Consignment sales explained: sell your car without the worry
You want to sell your car to a private buyer, because that often brings in more than selling to a dealer. But you do not fancy adverts, phone calls, strangers at the door and paperwork. Then a consignment sale may be for you. In this article, XCS Automotive in Merchtem explains what consignment is, how it works and who it suits.
What is a consignment sale?
With a consignment sale you entrust your car to a garage or dealer, who sells it in your name to a buyer. You remain the owner until the sale is complete. The garage takes care of the work: the presentation, adverts, contact with potential buyers, test drives and paperwork.
At XCS Automotive we sell your car to a private buyer, with the care of a garage and the presentation of a showroom.
How does it work at XCS?
- Introduction: you get in touch and we discuss your car and your wishes.
- Technical check: we check your car in our garage.
- Asking price: together we set a realistic asking price based on condition, version, history and the market. We also agree together on the price below which we will not sell without your consent.
- Consignment contract: all arrangements, including what is included and which fee applies, are set out transparently in advance in a consignment contract.
- Presentation and sale: we present your car, advertise it, receive potential buyers and arrange test drives.
- Completion: we handle the sale and the paperwork.
The benefits
- No hassle: no adverts, no calls at all hours, no strangers at your door.
- Confidence for the buyer: a car that has been checked in a garage and is presented professionally gives buyers confidence.
- Warranty for the buyer: the buyer gets a 1-year warranty. That makes your car more attractive.
- Often a better price: selling to a private buyer often brings in more than a dealer buy-out.
- You remain the owner: until the sale is complete.
What should you bear in mind?
Consignment takes more time than a direct sale. Finding a buyer at the right price can take a while, depending on your car and the market. If you would rather not wait for a buyer, a direct sale to us may be better.
If your car does not sell, we review the price and presentation together, or you take your car back according to the arrangements made.
Consignment or direct sale?
| Consignment | Direct sale | |
|---|---|---|
| Who buys? | A private buyer | XCS Automotive |
| Owner until | The sale is complete | The buy-out |
| Time | Takes more time | A concrete offer after the inspection |
| Proceeds | Often higher | Usually lower, but without a sales period |
Read more about a direct sale on our page sell your car.
Which cars do we take on consignment?
We look at every request. Consignment is particularly attractive for well-maintained cars with a clear history, and for exclusive cars where professional presentation makes a difference. For inspiration, take a look at our exclusive collection or the cars we have already sold.
Documents
Bring the registration certificate, the certificate of conformity (COC), the latest inspection certificate, the service book with invoices and all keys. Whatever else is needed for the sale to a private buyer, such as the Car-Pass and the inspection, we look at together and arrange in practice for you. Read more about the rules for selling to a private buyer on our page consignment sale.
Who is consignment for?
Consignment suits owners who value a good price but do not have the time or inclination to sell their car themselves. People who do not want strangers viewing their car at home, or who own an exclusive car for which the right presentation and the right buyer matter, also find a calm solution in consignment. We take the work off your hands, while you remain the owner until the sale is complete.
Tips for a smooth sale
- Have small defects repaired beforehand. A car with no outstanding issues sells more easily.
- Gather all invoices and the service book.
- Be realistic about the price. An asking price that is too high puts buyers off.
- Have the car cleaned or professionally detailed before the photos.
Frequently asked questions
Do I remain the owner during consignment?
Yes, you remain the owner until the car is sold.
What does consignment cost?
We work with tailored arrangements, set out transparently in a consignment contract. We discuss with you in advance what is included and which fee applies.
What if my car does not sell?
Then we review the price and presentation together, or you take your car back according to the arrangements made.
Who arranges the Car-Pass and inspection?
We look together at what is needed and arrange the practical side for you.
Put your car on consignment?
Book your appointment online via make an appointment or call Jorne on 0471 46 40 17 or Quinten on 0470 56 61 21. You will find us at Stoofstraat 43 in Merchtem, open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm and on Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Anywhere in Merchtem, we collect your car and bring it back free of charge.