Beat the Trade is an online car auction platform where only licensed dealers can bid on vehicles listed by consumers. It’s a faster, more efficient way for dealers to access fresh inventory directly from consumers and other dealers—and a smarter way for consumers to maximize the value of their vehicle.
Live Auctions
Most auctions last up to 72 hours. We use a Ticker Auction format, where late bids reset the clock to keep things fair. Sellers can also end the auction early by accepting any active bid if speed is a priority.
You set the starting price. During the listing process, we’ll show how your trade-in offer compares to real-time market data—so you know where you stand and what to expect in the auction.
After a quick quality check, your auction is scheduled right away. Auctions run on weekdays and are set to end by 4:00 PM EST—though active bidding may extend the time (a great sign!).
BTT pulls data from both wholesale and retail markets to help set a fair, market-informed starting bid—aligned with you, the seller. You’ll see this data during the listing process, as part of our commitment to full transparency.
All information displayed in the listing—photos, videos, and vehicle details—is provided and approved by the seller. BTT does not alter or supplement listing content, ensuring full transparency between sellers and bidding dealers.
Only verified buyers (licensed auto dealers) can see full auction pricing so they can properly assess and bid on vehicles. Sellers can see the full bidding activity on their own listings.
Public visitors to the site won’t see actual bid amounts—instead, they’ll see how much a vehicle is trending above the original trade-in value, showcasing how BTT helps sellers get more.
Listing a Vehicle
To get started, create a free account on Beat The Trade—it’s fast and easy. Then, just enter your VIN or license plate to begin your listing. The more details and photos you provide, the more confident dealers will be—driving stronger bids.
No. It’s completely free to list and sell your vehicle on BTT.
We accept a wide range of vehicles, including classic, luxury, and modern performance cars built after 1992.
After the auction ends, we connect you directly with the winning dealer to complete the sale. The dealer will handle payment and provide all necessary paperwork.
No. We require auction listings to remain exclusive to BTT while live.
You can add information using the Q&A section. Updates will notify all watchers and help increase exposure.
Typically, yes—after we review your listing to ensure the value aligns with current wholesale market conditions.
If a dealer fails to complete the purchase—which is rare—we’ll work with the next-highest bidder to finalize the sale or offer to relist the vehicle.
General Information
Click “Sign In” on our website to create your BTT account. Once registered, you can list a vehicle and browse live auctions. If you’re a dealer and want to place bids, you’ll need to complete the dealer registration form after logging in.