IF Sale

An IF sale, short for if sale, occurs when a vehicle at auction receives a high bid that does not meet the seller's reserve price or minimum acceptable threshold. Rather than announcing the vehicle as sold, the auctioneer notes the high bid and moves on. After the auction, the seller reviews the high bid and decides whether to accept it, counter, or decline. The vehicle is essentially in a pending state until the seller makes a decision.

IF sales require active follow-up from both the buyer and seller. If you are the high bidder on an IF unit, stay available. Auctions frequently contact the top bidder directly to negotiate once the auction is over, particularly if the vehicle goes unsold. Dealers who respond promptly and professionally to IF negotiations often close deals that less attentive buyers miss.