Step 1: Submission
The process begins with submitting your car via the Octane website. You fill in basic details about your car (make, model, year, mileage) and add a handful of your own photos. These do not need to be professional; a few clear phone photos are enough to help us assess whether your car fits the platform.
After your submission, our team reviews the information. We select cars that suit our audience: special, interesting cars for enthusiasts. Not every car is accepted, and that is deliberate. It keeps the quality of offerings high.
Step 2: Intake and preparation
After approval, a thorough intake conversation follows. We discuss the details of your car: the history, technical condition, special features, documentation, and any points of attention. This is the time to be open about everything, including any issues.
During the intake, we also discuss your expectations. If you want to set a reserve, we determine this together based on market knowledge and comparable sales. We advise you on a realistic estimate.
Step 3: Photography
The photography of your car is your responsibility, but we do not leave you on your own. You receive our comprehensive photo guide with exactly which photos we expect, from which angles, and with which details. You can take the photos yourself, hire your own photographer, or use our network of experienced car photographers that we can recommend.
Make sure your car is clean and presentable for the photo session. A washed car with a tidy interior makes a world of difference. We review all photos before the listing goes live and can request additional shots if needed.
Step 4: The listing text
Based on the intake, the photos, and any additional information, our team creates a detailed description. This text tells the story of the car: what makes it special, what the condition is, what documentation exists, and what a buyer can expect.
You receive the text for approval before we go live. This is your chance to correct any factual inaccuracies or add details we may have missed.
Step 5: The auction
Your car goes live on the Octane platform for a fixed auction period. Interested buyers can view the description and photos, ask questions, and place bids. Questions from buyers are handled by our team, in consultation with you when needed.
During the auction, you can follow the activity: the number of visitors, questions, and bids. It is an exciting period, especially in the final hours when most bidding activity takes place.
Step 6: Completion and handover
Once the auction is successfully completed, we guide the rest of the process. Payment goes securely through Octane. We handle the financial settlement between buyer and seller. Then the physical handover of the car can take place. For shipments abroad, we can help arrange transport.
What if the car does not sell?
If the reserve is not reached, the car is not sold. This is not a disaster. We discuss options with you: re-auction with an adjusted reserve, choose a no-reserve auction, or a different strategy. Our experience shows that most cars do sell successfully on a second attempt.