What Barrett-Jackson does and who buys there

Barrett-Jackson is a for-profit auction house that sells classic, collector, and specialty vehicles to buyers at live events held across the United States. The company does not restore cars itself — it connects sellers with buyers, takes a commission on the sale, and handles the logistics of the auction event. If you own a restored classic car and want to sell it, Barrett-Jackson is one route to reach a large audience of serious buyers in a single day.

The auction house holds events in Scottsdale, Arizona (the largest, in January); Las Vegas; Palm Beach; and other cities throughout the year. Buyers attend in person or bid remotely by phone or online. The atmosphere is designed to create competition and drive prices up — that is the business model. Sellers pay a commission (typically 8 to 10 percent of the hammer price, though this varies) plus fees for transportation, insurance, and marketing.

Barrett-Jackson is not the only auction house that sells classic cars — Mecum Auctions, RM Sotheby's, and Bonhams also run major events — but Barrett-Jackson is the largest by volume and the one most people recognize. Understanding how it works helps you decide whether it fits your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Barrett-Jackson takes a commission of roughly 8 to 10 percent of the sale price, plus separate fees for transportation and insurance that you should ask about before consigning.
  • Your car must pass a mechanical inspection and meet the auction house's standards before it can be listed, and you will not know the final sale price until the hammer falls.
  • The auction house handles marketing and brings thousands of buyers to one event, but you give up control over the sale price and timing.
  • Consignment important date and event schedules vary by location and season, so you need to contact the auction house directly to learn when the next event accepts cars in your region.

How consignment works at Barrett-Jackson

To sell a car through Barrett-Jackson, you contact the auction house and request a consignment packet. You will need to provide photos of the vehicle, its history, service records, and documentation of any restoration work. The auction house inspects the car in person — usually at one of their facilities or at a pre-event inspection day — to verify its condition and authenticity. If the car passes inspection and meets their standards, you sign a consignment agreement.

The consignment agreement spells out the commission rate, which fees you pay, and what happens if the car does not sell. Some cars are listed with a reserve price (a minimum you will accept), while others are sold without reserve, meaning they sell to the highest bidder no matter what. A reserve protects you from selling too low, but cars with reserves sometimes attract fewer bids because buyers know there is a floor.

Once consigned, your car is photographed, described, and assigned a lot number. The auction house creates marketing materials and lists the vehicle in their catalog and online. You do not control the description or the estimate — the auction house does that based on comparable sales and market conditions.

What happens on auction day

On the day of the event, your car is driven onto the auction block in front of a live audience. An auctioneer takes bids from the crowd, phone bidders, and online bidders. The sale happens in real time, usually in under five minutes per car. The highest bidder wins, and the hammer falls. That is your sale price — you cannot negotiate after the fact.

The buyer pays a buyer's premium (a fee added to the hammer price, typically 10 percent) on top of the sale price. You do not receive that premium — it goes to the auction house. You receive the hammer price minus the seller's commission and any fees you agreed to in the consignment agreement.

If your car does not receive any bids, it is returned unsold. You still owe transportation and inspection fees. If it receives bids but does not meet the reserve, it is also returned unsold, and you owe the same fees. This is a real financial risk if you consign a car that the market does not want.

Costs you will pay beyond the commission

The commission is not the only expense. Barrett-Jackson charges separately for transportation to and from the event (usually $500 to $2,000 depending on distance), insurance during the auction period, and sometimes a listing or catalog fee. Some events charge a consignment fee upfront, while others roll it into the final settlement. You should ask for a written breakdown of all costs before you sign the consignment agreement.

If your car does not sell, you still owe transportation and insurance costs. If it sells, those costs are deducted from your proceeds along with the commission. The net amount you receive can be significantly less than the hammer price, so do the math before you consign.

You may also want to budget for any last-minute detailing or repairs before the event. The auction house expects cars to be in the condition described in the consignment agreement, and a car that shows up in worse shape than promised can be pulled from the auction or sold at a lower price.

Timing and planning for an event

Barrett-Jackson events are scheduled months in advance, and consignment important date typically close 4 to 8 weeks before the event. If you miss the important date for one event, you have to wait for the next one in your region, which could be months away. You should contact the auction house early to learn the important date for the event you are targeting.

The Scottsdale event in January is the largest and most prestigious, which means more buyers and potentially higher prices — but also more competition from other sellers. Smaller regional events may have less competition but also fewer buyers. There is no single "best" event; it depends on your car, the market, and your timeline.

Once you consign, you cannot pull the car without penalty. The consignment agreement usually includes a clause that allows the auction house to charge you a fee if you withdraw after a certain date. Read that clause carefully before you sign.

Alternatives to Barrett-Jackson

If you want to sell a restored classic car but Barrett-Jackson does not fit your situation, other auction houses exist. Mecum Auctions holds more events per year and in more cities, which may give you more timing options. RM Sotheby's and Bonhams focus on higher-end collector cars and charge different commission structures. You can also sell privately through a dealer, a broker, or directly to a buyer — those routes give you more control over price and timing but require you to find the buyer yourself.

Each route has trade-offs. An auction house brings a large audience and moves the car quickly, but you pay a commission and give up control. A private sale takes longer but may net you more money if you find the right buyer. A dealer or broker handles the work but takes a cut and may not push as hard to get top dollar.

Questions to ask before you consign

Before you sign a consignment agreement, get answers to these questions in writing: What is the exact commission rate? What are all the fees (transportation, insurance, listing, catalog)? What is the reserve price, and can you change it after consignment? What happens if the car does not sell? When is the consignment important date? When is the event? Can you withdraw, and what is the penalty? What condition does the car need to be in on auction day?

Ask for references — other sellers who have consigned cars to this auction house. Call them and ask what they actually received after all fees were paid. That number is more useful than the hammer price you see advertised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set a reserve price so my car does not sell for too little?

Yes. A reserve is a minimum price you will accept. If the bidding does not reach the reserve, the car is returned unsold. However, cars with reserves sometimes receive fewer bids because buyers know there is a floor. Discuss reserve strategy with the auction house before you consign — they can tell you what reserve makes sense based on comparable sales.

What if my car does not sell at the auction?

You owe transportation and insurance fees even if it does not sell. You can consign it to a future event, sell it privately, or try a different auction house. Some sellers consign the same car to multiple auctions over time until it sells.

How long does it take to get paid after the auction?

Settlement timelines vary by auction house. Barrett-Jackson typically pays within 30 to 45 days after the event, but you should confirm this in the consignment agreement. The payment is the hammer price minus commission and fees.

Do I have to be present at the auction?

No. Many sellers do not attend. You can watch online or by phone if you want to see the bidding live, but your presence does not affect the outcome. The auction house handles everything.

What if the car sells for less than I expected?

You have no recourse. Once the hammer falls, the sale is final. The price is determined by what buyers are willing to pay that day. This is why understanding the market and setting a realistic reserve (if you choose one) matters before you consign.