Hidden gems are those magical places that extract from you certain feelings, like letting your buddy in on a free off-street parking discovery or impressing a date with an incredible sunset make-out spot. The same can be said for unique cars found at auction.
Many of the top auction houses offer an inventory list before the event, including pictures and vehicle information. Scanning this can help you identify potential hidden gems.
Do Your Research
Whether it’s a local hangout spot, a weird museum, a uniquely themed hotel, or a scenic lookout point, Hidden Gems are places that not many people know about. They aren’t in every guidebook and aren’t always easy to find information about online.
When shopping for a car at auction, it’s essential to do your research before bidding. This means knowing what types of cars you’re interested in, how much they usually sell for at Kelly Blue Book, and what the auction’s policies are. For example, some auctions will require you to take possession of the vehicle within 24 hours, and others may charge high fees for credit card payments.
If you’re a car enthusiast, a site like Cars and Bids is a great place to start your search. This auction website focuses on modern enthusiast vehicles and has a curated selection that will appeal to car lovers. Another option is to visit a dealer’s showroom, which can be easier because you can view the vehicles in person and talk to a salesperson about them.
The secret to Palmen’s collection, according to Te Lintelo, is that he didn’t focus on a single brand and bought cars that he thought were beautiful. He also didn’t collect cars in poor condition and kept them well-maintained.
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Attend Regular Auctions
There are hundreds of auctions all across the country — and online. Some are public, others are dealer-only or have restrictions on who can attend. Those that are open to the public tend to have an assortment of cars, including repossessed vehicles, wholesale lots, flood junkers, and bottom-of-the-barrel trade-ins. But some are filled with treasures if you do your research ahead of time.
You can scout the area around an auction site by driving by on days before the event and taking note of the location, parking situation, and how long it takes to get in. Also, it’s a good idea to see how many people are typically attending the auction. This will help you determine the type of bidding war you’re against.
Some auctions are geared toward specific types of cars. For example, there may be a collection of unique classics up for grabs at one, while another might feature a collection of muscle cars. Regardless of what you’re looking for, it’s a good idea to be prepared by having your credit approved and the money in hand before attending an auction. This is important because most auctions require you to take ownership of the vehicle and pay for it within a certain amount of time.
Most auctions allow people to buy in person, but if you’re not able to attend an event, you can bid via live streaming or on websites that let you use a proxy to place bids on your behalf. You should also decide in advance what your maximum bid will be and stick to it. Otherwise, you could wind up with a car that is way above your budget.
A hidden gem is a place or experience that not many people know about, compared to attractions that are popular and well-known, like Chihuly Gardens and Glass or the Space Needle in Seattle. Hidden gems can be anything from a quirky museum or a quaint bakery to a beautiful lookout spot or a small-town pub that serves amazing food. Similarly, finding hidden gems at auctions can include everything from vintage cars to rare pieces of furniture or old records.
Be Assertive
Assertiveness is a key quality for sales success. People often think being assertive is negative, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Assertiveness is actually a very positive quality because it allows you to guide your prospects through the sales process in a way that saves them time and energy. Your prospects unconsciously like this, making you likable in their eyes.
When it comes to finding unique cars at live auctions, you need to be willing to go the extra mile. This means scouting out areas where you might be able to find something that’s not advertised on the internet or in print. This could include local hangout spots, strange museums, or even quirky hotels.
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Don’t Be Afraid to Look at Damaged Cars
A lot of cars are traded in, repossessed, or totaled each year, and many end up at auction. These vehicles may be in bad shape, but the right buyer can find a hidden gem. If you’re considering buying a car at an auction, consider taking it to a mechanic before the bidding starts to inspect for major mechanical issues, rust, and other problems. Also, be sure to check ahead of time on any necessary transport and insurance requirements to drive your purchase home. Also, be sure to establish a budget ahead of time to avoid being swayed by the adrenaline of the auction environment and overspending on a car that you’ll have a hard time affording.
Most auctions publish an inventory of the cars they’ll have available in advance. This list typically includes a number of pictures and details about the engine, transmission, and other important parts, as well as a vehicle identification number (VIN) and historical facts. Scanning through this list and looking at the cars at a preview or inspection day before the auction can help you identify potential gems. You should also run a VIN and vehicle history report service to see what insights they can provide about the car you’re interested in, such as accidents, previous owners, and other relevant information.
Even a regular model vehicle can be worth a lot more than it appears at first glance at an auction if the vehicle has unique modifications or special performance parts that aren’t widely available. A knowledgeable high-end auto broker can be helpful in finding these valuable additions.
A hidden gem is an attraction or experience that not many people know about, such as a quaint local hang-out spot in a city like New York, a weird museum, or a scenic lookout point that’s not well known or written about. Hidden gems often offer a unique twist or perspective on a popular subject that’s otherwise been overexposed.
