- Oct 15, 2026
- 11
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- Awards
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- First Name
- Yury
Disclosure: I'm the founder of GARAGEBIRDS, dealer software for small used-car lots, so I'm asking for a reason. Not selling anything in this thread though.
On paper consignment looks like a good deal. More cars on the lot and none of your cash tied up in them. But the money side after the car sells seems to be where it gets messy, so I'd like to hear from people who actually do it, or who tried it and quit.
If you consign, how do you set your cut? A percentage, a flat fee, or a set amount to the owner?
When the owner still owes on the car, how do you handle the payoff at the sale?
Who pays for detail and repairs, and how do you keep track of it? Spreadsheet, your DMS, a folder in the drawer?
And if you don't consign, what stopped you? Not enough money in it, your state's rules, or just more hassle than it's worth?
On paper consignment looks like a good deal. More cars on the lot and none of your cash tied up in them. But the money side after the car sells seems to be where it gets messy, so I'd like to hear from people who actually do it, or who tried it and quit.
If you consign, how do you set your cut? A percentage, a flat fee, or a set amount to the owner?
When the owner still owes on the car, how do you handle the payoff at the sale?
Who pays for detail and repairs, and how do you keep track of it? Spreadsheet, your DMS, a folder in the drawer?
And if you don't consign, what stopped you? Not enough money in it, your state's rules, or just more hassle than it's worth?
