How the selling fee works
The same fee structure applies to reserve and no-reserve sales: 10% of the completed vehicle sale price, with a $3,000 minimum. The $3,000 upfront payment covers agreed production and preparation and is credited toward the total fee. Any remaining success fee becomes due only after the seller receives the sale proceeds.
Example: a $44,000 completed sale means a $4,400 total service fee — $3,000 upfront and $1,400 after the seller receives payment.
Auction acceptance & separate costs
Bring a Trailer decides whether to accept a vehicle, and its team prepares the auction listing. Acceptance, timing, and selling price are not guaranteed. TCC service fees are separate from platform fees, repairs, transport, specialist inspections, and other approved third-party costs.
If plans change or the vehicle does not sell
Before work begins, the written service agreement will explain payment for completed work, cancellation and refund terms, and any relisting or credit arrangements if an auction is declined, a reserve is not met, the owner cancels, or a buyer does not complete the purchase. An unsuccessful bid alone does not trigger an additional success fee.
Travel & vehicle assessment
For work outside the local Johnson City, Tennessee area, travel is $2 per mile, calculated round trip from Johnson City. Mileage, lodging, and other travel expenses are estimated and approved before booking. The agreed condition assessment documents the checks performed; specialist mechanical or other inspections are arranged separately when needed.
Deliverables, scheduling, assessment scope, approved repairs, and any additional purchase-assistance hours are confirmed in writing before work starts.
