Cars For Sale & Bid Sales
John facilitates private sales of uncommon Mercedes-Benz you will see here. You can learn more about these cars up front than cars at auctions; you have all the opportunity of a normal car purchase to study the car, review its history, see a written appraisal of it’s condition and speak to it’s owner. Secondly, John R. Olson Inc., guarantees the authenticity of all bids, another big concern about auctions. Functioning without huge overhead, Olson’s cumulative fees are also considerably lower. Serious shoppers are in most cases able to talk with the current owner and view key historical records. John R. Olson, Inc., also prepares a detailed “Condition Report” of strengths and weaknesses. Click here to read more about these sales…
Sale of a 300SL Gullwing:
“Thanks again for your expeditious and quite successful handling of [my GW sale]. Your phone auction idea is a good one … given the huge drops in the markets, the general economy … It was a pleasure working with you”
Dr. Leon Glazeman, California
Note from an unsuccessful 300 SL Roadster Bidder:
“John, You’ve done a wonderful job of selling the car to the winning bidder. I felt confident to deal with you that although your job is to represent the seller you did it with honesty and transparency. Keep up the good work”
Amir Almagor, Tel Aviv, Israel
Sale of a Gullwing donated to Ohio State University by Art Avril of Indiana:
“The winning bid you obtained for us was far beyond what we had hoped … In addition to the compliments that you received at the end of the bidding conference [concluding phone meeting of top four bidders with seller], similar comments have trickled back to us through University channels … Please feel free to use us as a reference”
Donald D. Glower, Dean, Ohio State University
Sale of a 300 SL Roadster:
“I am most grateful for your help in the sale of my Roadster. Your reputation and professionalism made a satisfactory result possible. My best wishes for the future.“
Ferrell G. Reed, California
Sale of a wrecked Gullwing:
“Results were outstanding; a significant number of bidders for this unusual commodity. [Your] method, of initial written qualifying bids and subsequent telephone auction, was extremely effective. I am happy to provide unqualified recommendation for your service”
K. B Jefferts, Shaw Island, Washington
For details on up-coming Bid Sales (or to plan your future sale) call or email John Olson at (612) 377-0155 or [email protected].
HOW OUR TELEPHONE BID SALES WORK
BIDDING
Written bids (form provided) are accepted for approximately 30 days. Authenticity of the bids are guaranteed by John R. Olson, Inc. The highest three or four (approx.) bidders will be invited to participate in a conference phone call. All final bidders are introduced to the other bidders and their ability to participate verified to Olson, Inc. by a letter-of-introduction from their respective banks at the time of initial bids. This will avoid the cost of a formal “letter of credit” while providing some assurance that everyone is at the right party.
Increased bids will be honored by phone before the group phone call. If for any reason a highest bidder does not fulfill their obligation within five business days, the sale will defer to the next highest bidder, with defaulting bidder(s) responsible for the difference.
FEES
John R. Olson Inc., charges a total of 8.4% to 12.4% (lower as sale price climbs) of the final selling price, divided equally between the buyer and seller, plus a $1000 sale implementation fee ONLY to the seller. While there is no announced minimum sale price the seller has one opportunity shortly before the final conference phone call to abort the sale if in the seller and John R. Olson Inc.’s opinion bidding is unrealistic. This has not occurred in previous sales.
The forms for this sale are proprietary and will only be mailed to serious prospects for $20 payable on the phone via credit card. There are no other up-front fees for bidders.
INSPECTIONS
Serious shoppers are in most cases able to talk with the current owner and view key historical records. John R. Olson, Inc., also prepares a detailed “Condition Report” of strengths and weaknesses. Personal inspections (or sending your mechanic) are handled as you would in a private sale. Cars can be seen and driven (weather and condition permitting) by appointment at a service facility with hoist, between 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM on weekdays. Airport and/or lodging suggestions will be made when appointments are made.
Direct all seller and buyer inquiries through John Olson. If he is not available at his office, 612-377-0155, send an e-mail to [email protected].
WHY THIS IS A GOOD IDEA
First, bidders can learn more about this car up front than is ever available about cars at auctions; you have all the opportunity of a normal car purchase to inspect the car, drive it, and study its service records. Secondly, John R. Olson Inc., guarantees the authenticity of all bids, another big concern about auctions. Functioning without huge overhead, our administration fee is also considerably lower.
For owners/sellers, the sale essentially comes to you in the convenience of your office or home (or car!). Our accompanying Condition Reports are conservative but cannot replace each bidder’s responsibility for final value or suitability for his or her purposes.