Saturday, December 27, 2008
Real Value
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Recent Updates
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Turkey Time
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Interested?


Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Fear and Greed
Saturday, November 1, 2008
About Appraisals
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
What's Changed
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
October Market Report
Friday, September 12, 2008
Bidding Closed
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
September Market Report
Starting tomorrow you can download the latest report by clicking on the link 'September Market Report' in the 'What's New' section of your home page after you login.
This month's report is full of useful information - the most hopeful is that depreciation rates in August have dropped to a comforting 1.2% (on average) from nearly 3% in July. Ferrari and Lamborghini fared even better.
Also in August - We signed up our 1,000th dealer user! This is a milestone we're very happy about, and, it's good for everyone.
iLUXCARS is a network – and a network draws its strength,in part, from size. More users equal more cars available, more buyers for your vehicles, better money, and more ways for iLUXCARS to help you make your deal.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Recent Team Additions
Tim comes to iLUXCARS from Autobytel, Inc. where he was Vice President of Dealer Sales. At Autobytel, Tim led the sales team, which was responsible for thousands of retail dealers nationwide. He developed an industry leading national sales force, spanning both field sales and telesales, with reps in every major U.S. market.
As one of Autobytel's original employees, Tim was a key contributor in steering Autobytel’s early growth from 1996 through 2000. A primary player on the sales team from the beginning, Tim led the integration of both the Autoweb and Car.com sales teams after Autobytel acquired both companies in 2001 and 2004, respectively.
Tim brings more than 12 years of management and leadership experience to iLUXCARS. You will be hearing more from Tim in the near future. All of us on the iLUXCARS team are looking forward to working with Tim as we continue to grow the iLUXCARS Network and improve the iLUXCARS System.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Blame Someone Else
The Appraisal Report is a powerful tool you can use to get a real commitment from your customer. And, best of all, you can blame someone else for the number. Blame iLUXCARS.
You can mention that we've processed nearly a billion dollars worth of luxury and exotic cars in the last 18 months. You can show them the Market Report if you want.
We've talked to several of you about this idea and the response has been great. Several of you are using it to make your deal.
So, blame someone else - we can handle it.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Big Changes
First, cars on the "Live Trades" list will have commitments from sellers at the specified target price. If the target price is met, the bidding will automatically close. This will encourage buyers to bid early and tie up the car quickly. Once the target price is met, it is the seller's responsibility to finish their deal and accept the offer as quickly as possible.
Second, when you enter a new vehicle you will be asked if you have a commitment from your customer. If you don't, the System will enter your vehicle as an appraisal where you will receive a value based on the last 30 days of transactions. The Appraisal will help you start your deal and achieve a real commitment from your customer. Once commitment is established, you can convert from Appraisal to Live Trade, enabling the entire network to view your car. Note that if the commitment is too far above the appraised value, you will be unable to convert to a Live Trade.
Our biggest complaint from our network is the lack of commitment from the sellers - either no commitment or above market asking prices. These changes are designed to alleviate these frustrations, as well as increase the participation from the dealers. We are aware all dealers want to know what buys the car. We are also aware that dealers don’t like the auction process and want the bidding closed once they have bid the money.
Designed for Trades. Faster. Safer. Better
Thursday, August 7, 2008
The iLUXCARS Update
We know that your business office staff often throws these sorts of things directly into the circular file, so if you haven't seen it, you really, really need to ask for it.
If you want, you can download the latest report by clicking on the link 'August Market Report' in the 'What's New' section of your home page after you login.

The data included in the report is specific to selected high-end luxury vehicles – our specialty. We've chosen the makes and models included in the report for many reasons:
One, we have extensive data about all of these vehicles – prices, options, colors, mileage, etc.
Two, this is the center of our expertise – we trade more of these types of cars than nearly anyone in the world.
Three, we have been asked for access to our data about these cars by everyone – the demand, seriously, has been a bit of a surprise.
Four, and possibly most important, there is no other good source of reliable data on these vehicles available today.
If you haven't seen it or can't find it let us know and we'll send you another copy. We have a feeling that you'll be glad you did.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Your Questions, Answered
The cars in the iLUXCARS Live Trades list are, well, Live Trades. This means that on many cars, we don't actually know the answer to these questions. That's because the seller doesn't know. And the seller doesn't know because their customer doesn't know.
Starting today (July 25th), when we DO know "What buys the car now" AND we have a real commitment from the seller AND the target price is on the money, we're moving the car to the top of the list. Cars with this sort of commitment and price are now in the "Buy it Now" group at the top of the Live Trades list in a friendly green color. Click the "Buy It Now" button and you win. No bidding, no waiting, you don't even need to call us.
For the FEW of you who haven't logged in today it looks like this:

- Target price buys car - This means we have a solid commitment from the seller and the car is priced on the money. These cars are in the "Buy It Now" list.
- Client committed at target price - The seller has a commitment at the target price to make the deal. Needs the target or close.
- Need buy bids to work with, no commitment from client - The seller has NO commitment from the customer and is looking for buy bids to start their deal.
- Need buy bids to work with, client commitment price is over market value - The seller has a commitment from their customer but it is over market value. They need buy bids to start the deal.
To help answer another question we hear on a regular basis - "What do I tell the customer" we've improved and renamed the Appraisal Report.
The Appraisal report can be a powerful tool you can use when starting your deal with today's, how should we say, optimistic customer. Selling a Car 101 - always blame the market.
To print a report, click on "Appraisals" from iLuxCars Offers, select the deal you are working on, and click the "Report" button (circled in red below). To see a sample, click here.

Monday, July 21, 2008
Texas Wisdom
Yes, the market is a little rough. Yes, prices have dropped. Yes, everybody is scared. But, cars are still being sold when you can put the right number on the trade.
And, there is no better way to ensure the right number than to put every trade into the iLUXCARS system. Simple. Risk free. Every time.
Today is, after all, the start of last 10 days of the month. You need to finish strong. There are deals that will be made and, we're quite confident, iLUXCARS can help you make these deals. Assuming, of course, you're willing to change what you normally do.
Just like they say in Texas.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Do-it-yourself

Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Something Different
Last month, no matter how bloody it was, is all over but the counting. And if you're in the car business, well, there probably isn't that much to count. So while you could trudge along doing business the same way you did last month – it might be time for a small, but potentially very positive improvement.
Why not enter every high-end trade into the iLuxCars System as an appraisal? Just spend 2 minutes to enter every trade (even if you haven’t taken it in yet), and get an immediate appraisal from our extensive, nationwide market data in a guaranteed 5 minutes (Our Commitment).
Print it out. Educate the customer. Make your deal. Once you make the deal, give us a call and we'll open the vehicle up for bidding to the entire iLuxCars Network – nearly 1,000 members strong. Accept the iLuxCars offer – and we take care of everything. The car is off your lot - fast. Fax your title – get paid – fast (48 hours or less). Now that's something different, right?
And here's another benefit: entering your car into the System gives you a permanent record of every car. So, if your negotiation drags on for a few days – you'll have an easy way to re-start your deal.
If you’re not running every luxury and/or exotic trade through iLuxCars before you try to put a number on that car in today’s market, you are taking a serious risk. One of those money-losing sort of risks.
So, what are you going to do different this month?
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
10-Year Low
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Your New Home Page
First - we've added friendly, red 'New!' markers next to the new items. You notice 2 new items - "Manage My Account" and "Actions."
Manage My Account -- The first 2 links (Invoices and Purchase Orders) are links to the list of vehicles you have bought or sold. From these lists you can print your Invoice or Purchase Order.
Current Bids, Lost Bids, Bids by My Dealership show you all of the bids you've made and the outcome of those deals. Notice that you can quickly switch between the 3 lists using the new set of links at the top of the page (the orange one is the current list):iLuxCars Offers (everyone's favorite page), Withdrawn Vehicles, Expired Vehicles show you current, withdrawn, or expired deals. You can accept working deals or re-open expired or withdrawn deals. We've split these into 3 pages because many of you have so many deals that it was becoming confusing. Again, you can switch between the 3 pages using the links at the top of the page:
The Activity Reports link takes you to an online version of your dealership's monthly activity (this is the one we mailed last month).
Actions -- The Action links are a shortcut to enter a vehicle (Trade or Appraisal), Request a Vehicle, report issues about the System, or read the latest news (this BLOG).
Finally, if you want a really, really easy way to start the new car wizard (Sell A Car or Appraisal), we've created a small program that will put an icon on your desktop to launch the wizard in one step. If you have save your password (on the login page), then you won't even need to type your password to get started. To try it out, click here.
Of course we're always available to help you through any problems you're having or answer any questions you have about the system - toll-free, anytime. 866.276.4540.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
What's New - May 2008
We had 84 new members join iLUXCARS last month alone. New members from all over the world - Florida, California, New Jersey, Washington, Utah and the Bouches-du-Rhône department of France. (If you're curious, it's in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region: Bouches-du-Rhône)
That's right. iLUXCARS Europe is officially open. Besides the fact that this sounds really, really cool (say it: Bouches-du-Rhône) - we think this proves the unique and global value of the iLUXCARS Service. Next - iLUXCARS Canada.
We also announced a new commitment to super fast appraisals and super simple appraisal to trade conversions. Here's the short version: Enter an iLUXCARS Appraisal and the System will give you an up to the minute value in 5 minutes or less. Start your deal fast. Let the System do the work.
And finally, most of you probably received your first monthly activity report by now. The report shows everything you and your dealership did last month - buy, sell, even the number of times you logged in. If you didn't get it - or can't find it, it's available on your home page under 'Activity Reports.'
So, if you're new to the network - welcome. Or, as they say in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur - Bienvenue!
Friday, June 6, 2008
Real Money
The most consistent thing we hear: "iLUX? It works." (Exactly)
One of the more interesting things we've heard: "iLUX? That isn't real money."
Excuse me?
That is, the current bid in the System isn't actually real money. Really? News to us.
It could be that these non-believers haven't considered the fact that iLUXCARS operates nationally. The money in one market is frequently better than the money in another, and iLUXCARS is the only sensible way to take advantage of that.
It could also be that some of you don't really understand the iLUXCARS idea, or the iLUXCARS System, or the iLUXCARS guarantee, or the quality of the iLUXCARS service.
Or, maybe you're just jealous.
So - just to be crystal clear - it's real money.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Commitment
No commitment and the deal isn't started.
You need commitment. But to get that, you'll need a number to start the deal. And, the simplest way to get that number - a real number, a deal starting number - is to get an iLUXCARS Appraisal.
So to help with all this we have a new commitment to you - When you enter an Appraisal on the iLUXCARS System we promise that the System will give you number that you can use to start your deal in 5 minutes or less.
Promise. Appraisals in 5 minutes or less. Print it out if you want. Start your deal. Get a commitment.
(If you make your deal and want to wholesale the car, we'll convert it to a Fresh Trade deal - just give us a call.)
Now you have a commitment.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Simple
Even though we're sure that iLUXCARS is one of the greatest web applications ever, we know that what you really want is for us to make it simple.
And, we think we're getting there. Most of what you do in the System is really, really easy. Make a Bid - 2 clicks. Accept an Offer - 2 clicks. Get paid - 0 clicks. Get your car - 0 clicks.
Enter a car - OK, a bit more work. We admit it. We do ask for quite a bit of information about a car when you enter it. It takes a few clicks. Still simple, we'd maintain, but it takes a minute.
Now, for those of you who don't even have the minute it takes to enter your vehicle, we sent you a pad of iLUXCARS Appraisal slips. If you didn't get them then you need to track down who DID get them in your dealership, really let them know how shockingly inconsiderate that was, and take them back (or give us a call and we'll send another pad or download one here).
The iLUXCARS Appraisal Slip, no matter how busy you are, is really, really simple. Fill it out, fax it to us (714.242.6732). Total Clicks: 0. That's it.
Remember: Help you make more deals. Simple.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Comfort
When you make a purchase on the internet, especially in the iLUXCARS dollar range, you want to feel pretty comfortable.
And, even though we guarantee everything about the transaction – money, title, condition, and transport – we know that the sellers who get the best response from the network (that is, the best money) are almost always the ones who take the time to properly describe the car they are selling.
Complete vehicle descriptions are essential to making buyers comfortable with your vehicle. Detailed information, especially vehicle options and specific required reconditioning are very, very important.
Comfort is especially important to new network members – over 100 last month alone – as many of them may not have had much experience buying $200,000 items based only on your vague description of vehicle options and blurry photos.
So, until we work out a way for a car to enter itself into the System – you'll have better results if you make sure that the description you enter is complete.
Friday, April 18, 2008
So this guy walks in...
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Our Guarantee
One of the things we do to ensure the condition guarantee is to run a CARFAX report on every accepted deal. The report is printed and placed it into the permanent file along with the invoice and purchase order from the deal. Every time.
We do this so that we can guarantee that the CARFAX is clean or if it isn't, you've been told about any issues in the report. If the report isn't clean and you don't want the car because of that, we'll unwind the deal.
Occasionally, data is reported to CARFAX well after the vehicle arrives at your dealership. Now, as much as we'd like to tell you this will never happen, we're not CARFAX and we're not in charge of their data.
This means, of course, that we can't guarantee the report will always be clean. However, we will guarantee that it will be clean at the time of purchase.
It goes without saying that we do all of this as part of our solution. Every Time. Guaranteed.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Frustrated?
One of the advantages to the way that iLuxCars works is that it allows you as sellers to broadly distribute your vehicle to a large (growing larger every day) group of qualified buyers instantly. For buyers, there simply is no other place that gives you a chance to bid on big cars during the trade process.
We're unique. Oh, you say - it's just an auction. Well, almost. While iLuxCars feels like a traditional auction the choice to accept or reject the bid is up to the seller. Being the high bidder doesn't always mean you buy the car. Why? All of the vehicles on iLuxCars are Live Trades. The retail deal around the vehicle, even though your money is likely the best money, may not happen.
We sense a bit of frustration with this and frankly, we're a little confused. All auctions work this way. Even large auctions (Manhiem, for example) close less than 50% of cars that run. These are cars, remember, that are owned by the seller and have been trucked to the auction at the expense of the seller.
The close rate for an iLuxCars transaction is almost 25%. We should repeat this. Nearly 25% of the vehicles submitted on iLuxCars result in successful transactions. These are Live Trades that are NOT owned by the selling dealer and haven't been trucked anywhere.
The important thing about all of this is that if you are the high bidder on a vehicle you will, on average, end up winning 25% of the time.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Risky Business
Say what you want about Internet safety - we've never actually heard of someone having to visit a hospital because they were surfing the Internet.
Any way you look at it, wholesale car buying is a risky undertaking - and not just because of errant SUVs. Auctions are risky - condition isn't certain, selection is sub-standard, and there are many hidden costs: (Auction Tales). Your local wholesaler (who probably never ran over anyone, to be fair) is risky - Would the person who never had to chase down a local wholesaler for their money please stand up?
Of course, buying trades yourself and putting them through your shop and on your front line is probably the riskiest business of all - especially if you aren't 100% sure of the market.
Now, while this may seem like a shameless way to promote iLuxCars, the truth is we understand this Risky Business better than anyone. Mainly because we assume all of the risks on EVERY car. We pay, we ship, we guarantee. Everything. And, we promise never to run you over.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Significant Others
So, because you asked, we've done it. If you want to add your sales team to the system here's how:
- Have them register. (http://www.iluxcars.com/register). It'll take a few seconds. Use the same dealership name and address as you use, and we'll get them going faster.
- We'll call them shortly after their registration is submitted. When we call, have them tell us that they would like access to the system but that they won't be buying or selling. We'll be happy to walk them through the system as well.
Once your salespeople have been enabled, they'll be able to:
- Keep their finger on the real wholesale luxury market. Read our news, see active deals, and view open requests in the System.
- Look at what's selling now – that is, "Live Trades." If they see a car they can use, they can let you know. Remember, we're happy to enter a bid for you if you give us a call.
- Make Requests. If you need a car put it in the system as a request. Our software searchs this list every time a new vehicle is submitted.
- View status on vehicles you've sold or purchased. (My Account - Where's My Car and My Account - Where's My Check).
Give it a try. We're here to help.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Clearly Not
Let's repeat that: iLuxCars is not a listing service. Clearly Not.
If you've put a vehicle through your shop, listed it on AutoTrader, EBAY, Yahoo, ThaList, duPont, or the like, then iLuxCars isn't the right place for your car.
Our marketing and positioning department may not have communicated this with total clarity, so, here goes:
What we do – what we're 100% focused on – is helping you make your deal. Early in the process. Before – way before – you've put money into the vehicle. If you have a customer with a trade put it in the system. Right away. We're the wholesale solution for Live Trades. If, on the other hand, you're looking for a retail listing service then iLuxCars isn't the answer.
The truth is, our network members (you) don't want to see cars on iLuxCars that are also listed on Tha List or EBAY. You've told us this. Many, many times. You've made that clear.
So, we're unique. We know. We help you make more deals. EBAY won't do this. They can't. Neither can AutoTrader, the duPont Registry, or Yahoo. Only iLuxCars.
There simply isn't anything else like us. Clearly Not.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Bentley GTs
Most of you have probably noticed by now that we're showing you real transaction data (and handy visual aids) for your vehicles in the system. We're also committed to turning this data into information – information that you can understand, and, more importantly, use to your advantage.
So, while you can look at the numbers yourself, here's a summary on one vehicle – 2004-2006 Bentley GT:
First, and this isn't surprise, but, we're seeing a strong downward trend in the 2004 and 2005 model year vehicles. The 2006 and newer models have stayed pretty strong, provided the color and mileage is acceptable. Prices on 2005s are fluctuating from $100,000 to $110,000 for cars that are good colors (Black, White, Moonbeam, Silver Tempest) and have less than 15,000 miles. Blue and green are less desirable. If the vehicle has the Mullinner package it generally adds between $5,000 and $8,000.
And here's one of those handy visual aids - a snapshot of average prices for the last 12 months:
Remember, these are real money prices - not our guess, not what we think the market is on the GT, but the real money. Wholesale, of course. Right out of our database. All part of the solution.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Suprised
This week, we had a 2007 Gallardo Spider, Blue Fontus with Ivory interior, 6sp with a $229,000 MSRP. 1,000 miles. The car can be bought for $180,000 and apparently, none of you are interested.
Suprising. Our first reaction to this was $180,000. We've had recent comparable vehicles north of $180,000. Several, in fact.
According to our data, this car is priced below the market. Suprising, huh?
For those of you visual learners out there - here's a picture of what we're seeing:
Monday, February 4, 2008
Focus
If you want to move your old inventory – especially if you expect retail value – then iLuxCars isn't the right place for your car. In fact, what it tends to do is depress the rest of the network. The prices are simply too high for a wholesale purchase.
What you DO want – again, overwhelmingly, is Fresh Trades. So, we're focusing on that.
iLuxCars is a wholesale solution. What we do, what we focus on, are heavy cars (greater than $70K) during or directly following trade-in.
So, starting today, when you enter a car for sale on the system, you may choose either Fresh Trade or Appraisal. No more 'Dealer Inventory' transactions.
An appraisal means that we will use the system to determine a price for your vehicle based on similar transactions and market knowledge. Choose this if you don't intend to wholesale the vehicle.
A "Fresh Trade" is a vehicle that you are either trying to take in from a customer or have recently taken in on another deal. You do NOT need to own the vehicle to start this type of transaction.
This is actually a big release for us. Many changes. Simple, useful, focused changes. Here's the top 4:
- A new home page. You'll notice this right away. It consolidates important information about the currently trading cars, cars you are selling, and recent transactions you have made. Plus, it looks really cool.
- iLUXCARS Market Report! When you submit a vehicle you will now be able to see recent, comparable transactions to your car during the submission process. You can use this information to establish your wholesale target price.
- Less email. We've reduced the number of emails that you will receive for events that happen in the system. Email is the only reasonable way to communicate with you about the rapidly changing state of the system, but we acknowledge (reluctantly) that it probably seems a little excessive.
- New preferences. You can now set a maximum mileage in your account preferences. If you enter 15,000, for example, we won't send email on vehicles with more than 15,000 miles. Note that you will still be able to see and bid on ALL vehicles – you just won't get the email.
Monday, January 28, 2008
The Dream
This month, on average, the wholesale asking prices on vehicles you submitted are 16% higher than the iLuxCars offer amount. In November, they were only 7% higher.
And this means? You have a dream. We call it the retail dream. You've listed your vehicle at this price on eBay and Tha List. You were on the money only 88 days ago. And now? You're dreaming about that perfect retail customer walking into your store, paying the money - dream come true. Right?
Like we said - an optimistic January.
On average, high-end cars - $70,000 and above - heavy cars - the ONLY cars we handle - have depreciated a little less than 3% a month for the past 3 months. (2.87% to be exact).
Our opinion - based only on raw statistical analysis (of over 500 million dollars worth of Big Cars) - says that it may be time to consider a new solution. If you want to wholesale the car - then iLuxCars is almost certainly the right solution.
You guys are an optimistic bunch.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Oscar Quality
They are still on the site, of course, so if you want to watch (and we know that you do) you can. Play them here, here, and here.
The one thing we know is that if you were starting to tire of the movies then you were using us as we want - that is, you were (and are) logging in every day. That's good. Good for iLuxCars, certainly, but more importantly good for you.
iLuxCars happens in real time. Every day. All day. The only way to keep your finger on the real, up-to-the-minute, nationwide market on luxury and exotic vehicles is to participate in the iLuxCars Network.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Cracked
You bet. To better illustrate this point - here's a snapshot of last year's wholesale prices on one of our more popular vehicles (2004 360 Spiders).
Most of you probably have a sense of this. Things have most definitely cracked. Which is why you might want to be a little more circumspect about putting numbers on your trades without checking with the iLuxCars Network first.
Think about it - there simply isn't a downside to being sure. The number you get from iLuxCars is the real money on the car. When you make your deal based on the number from the System you're safe. We suggest you enter every trade. Every time. No risk.
Things have cracked. Be careful you don't fall through.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
New, New Things
You'll notice that we've changed the look and feel of the 'Make an Offer' page. We're now grouping vehicles by make to make it simpler for you to navigate the list. To open one of the make lists click on it. To close it, click it again.
We've also added a 'Chat' link on the each of the cars you are selling ('iLuxCars Offers') (we'll add it to the 'Make an Offer' page next.) We're seeing that more and more of you are using chat (to avoid actually talking to us, we suppose) and we just want to make it simpler.
For all of you who just want to print your invoice or purchase order – we've added two new links under 'My Account -> My Transactions' dedicated to making this super quick and easy. To print an invoice click on 'My Invoices.' To print a purchase order click on 'My Purchase Orders.'
Finally, you'll notice that you can now 'Print' an iLuxCars Offer. From iLuxCars Offer list, click on the print button. It's a nice looking, printable version of the current offer on your vehicle for your use. We've had numerous members ask for this to use as a way to show your customer the actual number on their car while you are making your deal.