Feedback from using Bring-A-Trailer AKA BAT Autions

GolfBavaria

GolfBavaria

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So, I was reading this thread:

http://www.e9coupe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20432

I was going to put a certain car on BAT in a week or so but now I am having second thoughts. One of my cars made it on there a while back with the old forum, before the auction style and was bashed pretty good by the comments. It was posted by a reader, one of those. It was on CL at the time. It was an older Porsche and I know the readers love bashing older 911's and BMW coupes, no matter the condition it seems. Everyone on there is an "expert" at every car kind of thing. And, it is funny at times yes, but when it is your car that you have put work and $$$ into to try and save, it is not that enjoyable. I have an iron stomach when it comes to that kind of thing, I didn't need to go to a therapist or anything LOL, but now I am wondering if I want to deal with all that again. And it sounds like it is a total pain to pull the auction if sold locally. That is not a practice I typically like to do, but if done within the auction rules, sometimes it is nice to have the option.

I'd like to here from the people that have had actual experience with BAT selling with the Auction style. I have already read the comments in the link of course, so I am leaning on going a Hemming's route now. I can't say the exact car at the moment unfortunately, it is a car I am selling for a friend but it is a rare BMW. So please do not ask out of respect. When the time comes to sell it, I will try and give you all first dibs but I can't guarantee it. Not my decision. TY for any advice in advance.
 
teahead said:
I think they charge 5% to the buyer w/a max of $5000. I think it's free for the seller?
Click to expand...

My understanding is that the seller pays $250. I have a friend who has sold a few cars through BAT and is thoroughly satisfied with them.

GolfBavaria said:
I know the readers love bashing older 911's and BMW coupes, no matter the condition it seems. Everyone on there is an "expert" at every car kind of thing. And, it is funny at times yes, but when it is your car that you have put work and $$$ into to try and save, it is not that enjoyable.
Click to expand...

Yes, readers do make snarky comments but I'm not convinced that has much impact on the final price.
 
I don't know about the BAT thing, but because those of us who own rare BMWs are often asked by others whether we know of cars like ours that are for sale, I recommend starting with the community most closely associated with the rare BMW you are seeking to sell. This place for a Coupe or a Bav, mye28 for an e28, first fives, bigcoupe, rvlimited, etc.

It may not work, but if it does you don't have commissions and whatnot.
 
Did you try selling locally on CL first? Or selling remotely on CL (place ads in bigger metropolitan areas)?
 
I sold a car on BAT about a year ago and was extremely satisfied with the result. Yes a lot of the comments are from people who lack real knowledge and are just posting because they can. However, the serious buyers like the fact that they can engage the seller if he/she is willing and the result is a transaction that is more likely to be completed than in any other auction format. That's just my sense.

BAT appears to be growing in popularity and size by the week and while it isn't perfect by any means, it is a refreshing alternative to the other mega-auction site. Unless it has changed, $250 flat fee for the seller and 5% for the buyer is correct, I believe.
 
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