What are the Different ACV Auction Formats

ACV offers a variety of auction formats to help dealers optimize their buying or selling strategy. This guide breaks down the different auction types, how they work, and which might be best for your inventory needs.

Live Auctions

Live Auctions are fast-paced, competitive auctions happening in real time. Most run for 20 minutes, but some can last up to 2 hours. There are two main formats:

• Ready to Sell‍
  • This is a traditional auction format where the vehicle will sell to the highest bidder once the reserve price is met.
  • These run every day and are ideal for sellers who are ready to move inventory and for buyers looking for immediate opportunities to source inventory.
    

• Live Appraisal‍
  • Designed as a pricing and valuation tool, this auction type helps dealers gauge the market value of vehicles—particularly those with limited comps or retail customer involvement.
  • These vehicles stay active for up to 3 days post-auction to give sellers time to evaluate offers.

Private Marketplaces

Exclusive to dealership groups, Private Marketplaces allow dealers to move trades and aged inventory efficiently within their own network.

• A great tool for internal group transactions
  
• Keeps inventory flowing within the group without going to the open market
• Private Marketplace is not available for all account users and works on a by invite basis

Run List

The Run List showcases late-model, frontline-ready vehicles complete with full Condition Reports.

• Vehicles go live for auction at 6 PM the following day.
  
• Bidders can preview listings in advance and place a single pre-bid before the auction opens.
  
• Ideal for buyers who want time to research and plan before bidding.
  

No Reserve Sales

These high-energy events guarantee a sale—vehicles will sell to the highest bidder with no reserve price. These auctions also include a preview window.

• No Reserve Preview‍
  • A preview window where buyers can place early bids on no-reserve vehicles.
  • Runs at select times on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
  • Sellers often use the Guarantee Sale (G-Sale) option to participate.

FAQs & Common Issues

Q: What if I’m unsure which auction type to use?
A: Reach out to your ACV Account Representative to discuss which auction formats best align with your inventory goals.

Q: Can anyone join a Private Marketplace?
A: No. Access is limited and available by invitation only to qualifying dealership groups.

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Need Help?

• Call: 1-800-553-4070 Option: 5
• Email: Please contact your ACV rep