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Why don't they have silent auctions.
99.9% of the people @ auctions are just onlookers in the way anyway.
All registered/interested parties get to FF any vehicle they are interested in.Walk around it,open the hood,open the doors,get under it,etc.
Have the seller of the vehicle standing right next to it to,to answer any pertinent questions if need be.
Then all interested parties write down the maximum amount they would pay for said vehicle,no more,no less,and personally hand it over to a panel of unbiased witnesses at a table,where they are recorded,all by a pre determined time.
They in turn announce the winning amount & hand the title over to the highest offer,IF the reserve is met.
No shouting gavel master or his minions running around either..Nothing personal Amy.
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As a seller/consignor Mr70 suggestion is far the situation I'm hoping for. Mine goes like this.....at lease 2 but hopefully 3 adversarial bidders all with a "nookie" girl in each arm and a stiff drink in each hand. My car goes across the block around 7 pm and they've been boozing since lunch. Each one wants to show the others he has the biggest "johnson". I know its a recipe for disaster but its the same recipe as a windfall profit.
On a more serious note I would advise all consignors to negotiate, negotiate, negotiate. Make all things negotiable not just the day and time across the block or the reserve. Strike all objectionable and one-sided language from the contract. It's written by them to protect them, it's your job to protect yourself. Make sure you strike the arbitration clause, the chance that you'll be the defendant in a suit is miniscule comparded to theirs. You want the opportunity to hit them where it hurts if need be. Negotiate the commisions, don't fall for "its standard and customary" crap. Ask for covered parking in the best tents, free drinks, dinner, hotels, airline flights, extra tickets, limo service, vip seating and private party tickets. All this is available to a select few and your not going to get it all but you might get something and you'll never know without
negotiating. You will also have set the tone on how you expect to be treated. You want their respect not necessarily a friendship. If we all did this then they would have to change.
My rant has given rise to an idea for a business that I think might work...What we need is an "auction advocate", someone who can assist in consigning a car to auction. They would provide the following services:
1. Advise the best aution company for the particular car whether sportscar, muscle, postwar and the like
2. Help arrange transport the car to the auction.
3. Assist in setting the reserve and the write up that the auction house uses in their literature and while its on the block. Proper photo taking for submission
4. Preparation of auction literature and signage.
5. Arrange for detailing and preparation of the car for auction and while at auction
6. Video taping of the auction while your car goes through
7. Assist with negotiations with the auction house while your car is on the block such as the lowering of the reserve.
8. They could also help with shipping the car home if it didn't sell
9. Negotiate the terms on the consignment.
A single consignor with an average car is not going to get as favorable terms as a mutiple consignor or one with rare and desireable cars. But this "auction advocate" who may possibly control many cars may get much better terms. If he's able to get a single auction house to play ball then the others will be forced to follow suit.