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Bring a Trailer (BaT) is an online auction platform where car enthusiasts buy and sell classic, exotic, and collector vehicles. Started in 2007 as a simple car blog, BaT has grown into one of the largest online car auction sites. In 2024, the platform sold over $1.5 billion worth of vehicles and moved nearly 45,000 listings through its marketplace.
Whether you want to buy classic cars online or sell your own collector vehicle, this guide covers everything you need to know. You will learn about BaT fees, the auction process, and how to ship your vehicle safely after the sale.
What You'll Learn
How Bring a Trailer auctions work and what fees to expect
The step-by-step process for buying and selling on BaT
How BaT's Verified Checkout makes transactions safer
Common problems buyers and sellers face and how to avoid them
Key Takeaways
Bring a Trailer charges buyers a 5% fee on the final sale price, with a minimum of $250 and a maximum cap of $7,500. Sellers pay a listing fee starting at $99 for the Classic service. The platform offers three service levels: Classic ($99), Plus ($429), and White Glove ($2,500). BaT's Verified Checkout service handles secure payments, ID verification, and title transfers at no extra cost. Auctions run for 7 days, and a 2-minute anti-sniping rule extends bidding if someone bids in the final moments.
How Does Bring a Trailer Work?
Bring a Trailer runs online auctions for cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, and other vehicles. Each listing goes through a review process before it goes live. BaT's team checks every vehicle submission to make sure it meets their standards. You can learn more on their official page explaining how Bring a Trailer works.
Here is how the basic process works:
For Sellers:
Submit your vehicle for review
Pay the listing fee ($99 to $2,500, depending on service level)
Work with BaT to create your auction listing
Answer questions from potential buyers during the 7-day auction
Complete the sale with the winning bidder
For Buyers:
Create a BaT account and register a credit card
Research listings and ask questions in the comments section
Place bids during the auction
If you win, pay the vehicle price plus the 5% buyer's fee
Arrange payment and vehicle pickup or shipping
Bring a Trailer Fees: What Buyers and Sellers Pay
Understanding BaT fees helps you budget for your purchase or sale. Here is the current fee structure as of 2026.
Buyer Fees
Buyers pay a 5% fee on top of the final sale price. The minimum fee is $250, and the maximum cap is $7,500.
Example: If you win a car for $50,000, your buyer's fee would be $2,500 (5% of $50,000). Your total cost would be $52,500.
Special Category Fees: For motorcycles, ATVs, parts, tractors, and other select categories, the buyer fee is 10% with a $4,000 cap. This change went into effect in June 2025.
Seller Listing Fees
Sellers choose from three service levels:
Sellers do not pay any other fees or commissions. You keep the entire winning bid amount.
Bring a Trailer Service Levels Explained
Classic Service ($99)
This is the standard option for most sellers. BaT's team will write your auction listing based on the information and photos you provide. Your auction runs for 7 days, and you handle all buyer questions yourself.
Plus Service ($429)
Plus adds professional photography and video to the Classic package. A BaT-approved photographer will come to your location and capture high-quality images of your vehicle. Better photos often lead to more bids and higher final prices.
White Glove Service ($2,500)
White Glove is for high-value vehicles or sellers who want hands-off support. Your dedicated specialist handles the entire process, from submission to sale. This includes:
Professional photography and video
Marketing strategy and social media promotion
On-call support throughout the auction
Help with buyer questions and responses
How to Buy a Car on Bring a Trailer
If you are new to online vehicle purchasing, here is a step-by-step guide to buying on BaT.
Step 1: Create Your Account
Sign up on BaT and add a valid credit card. BaT uses your card to verify your identity and charge the buyer fee if you win. Make sure your card has enough available credit to cover potential costs.
Step 2: Research Listings
Each BaT listing includes:
Detailed photos of the exterior, interior, engine, and underside
Written description of the vehicle's history and condition
Maintenance records and service documents
A comments section where you can ask questions
Read the comments carefully. Other enthusiasts often spot details that are not obvious in the photos. Pay attention to any questions the seller has not answered. You can also check past auction results to see what similar vehicles have sold for.
Step 3: Set Your Budget
Decide your maximum bid before the auction ends. Remember to add:
The 5% buyer fee (up to $7,500)
Sales tax (varies by state)
Shipping costs if the vehicle is not local
Stick to your budget even if bidding gets exciting. It is easy to overbid in the final minutes of an auction. For more advice, read our auction car buying tips.
Step 4: Place Your Bid
You can bid at any time during the 7-day auction. Many buyers wait until the final hours to place their bid. BaT's bidding guide explains the process in detail.
Anti-Sniping Rule: If someone bids within the last 2 minutes of an auction, the timer resets to 2 minutes. This gives everyone a fair chance to respond. Auctions can extend for a long time if bidding stays active.
Step 5: Win and Pay
If your bid wins, BaT charges the 5% buyer fee to your credit card. You then work directly with the seller to pay for the vehicle. Most sellers accept wire transfers or cashier's checks. Avoid personal checks for large amounts.
Step 6: Use Verified Checkout
BaT's Verified Checkout service makes the transaction safer and easier. Launched in March 2024 through a partnership with Caramel, Verified Checkout is included in your 5% buyer fee at no extra cost.
Verified Checkout handles:
Secure payment transfer from buyer to seller
ID verification for both parties
Title transfer and paperwork for all 50 states
Registration submission to your local DMV
Temporary tags if you plan to drive the car home
How to Sell a Car on Bring a Trailer
Looking for the best websites to sell your car? BaT is one of the top platforms for classic and collector vehicles.
Step 1: Submit Your Vehicle
Go to the BaT website and submit your vehicle for review. You will need to provide:
Vehicle information (year, make, model, VIN)
Photos of the car from multiple angles
Your ownership history and known issues
Maintenance records and documentation
BaT reviews every submission. Not all vehicles get accepted. The platform focuses on classic, collector, and enthusiast vehicles rather than everyday cars.
Step 2: Choose Your Service Level
Pick the service that fits your budget and needs:
Classic ($99) if you can take good photos yourself
Plus ($429) if you want professional photography
White Glove ($2,500) if you have a high-value car or want full support
Step 3: Work with BaT on Your Listing
A BaT specialist will write your auction description. They will contact you for any missing information or photos. Be honest about your vehicle's condition. Disclosing problems up front builds trust with buyers and prevents disputes later.
Step 4: Decide on Reserve or No Reserve
A reserve price is the minimum you will accept. If bidding does not reach your reserve, the car does not sell.
Reserve Auctions:
Protect you from selling too low
May attract fewer bids if buyers think the reserve is too high
BaT may negotiate your reserve price before listing
No Reserve Auctions:
Generate more interest and bids
Guarantee the car will sell to the highest bidder
Carry risk if the final price is lower than expected
BaT sometimes requests no-reserve auctions for certain vehicles. You can negotiate or choose a different platform if you disagree.
Step 5: Engage During the Auction
Answer buyer questions quickly and honestly. Post more photos or videos if buyers request them. Active sellers who respond to comments tend to get higher bids.
Step 6: Complete the Sale
After the auction ends:
If the reserve is met, the high bidder must pay
If the reserve is not met, you and the high bidder have 24 hours to negotiate
BaT connects you with the buyer for payment and pickup
What Is BaT Verified Checkout?
Verified Checkout is BaT's digital transaction service that handles the paperwork and payment after an auction. It is available on eligible private-party listings in all 50 U.S. states.
What Verified Checkout Does:
Verifies the identity of both buyer and seller
Transfers payment securely from buyer to seller
Provides state-specific paperwork for the transaction
Handles title transfer and mails the new title to the buyer
Submits registration paperwork to the DMV
Offers temporary tags for buyers who want to drive the car home
This service is powered by Caramel and is included in the standard 5% buyer fee. Buyers can also add financing, service plans, or insurance during checkout.
Common Problems with Bring a Trailer Auctions
While BaT has a good reputation, some buyers and sellers run into issues. Knowing these problems helps you avoid them. For a deeper look, read our Bring a Trailer review.
Undisclosed Vehicle Issues
Some buyers report receiving cars with problems that were not mentioned in the listing. To protect yourself:
Ask detailed questions in the comments before bidding
Request specific photos of areas that concern you
Get an independent inspection if possible
Review the seller's previous BaT history if available
High Fees for Lower-Priced Vehicles
The 5% buyer fee can feel steep on affordable cars. A $10,000 vehicle has a $500 fee, while a $150,000 vehicle has a $7,500 fee (the cap). Consider whether the fee makes sense for your budget.
Reserve Not Met
When an auction ends without meeting the reserve, both parties have 24 hours to negotiate. If they cannot agree, the car does not sell. BaT may cover a small price gap at their discretion, but this is not guaranteed.
No Reserve Surprises
Sellers who list without a reserve must accept the final bid, even if it is lower than expected. Make sure you understand this risk before choosing no reserve.
Communication Delays
Some buyers report slow responses from BaT customer service after the auction ends. Keep records of all communication and follow up if you do not hear back.
Bring a Trailer vs. Cars and Bids
If you are comparing platforms, check out our full Cars and Bids review.
Bring a Trailer vs. eBay Motors
Bring a Trailer vs. Traditional Auction Houses
For more options, explore our guide to collector car auctions in the USA.
Tips for Buying on Bring a Trailer
Do Your Research
Check completed auctions for similar vehicles
Read all comments and seller responses
Review any linked documentation or service records
Ask Questions
Post questions in the comments section
Request specific photos if something is unclear
Ask about known issues or recent repairs
Set a Firm Budget
Include the 5% buyer fee in your maximum
Add shipping costs and sales tax
Do not get caught up in bidding wars
Plan for Shipping
Get quotes before the auction ends
Consider enclosed transport for valuable vehicles
AmeriFreight Auto Transport can help with safe vehicle delivery
Tips for Selling on Bring a Trailer
Prepare Your Vehicle
Clean the car inside and out
Gather all maintenance records and documentation
Take clear photos from every angle, including the underside
Be Honest
Disclose all known problems in the listing
Answer questions truthfully in the comments
Provide additional photos when requested
Price Realistically
Research what similar cars have sold for on BaT
Set a reasonable reserve if you use one
Consider BaT's advice on pricing
Stay Engaged
Respond to comments within hours, not days
Share the listing on social media
Post updates if you make any improvements
Shipping Your Car After a BaT Auction
Most BaT buyers and sellers do not live in the same city. Shipping is often the final step in completing the transaction. Understanding what affects car shipping rates can help you budget accurately.
Open vs. Enclosed Transport
Open Transport:
Most common and affordable option
The vehicle is exposed to the weather during transit
Good for everyday vehicles and most classic cars
Enclosed Transport:
The vehicle is protected inside a covered trailer
Best for high-value, exotic, or rare vehicles
Costs more than open transport
Getting a Shipping Quote
Get quotes from reputable auto transport companies before the auction ends. This helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises. AmeriFreight Auto Transport offers nationwide car shipping services for vehicles purchased at auction.
Preparing for Pickup
Before the carrier arrives:
Remove personal items from the vehicle
Note any existing damage with photos
Make sure the battery is charged and the car can move
Have keys and paperwork ready
Inspecting on Delivery
When your car arrives:
Compare the condition to your pre-shipping photos
Check for any new damage
Note any issues on the delivery receipt immediately
Final Thoughts
Bring a Trailer offers a trusted platform for buying and selling classic, collector, and enthusiast vehicles. With updated buyer fees of 5% (capped at $7,500), three seller service levels starting at $99, and Verified Checkout for secure transactions, BaT provides transparency and support throughout the auction process.
The platform's engaged community and detailed listings make it one of the best places to find unique vehicles. Once your auction is complete, the final step is getting your vehicle home safely. That is where professional auto transport makes all the difference.
Ship Your Car with AmeriFreight Auto Transport
AmeriFreight Auto Transport offers top-rated shipping services for vehicles purchased on Bring a Trailer and other auction platforms. We connect you with licensed and insured carriers to help your vehicle arrive safely.
What We Offer
Nationwide shipping across the continental U.S.
Open and enclosed carrier options for standard and luxury vehicles
Multi-vehicle transport for dealers and wholesale buyers
Flexible pickup scheduling coordinated with auction dates
Licensed and bonded auto transport broker (DOT MC-597401, USDOT-2238770)
When it’s time to move, we help ensure you can move your valuable vehicle safely across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does Bring a Trailer charge buyers?
Buyers pay a 5% fee on the final sale price, with a minimum of $250 and a maximum of $7,500.
How much does it cost to sell on Bring a Trailer?
Sellers pay a listing fee of $99 for Classic service, $429 for Plus, or $2,500 for White Glove. There are no additional seller commissions.
How long do Bring a Trailer auctions last?
Auctions run for 7 days. If someone bids in the last 2 minutes, the timer extends to prevent sniping.
What is Bring a Trailer Verified Checkout?
Verified Checkout is a free service that handles secure payment, ID verification, title transfer, and registration for eligible listings.
Can I set a reserve price on Bring a Trailer?
Yes, but BaT may negotiate your reserve price. Some vehicles may only be accepted with no reserve.
What happens if the reserve is not met?
The seller and high bidder have 24 hours to negotiate. If they cannot agree, the car does not sell.
Is Bring a Trailer safe?
BaT has a good reputation with an engaged community. Verified Checkout adds extra safety for transactions. Always do your research before bidding.
Can I buy a car on BaT from another state?
Yes. Verified Checkout handles paperwork for all 50 states. You will need to arrange shipping or pickup.
Disclaimer: This post is for general information only and does not provide legal, financial, or tax advice. Always consult with a licensed professional before making decisions related to vehicle sales or financing.
