Coronavirus Concerns: Kansas City Tow Services Offers First Online-Only Auction April 22

Press release from the City of Kansas City:

April 8 2020

To keep pace with the city’s stay-at-home order and social distancing recommendations, our Tow Services Division is offering its first online-only auction on April 22 to sell surplus cars, trucks and motorcycles. No one will be allowed on the lot due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Interested buyers must register online. Bidding is open now but ends at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22. Bidding will be ‘E-bay style’ with a 3 minute soft close (bidding will be extended by 3 minutes if a bid is entered in the last 3 minutes of the auction until there is no longer any bidding activity). Winners will be notified via email.

Other important notes for buyers include:

• A 10 percent online fee is applied to the winning bid amount (for example, if the winning bid is $300, the invoice price is $355: $300 + $30 online fee + $25 per vehicle premium)
• Cash or cashier’s check is accepted at the tow lot’s auction window at 7750 E. Front St. until 5 p.m. Thursday, April 23
• No other types of checks, money transfers or credit cards will be accepted
• Wire transfers must be sent by 2 p.m. Thursday, April 23
• Vehicles must be picked up by 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 29 or a $30 per day storage fee will apply
• Non-payment of a winning bid will result in a three year ban from auction participation

Those wanting more information about the process can call/text (816) 200-1490 or email.

Every month, the city acquires nearly 500 surplus vehicles due to accidents, impounds and police activity. While most are sold as salvage, several are ‘drivable’ and in excellent condition.

For more information, media can contact John Baccala, NHSD communications/community liaison, at (816) 513-3203.

This press release was produced by the City of Kansas City. The views expressed here are the author’s own.