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AutoHunter Support

How it Works

For Sellers

The time has come for a safe, easy, and effective online Auction. Powered by ClassicCars.com, we have the expertise and wide market exposure to get your car seen by millions of visitors. Join us today and see what award-winning customer service is all about.

Learn More About Selling Submitting a vehicle for review is free $149.99 listing fee upon acceptance

For Bidders

Enjoy the excitement of finding the perfect car. Our no nonsense, informative and easy to use site is waiting for you. It's easy to register. Just add your profile information and a credit card for bidding. We charge a flat fee of 6.5% of the winning bid (minimum fee of $325, maximum fee of $10,000). Simple and effective.

Learn More About Bidding Bid on curated, pre-vetted vehicles.

For Enthusiasts

We are more than just an auction, we're a community of car lovers. Your comments and questions are encouraged. We feel they can be informative and supportive to the auction process. Got something to say? Join our community today. To register, just add your profile information and you're ready to go.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs
Q: How do I know if an auction has a reserve?
A: Any vehicles that are offered at "No Reserve" will be identified in the listing description, all other lots will have a reserve.
Q: How much does it cost to sell my vehicle on AutoHunter?
A: $149.99 listing fee upon acceptance. There is no selling commission charged. An upgrade option for on-site professional photography is available for an additional fee. Please follow this link for more details on our offerings.
Q: What do I do if I want to buy a vehicle?
A: Registering to bid is easy. First, create an account, you can do so here. Once your account has been created, you will receive an email confirmation. You are required to enter your credit card information from your account page prior to becoming an active bidder.
Q: How can I sell my car on AutoHunter?
A: You can submit your vehicle, at no cost, for personal review by one of our Automotive Specialists. If your vehicle is accepted for auction, an assigned Consignment Specialist will email you to confirm auction acceptance and guide you through the listing process.
Q: What information is required to submit my car for auction?
A: Complete information is required in order to efficiently review your car for auction. Please be prepared with the following information: Complete vehicle description and history, at least 5 photos of vehicle from all sides, one picture of VIN plate, and a picture of the front and rear of the vehicle title. (Title information is strictly confidential, will not be shared, and is part of our Safe n' Secure curation process)
Q: Where can I change my password?
A: You can change your password by going to My Account and then selecting Change Password.
Q: Where can I find my bidding, listing and comment history?
A: All account activity history can be viewed under your "My Account" page.
Q: How can I subscribe to the Daily Hunt email? What is it?
A: You can subscribe to AutoHunter daily emails by signing up here. It is a listing of the current vehicles currently on auction at AutoHunter
Q: I am not receiving emails even though I've subscribed to email communications.
A: Be sure to check the spam folder in your email, sometimes emails will get flagged. If you don't see anything there, confirm that your email address on your profile is correct.
Q: Where can I view completed auctions?
A: Click on the "browse" menu at the top of the page and select the "completed" auction filter on the left hand side of the page. Additionally, you can search for a specific vehicle make or model using the search bar and filter by "completed" auctions.
Q: How do I tag a user in a comment?
A: To tag a specific user in the comment section, type in "@" followed by the username of the person you are wanting to tag. Tagging a user will notify them that they have been tagged in a comment.
Q: How do I contact AutoHunter?
A: You can email us at [email protected] or call us at 480-845-6600. Mon.-Fri. 8AM-5PM MST.
Q: Where can I see all vehicles up for auction?
A: You can see which vehicles are for sale by going to the AutoHunter home page or by selecting Auctions in the Nav Bar at the top of your screen.
Q: How long do I have to bid on a listing?
A: Each vehicle has a clock next to it which states how much time is left until the auction ends.
Q: How do you handle last-minute bids? Why does the auction clock keep adding additional time on?
A: If a bid is placed within the last minute of an auction, an additional minute is added to prevent any last minute "sniping." This helps ensure all interested bidders have a fair chance to bid.
Q: What if I have a question for the seller about a listing?
A: You can submit a question to the seller through the comment section found on the bottom half of the detailed vehicle listing page.
Q: How can I set an email alert when a vehicle becomes available?
A: A notification alert for a future vehicle listing can be set by first logging in, then navigating to the detailed listing page for a similar vehicle that you are interested in, then clicking on the "set an alert" icon. The alert can be disabled by re-clicking on the "alert set" icon found on the same page. You can manage all enabled alert vehicles by logging in, then navigating to the "My Account Home" found at the drop down menu located next to your user name in the upper right of any AutoHunter web page.
Q: How can I inspect a vehicle?
A: We encourage potential bidders to inspect the listing prior to placing a bid. If you wish to arrange an inspection you can coordinate with the seller via the comment section found on the bottom half of the detailed vehicle listing page. You may also contact AutoHunter customer service at [email protected] to arrange correspondence with the seller.
Seller FAQs
Q: How much does it cost to sell my vehicle on AutoHunter?
A: $149.99 listing fee upon acceptance. There is no selling commission charged. An upgrade option for on-site professional photography is available for an additional fee. Please follow this link for more details on our offerings.
Q: How can I sell my vehicle on AutoHunter?
A: You can submit your vehicle, at no cost, for personal review by one of our Automotive Specialists. If your vehicle is accepted for auction, an assigned Consignment Specialist will email you to confirm auction acceptance and guide you through the listing process.
Q: What information is required to submit my vehicle for auction?
A: Complete information is required in order to efficiently review your vehicle for auction. Please be prepared with the following information:
  • Complete vehicle description and history
  • At least six photos of vehicle from all sides
  • One picture of VIN plate
  • A picture of the front and rear of the vehicle title *
* (Title information is strictly confidential, will not be shared, and is part of our Safe-n-Secure™ curation process)
Q: How long does it take for my vehicle to go live?
A: Our goal is to get your vehicle listing on the auction as soon as possible. The listing timeline is primarily dependent on the amount of completed vehicle information that is submitted. Ensuring that your submission is complete allows for the quickest processing time. Our team will be with you every step of the way to guide you through the process and establish the timeline for your vehicle.
Q: How will I be paid when the auction is over?
A: Shortly after a vehicle sells on AutoHunter, the seller and buyer are digitally 'introduced' to complete the transaction. We recommend the buyer and seller follow our recommended best practices to ensure a " safe-n-secure™ " transaction.
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A: We accept all major credit and debit cards.
Q: How do you choose which vehicles to accept for auction?
A: All auction vehicles are evaluated by our team of Automotive Specialists. They review a number of the vehicle's characteristics including condition, collectability, vehicle history, documentation, and more. If you're not sure if your vehicle is a fit for us, there's no cost to Submit a Vehicle for review.
Q: What happens if my vehicle is NOT accepted for auction?
A: Not every vehicle is accepted for auction. If a submission does not meet our curation criteria, an email of non-acceptance will be sent to the seller. But don't despair! As an alternative option, we will assist you in selling your vehicle on our sister site, ClassicCars.com, at a special rate.
Q: Can I sell if I am not in the US?
A: Currently we are only accepting consignment vehicles located in the US and Canada. If your vehicle is located outside of those two countries, please contact us directly to discuss your needs.
Q: How long do auctions last?
A: AutoHunter auctions are live for 7 days. Auctions are typically scheduled to start and end on a weekday.
Q: Why does the time on the auction clock keep resetting to two-minutes?
A: In the very final moments of an auction the bidding can become fast paced. If new bids are received in the final minute of the auction, the auction will be automatically extended an additional minute until such time that there are no longer any new bids being received. This simulates a traditional auction, where bidding continues until bidders stop.
Q: How do reserves work?
A: A reserve is the minimum price you are willing to sell your vehicle for. We work closely with our consignors to set a market correct reserve. Realistic reserves increase the overall buyer experience which can increases bidding activity. Reserve values are not shown to bidders and we do not acknowledge when reserves have been met during the live auction.
Q: Should I reveal my reserve price?
A: When you are a seller, the reserve price you set is private and confidential and should remain that way. Revealing your reserve price before an auction ends can negatively limit your car from reaching its bidding success. Never reveal your price especially in public comments, "question to seller", or internal messaging. If asked, simply refer the bidder to the auction and prompt them to bid a price that they are comfortable with.
Q: What happens if my listings reserve isn't met?
A: If the auction has not ended, you can lower the reserve on your vehicle at any time by emailing your assigned Consignment Specialist. If the auction has ended and your vehicle has not sold, you will receive an email describing a special benefit for consignors that entitles them to a listing on ClassicCars.com at no charge.
Q: Can I edit my listing once the auction goes live?
A: Generally, edits are not permitted once an auction has gone live. If you feel an edit is necessary, please submit your requests directly to your Auction Account Representative. You can also leave comments and can answer bidder questions on the vehicle description page during the auction to help improve the clarity of your listing.
Q: Can I make a deal outside of the auction?
A: Vehicles listed on AutoHunter are for sale exclusively through the auction site. AutoHunter incurs considerable expense to advertise listings, maintain & operate the platform, and support an administrative staff. As such, if a buyer or seller subverts the auction by attempting to make a deal outside of the auction, you will be banned from the site. If a buyer attempts this tactic with a seller, the best approach is to simply refer the buyer back to the auction and instruct them to place a bid that they are comfortable with.
Q: Can I relist my vehicle if it doesn't sell?
A: Typically, we do not re-list the same vehicle if it does not sell. In the case of a no sale, you will receive an email describing a special benefit for consignors that entitles them to a listing on ClassicCars.com at no charge.
Q: Can I lower my reserve?
A: Yes, you can lower the reserve on your vehicle at any time. Please contact your assigned Consignment Specialist to lower your reserve price.
Q: Can I cancel my auction listing?
A: We do not allow the cancellation of listings once the auction goes live. Only in extreme cases where a vehicle has suffered a significant change such as theft or damage will there be consideration. Please notify us if such an event occurs.
Q: Can you provide me a photographer recommendation?
A: We offer an on-site professional photography upgrade option for an additional fee. If interested, please select this option during the payment process, or contact us directly at: 480-845-6600. Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST.
Bidder FAQs
Q: How do I know if an auction has a reserve?
A: Any vehicles that are offered at "No Reserve" will be identified in the listing description, all other lots will have a reserve.
Q: How do I register to bid?
A: Registering to bid is easy. First, create an account, you can do so here. Once your account has been created, you will receive an email confirmation. You are required to enter your credit card information from your account page prior to becoming an active bidder. A 1$ credit card security hold is temporarily placed upon entry of your credit card and is promptly reversed upon validation.
Q: How do I subscribe to auction updates?
A: There are two ways. You can subscribe to the Daily Hunt email by signing up here or on any AutoHunter page footer. SMS updates are also available by going to the auction listing page and clicking the watch button in the bidder box. If you no longer want to receive auction updates for that auction, you can click the watch button again to un-watch and unsubscribe to updates.
Q: I want to bid on a listing. Where can I find more information about the vehicle?
A: You can find all relevant information on the vehicle listing page, including the description and photos. The Comments section at the bottom of each listing page provide excellent additional information contributed by the AutoHunter community.
Q: What happens if I win an auction and how does payment work?
A: Congratulations! You will be notified automatically of your win and charged the appropriate 6.5% buyer's fee (with a minimum fee of $325, and a maximum fee of $10,000) based on your winning bid. Both the buyer and seller are emailed each other's contact information to complete the transaction. At that point, you can get in touch through email or telephone to finish the sale, exchange a photocopy of the title and bill of sale, arrange payment via wire transfer, and arrange for delivery.
Q: What happens if the reserve is not met on an auction?
A: Once the auction closes and the reserve has NOT been met, the listing will be converted to a classified listing at ClassicCars.com. You will be able to search for the vehicle and then communicate directly with the seller at that time.
Q: How much is the buyer's fee?
A: We collect 6.5% of the final winning bid with a minimum fee of $325 and a maximum fee of $10,000.
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A: We accept all major credit and debit cards.
Q: How do you handle last-minute bids? Why does the auction clock keep adding additional time on?
A: If a bid is placed within the last minute of an auction, an additional minute is added to prevent any last minute "sniping." This helps ensure all interested bidders have a fair chance to bid.
Q: Can I cancel my bid?
A: Once a bid is placed it cannot be canceled. Please make sure you're committed to the auction and are ready to follow through on your bid.
Q: Can I make a deal outside of the auction?
A: Vehicles listed on AutoHunter are for sale exclusively through the auction site. AutoHunter incurs considerable expense to advertise listings, maintain & operate the platform, and support an administrative staff. As such, if a buyer or seller subverts the auction by attempting to make a deal outside of the auction, you will be banned from the site. As a bidder, the best approach is to simply place a bid that that you are comfortable with.
Q: Can I buy a vehicle that didn't meet reserve?
A: If a vehicle does not sell it will be listed on our partner site ClassicCars.com as a classified listing, where you can contact the seller directly.
Q: Where can I find the Buy it Now price?
A: All vehicles listed on AutoHunter adhere to the live auction format and have no "buy it now" price.
Q: How do I contact a seller?
A: You can submit a question to the seller through the comment section found on the bottom half of the detailed vehicle listing page.
Q: How can I inspect a vehicle?
A: We encourage potential bidders to inspect the listing prior to placing a bid. If you wish to arrange an inspection you can coordinate with the seller via the comment section found on the bottom half of the detailed vehicle listing page. You may also contact AutoHunter customer service at [email protected] to arrange correspondence with the seller.
Q: Can I contact a seller after an auction has closed?
A: If you are the high bidder, we will automatically put you in touch with the seller. If the auction has closed and the reserve has NOT been met, the listing will be converted to a classified listing at ClassicCars.com where you will be able to search for the vehicle and then communicate directly with the seller.
Q: What is a reserve and how does it work?
A: A reserve is the minimum price the seller is willing to sell the vehicle for. The seller's reserve price is confidential and is not shown to bidders. Furthermore, AutoHunter does not acknowledge when a reserve has been met during the auction. All cars listed for auction are considered to have a reserve unless otherwise indicated by "NO RESERVE", as shown in the vehicle title description.
Q: How can I set an email alert when a vehicle becomes available?
A: A notification alert for a future vehicle listing can be set by first logging in, then navigating to the detailed listing page for a similar vehicle that you are interested in, then clicking on the "set an alert" icon. The alert can be disabled by re-clicking on the "alert set" icon found on the same page. You can manage all enabled alert vehicles by logging in, then navigating to the "My Account Home" found at the drop down menu located next to your user name in the upper right of any AutoHunter web page.

User Guides

Bidder Best Practices
Get yourself ready to bid:
Before you bid, make sure you are a registered as a bidder on AutoHunter. To Register is free, but a credit card will be needed prior to bidding.
Do your homework:
For your car of interest, thoroughly read through the vehicle listing description and inspect all the photos. If you have any seller questions or would like to get in touch with the seller you can ask them in the comment section or through the "contact seller" feature. If the car is 1981 or newer, study the CARFAX car history report.
Vehicle inspections:
In some cases, it may be helpful to obtain a pre purchase inspection (PPI). If you have friends in the area where the car is located, you could send them to take a look at the car. Other popular PPI alternatives are a mobile inspection service, a local repair shop, or even a local dealership. Knowing exactly what shape the car is in will give you the ammunition you need to negotiate intelligently.
Stay engaged:
Keep an eye on the comment section of the vehicle listing page. Important information about the car can surface in this section that may influence your bid. If you have any questions, you can ask them in the comments section of the listing.
Get ready to jump in with your bid:
It's best to locate yourself where you are not distracted and can stay focused. Make sure other apps are closed on your device so that random alerts and popups don't interfere. Test internet connectivity in advance and ensure that your speeds are responsive. Get familiar with where to bid so you're not scrambling to find it when the time comes. Bidding can reach a high pace as the auction draws to a close. Some bidders stay on the side lines purposely until the closing minutes. Be alert, and place your bid when you are ready.
You won!
These are some of the most exciting words you can hear. It's fantastic news, and you are eager to press on. Once you win the auction, AutoHunter will virtually introduce you to the buyer. Reach out immediately and introduce yourself.
Dot the "Is" and cross the "Ts":

Discuss the exact time, place, and method to transfer funds, receive your title, and receive your new vehicle.

If you are planning on picking the car up in person; cash, certified bank check, or a wire transfer are common payment methods. A wire transfer is preferred for speed and easy transactional confirmation. If buyer and seller happen to bank at the same bank, account transfers are very effective and can be executed through your mutual bank managers. Just get all parties together and gain agreement on what needs to occur. It's also a good idea to draft a simple "Bill of Sale". There are many samples on the internet. Make plenty of copies for your records.

Another popular method to exchange the title, vehicle and funds is through a neutral escrow company. For a fee, these companies will hold the funds until the exchange is complete. This is very effective, easy, and is set up specifically for these types of vehicle transactions. There are many to choose from and can easily be found as a search on the internet. These services typically charge a service fee based on the selling price of the car.

Verify and communicate:

Ensure that you are getting what you paid for. Be specific on the times and dates that handoffs are to occur. Make sure all keys, manuals, car matts, tools, spare parts and extras are included as described. If you are not sure about anything, ask. Make sure the title has been signed off by the seller. In some states, the newly signed title may need to be notarized. If a Bill of Sale has been created, make sure to obtain it, and that it has all necessary signatures.

Give the vehicle one more final visual inspection. If you're having the vehicle picked up by a transporter, ask the seller to take additional photos of the car prior to it being loaded, and to document any damages like scratches, dents, dings, etc. for comparison when the car arrives. If you find any undocumented damages, contact your shipper immediately to get the issue resolved.

Enjoy:
Congratulate yourself on job well done. You deserve it.
Seller Best Practices
A little time now pays off later:
Spending a few bucks and a little elbow grease can help payoff big when it comes time to sell. Prior to submitting your car for auction at AutoHunter, please take the time to give it a good detail and fix any nagging issues like leaks, squeaks, worn items, scratches, etc. If you need some tips on how to detail your car you can check out our "Preparing your vehicle for Photography" section below.
Details, details:
When submitting your car, include as much information as possible. Be sure to cover areas like present condition, maintenance records, restoration history, ownership history, car shows, articles, awards, modifications/upgrades and any other points relevant to the car. If you're not sure if it's relevant, it's better to include it anyways to ensure our professional auction listing writers have as much information as they need to present your car in its best light.
You look marvelous:
Great photos of your car are an essential part of a successful listing. If you need some tips on how to take pictures of your car, you can check out our online guide . If you'd prefer to let the pros handle it, you can opt for our onsite photography upgrade and we'll send out a professional to take the pics. Hassel free.
Stay engaged:
Keep an eye on the comment section of the vehicle listing page. Important information about the car can surface in these sections that may require your prompt reply. Timely responses from the seller will help sell your car as effectively as possible. Be responsive. If you have opted in to receive SMS messages and/or email notifications in your user profile, you will automatically be messaged directly as new comments are posted.
The reserve price is only your business:
When you are a seller, the reserve price you set is private and confidential. Revealing your reserve price can negatively limit your car from reaching its bidding success. Never reveal your price, especially in public comments. If asked, simply refer the bidder to the auction and prompt them to bid a price that they are comfortable with.
Going once, going twice. Sold!
Once your car has sold, AutoHunter will virtually introduce you to the buyer. Reach out immediately and introduce yourself. The buyer will be eager to complete the transaction.
Show me the money:

If you are planning on transferring the car in person, it is common to receive payment in cash, certified bank check, or a wire transfer. A wire transfer is preferred for speed and easy transactional confirmation. If the buyer happens to bank at your same bank, account-to-account transfers are very effective and can be executed through your mutual bank managers. Just get all parties together and gain agreement on what needs to occur. It's also a good idea to draft a simple "Bill of Sale". There are many samples on the internet.

Another popular method to exchange the title and funds is through a neutral escrow company. For a fee, these companies will hold the funds until the exchange is complete. This is very effective, easy, and is set up specifically for these types of vehicle transactions. There are many to choose from and can easily be found as a search on the internet. As an example, we have received good reviews for a company called .

Delivery checklist:

Discuss with the buyer the exact time, place, and method to transfer funds, title, bill of sale, and of course the vehicle.

Organize all of your keys, manuals, car matts, tools, spare parts, touchup paint, history files, and extras are included as described. Leave a note in the car if there any tips about starting the car, connecting the battery, setting the brakes etc. Make sure the title has been signed off by the seller. In some states, the newly signed title may need to be notarized. If a Bill of Sale has been created, make sure to obtain it, and that it has all necessary signatures. Make copies of everything.

Discuss how the buyer plans to transport the car. If the buyer is shipping the car with a 3rd party carrier, document the condition of the vehicle before it gets loaded up for your own records. The carrier should make note of any dings, dents, scratches, etc. on the bill of lading, make sure to ask them for a copy as well. It's likely the buyer will need your help in scheduling vehicle pickup, access to the vehicle, and general help ensuring the car gets loaded up by the shipping company.

Wave goodbye!
Your old vehicle served you well. It's time to pass the torch on to the next enthusiast. Ensure that all stages of the transfer go as smoothly as possible. It always helps to be as supportive as possible, as your positive actions now can foster a strong reputation for your future transactions. Job well done!
Preparing Your Car for Photography
Taking great photos of your car is one of the big driving factors that will set your car apart from the rest. Here are some tips on getting your car prepped and ready to photo just like a Hollywood star!
Clean and neat:
Wash it like you never have before:

  1. Use a hose or a sprayer to rinse off all the loose dirt and grime from your paint. This will reduce the possibility of scratching your paint. Once finished, put your soap/water mix in a wash bucket or a foam sprayer. Using a microfiber wash mitt, wash each section of your car. Once you are done, rinse your car off, making sure to wash away all remaining soap. It's best to wash in the car in shade to prevent streaking.
  2. While your wheels are still wet, use a wheel and tire cleaner and apply directly to your wheels and the front face of your tires. Using a brush or mitt, clean your wheels. Be sure to not let the chemical dry and quickly rinse off once you are finished.
  3. Dry your car using microfiber towels, its good practice to open your trunk, doors and hood to get that sneaky remaining water. If you drop a towel on the ground, get a fresh one.
Details, details:
Now that your done washing your car, it's time to move on to detailing:
  1. Exterior: A quick detailer is a fast and effective way to make your car's paint look great. Spray some quick detailer onto a microfiber towel and wipe down your car. Remember to wipe each panel in the same direction, do not wipe in a circular motion. Stay in the shade. A soft bristle tooth brush can get those hard to reach places to remove built up wax.
  2. Wheels/tires: Everyone loves a nicely dressed tire! Choose a tire dresser, some great products to use are Adams Polishes Tire Shine, Griot's Tire Coating, or Meguiars Tire Shine. There are multiple levels of shine available, make sure to choose the product for the level you want and follow the application instructions on the product container.
  3. Interior: There are a few practices involved to get your interior clean. Start with vacuuming your carpets (in the same even direction), floor mats, and your seats to remove any debris. Use interior detail wipes or an interior cleaning spray with a microfiber to wipe your dash, steering wheel, console, door panels, etc.
  4. Glass: Clean your windows using a glass cleaner that is ammonia free. Spray product directly to your windows and wipe with a clean microfiber towel, or you can spray directly onto the towel and wipe clean with the dry side for those hard to reach areas. This will reduce any haze from your glass that may show in photos. Stay in the shade to prevent streaking.
  5. Chrome: Chrome polish not only removes surface contaminants but also lays down a beautiful shine that catches the light. Use sparingly.
  6. Engine bay: Cleaning your engine bay can really elevate the appearance of your car. However, many of the parts aren't designed to withstand direct contact with water so it's essential to protect those components before cleaning. Disconnect your battery and cover both battery cables along with any other wires and electronic components (like distributors, coil packs, computer modules etc.). If your car is carbureted, cover your air filter as well.

    Once everything is protected, use diluted Simple Green or a product like Adams All Purpose Cleaner. Spray the cleaner on everything and use a brush to clean all components. Once you are done, rinse the engine bay thoroughly with a hose. Use towels to wipe away all visible water and if available, blow compressed air into all the nooks and crannies to dry everything before removing the coverings on the electrical items. Last, use a plastic protector, like Armor All, on exposed plastic bits to really make the details pop.

A beautiful background for photos
Now that you have prepped your car perfectly, its time to show it off. Your car is the star! Do not make the mistake of picking an unflattering background for your photos. Garbage cans in the background, an uncut lawn, other vehicles in the shot, or debris around the car is a turn off, and ultimately can reduce the value…all because of a photo! Pick your background carefully. The front of a manicured home, a local landmark, a park, lakeside, interesting architecture (not overwhelming), or a public facility all make wonderful backdrops.
Seller Photo Guide
Best practices for auction photography
Photo Guide

The photographs of your vehicle are a critical component of your listing. Buyers from around the world who view your auction listing rely solely on your pictures and descriptions to help them decide and increase their level of interest in bidding on your car.

The more photos you have, the more interest they have

Without enough information on the vehicle to peak their interest,
they are less likely to get excited about owning it.
Tips Before Getting Started:
  • Take pictures outside in an open area
  • Position car in an area where you have 360 degree access to the car from 20 feet away
  • Make sure the background is acceptable and does not interfere or take away from the real subject of the photo, your car.
Step 1: Take Exterior Pictures


  1. Left front corner
  2. Front side
  3. Right front corner
  4. Right side of car
  5. Right rear corner
  6. Back side
  7. Left rear corner
  8. Left side of car

Stand in the position indicated at right to take the corresponding picture in the list.

photo guide top image view
Example:

Best practices for auction photography
Best practices for auction photography
Best practices for auction photography
Best practices for auction photography
Best practices for auction photography
Best practices for auction photography
Best practices for auction photography
Best practices for auction photography
Step 2: Take Interior Pictures
  • Open left door and take a pic of the driver's area, including steering wheel and instrument panel
  • Open right door and take a pic of interior, including right side of dash area
  • Trunk area (if applicable)
  • Rear seat (if applicable)
Best practices for auction photography
Best practices for auction photography
Best practices for auction photography
Best practices for auction photography
Step 3: Take Pictures Under the Hood
  • Picture of engine from the front or top (depending on hood)
  • Picture of engine from the leftside
  • Picture of engine from the rightside
Best practices for auction photography
Best practices for auction photography
Best practices for auction photography
Step 4: Special areas of interest pictures
Your car may have some special or interesting features that you find personally interesting. Take pictures of those features, chances are, others will find them interesting as well. Examples include: Custom wheels, unique hood ornament, glitzy instruments, interesting hubcaps, pictures of awards from car shows, pictures of media stories.
Best practices for auction photography
Best practices for auction photography
Step 5: Additional Photos for added buyer interest
To ensure the true condition of the vehicle as described, collector car buyers like to see beneath the vehicle as well. Confirming there isn't any damage, rust, bondo, etc. increases the bidders confidence and probability of purchase. If unable to get car on a lift, a simple ground level picture from beneath the front & back bumpers, the left & right rocker panels and the wheel wells, will be sufficient.
Best practices for auction photography
Best practices for auction photography

Contact Us Form

Note: Please provide any details that may help us in responding to your question or comment. If your inquiry involves a specific auction vehicle, please be sure to include the Year/Make/Model of the auction listing.


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