Best way to sell your Corvette?

[Jim H.]

Re: Best way to sell your Corvette?

Depending on your Corvette, you might consign it to auction. The better documented and original your car is, generally speaking, the better you would do. Auction houses vary widely in quality and ethics. Some do a better job with particular marques than others (i.e., Russo and Steele - Shelbys, Mecum - muscle, Gooding/RM - European sports cars and pre-war classics, etc.). There are consignment fees and reserve or non-reserve format to consider - you should do your research before sticking your toe in. But for the sheer entertainment value, few experiences can compare to bringing a well-prepared car to the right auction in the right location for that car.

[Erv M.]

Re: Best way to sell your Corvette?

This is exactly why we need a For Sale section online!!!

[Dan A.]

Re: Best way to sell your Corvette?

This is exactly why we need a For Sale section online!!!

Yep, what he said

[Jeffrey B.]

Re: Best way to sell your Corvette?

I had good luck selling on usedcorvettesforsale.com and the cost to post is very reasonable.
Jeff

[Robert G.]

Re: Best way to sell your Corvette?

Don't fall for any sob stories, hard luck stories, or any of that BS. If they can afford to buy a Corvette, they can afford to pay your price.

[James N.]

Re: Best way to sell your Corvette?

Yep, what he said

.....+1.....

[Ted S.]

Re: Best way to sell your Corvette?

Sell her to me! IF SHE IS REAL WE CAN MAKE A DEAL.

[Russ U.]

Re: Best way to sell your Corvette?

A lot of good advice up above. I sold my restored 54 car a few years ago, and maybe the experience will help you sort out your best approach.

1. I built a website for the car containing a good description, lots of pictures, and the known history: My 54 Corvette.

2. I advertised the 54 for a set price on Corvette Forum - might have been $75k. No takers.

3. I deleted the set price and then posted the 54 on ebay. The bidding hit $67k or so, which was short of my reserve price of $73k.

4. After the auction closed, one of the unsuccessful bidders called me up and we worked out a deal at $70k.

5. Six months latter I learned that the buyer flipped the car at a major auction for about $92k.

Lessons learned:

I believe that buyers pay top dollar for projects on ebay, but don't necessarily pay top dollar for really nice restored cars. Depending on how nice your car is, you should consider a real auction, where you might gain access to more affluent buyers.

If you go the ebay route, be patient. Don't expect to, or even try to, sell the car during the first auction. Treat ebay as a marketing tool - cheap advertising with access to many potential buyers.

Side note - I was not bummed at all when I saw my car sold for $22k more at a major auction. I was born under a lucky star - 53 #276 literally fell into my lap three days after after cashing the check for my 1954. Fate.

Hope this helps,

Russ

[Michael J.]

Re: Best way to sell your Corvette?

Thanks for all the help and ideas. I am basically going the eBay route, it seems the most efficient and low hassle. An auction would be fine, but since I would want to sell "no reserve" (since I don't want to have to spend even more money transporting it back), there are more risks there too.

[Michael F.]

Re: Best way to sell your Corvette?

Good ideas, thanks to all. I have bought tons of stuff on eBay but never had the courage to sell anything, I always worried about dead beat buyers, maybe I shouldn't be so afraid. I have sold to dealers before, but they usually want to low-ball you to death so they can resell at a big profit. But I guess they have to make money too, just hate for it to be off me.

As an Ebay powerseller. I found 99.9% of my 3000+ auctions were completed. The Ebay Motors side has more deadbeats. But it's still the best market place to sell. Gives the world a chance to bid. Remember Scandinavians love Vettes!