Complete Guide on Used Wholesale Car
The used car industry is a very unpredictable market. It happens in almost all dealerships; although you are armed with top-quality salespeople, good incentives, the latest features and technology, and market data analysis, there’s an instance when you will still find it hard to move a vehicle unit. Perhaps you have also accepted a less desirable trade-in. If this is the case, you should consider a used wholesale car dealership. Read this article to know why some dealerships will resort to selling cars at auction.
Why Is Used Wholesale Car Better Option in Selling Auto
Wholesalers are buying cars from dealers who are having difficulties moving their vehicles out of the lot or auction. They will then resell the car to rake in a considerable profit.
The dealership will often find this process necessary to manage their inventory better by ensuring that the aged vehicles will not negatively affect the cash flows. Wholesaling is different from the standard car sales process.
In a dealership, your primary goal is to move a unit from your lot as fast as possible to avoid loss. Before, wholesale car was such a grueling and undesirable process. Dealership may have to call wholesalers and ask them what they can offer.
Today, the process has become more accessible. Perhaps the most significant benefit of used wholesale car is that you know how much the wholesalers will bid.
Since this will be an auction, other buyers will also place a bid. There’s a higher chance that you will sell the car at the price you prefer. Moreover, since the vehicles will go through a rigorous checkup before being placed in an auction, clients are assured that they are getting the best quality.
How Do They Determine the Car’s Wholesale Value?
The value or price of the wholesale car can refer to a range of things. However, in this context, it basically pertains to the amount the dealer is willing to pay to buy the vehicles from the auction or manufacturers.
Simply subtract the asking price from the seller’s cost to measure the profit margin. There are instances when the profit margin will be higher than the profit of a new car.
Different factors will determine the vehicles’ wholesale value. This may include the age of the vehicle, the condition, and the current estimated value of the car.
How Can Wholesale Car Dealers Make Profit?
There is a spectrum of ways that wholesale car dealers can make money. Here are three of the most common strategy.
- Auction-to-Auction- In this method, the wholesale car dealers will buy vehicles from the auction. They will then resell the cars at an enormous profit in a separate auction. With the fluctuations in the market value of specific models, matched with an option to introduce auto detailing or restoration process, it is always possible for them to resell it at an auction.
- Auction-to-Dealer- In this method, the wholesale car dealership will buy a vehicle from an auction and resell it to a dealer. Just like in the auction-to-auction sales model, the swing in market value, demand, and the capacity to restore and fix the vehicle allow them to sell it at a higher profit.
- Dealer-to-Dealer- In this sales method, the wholesale car buyer is basically purchasing from the dealership and reselling them to another dealership at a better price. In today’s age, dealer-to-dealer sales can be completed online.
How Do I Find Used Car Wholesale?
The traditional way of searching for a wholesale car dealer is mainly based on the relationship between the wholesalers and the auto dealers.
It means you must find people and do business with those you can trust. They should be able to represent the car appropriately and accurately, provide you with a competitive and fair market price, and ensure that they will stick to the agreement.
You may have to make multiple calls, print, and submit several feelers to find the best people for the job. It is not unusual for people in this market to reach a burnout point. Remember that this process will be time-consuming, risky, and tedious, especially if you haven’t developed a strategic partnership with someone.
Luckily, online databases and apps have made finding these options more manageable. Finding wholesales is now more straightforward compared to ten years ago.
Wholesalers claimed that the digital age has changed the playing field and made their lives much easier. With directories and app-based solutions, dealers can easily access thousands of options.
There is also better assurance that you will get your ROI since you deal with a legitimate business entity.
What Are the Features of Used Auto Wholesale App or Directories
The market for used cars is changing fast. This has already been made apparent by the increasing number of online directories and apps designed to help speed up the process.
Buyers are now anticipating receiving a personalized offering in auto sales. With online wholesale, dealers will find it easier and quicker to meet the demand of their clients while improving their interaction and building trust.
Here are some features you should look for in a digital solution on wholesale car option.
- 24/7 Auction Feature- Do not be constrained to the standard business hours when looking for an app or a platform. It is best to have access to a company that can carry auctions at different times and will help participants all over the globe to enjoy the auction. The process of acquiring a vehicle should be easy.
- An Array of Options- There should be a wide selection of car make and models beyond the usual offers in your local auction. With this, wholesale auto dealers can source the hottest model in the market from the dealership beyond their market area.
- Pricing Information- The platform must have up-to-date pricing information. Clients use this platform to identify if the vehicles are within their desired price range and whether it fits their budget.
- Run List- Online auctions can complete in as fast as 20 minutes. Therefore, you should look for an app or database that offers a pre-auction run list. This will allow you to see what model is coming up and place a bid even before the official auction starts.
- Inspection Badge by a Certified Inspector-there should be a comprehensive report prepared by a certified inspector. The wholesale business model depends on repeat customers who are satisfied with the experience they received.
How to Get a Wholesale Auto Dealer License
A license in wholesale auto ensures that the companies operating in this market are offering the proper protection to the dealer and buyer and practicing within the regulation and law when holding auctions and trade.
A licensed dealer will remain in compliance with the highest industry standard. They have performed an in-depth background check, insurance, bonds, and other practices that minimize fraud, risks, and malpractice.
Getting a license should be a top priority for those considering operating a wholesale dealership. Nonetheless, compared to your average car dealer, the wholesale car dealership will not sell their vehicles in the retail industry. Instead, they might sell it with other dealers or at an auction.
In some states, there should only be a minimum requirement in getting a license in this industry. Nonetheless, we would like to remind you that the requirements may vary in each state. It would be best to consult your local DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) to understand and explore the things needed before you set up your wholesale auto business.
What Should I Submit to Get a License?
To get a license for your wholesale car dealership, you must submit a complete application form at the DMV of the state where you plan to open your business. There are licensing requirements that you have to meet, which will differ depending on the state.
Usually, this will include a surety bond, the registered location of the business, and securing the related fees. Here are more requirements that you may need to complete.
- You may be required to pass a training course.
- Some states will require you to secure a business registration first.
- You need to have a location for your business and have it approved and registered.
- A completed application form
- Application fees
- Auto dealership surety bond
What Are the Steps to Complete the License
There are at least five steps you need to cover to secure a license for your wholesale car business. Nonetheless, you may still need additional procedures to finish when you are ready to operate. Therefore, you will have to complete thorough research before you start.
Getting Your Business Registered
This will often be the first step you must take when you need a license for your wholesale auto dealership. Before you can operate any business in a particular state, you must get a business license first, both on a local and federal level.
The registration process will have to be conducted with the Secretary of State. Note that if you plan to operate in different states, you will also have to complete the licensing requirement of that state.
Finding a Business Location and Getting it Approved
This will only be required by a couple of states. Check your local DMV first to ensure you are not wasting your time. Since used wholesale car dealers will not be selling in the retail market, the state will not require you with a particular business location.
For instance, your residence may be sufficient to operate your business. Nonetheless, some states will require you to have a physical office. Fortunately, the office area will only be limited since you will not necessarily need a display area or a showroom.
This is because the public doesn’t necessarily need access to your vehicle.
Completing The License Application
The license application may be the most vital document that you will need in this application process. This will instruct you to provide the necessary business and personal data. There may also be questions about a background check on your personal life and business entity.
Some states require you to pass an exam or complete a short training course. While an auto dealership will need an agent or an equivalent representative to fulfill the specified role, the used wholesale car dealership may not require any. Therefore, this will not be added to your requirement.
Surety Bond
Like the regular auto dealer, the wholesale dealership must provide an auto dealer surety bond when applying for a license. You will have to pay the premium to the surety that will issue the bond to do this.
The premium cost will be determined by the surety according to your credit score. You may also need to provide added financial information so the surety can assess that you are a qualified candidate.
The higher your score, the more affordable the rate will be. In recent years, an applicant with a FICO score of 700 will receive the lowest possible rate.
Submitting the Application and Paying the Fees
Some states will require you to settle both application and licensing charges. In other states, there will only be one type of fee that you must pay. After you complete the payment and all the above procedures, you should be able to receive your license in around 2-3 weeks.
How Long Will This Take?
The time needed to get a license for your wholesale car dealership will vary depending on the process you should undergo.
For instance, if they require you to complete training and pass the exam, the time needed to achieve that would be a few months. However, if your state prefers to skip that procedure, the licensing may take as little as 2 or 3 weeks after the application has been submitted.
By operating a used wholesale car dealership, there are different benefits that you will enjoy. Nonetheless, ensure you have completed all the requirements before starting your business to avoid legal repercussions. There are also tools that you can use to streamline the whole process.