Auction Type Selector
Find the best auction format for your vehicle. Select your priorities in each category to get a personalized recommendation with reasoning and suggested settings.
Select Your Preferences
Choose an option in each category to get a personalized auction type recommendation.
Recommended
Why this recommendation
Suggested Settings
Reserve Price
Duration
Marketing Add-ons
Alternative
How we chose this
Each auction type is scored based on how well it matches your priorities. We evaluate five factors:
This calculator is for informational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered financial advice. Always verify calculations with your auction house or financial advisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of vehicle auctions?
There are four main formats: Timed Online Auctions (bids placed over a set period, like eBay-style), Live Auctions (real-time bidding in person or via simulcast), Sealed-Bid Auctions (one-time confidential bids), and Buy-Now/Fixed Price (set a price and wait for a buyer). Each format has different strengths depending on the vehicle, market conditions, and seller goals.
When should I use a timed online auction vs. a live auction?
Timed online auctions work best when you have a desirable vehicle, flexible timing, and want to maximize exposure to a wide buyer pool. They typically run 3–7 days and allow buyers to bid at their convenience. Live auctions are better when you need speed, have high-demand vehicles, or want the competitive energy of real-time bidding to drive prices up. Live events usually sell vehicles in minutes.
What is a sealed-bid auction and when is it useful?
In a sealed-bid auction, each buyer submits one confidential bid without knowing what others have offered. The highest bid wins. This format is useful when selling vehicles with uncertain condition (as-is), fleet disposals, or when you want a simple, low-risk process. It reduces the chance of auction games and can yield fair market value from informed buyers.
Should I set a reserve price?
A reserve price protects you from selling below a minimum acceptable amount. Set a reserve when you have a clear floor price and can afford to wait if bidding doesn't reach it. Skip the reserve when speed is your priority or when the vehicle has strong demand — no-reserve auctions often attract more bidders and can achieve higher final prices through competitive bidding.
How does demand level affect the best auction type?
High-demand vehicles benefit most from competitive formats like timed online or live auctions, where multiple bidders drive prices up. Low-demand or niche vehicles may perform better in sealed-bid auctions (where informed buyers bid fair value) or buy-now listings (where you can wait for the right buyer at a set price). Medium-demand vehicles are flexible and work well across most formats.
What factors should I consider when choosing an auction format?
Key factors include your primary goal (price, speed, or certainty), the vehicle's condition and documentation quality, market demand for the model, your time constraints, and your risk tolerance. The best format balances all these factors. For example, a well-documented popular car with flexible timing is ideal for a timed online auction, while an as-is vehicle you need to move quickly suits a buy-now or sealed-bid approach.