Cost of Our Services
Towing Fee
We’ll pickup your vehicle at no charge. But in determining the amount we pay you, the towing cost is later deducted from the auction sale proceeds. You may choose to drive your vehicle to the auction facility. If so, we do not deduct a tow fee. The average towing fee is $80 but may be lower or higher depending on the distance to the nearest auction facility. Note: boat towing fees vary depending on the towing situation and it's best to email us first to discuss the towing requirement and let us give you an estimate.
In rare cases where the auction sale price is not high enough to cover the towing and auction fees, CarAlternative.com absorbs the loss and does not bill the customer for the towing or any other fees.
Basic Auction Fee
The auction fee is $75-$85. In some states the Motor Vehicle Department charges the auction company a titling fee and this fee increases the basic auction fee for vehicles sold in those states. Use our payment wizard to see what the basic auction fee will be in your state.
Miscellaneous Auction Fee
This does not apply unless the auction company has to perform a miscellaneous service such as sending the owner possessions he left in the car.
CarAlternative.com Processing Fee
CarAlternative.com charges a $75 processing fee for every vehicle we sell.
In rare cases where the auction sale price is not high enough to cover the towing, auction, and processing fees, CarAlternative.com absorbs the loss and does not bill the customer.
CarAlternative.com Commission Fee
CarAlternative.com charges a 20% commission based on the amount of net proceeds from the auction sale of the vehicle. The maximum commission we will charge is $400 (our guaranteed commission cap). The commission cap ensures that you will greatly benefit in cases where the net proceeds from the auction sale of the vehicle are higher than $2,000.
Example Payment Summary:
| Sale Price: | $2,500 | |
| Tow Fee: | $80 | ($0 if delivered by customer) |
| Auction Fee: | $85 | |
| Admin/Processing Fee: | $75 | |
| Net Proceeds from Auction Sale: | $2,260 | |
| CarAlternative.com Commission (20%): | $400 | (20% of net) (capped at $400) |
| Customer Check Amount: | $1,860 |
Please use our payment wizard to vary the expected sale price and see what your check amount would be.