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Frequently Asked 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: When Selling Your Car: Why Choose Consignment?

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:

You might be interested in reading: Which Vehicles are Best Suited for Retail Consignment?

Contact a Consignment Pro near you. They know the market best because they eat, sleep and breathe selling your type of vehicle. They are experts at determining the optimal "triple-win" price for getting you the most money.

Get a Free Quote from one of our consignment experts.  Be prepared to be amazed.

You might be interested in reading: The Secret is Revealed: How to Sell Your Car For A Whole Lot More

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?

No. Retail My Ride does not list or sell vehicles directly. We serve as a unique and valuable online tool that connects private owners with independently-owned, licensed dealerships (Consignment Pros) that offer consignment services and specialize in selling certain types of vehicles. The Consignment Pros listed on Retail My Ride generally handle all parts of the automotive retail selling process from A to Z.

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.

You might be interested in reading: Take the Test: Sell It Myself or Call a Car Consignment Dealer?

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: Automotive Retail Consignment Dealers: Unique Experts with a Passion for Selling

Most network "Consignment Pro" dealerships will have your vehicle sold within 5 - 60 days. During your initial visit and consultation, your Consignment Pro dealer 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.

You might be interested in reading: Negative Equity Auto Loan? Discover How to Get Your Head Above Water

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 is the best source for connecting with independently owned retail dealerships that will sell your car, truck, SUV, van, classic car, vintage car, or exotic car for you on consignment. Simply hand them your keys, then sit back, relax and collect more money when it sells. Learn more about us.

Browse our collection of Articles, Common questions, and Testimonials. Find out Which Vehicles Are Best Suited for Consignment and What Your Vehicle is Worth Using Consignment. Search our network of trusted retail consignment dealerships by zip code, city, county, or state to easily find and get connected with nearby dealers that specialize in selling your type of vehicle.