Choosing where to sell your classic car—or where to buy your next one—often comes down to comparing Bring a Trailer’s online auction format with traditional auction houses like RM Sotheby’s. Each platform serves different market segments and offers distinct advantages worth understanding before committing your vehicle or your money.
Platform Overview
Bring a Trailer (BaT)
Launched in 2007 as a blog, BaT evolved into the dominant online classic car auction platform. Auctions run 7 days with no reserve options encouraged. The platform handles everything from $5,000 project cars to million-dollar exotics, though its sweet spot remains the $25,000-$250,000 range.
RM Sotheby’s
The prestigious auction house runs live events at premier venues like Amelia Island and Monterey, plus online-only sales. Known for handling the world’s most valuable collector cars, RM commands the ultra-luxury segment with white-glove service and international reach.
Comparing Fees and Costs
Bring a Trailer
- Seller fee: 5% of final sale price (minimum $250, maximum $5,000)
- Buyer fee: 5% of final sale price (minimum $250, maximum $5,000)
- Listing cost: $99 for standard listings
- No transport or storage costs—vehicle stays with you until sold
RM Sotheby’s
- Seller commission: Typically 8-10% (negotiable for high-value consignments)
- Buyer’s premium: 12-15% added to hammer price
- Additional costs: Transport to auction, insurance, photography, catalog inclusion
Which Platform Suits Different Cars
BaT Excels For:
- Enthusiast-focused vehicles with strong online communities
- Well-documented cars where detailed photos tell the story
- Vehicles in the $25,000-$250,000 range
- Sellers comfortable managing questions and providing information
- Cars that appeal to engaged, knowledgeable buyers
RM Sotheby’s Excels For:
- Ultra-premium vehicles exceeding $500,000
- Significant provenance pieces (celebrity ownership, racing history)
- Sellers wanting complete service including photography and marketing
- International buyers seeking established auction house credibility
- Vehicles that benefit from live auction energy and competition
Buyer Experience Comparison
Research and Due Diligence
BaT’s comment section provides unprecedented transparency—community members ask tough questions and share relevant knowledge. RM provides professional condition reports and photography, but less opportunity for crowd-sourced investigation.
Bidding Process
BaT’s 7-day format allows careful consideration and maximum participation across time zones. Live auctions create excitement but demand immediate decisions under pressure.
Recent Market Performance
Both platforms set records regularly. BaT’s volume and accessibility have made it the primary price discovery mechanism for many collector car segments. RM continues dominating the ultra-high-end where provenance and prestige matter most.
Making Your Choice
Consider your vehicle’s value, your comfort with technology, and how much service you want. BaT’s lower fees and engaged community suit most enthusiast-level transactions. RM’s established reputation and full-service approach justifies higher costs for exceptional vehicles.
Many collectors use both platforms depending on what they’re buying or selling—there’s no reason to choose exclusively when each serves different needs effectively.
