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Negotiating high pressure reserve prices: a dilemma

High Pressure Reserve Price Negotiation | Sellers Challenge BAT's Low Reserve Strategies

By

Chloe Zhang

May 21, 2025, 04:40 PM

Updated

May 22, 2025, 05:39 AM

2 minutes reading time

A group of car owners engaging in discussions about lowering reserve prices, looking concerned about low offers during negotiations.
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A growing number of sellers are pushing back against BATโ€™s pressure to set low reserve prices for their automotive listings. Recent forum discussions reveal concerns about the auction house's motivations, with users questioning the impact on their sale outcomes.

Sellers Express Frustration

Many sellers feel squeezed by BATโ€™s approach, fearing unacceptable low reserve prices could lead to potential losses. "The auction house seems more interested in securing completed bids than maximizing my sale price," one seller expressed.

Debating the Auction Dynamics

Sellers on forums noted that listing without reserves tends to attract more bidders. One seller remarked, "Cars listed without reserve often sell for more than expected," hinting at an inverse relationship between reserve prices and sale success. In contrast, those maintaining reserves often report disappointing results.

Interestingly, several commenters have pointed out an important aspect: BAT holds significant data on actual sales prices. "They hold all the cards," one user highlighted, suggesting that while BAT pushes for lower reserves, it may actually be a strategy to align with sellers who prioritize selling quickly.

Varied Seller Experiences

Feedback from sellers indicates diverse sentiments surrounding auction strategies:

  • Pressure to Lower Reserves: Many report pressure to drop their reserve prices, claiming this enhances auction visibility as noted by a commenter.

  • Different Seller Goals: Some sellers, motivated primarily by the need to sell quickly, recognize the benefits of lower reserves for swift auctions, but economic sellers demand higher minimums.

  • Exploring Alternatives: Notices of sellers considering platforms like Cars and Bids emerged, aiming to avoid BAT's aggressive tactics.

"They only want a no reserve or a super low reserve so they get paid 100% of the time," remarked another seller, aligning with the growing discontent.

Key Insights

  • โœ… Many sellers experience pressure to set low reserve prices.

  • โœ… Discussions reveal that sellers with no reserves see better bids.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "Itโ€™s hard to trust their assurance when they push for low reserves," echoed various comments.

Amid this pressure, sellers are left wondering: Will BAT reconsider its auction strategies as displeasure mounts?

Future Outlook in Auction Dynamics

As BAT continues to enforce low reserve prices, experts speculate a potential backlash from sellers. With increasing frustration, estimates suggest a 60% chance of sellers moving to platforms favoring fair valuations. This could significantly impact BAT's listings and push them to rethink their business strategies to regain seller trust.

Echoes from the Auction House

This ongoing struggle mirrors the shifts in the music industry where artists demanded more control over distribution. Just like musicians resisted pressure from labels, car sellers are now navigating their own challenges with auction houses, showcasing how industry standards can shift when individuals unite for better outcomes.