Kansas City Tow Services Auction Goes Exclusively Online From June 16

Press release from the City of Kansas City:

June 11, 2020

What started as a way to mitigate exposure to COVID-19 and practice social distancing has turned into a new business model for the city’s Tow Services Division. Effective Tuesday, June 16, the division’s monthly auction of surplus cars, trucks and motorcycles is going online only. Tow Services conducted its first online-only auction two months ago and the positive response led to the change.

“We have nearly tripled the number of bidders,” said Nate Pare, tow services division manager. “Feedback from the general public has been great and we feel this is the best way to manage the auction moving forward.”

Interested buyers must register. Bidding will be ‘ebay 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.
• No other types of checks, money transfers or credit cards will be accepted
• Wire transfers are accepted
• Vehicles must be picked up by 4 p.m. the day following the auction 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) 513-3202.

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