileage, mechanical soundness and overall condition to determine if your vehicle meets their retail criteria. Click the article link below to learn more and do a quick self-assessment of your vehicle:

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Our sellers typically pocket $1,500 to $3,500 more than the lowball offers from those "other guys."  Get connected with one of our trusted network "Consignment Pro" dealerships near you for more details about your specific vehicle's retail market value. They know the retail market best because they eat, sleep and breathe selling your type of vehicle. They are experts at evaluating, appraising and determining the optimal "triple-win" price for getting you the most money.

You might be interested in reading: The Secret to Selling Your Car for More: The Triple-Win Pricing Strategy

Yes. Retail My Ride operates as a nationwide network across the United States, connecting private vehicle owners with licensed retail dealerships that specialize in professional retail car consignment services.

While sellers typically work with a local dealership partner, vehicles are marketed to buyers across the country through major automotive marketplaces and dealer marketing channels. This approach combines the expertise and security of a licensed dealership with nationwide buyer exposure, helping sellers reach a larger pool of potential buyers.

Retail My Ride currently works with vetted dealer partners across most U.S. states and continues to expand its Consignment Pro dealer network, helping make Retail My Ride America’s #1 hub for car consignment by bringing professional retail consignment services to more markets across the country.

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No. Retail My Ride does not buy, list, or sell vehicles directly.

Instead, we connect private vehicle owners with licensed, independently owned dealerships that specialize in professional car consignment.

These dealerships handle the entire selling process—from pricing and marketing to buyer financing and final paperwork—helping you sell your car for its full retail value.

Because we don’t purchase vehicles, there’s no incentive to underpay. Our role is to help you choose the best path and connect you with the right dealership to maximize your outcome.

Each network dealership prices their services a little differently based on your type of vehicle, range of services requested and other variables, but will typically charge:  1) a small upfront enrollment fee, 2) a commission fee taken if/when your vehicle sells and 3) fees for optional services such as detailing, reconditioning, repairs, etc., to maximize your vehicle's value and salability. It is important to discuss the pricing terms and total cost expectations with your Consignment Pro dealership and include the agreed upon terms in a written consignment agreement during the enrollment process.

You might be interested in reading: What Costs Are Associated With Using a Consignment Dealer to Sell My Vehicle?

Each network dealership's consignment program is a little different depending on your geographic area and type of vehicle, but generally speaking, most Consignment Pros (dealership) will take care of everything. They will get your vehicle inspected, appraised, prepared, photographed, listed and sold. You don’t have to do anything! Simply sign up, hand them your keys, sit back, and collect a dealer check when your vehicle is sold.

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Retail My Ride only earns revenue from its dealer network when a referred vehicle is successfully accepted and stocked in at a dealership.

The website and all of its resources are completely free for sellers to use.

There are no upfront costs or fees. Our role is to connect you with a qualified dealership and help guide the process, while the dealership handles the sale and earns their commission and/or selling fees only when the vehicle sells.

Because we don’t buy vehicles, our incentives are aligned with yours—helping you get the highest possible value for your car.

Each Consignment Pro dealer set their own consignment terms, which are reviewed with you before moving forward.

Not all licensed automotive retail dealerships offer consignment services. However, all of the "Consignment Pros" listed on Retail My Ride are licensed, bonded, insured, and state-approved motor vehicle dealers that provide their own unique consignment program, fees, and valuations depending on your type of vehicle. They generally handle all aspects of getting your vehicle inspected, appraised, prepared, listed, and sold. You hand them the keys, then sit back and collect your money when it sells. Its that easy.

You might be interested in reading: Meet the Experts Behind Retail Car Consignment

Most network "Consignment Pro" dealerships will have your vehicle sold within 15 - 45 days (some faster, some a little longer). During your initial visit and free consultation with our network dealer, they will discuss their market expectations based on year, make, model, mileage, condition, maintenance records, and history 

Here is a general checklist of the most common things you will need to bring with you when you take your vehicle to a network "Consignment Pro" dealership.  You should always ask your Consignment Pro for their list before your appointment:

  • Driver license or valid ID
  • Clean Title or payoff statement from your lender/lienholder, if loan balance outstanding
  • Copy of vehicle registration
  • Proof of insurance (you generally must maintain full insurance coverage while consigned)
  • Extra keys
  • Maintenance records, extended warranty policy, if available
  • Minimum of ½ tank of Gas
  • Vehicle should be clean inside & out to a “display-ready” level

You should consult with your "Consignment Pro" dealer to get their specific answer to this question. However, it is usually okay as long as the amount you owe (bank payoff) is not significantly more than your car's retail consignment selling price minus their consignment fee(s). Once your car is sold, your Consignment Pro will pay your lienholder directly from the sale proceeds and give you a check for any difference. If you owe more than your vehicle's retail consignment value (called Negative Equity or Underwater), many Consignment Pros will still allow you to enroll in their program, but may require you to place the estimated difference/shortfall in escrow at time of enrollment.

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Always be sure to consult with your network "Consignment Pro' dealer and your insurance carrier about insurance requirements in your state and based on your type of vehicle. Generally, you will be required to maintain full coverage while your vehicle is on consignment at the dealership.  

Most, if not all states require licensed dealers to be bonded and insured for liability. Many dealers also carry Garage Keepers coverage in the event something happens to a customer's vehicle while in their care and custody (i.e., test drives, storage, transporting, etc.), but these policies my not cover Force Majeure or "Acts of God," such as weather, fire, flood, etc. while your vehicle is with them on consignment.

You should also contact your insurance carrier to determine if your policy has any coverage exclusions for damage or loss while on consignment. 

Lastly, check to see that insurance is addressed to your satisfaction in the consignment agreement.

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Retail My Ride
Selling your car doesn't have to be stressful — or wholesale. Retail My Ride connects you with a licensed retail dealership that handles everything from marketing and showings to financing and paperwork. You collect more money when your car sells. Retail My Ride is trusted as America's #1 Hub for Retail Car Consignment.

Learn more through our Articles, Common Questions, Testimonials, About Us, and Which Vehicles Are Best Suited for Consignment.