With every automotive event schedule generated by Carlisle Events, the Carlisle Auctions brand is represented. America’s Automotive Hometown auction house presents four amazing annual options for its passionate customer base. Two of those events take place in conjunction with Spring and Fall Carlisle respectively at the Carlisle Expo Center, while two other auctions are held in Lakeland, Florida at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus. Auctions have grown in size and have been enhanced in presentation, but at the end of the day, it’s an auction house working with sellers to offer buyers a variety of options for purchase. This process is one of four elements: buyers, sellers, consignments, and the venue/logistics that goes into an event.
Recently, Director of Auction Operations Tony Cline sat down with me and All About Cars to discuss what goes into the consignment and auction process and how his team goes about picking prime lots for their events.
Q: Has your consignment process been the same since you started with Carlisle Auctions in 2012?
A: No. As our auctions continue to grow and gain traction, our consignment process has continued to evolve, much to the delight of everyone I’ve talked to over the years.
Q: Do you have to be a certain age or have a certain credit limit/level of income to be able to bid and buy on a vehicle?
A: There is nothing in the Vehicle Code which prohibits a minor individual from owning a motor vehicle. Unfortunately, car finance isn't an option for anyone under 18, as you're not allowed to sign a credit agreement until the age of 18.
Q: How many people does it take to staff an auction and what are some of their responsibilities?
A: We have about 75-100 staffers working an auction. Their jobs vary, but positions include checking in consignments and bidders, registering bidders in person, the title department, auction block staff, drivers, security, and those that handle post-sale.
Q: What kinds of lots are accepted? Is it just classic muscle or are there more options than that?
A: Our auction house considers and accepts a variety of options. This includes American classics, European sports cars, Detroit muscle, hot rods, and even customs.
Q: When do vehicles start arriving for the auction and what are the steps for preparing them to run across the block?
A: We start to accept consignments the Monday of auction week. Owners who have consigned vehicles to our auction are responsible for having their consignments cleaned and details. We also have detailers on-site who can be contracted for their services if need be.
Q: So, is it only cars that you accept as a consignment?
A: No. We have accepted non-automotive consignments, but more so, we do accept Jeeps, SUVs, Vans, and trucks. We’ve found that trucks are incredibly popular and as such, have incorporated an all-Truck hour into the first day of each of our auctions.
Q: Ok, so Carlisle Auctions takes consignments and sells cars in person, on the phone, or online. Is there anything about your auction house that makes it unique?
A: Absolutely! We are the ONLY auction house to offer a FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee on lots 25 years or older. This guarantee means that if a particular consignment of that vintage does not sell after our marketing and promotional efforts, the consignor gets their consignment fees refunded to them. We are also family oriented, in that we are family owned and operated. That means in turn, we do our best to treat everyone as family, not just a number on a run sheet.
Q: Are there any “must have’s” on your end from a consignor to better their odds of selling at a Carlisle Auction?
A: Photos and details! When a seller makes the commitment to consign with us, we urge them to offer multiple quality photos and as much detail as possible on their consignment. In conjunction with our marketing team, we actively work to promote every consignment by way of social media, video, and advertising on the pages of some of the largest and most popular trades magazines and websites. These photos and details help tell the complete story of the car to prospective bidders/buyers.
Q: Is there a warranty or anything similar if a vehicle leaves the lot and there’s an unexpected issue with the vehicle?
A: All vehicle are sold AS IS - WHERE IS!
Q: What happens if a vehicle doesn’t sell?
A: All unsold vehicles return home with their owners.
Q: Does the vehicle have to be moved immediately following the auction, and does Carlisle Auctions assist with any arrangements?
A: Vehicles need to be picked up within four (4) days of the final sale day. Carlisle Auctions will recommend professional transport companies.
So…there you have it. Obviously, there’s a lot that goes into putting together a classic and collector car auction, but Tony Cline and his Carlisle Auctions team are seasoned pros in their field and are ready to talk with you today! Call Carlisle Auctions at 717-960-6400 to make your commitment for an upcoming auction and be sure to visit CarlisleAuctions.com to review consignments, register to bid, and more!
Finally, remaining 2022 auction dates are as follows: Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction (April 21-22), Fall Carlisle Collector Car Auction (September 29-30), and the Lakeland Fall Collector Car Auction (November 11-12).
Coming up this summer, Tony and I connect again on how he and his team slot confirmed consignments so that each day runs and flows smoothly for his staff as well as those who are buying, selling, or simply watching the event in person.