If you’re looking to buy a classic, exotic, or collector car, working with a consignment dealer can offer unique advantages, but you need to know what to look for. In this guide, Premier Financial Services Midwest Sales Manager Ross Dressel and Spencer Trenery of Fantasy Junction share expert tips on navigating the consignment car market, ensuring your dream car purchase is as smooth as it is exciting.
What Is a Consignment Dealer?
A consignment dealer sells vehicles on behalf of private owners, offering the seller more visibility and the buyer more options. For sellers, consignment can be a safer and potentially more profitable alternative to private sales or trade-ins.
“With consignment, sellers are essentially leaving their car in the hands of a dealership to expose it to more buyers than they could on their own,” says Dressel.
Benefits and Trade-Offs for Buyers
Cars sold on consignment are often higher quality because dealers typically vet them thoroughly before accepting them. However, higher visibility can lead to higher asking prices, with dealer commissions baked in. Be prepared to negotiate, and know that commission structures vary. Some dealers charge a flat fee; others take a percentage of the sale.
How to Choose a Consignment Dealer
- Experience matters: Most franchised dealers don’t handle consignments. Find a reputable specialty shop with a strong track record.
- Get everything in writing: Commission rates, listing fees, and terms should all be transparent.
- Check certifications: For newer cars, certified pre-owned status can mean faster sales and higher values — but not all consignment dealers offer this.
Pricing and Negotiation Tips
Setting a fair price is critical. “There should be a discussion about the true market value for the car,” says Dressel. “Overpricing doesn’t help anybody.”
Custom options like rare paint or trim may not always increase value. “Just because something is unique doesn’t mean it’s more desirable,” adds Dressel. Cars that linger unsold can also become known in the market, giving savvy buyers more leverage.
Buyer Checklist for Working with a Consignment Dealer
Spencer Trenery of Fantasy Junction in Emeryville, CA is a well-known consignment shop with over 40 years in business.
He offers these best practices:
- Work with a knowledgeable dealer: Experience with the specific make or model you’re considering can reveal important history and context.
- Ask for documentation: A quality dealer will provide ownership records, service history, and plenty of clear photos.
- Request a third-party inspection: Especially for classics, always verify the car’s condition independently. Fantasy Junction even puts cars on a lift to help buyers inspect underneath.
- Understand the market: Realistic pricing benefits both parties. Dealers paid on commission are motivated to price appropriately.
- Verify transparency: Good dealers post fees and terms upfront — like Fantasy Junction, which clearly outlines everything on their website.
Financing Your Consignment Purchase
Whether you’re buying from a private seller, auction, or consignment shop, Premier Financial Services can help structure a flexible lease for vehicles priced over $50,000. Our team has decades of experience working with rare and high-value cars, and we’ll help you secure funding quickly so you can act fast when the right vehicle appears.
