How to run the perfect auction
Selling your car shouldn't be complicated – it should be smooth, profitable and above all fun. At Bidders Highway, we have created a marketplace where enthusiasts meet enthusiasts, and where you as a seller get the maximum return for your vehicle. You get the full final price in your pocket, and you reach thousands of passionate car enthusiasts around Europe.
Autumn is a perfect time for an auction.
Contrary to popular belief, there are lots of enthusiast vehicles sold during the season – the demand is high and buyers are active all year round.
But how do you actually create the perfect auction? Here are our best tips and some inspiration based on our clear statistics.
Prepare your car properly for the photo shoot
First impressions are crucial. A car that is sparkling clean always sells better than one that looks like it needs some care. So take the extra time to properly recondition it before the photo shoot – both inside and out. A clean engine, fresh tires and well-polished details signal care and create a first impression that attracts more bidders. All dirt will show up in the photo!
When it's time to take the photo shoot, you should also think about where the car is parked. Gravel driveways, cramped garages and uneven grass rarely do your car justice. Instead, opt for a location with a nice background, good lighting and enough space to take photos from multiple angles.
The presentation of your car is key to getting the highest possible bid, which is why there is a reason why almost all the cars on the site are professionally photographed. There is a clear difference in the statistics where professionally photographed cars sell more often.
Currently, 80% of all objects are photographed professionally, which is well worth it, as our statistics show that in some cases you can get up to 40% better pay depending on the object. So there is nothing negative about having your car photographed professionally, and it only takes a little extra bid to cover the cost.
History and documentation – The car’s own CV
A vehicle without documentation raises more questions than offers. A vehicle with a complete history instead arouses trust and interest. Therefore, collect all the information you can find: service books, receipts, inspection reports, registration certificates and preferably older documents if the car has an exciting background. This documentation becomes the car’s CV – and it gives speculators the security they need to dare to place high bids. Being able to show that the car has received continuous service or that it has been restored correctly can be what determines the final price.
Fill out the form carefully with as much information as you can, this is the information our agents use to make the best possible description of your car!
A smart reserve price
A reserve price that is too high can be a deterrent, so it's important to find the right balance. Our experience and statistics clearly show that auctions with a realistic and competitive reserve price always attract the most bidders and generate the most engagement. A car where the reserve price has almost been reached or has already been reached attracts the most traffic and is much hotter than other items.
We clearly see in auctions that are sold as "No reserve", that is, completely without a reserve price, that these have a greater commitment from the beginning and right through to the finish. And time and time again it turns out: Courage pays off. On Bidders Highway, several cars without a reserve have not only found new homes, they have also performed better than expected.
Therefore, discuss your price carefully with our administrator – both before and during the auction. We work in this market every day, we have access to all the statistics and are experts in how to get the absolute best price for your item. Sometimes it can be wise to adjust the reserve price during the journey to speed up the bidding. The goal is to create an auction that feels exciting and lively, where bidders dare to step in early and continue to fight for the car.
Get involved during the auction
The comments section is more than just a forum – it’s your chance to build relationships with the bidders. Here you can answer questions, clarify details and show that you stand behind your car. Being active during the auction signals seriousness and inspires trust, which is often crucial for a final bid to land. A short and clear answer at the right time can be the difference between an uncertain bidder and a determined buyer. The more you participate, the greater the engagement around your auction.
When the auction is over, you will receive the full final price directly in your pocket, without any hidden fees or costs. However, in order for us to be able to help you in the best way, it is important that you are available, especially in the final stages of the auction. Our agents have extensive experience and can provide advice in the crucial minutes that often determine the final outcome.
Conclusion
The perfect auction is no accident – it is the result of preparation, commitment and the right platform. With Bidders Highway you get security, reach and full payout – and you get the FULL ended price.
Ready to sell? Start your sale today and let your car take its place in front of thousands of enthusiasts!
Quick Guide: How to Succeed on Bidders Highway (Download PDF here)
- Wash the car properly: Preferably a full recondition for the best overall impression.
- Get help from our photographers: Clear difference in statistics where professionally photographed cars are sold more often.
- Collect documentation: Service history, receipts and other papers build trust.
- Fill out the form carefully: The more info, the better the ad.
- Review the ad text: Always provide feedback so that everything is correct and selling.
- Set a smart reserve price: Absolutely crucial for how "hot" the auction will be.
- Be active in the comments field: Answer questions quickly and clearly.
- Be available towards the end: Our agents will help you maximize the result.