Public Car Auction Videos For Those Who Want To
See What They're Like

Are wholesale car auctions for you? Well, most people don't seem to know a lot about them. So, here's a collection of videos that will give you a look at the goings on. All but one of these videos are from open-to-the-public auctions (anyone can go). Perhaps they will help you determine if this is something you'd like to pursue further.

A "Pretty" Auction:

Here's a more "upscale" car auction. Trust me, however, they're not all this nice. But I thought I'd start with this one since many people seem to to have a negative image of auctions. The truth is that some are quite nice, others are not (I'll give you an example of one of these next) ... most are somewhere in between.

And by-the-way, it seems the bidder does real well on this Jaguar.

A Not So Pretty Auction:

Here's the other side of the scale. No offense intended because I'm sure there are very good buys here. However, there's just no frills at this truck auction. Just invest in some ear muffs and an extra pair of socks to save your money more comfortably.

A Fairly Typical Auction:

This one is fairly standard in terms of what to expect. Nothing fancy, but it's indoors, clean and efficiently run.

A "Dealer-Only" Auction:

This is the only video here of an auction you can't go to ... well, unless you have a Dealer's license. But I thought I'd put this here as a comparision. As you might imagine, they are typically in quite nice facilities and are very fast moving.

The guy in the blue shirt and hat has the job of focusing on those bidding to make sure their bids are clearly understood and to encourage additional bids. Many public auctions have someone do this as well.

Another Fairly "Typical" Auction ... And A Song?

This auction again looks pretty typical of what to expect and is a good example of what they look like and what goes on ... although don't expect balloons for the kids at all of them, or the singing. :-)

It's actually a promo of some sort for an auction in New Hampshire. I, nevertheless, find it visually informative ... and a little bit entertaining.

Say What? An Auctioneer Extroadinaire:

Don't worry. I don't know what he's saying either ... or what the bid is. But he sure sounds like a pro, I guess. I suspect that they have some floor people helping the bidders keep track of the bidding. Otherwise, it could cause some confusion ... or some real getting used to.

Fortunately, as you may have gathered from the other videos, following the bidding is not very difficult, although I would suggest watching a few cars being sold before joining in.

Here's A More Typical Auctioneer:

All auctioneers try to be fast paced and exciting. I guess the theory is, and it's a very old one, that this kind of activity gets people to bid more, although I really don't think it works. I believe it's simply "tradition", a leftover from the old-time horse and cattle auctions.

At any rate, this auctioneer is fairly standard for what you'll likely come across. He's fast and he makes a lot of noise, but it's clear where the bidding is.

Another Typical Auctioneer Example:

There's no doubt that the name of the game is to be a "motor mouth". Here's another example of lips moving a mile a minute. But the bidding price is always clear.

Getting Approved To Actually Bid:

Here's what happens prior to an auction. You can't just raise your hand. The auction has to know who you are and approve you for bidding. This is actually a very simple process and this video runs through it. It's important to remember to get to an auction early to get signed up. This happens to be a very nice auction and actually provides a photo ID. Most issue numbers to be worn.

Vehicles Lined Up To Be Auctioned:

Lastly, this is what an auction usually looks like ... with a long line of vehicles lined up and rolling through the auction facility. Most auctions are extremely well organized and it's amazing how quickly they go from one vehicle to another and how quickly they are sold. I'd say most cars sell in about thirty seconds, but those with a few more interested bidders can take a minute or two ... impressive nonetheless.

More Information:

Hopefully, these videos have been helpful. If taking a stab at saving money at local car auctions is something you'd like to consider, you might be interested in what I've written on the ins and outs of car auctions before taking the plunge.