Clean Frame auctions are designed to provide the best experience for buyers and sellers alike.

The auction process starts with sellers submitting their vehicles through the website. If a vehicle passes our detailed rust examination we then work with the seller to compile a thorough listing for the vehicle. Auctions typically run for 7 days.

What makes CF different?

We value a clean frame:

Not arbitrary scarcity or uniqueness.

We know that modifications cost money and add value:

Our process reflects this.

Our team supports each seller:

Throughout the entire auction process.

Sniping protection extends the auction clock by two minutes:

Each time a bid is placed, giving everyone a fair chance to maximize their bids.

Selling a Vehicle

You can launch a submission through the vehicle submissions page.

The Submission Process:

  1. You submit information about your vehicle.
  2. We’ll let you know if your vehicle is accepted.
  3. If accepted, we’ll work with you to create your listing by gathering photos and information about your vehicle (including videos, maintenance records, vehicle history, service documentation).
  4. Your listing will be live for one week.
  5. When your car sells, we’ll connect you with the high bidder so you can complete the transaction.
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What happens during the Auction?

Every auction goes live with an informational listing, photo gallery, and additional seller features that help ensure a great result.

  • Each auction has a comment thread where the CF community discusses the vehicle and asks the seller questions. Seller participation in the auction—answering questions and engaging with the community increases bidder confidence, resulting in more bids and a higher final sale.
  • Interested bidders may use the Contact Seller button to ask the seller questions, schedule a viewing, or set up a test drive.
  • Each seller has the ability to lower their reserve while the auction is live.

What happens after the Auction?

If the auction reserve is met when the listing ends (or the auction is no reserve), the buyer and seller are connected to complete their sale. 

We encourage buyers and sellers to utilize our custom checklist to ensure a smooth transaction. Here(insert link to checklist) are our recommendations and tips for a successful post-auction sale.

Buying a Vehicle

Register:

  • You must register with a valid credit card and phone number to contact the seller directly and to place bids on CF.
  • All bids are verified by a credit card hold to ensure the commitment of potential buyers. 

Perform Due Diligence:

  • We encourage all potential bidders to review the listing and comments thoroughly before placing a bid. It is important that bidders carry out their due diligence to understand all the details of the car and insights offered by members of the community.
  • While we aim to make the buying process as transparent and safe as possible, it’s ultimately your responsibility to perform necessary due diligence to ensure you are confident and comfortable with your purchase.
    Get Started Now

    Start Bidding

    We place a hold on the credit card on file for 4% of the bid amount once a bid is placed. The hold will be released for all bidders who did not win after the auction ends.

    Only bid if you have completed your due diligence process and fully intend to purchase the vehicle as bids are binding and there are no refunds.

    Sniping protection ensures the bidding process is fair for everyone. The auction clock will be extended by two minutes each time a bid is placed in the auction’s final moments. The auction will continue until two minutes have passed since the highest bid was placed.

    Win the Vehicle

    A vehicle is won if both of the following conditions are met:

    1. You are the highest bidder once the auction ends 
    2. For “reserve” auctions – the highest bid meets or exceeds the seller’s hidden “reserve” price”
    3. For “no reserve” auctions –  the highest bid wins the vehicle regardless of the amount that was bid.

    After the auction closes we will connect the buyer and seller to finalize the details of the transaction

    Post Auction Process

    After the auction closes we will connect the buyer and seller to finalize the details of the transaction. We recommend both the buyer and seller use our checklist to complete the sale and to ensure a smooth process. Below are our recommendations:

    1. Make Contact:

    • Reach out to the other party to introduce yourself as soon as the auction ends, and remember to stay polite and positive to ensure the process goes smoothly.
    • We recommend that the seller provides proof of ownership to the buyer – usually, that’s a photocopy or picture of the title and registration.

    2. Payment & Documentation:

    • Buyers are expected to pay for the vehicle in-full within a week of the auction closing.
    • If there’s an outstanding loan on the vehicle, the buyer and seller should discuss how it will be paid off and the specific next steps, so that the buyer can complete the transaction safely.
    • If the seller has funds to pay it off, they should do so as soon as possible, and provide proof from the lender that it has been paid off.
    • If the seller does not have the funds, the buyer may be able to pay the outstanding amount owed directly to the lender and then pay the remainder of the purchase price to the seller.
    • An accurate Bill of Sale should be created, including the terms of the transaction, to be signed by both parties; we recommend checking with your state DMV for Bill of Sale templates and requirements.
    • We recommend wire transfers or cashier’s checks for payment, but there are many possible options – including meeting at the buyer’s/seller’s bank to draft up a cashier’s check, withdrawing the funds directly, or completing an electronic money transfer.
    • Arrange for the car to be picked up and finalize the transaction. If the buyer plans to ship the vehicle, they can book shipping by contacting our shipping team at shipping@cleanframes.com. The vehicle and title should only be released once the seller has the full payment in hand. If the transaction is happening remotely, the seller should mail the signed-over title to the buyer via courier service with a tracking number once payment is in hand.

    3. Share your story with Community

    Email Clean Frames a photo of your handoff so we can celebrate!