My (miserable) experience with Bring A Trailer | Page 2 | FerrariChat

My (miserable) experience with Bring A Trailer

Discussion in '308/328' started by Futureman, Sep 6, 2016.

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  1. kiwiokie

    kiwiokie Formula 3

    Aug 19, 2013
    1,455
    Tulsa, OK
    Full Name:
    John McDermott
    Perhaps they are chasing the dollar signs? Auction fees pay more than per click advertising?
     
  2. deichenb

    deichenb Formula Junior

    Apr 3, 2007
    554
    Tampa Bay, FL
    Full Name:
    David
    I've been on BaT since 2012 - long before it was an auction site. I truly enjoy it, mostly for the dialogue as well as the knowledge base for many marques. It's like the world's largest C&C that never ends. That's its greatest asset.

    As far as transactions, I've purchased 2 cars from BaT listings before it was an auction site, and sold 1 then purchased 2 more in the auction format. I've always had a good experience. I think that the financial accountability of the buyers is a great filter, as is the relatively high (for on-line) listing fee for sellers. As posted earlier, everyone has skin in the game before a place single bid is placed. I also think the auto-reset feature on the clock is quite the idea. It eliminates sniping and auto-bidding. Sure, the clock isn't perfect, but BaT has improved it over time. BaT detects the user's system time now and make the user aware when there is a timing discrepancy, as well as provides a link to the "official" time.

    Futureman's 328 is a lovely car. It is a very desirable version and presents with a great history. I'm sorry it didn't sell; one of the benefits and risks of any auction is that on any given day a lot can over- or under-perform expectations. Fortunately, 328's are traded all the time in a relatively robust market. There are lots of places to go (live auction archives, eBay archives, BaT archives, Hagerty tools, real people like Mike Sheehan) for the seller to figure out what it's currently worth and how to find the buyer.
     
  3. archibald drinkwater

    Aug 31, 2009
    146
    portland
    Full Name:
    patrick f.
    if its a good car consign it at fantasy junction. there are very few venues that are appropriate to sell a ferrari. ebay and bat aint one of them.
     
  4. henrikthecat

    henrikthecat Rookie

    May 25, 2017
    6
    I have sold five cars on Bat, and here's my experience.

    1) Ferrari 308 - enjoyed the process immensely. The car went to Belgium.
    2) Bentley - buyer didn't pay. I eventually sold it to the second place bidder, it was an absolute nightmare.
    3) Dodge Viper - did not make reserve, I sold it after the auction to somebody else.
    4) McLaren (yes, a McLaren) - sold.
    5) Porsche Targa - buyer refused to pay. He is in Poland and just decided he didn't want it. I sold it for a discounted (try a $10k discount) to the second bidder.

    I posted up on the site on my (Porsche) auction how the results were, not nastily but quite matter-of-fact. that the "buyer" didn't bother following through with the deal, etc. BaT removed it. Apparently they don't want anybody to know that things go wrong.

    I think BaT - who collect a 5% seller's commission immediately via the buyer's credit card - should up that to 10% and then if the deal falls through, 5% should be given to the seller.

    I'm way more annoyed with BaT taking my post down than anything else to be frank. It seems incredibly dishonest somehow.
     
  5. carnutdallas

    carnutdallas Formula 3
    Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 11, 2010
    1,682
    Dallas Burbs
    Full Name:
    Rob

    I know this is an older thread, but thankfully last month you revived it. I am currently in the process of listing 4 cars on BaT. I pitched my 4 cars and they immediately said they were only interested in 2 of them at the moment - weird #1. I then submitted my first car, my info and my reserve. They responded within an hour of submission, that it was a neat car and would gladly list it for no reserve or under XX,XXX - weird #2! We then start dialogue and now it is maybe I hear from them in 2 hours maybe 2 days. They offer $500 for reserve number which is well below my desire and my desire was below market and reasonable on a really cool MGB.

    I am now at the point of not wasting my time; dealing with eBay/CL instead and moving on. I will not expose myself to a potential loss, heck I am already loosing money at my original reserve, but could live with it. The rest of the cars I would maybe do no reserve, but not with their cavalier attitude. They responded that they have so many submissions and not worth negotiating on lower entry sub $20K cars, take the offer or no listing! Why would they low-ball my reserve??

    Howard Swig is one of the owners with is brother and possible other family. Internet research shows they are longtime New Car Franchise dealers in CA. Father past away in 2015 or 16 I believe and I found the obit as well as the dealer history.

    Really bothers me. Their site, their business and I guess I go elsewhere.
     
    Texas Forever and 6.3 like this.
  6. killer58

    killer58 Formula 3

    Jun 30, 2010
    1,189
    CA & DC
    I am currently in the process of 3 listings with them (one listed here as well). It's taken over a month for them to work up the draft, I've dealt with 3 different "Auction Specialists", and so far they are pushing hard for a no reserve listing.

    The most frustrating aspect is their write up - despite extensive maintenance and repair records that document work done, which I've supplied, they state them as "allegedly", "claimed", or "according to seller".

    Their focus is squarely on the 5% buyers fee and not on customer service.

    I chose BaT over eBay to avoid the flakey bidders, but so far the experience doesn't seem much better.
     
    6.3 likes this.
  7. 19633500GT

    19633500GT F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 9, 2010
    11,924
    Blueberry
    Full Name:
    Muffin-Tops
    I listed and successfully sold my friends Rolls last month on BaT, but again, it was a fight on price.

    They stated "$35,000 is fair"

    To which I said "How is that fair when the CHEAPEST current model on the market is priced at $100K?"

    They finally agreed to my modest request of a $45,000 reserve "But, only if you provide 100+ MORE professional photos..."lol (another $200 there!).

    My biggest complaints were the price arguments, and the time they take to respond (never in a timely or professional manner IMO).

    If I was the CEO, I would be HAMMERING my employees into an unchanging schedule that has a flow consistent with a 24 hour operating business. There are no excuses when $100's of thousands are being spent and dealt with.
     
    6.3 likes this.
  8. pizzadude

    pizzadude Formula 3

    Feb 20, 2001
    1,265
    Indianapolis, IN
    Never sold on BAT but look at it every day ( several times)
    To me EBay has become a complete joke.
    Last time I sold a car I had someone hit the BIN in the first 20 min.
    Then they never paid for the car so they basically torpedoed my listing 20 min in and then it was tied up for 2 weeks while I tried to figure out of the guy was really going to pay.
    Not to mention now you can't leave negative feedback when someone does something like this.
    I used to use it all the time and very rarely use it any more to buy or sell.
     
    6.3 likes this.
  9. carnutdallas

    carnutdallas Formula 3
    Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 11, 2010
    1,682
    Dallas Burbs
    Full Name:
    Rob
    Thank you all for the follow-up comments. I am still on the fence. The CEO is Howard Swig. I promise you beyond a shadow of a doubt that, I could improve BaT 10 times over if it was my site. Responsiveness is a key priority that has motivated my business for the last 25 years. I can only imagine some of the difficulties of the growth of BaT, but it still does not excuse their operational practices.

    This would be my 3rd attempt to list with them and I have never been able to pull the trigger because of my interactions and observations just trying to get to that point. But they are apparently so busy and obviously lucrative, that they can operate the way they do.

    I think I am going to go back to eBay, sigh.....
     
    6.3 likes this.
  10. gilach

    gilach Rookie

    Nov 23, 2009
    6
    I sold my Renault R5 Turbo2 on BaT several years ago, prior to when they had their auctions. My asking price was reasonable, and they even suggested that i go higher. I recently reached out to them to list a Hemi car, and in fairness it took them about 3 days to respond. My proposed reserve was $60K, they came back with $50K. I have been following the market for over a year on this car, i have never seen a car in similar condition go for $50!!!! so i countered with $55K. They declined. It really felt like it was a one way street and that i was negotiating a price for my car with the broker. a decent broker works both sides.
    As you guys have all mentioned, they must be looking at their metrics and trying to get every auction to sell, and in the process driving down the market price of many cars in my opinion...at least on their site.
    I'm listing on Ebay. The only issue i came across there is that it's a little tricky to show a lot of pictures, but was able to do it using a jpegbay.com. I'll post an update when the auction closes on ebay.
     
    6.3 likes this.
  11. energy88

    energy88 Two Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Jan 21, 2012
    26,812
    West of Fredericksburg, VA
    Full Name:
    John
    I really enjoyed BAT when their format was primarily a listing information service that contained listings I might have otherwise over looked. However, their switch to an auction format seems to be about 40 cars per day in an email that are either closing soon, in progress, or closed yesterday. I certainly don't begrudge BAT from trying to earn a living, but the numerous comments about acceptable reserve levels does seem to smack a bit of market manipulation in the current stagnant/soft market environment.

    However, like Fchat, I do enjoy all the informed blog comments about the various cars.

    I'm going to be parting with a car soon and will give BAT consideration, but my hopes of dealing with them are now greatly diminished.
     
  12. carnutdallas

    carnutdallas Formula 3
    Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 11, 2010
    1,682
    Dallas Burbs
    Full Name:
    Rob
    My MGBis currently on BaT, no where near the lowered reserve they requested. Will go eBay as soon as auction is over and will just run until sold

    My other 4 vehicles will go on CL and eBay as well. I would not give them my $99 again (normal price is $250! To list)


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  13. gilach

    gilach Rookie

    Nov 23, 2009
    6
    That reminds me, i reached out to BaT a few years back to list my 930,-i sent them several emails- i never heard back from them and ended up posting it on craigslist. I had 5 legit buyers of interest, 4 in the US and one overseas. I ended up selling to a guy out in CA for full asking price. i still keep in touch with the buyer and the guy from overseas. Craigslist is pretty good.
     
  14. killer58

    killer58 Formula 3

    Jun 30, 2010
    1,189
    CA & DC
    OK, the auction is over so I'll amend my comments above with an update:

    After taking a firm stance with my reserve, they relented. Once the auction went live, the reserve was met that same day. In the end, the car sold for 75% OVER the reserve price! So I don't understand why the pressure for "no reserve."

    The Auction Specialist I dealt with was obviously very young. After I explained the nuances and the implied message of his chosen words, he admitted that he hadn't realized their effect. I sent him repair invoices to substantiate the condition and my claims, and he made very acceptable changes to the ad copy.

    The auction itself went smoothly, and there quite a bit of action in the last 20 minutes. I had several questions about the car and tried to answer them as quickly as possible.

    The buyer seems very eager and we were exchanging e-mails within minutes of the final hammer.

    So now that it's over, I have softened my opinion quite a bit. I am "satisfied" with the overall service and will use them again for selling my other two vehicles.
     
  15. 6.3

    6.3 Rookie

    Nov 2, 2017
    2
    Los Angeles County
    Full Name:
    Alex Trosch
    #40 6.3, Nov 2, 2017
    Last edited: Nov 2, 2017
    My opinion exactly. I have posted qualified comments that have either the seller or BaT in an unfavorable light and they were always deleted. To get honest and clear constructive criticism and delete it seems seriously dishonest



    I don;t share that opinion. BaT severely censors the posts. They delete anything that shows facts in a different light .
    Just to delete other opinions makes you wonder what they do in really serious matters.
    I think a part of that is obvious in the few posts above !

    Knowing NOW what I read above, with BaT controlling the reserve reminds me how Mecum pressures the sellers to drop their reserve on stage, in front of the the whole auction crowd.
    I would not list with them. Their ONLY interest is the commission for a sale, regardless of the SELLER"s interest.
     
  16. 6.3

    6.3 Rookie

    Nov 2, 2017
    2
    Los Angeles County
    Full Name:
    Alex Trosch
  17. Dr Tommy Cosgrove

    Dr Tommy Cosgrove Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 4, 2001
    35,278
    Birmingham, AL
    Full Name:
    Tommy
    BAT is elective.

    If you want to dump a car with a low reserve, use them. If you want top dollar for your Ferrari and they tell you to lower the reserve, don't use them.

    I'm not defending BAT, I just don't understand how this is a problem.
     
  18. energy88

    energy88 Two Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Jan 21, 2012
    26,812
    West of Fredericksburg, VA
    Full Name:
    John
    I wouldn't know. I can only see the blog comments that are present. I find the blog comments from persons familiar with certain known issues about a particular model useful in evaluating the merits of the vehicle in play.
     
  19. beng

    beng Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Jan 24, 2006
    610
    RSF, California
    Full Name:
    Benjamin Galdston
    My experience was almost identical to. gilach’s - I had an immaculate original 1986 930. BaT made ridiculous demands about photography, the description, price, exclusivity, etc. In the end, I sold full market price to a appreciative buyer in Europe who remains in contact. That said, I like to visit BaT and would consider buying because I assume sellers have some financial urgency if they are willing to play by BaT’s rules. I’ve seen some decent cars sell below market as a result.
     
  20. rdefabri

    rdefabri Three Time F1 World Champ

    Jun 4, 2008
    33,571
    NJ
    Full Name:
    Rich
    It was better when it wasn't an auction site IMHO. Whatever, it works for them...
     
  21. 19633500GT

    19633500GT F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 9, 2010
    11,924
    Blueberry
    Full Name:
    Muffin-Tops
    My 308 is on currently.

    https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1978-ferrari-308-gts-5/

    So far. Meh. Not blown away, but not unhappy.

    It is frustrating though that (at least on my computer) the same 10-12 cars scroll across the top that are currently being auctioned. Yet I’ve never seen mine in there...so, advantages on eyes on seems a bit “unfair” as we all paid $99 respectively to post.

    The ad writing is...lackluster? Ironically, I may apply though, see what happens if I can make some positive changes maybe.

    Oh, and some guy says my 308’s a parts car lol...
     
  22. topcarbon

    topcarbon F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 3, 2006
    2,578
    Never seen the 308 get any love on there
    I think the top scrolling cars are based on web traffic
    It does seem as the auction gets deeper most cars get forgotten by most
     
  23. I'm mixed. I did really good on selling my car, better than I expected. There really is not much moderation or response once it was listed. I did have to proof read the add & make several corrections, before I hit that submit button. They did push for a lower reserve, but luckily it sailed past it. It took almost a month to compose, but in fairness to Bat the add was far more than your typical eBay add. Some cars like ricers seem to do really good. I think they have more going on than they can manage, but what a cash cow. And for the sellers, there can be a Bat premium paid for your car due to the bid extensions.
     
  24. Rory J

    Rory J Formula 3
    Rossa Subscribed

    May 30, 2006
    1,078
    Have sold two fairly inexpensive cars on BaT (a Fiat 124 Spider and a Porsche 944 S2). Both brought about 25% more money than I would have expected from a regular private sale using CL or classifieds, but I was hammered on reserve for each car (ended up reaching a fair compromise on both) and communication from the team there is hit and miss. Both cars went live unexpectedly -- I was given no advance warning.

    BaT was founded by a guy named Randy, who I met once on a vintage rally and he came off as a little conceited to me. Howard Swig is their auctions manager or some such. I think they probably run a skeleton crew to keep costs down and profit up and they don't want to pay for people who can write well. Basically, it's BaT's way or the highway. Take it or leave it. I'd use them again for certain types of cars just because I think I'll get the most for them there, but understand going into it that the customer service is very lacking.
     
  25. deichenb

    deichenb Formula Junior

    Apr 3, 2007
    554
    Tampa Bay, FL
    Full Name:
    David
    I have bought one and sold 2 on BaT in auction format, and bought 2 other cars off the site before it was an auction format. All of my transactions have been uneventful. C’mon guys - it’s time for a Little Love:

    (1) BaT has a great community of users. Like a C&C every day. The depth of knowledge is pretty amazing.

    (2) BaT serves a true niche and is a curated selection - these types of cars were not assembled elsewhere before for auction sale, whether live or on-line.

    (3) Where do you get more as a seller for your XYZ car worth between $5,000-$50,000. I’ll challenge anyone to show me larger public sales numbers for comps in they price range than BaT.

    I’m a repeat customer. I’ll be back again.
     

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