Frequently Asked Questions

Prime Auto Center is an online consignment service that sells used Items on behalf of private Sellers, dealers, and nonprofit groups. To the best of our ability, we aim to simplify the process for both Sellers, by helping them get more value for their Items, and Buyers, by providing a secure transaction environment.

Prime Auto Center was established to provide a straightforward way for individuals, businesses, and fundraising organizations to sell merchandise on platforms like eBay, RVTrader, MachineryTrader, BoatTrader, Boats, Oodle, Craigslist, Kijiji, and Gumtree. Our ethos at Prime Auto Center is focused on personalized attention, reliability, and professional expertise. Our business model is predicated on the belief that busy individuals and small businesses crave exceptional service to help manage their affairs.

We strongly believe that Customers are yearning for a reliable service. In an era where service stations lack personal service, ATMs have replaced personal banking, and Facebook has transformed the word 'Friend' into a verb indicating a cyber connection, we aim to bring back real service to our Customers.

“Safe Service” Is the Foundation of Our Business Formula

Sure, You could sell Your own Items online, just as You could paint Your own house or draft Your own will. However, most people understand that hiring an expert with the right tools, training, and reputation typically yields better results. Prime Auto Center is recognized as one of the top Sellers on platforms like eBay, RVTrader, MachineryTrader, BoatTrader, Boats, Oodle, Craigslist, Kijiji, and Gumtree because we are experts in online consignment sales:

• Our trained researchers can appraise Your Item, providing You with a clear understanding of whether it's likely to sell, and at what price.
• Our skilled copywriters enhance Your Item's exposure by finding the best categories to list it under and using keywords that align with potential Buyers' online searches.
• Our Customer service representatives promptly respond to inquiries from prospective Buyers to ensure they have the information they need to make a confident purchase. They're also experienced in detecting fraudulent bidders and online scams.
• Our shippers meticulously prepare and ship Your Items to ensure they arrive promptly and in good condition, minimizing the likelihood of returns.
• Our national brand and high feedback rating increase the chances of Buyers choosing to purchase from our platform rather than directly from individuals.

In fact, many Items we sell end at a value 15%-25% higher than comparable Items sold by private individuals, completely offsetting our commission and fees!

To discover more advantages, see Why Use Prime Auto Center.

Prime Auto Center is always free for Buyers.

For Sellers, we charge an upfront fee of $299.00. This fee covers the work we put into preparing and marketing Your Item for sale. It includes a comprehensive 63-Point-System-Check inspection, state safety inspection, basic interior and exterior cleaning, an Item history report, ad copy-writing, and various internet listings. If Your car, travel trailer, or RV requires full detailing, we can handle that for an additional $100.00 for sedans and $120.00 for trucks and SUVs. Upon successful sale of Your Item, we deduct a success fee from the sale proceeds. Our incentives align perfectly: If we don't sell Your Item, we don't get paid a success fee.

Sellers are subject to a small additional transaction fee for credit card transactions. eChecks are currently free and are encouraged only for eBay transactions. Registration is required, but there are no entry fees, membership dues, or monthly charges to use the service.

Sellers are subject to a small additional transaction fee for credit card transactions. eChecks are currently free and are encouraged only for eBay transactions. Registration is required, but there are no entry fees, membership dues, or monthly charges to use the service.

Note: If there's no sale, there's no charge!

Find our more about our Fees & Commissions.

Unfortunately, You can't do that because Prime Auto Center isn't an advertising company. With Prime Auto Center, Items are sold by their owners on specific marketplaces of the Seller's choice (eBay, RVTrader, MachineryTrader, BoatTrader, Boats, Oodle, Craigslist, Kijiji, and Gumtree), and we merely manage the sale and take our commission.

Making an Item available to other Customers simultaneously would essentially turn the sale into an auction, providing all Customers an equal opportunity to purchase it. In this scenario, the price would naturally be higher than the one initially listed on eBay, RVTrader, MachineryTrader, BoatTrader, Boats, Oodle, Craigslist, Kijiji, or Gumtree. Selling an Item at a price higher than the one originally listed online contravenes our Terms and Conditions and Service Policies.

No, PayPal and Prime Auto Center are not associated with each other and serve different purposes in the realm of e-commerce. PayPal is a well-known global e-commerce platform that enables online payments and money transfers. It allows individuals and businesses to send and receive payments securely over the internet. On the other hand, Prime Auto Center is an Escrow/Consignment Company operating exclusively in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Prime Auto Center offers comprehensive services for online sales, including escrow services, consignment, and handling various aspects of the transaction such as shipping and payment processing. While both PayPal and Prime Auto Center operate in the e-commerce space, their functionalities and services are distinct from each other.

Prime Auto Center offers its services on popular online platforms such as eBay, RVTrader, MachineryTrader, BoatTrader, Boats, Oodle, Craigslist, Kijiji, and Gumtree. If you are interested in selling Your Items on other websites, please get in touch with our Customer Support for further assistance.

To buy an Item through Prime Auto Center, the process is as follows:

• Buyer must Register to initiate the transaction.
• Prime Auto Center notifies the Seller, asking for approval.
• Once approved, Prime Auto Center sends to the Buyer an eMail Invoice with further transaction instructions.
• Buyer sends and confirms the payment with Prime Auto Center, by following the transaction instructions.
• Once the payment is received, within 1 (one) - 3 (three) Business Days, Prime Auto Center ships the Item to Buyer.
• Buyer goes through a PDI (Pre Delivery Inspection) performed by an Prime Auto Center Technical Inspector.
• Buyer has 7 Days to accept or return the Item.
• If the Item is accepted, Prime Auto Center pays the Seller.
• If the Item is returned, Seller is responsible for the returning shipping fees. Buyer receives a full refund within 1 (one) Business Day.

Note: The information submitted at the time of the registration, whether You are a Buyer or a Seller, will be kept private according to our Privacy Policy and used only for transaction purposes.

Below, You will find some benefits of using Prime Auto Center services for Your purchase:

Competitive Prices: Buyers shopping at Prime Auto Center can find attractive Items at prices typically 15-25% lower than those at traditional retail or dealer outlets.

Direct Purchasing: At Prime Auto Center, You buy directly from the owner while we handle the sale. This means You can avoid paying traditional middlemen markups and receive true private party values. We provide market data to help You understand the value You're getting, ensuring You feel confident about purchasing a great Item at a fair price.

Money-Back Guarantee: Our standard 7 Day Money Back Guarantee program, along with the 63-Point-System-Check and Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI), offers Buyers peace of mind when purchasing a used Item online. If You decide to return an Item, the Seller will be fully responsible for the associated shipping costs.

Accurate Item Descriptions: When an Item is listed for sale, we compare the original Seller's description and pictures with the actual state and condition of the Item. We only allow photos of the Items that are listed. As a Buyer, our 7 Day Money Back Guarantee program ensures that You receive the Item You are paying for, providing You with certainty in Your purchase.

Find out more benefits for using Prime Auto Center services.

The process is FREE for Buyers. All fees associated with the transaction are Seller's responsibility and will be deducted from the sale price, at the end of the transaction. There are no hidden fees.

Our pricing structure for shipping varies depending on the route and the type of Item being shipped. We charge between US $0.50 to US $1.50 per mile. To get an accurate shipping quote for Your specific situation, we recommend contacting our Customer Support team.

Additional Info: For certain Items, shipping is free within a range of up to 300 miles from the storage area. You can find this information on the Inventory page for the particular Item You are interested in.

Note: Shipping fees are the responsibility of the Seller, and they will be deducted from the sale price at the end of the transaction.

Prime Auto Center does not offer financing services. Buyers are required to have the necessary funds readily available before registering to purchase an Item.

Additional Info: Prime Auto Center strictly refrains from engaging in any loan transactions with third parties and does not share Item documentation online. Buyers are encouraged to schedule an appointment and personally inspect the Items and their respective documentation at our warehouse.

The comprehensive 63-Point System Check Inspection Report will be furnished to the Buyer upon delivery, as part of the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) process.

Note: We do not share documentation online. Buyers are welcome to inspect the documentation ot the Items at our storage facilities, based on appointment.

The Transaction ID# is a distinct 10-digit number assigned to each transaction, serving as a tracking identifier for both the buyer and seller. It enables real-time monitoring of the transaction status, including shipping progress, payment status, and other relevant details.

Note: The Transaction ID# is exclusively available to registered Customers who have active transactions in progress. This unique identifier is provided by Prime Auto Center in the eMail Invoice sent at the commencement of the transaction.

Seller must complete the consignment application to make an appointment with one of our representatives

Prime Auto Center experts evaluate the consignment application

Prime Auto Center collects the Item, performs a 63-Point-System-Check, verify the accuracy of the Item description and pictures to ensure accurate representation, and lists it for sale

Once the Item is listed, the Seller can answer questions from potential Buyers

After both parties have settled a purchase agreement, Buyer must Register to initiate the transaction.

Prime Auto Center notifies the Seller, asking for approval.

Once approved, Prime Auto Center sends to the Buyer an eMail Invoice with further transaction instructions.

Buyer sends and confirms the payment with Prime Auto Center, by following the transaction instructions.

Once the payment is received, within 1 (one) - 3 (three) Business Days, Prime Auto Center ships the Item to Buyer.

Buyer goes through a PDI (Pre Delivery Inspection) performed by an Prime Auto Center Technical Inspector.

Buyer has 7 Days to accept or return the Item.

If the Item is accepted, Prime Auto Center pays the Seller.

If the Item is returned, Seller is responsible for the returning shipping fees. Buyer receives a full refund within 1 (one) Business Day.

Note: The information submitted at the time of the registration, whether You are a Buyer or a Seller, will be kept private according to our Privacy Policy and used only for Your transaction purposes.
Additional Info: To find out more about how selling work, please click here.

As a company, we understand the need for individuals to maximize the value when selling their cars, boats, travel trailers, RVs, or any other vehicles. In the past, they typically had two options: (1) selling to a dealer, which offered convenience but often resulted in a lower price (15-25% less) compared to the private party value, or (2) taking on the time-consuming and challenging task of selling it themselves. However, Prime Auto Center introduces a third alternative – a service specifically designed to help Sellers obtain a higher value for their Items, eliminating the usual hassles and risks associated with private market transactions.

We offer a No-Sale-No-Charge approach to selling Vehicles, Boats, Travel Trailers, RVs, Cars. We take an up front fee of US $299.00, which covers the work we do to prepare and market Your Item for sale, including a thorough 63-Point-System-Check inspection, state safety inspection, basic interior and exterior cleaning, a vehicle history report, ad copy-writing, and various Internet listings. If Your Item needs a full detail, we can take care of that for You for an additional US $100.00 for sedans and US $120.00 for trucks and SUVs. Boats, RVs and other vehicles can cost considerably more, depending on the service needed. For an exact quote, please Contact Us.

After we successfully sell Your Item, we take a Success Fee directly from the sales proceeds. Our incentives are completely aligned: If we don’t sell it, we don’t get paid a success fee.

When You list Your Item with Prime Auto Center, You will receive all of the features and benefits of a best-in-class dealership working on Your behalf to sell the Item quickly and professionally. Our team will educate You on market conditions, help You price the Item competitively, learn You to clean and prepare it for sale, will learn You to advertise it in order to show effectively, will manage Buyer inquiries and test drives, and will provide You continuous updates. Once You are matched with a Buyer, we will arrange any document processing on Your behalf.

Congratulations! Once a Buyer makes an offer, we will present it to You in the manner You have chosen at the time of registration (e.g., phone, text, eMail ). We will present You with all the offers we receive for Your Item; accepting them or rejecting them is up to You. If You accept the offer, we will make arrangements to finalize the deal, process all paperwork, and prepare the Item for delivery. Once the Item is delivered and accepted, we will cut You a check within the next 5 (five) Business Days.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The most used method of payment is Bank Wire Transfer.

• Bank Wire Transfers are immediate, reliable, and safe.
• Bank Wire Transfer use the secure SWIFT network.
• Bank Wire Transfer offers security as both parties (Sender & Recipient) are automatically verified and identified by the Bank Institution in the funds transfer process. To open a Bank account, the Bank institution will require identity verification and proof of address. Legal institutions are involved in the verification process and that makes any transaction safer. As a result, when it comes about Bank Wire Transfers, the money can never be lost and can always be traced.
  Based on the marketplace, We accept the following payment methods:

PAYMENT METHODS ACCEPTED

EBAY:

• PayPal
• Bank Wire Transfer
• Credit card or debit card processed through the seller's Internet merchant account

Note: PayPal and Credit Cards payments are accepted ONLY for transactions under US $4,999.00. PayPal is processed within 3 (three) Business Days of the funds clearing Prime Auto Center's PayPal account. Credit Card is processed within 5 (five) Business Days after receiving the Credit Card authorization form receipt.

BOATTRADER, BOATS, OODLE, CRAIGSLIST, KIJIJI & GUMTREE :

• Bank Wire Transfer - Payments are requested to be sent to the Business Bank Accounts of Prime Auto Center and its subsidiaries.
• Cash Payment - Available for Pick Up Transactions
• Bitcoin (BTC)

PAYMENT METHODS NOT ACCEPTED (RESTRICTED)

• Money orders
• Online payment services: Allpay.net, CertaPay, hyperwallet.com, Fiserv, Nochex.com, XOOM, etc.
• COD (Cash-on-Delivery)
• Sending cash through the mail
• Sending cash or money orders through instant, point-to-point cash transfer services (that aren't banks) such as Western Union or MoneyGram
• Paying by "topping off" a seller's prepaid credit or debit card
• Cashier Check (mailing checks) or money orders.

As a Company, we prioritize the security and protection of our Customers in online transactions. Due to the increased risk of scams associated with certain platforms, such as Craigslist, Kijiji, Gumtree, and others, we have implemented specific payment methods to safeguard our Customers' interests.

For eBay transactions, we exclusively accept PayPal as a payment method. This choice is based on several factors. Firstly, eBay has established robust website security and a comprehensive Privacy Policy, ensuring a higher level of protection for our Customers. Additionally, it is important to note that PayPal has been a wholly owned subsidiary of eBay since October 3, 2002, further enhancing the integration and security between the two platforms.

We are aware that websites like RVTrader, MachineryTrader, BoatTrader, Boats, Oodle, Craigslist, Kijiji, and Gumtree are often targeted by spammers who aim to steal PayPal accounts from unsuspecting users. These compromised accounts are then used to make unauthorized payments for Items from legitimate Sellers. Such fraudulent activities can leave Sellers without the Item they intended to sell and may result in legal disputes involving the genuine owner of the PayPal account seeking a refund.

By restricting PayPal usage to eBay transactions, we aim to mitigate the risks associated with scams and protect our Customers from potential fraudulent activities. Our commitment to providing a secure and reliable platform for online transactions remains a top priority.

At our company, we have specific procedures in place for processing Credit Card transactions to ensure the security and legitimacy of the payments. Upon receiving the Credit Card authorization form receipt, we process the transactions within 14 days. This timeframe allows for thorough verification with the banks to prevent unauthorized third-party usage of credit cards. In line with Prime Auto Center' Payment Policy, we accept Credit Card payments only for transactions under US $4,999.00. This limit helps us manage the associated risks effectively. Additionally, it's important to note that Credit Card payments are exclusively accepted on the eBay marketplace, which provides a secure environment for both Buyers and Sellers. By implementing these measures, we prioritize the safety and protection of our Customers' financial information. We understand the significance of maintaining a trustworthy and secure payment process, and our policies reflect our commitment to that objective.

Find out more on the accepted methods of payment.

Note: All the terms are referred to on the website and Customers must understand that by using our services, they automatically accept Prime Auto Center Terms and Privacy Policy.

Local inspections and pick up transactions are accepted ONLY prior to having an active transaction in progress and based on a settled appointment. Customers must understand that an inspection appointment involves special processes (i.e. Stuff to answer questions, Technical Team assistance, equipment required for such processes, etc.). To schedule an inspection appointment, please Contact Us or go on Live Chat and talk with a representative.

Additional Info: As per Prime Auto Center' Terms & Conditions for online transactions, once a Customer submits a transaction request and it is approved, our Shipping Department automatically initiates the preparation process for shipping the Item. Our Company's system is programmed to schedule transactions and shipments accordingly. Consequently, the Shipping Department begins preparing the necessary transaction paperwork and loads the Item onto a Flat Bed Trailer alongside other Items that are scheduled for shipping at the same time. The loaded Items are then transported to the nearest warehouse where we have the required equipment to prepare them for shipping. During this process, the Item becomes temporarily unavailable for inspection and any request for inspection during this phase, will be automatically denied.

The Buyer is not permitted to request two different services simultaneously, as such requests will be automatically denied. All the relevant terms and conditions can be found on our website, and it is imperative for Customers to comprehend that their use of our services implies automatic acceptance of Prime Auto Center' Terms, Conditions & Privacy Policy.

Additional Info: As stated in Prime Auto Center' Terms & Conditions for online transactions, Items will undergo the delivery process, and the purchase will be covered by our 7 Day Money Back Guarantee program.

Note: Inspections are only allowed for pick-up transactions.

Due to the large volume of Items stored in each warehouses or storage facility, and because we are obligated to protect Customers interest, our warehouses' and storage facilities location are private areas restricted for public access. Local Inspections are accepted ONLY prior to having an active transaction for the Item in subject, and based on a settled appointment.

Since Prime Auto Center sells a wide range of Items, owns a wide network of warehouses and storage facilities, and eBay, RV Trader, MachineryTrader, BoatTrader, Boats, Oodle, Craigslist, Kijiji and Gumtree are the worlds largest marketplaces, it is practically impossible to work without appointments.

Prime Auto Center offers full forwarding services with the ability to handle all of Your needs. We have the capabilities to handle any job, any size, regardless of Your needs. We will implement the best ways to have the route running efficiently and cost effectively.

Whether you have a 30 ft boat on a trailer that needs to be brought to our facility or a 40 ft boat that needs to be pulled from the water and transported to our facility, we can do it all! Prime Auto Center has the trucks, trailers, registration and permits to get the job done. Prime Auto Center can safely haul, move or transport up to 40 ft boat, with all the proper equipment.

Read more about shipping options.

Our shipping charges range from US $0.50 to US $1.50 per mile, depending on the route and the type of Item being shipped. To obtain an accurate shipping quote, we recommend reaching out to our Customer Support team.

Note: For certain Items, shipping within a range of up to 300 miles from the storage area is free of charge. This information can be found on the Inventory page for the specific Item.

For international shipping, there are special shipping rules and additional fees that apply. To acquire more information regarding international shipping, we kindly request that You contact us. Our team will be happy to assist You with the necessary details.

Once an order has shipped out, we will send You an eMail with the shipping details.
Additionally, You have the option to track Your order by checking the Transaction Status at any time. This allows You to stay updated on the progress of Your shipment and easily monitor its whereabouts.

CONDITIONS TO BE MET BEFORE ASKING FOR A REFUND

To return an Item, simply fill out Refund Application

• General Terms
  1. Returns are accepted within the 7 Day Money Back Guarantee.
  2. Refund is given as Money Back - Refunds will be made through Cash, Credit Card, Cheque or Bank Transfer, depending on the payment method used at the time of purchasing.
  3. Return shipping fees are Seller's responsibility.
  
  Find out more.

"Transaction Status Bar & Transaction Progress Box " shows Your transaction status and progress in real time.

Note: During transaction, Buyer also receives eMail notifications for each stage.

Payment Time Frame

"Payment Time Frame Counter" - indicates the time frame to complete the payment for Your transaction. The counter is scheduled to work based on Your selection at the time of the registration. Sometime, the Payment Time Counter may indicate more or less time than You have selected at the time of registration. Prime Auto Center reserves the right to modify Buyer's selection in case of Weekends or National Holidays.

Note: The payment time frame cannot be extended on Buyer's request. According to Prime Auto Center Terms & Conditions for on-line transactions, after a Customer submits a transaction request and it is approved, our Shipping Department automatically starts preparing the Item for shipping (the Company system is automatically programmed to schedule transactions and shipments). As a result, the Shipping Department starts to prepare the transaction paperwork and the Item is being loaded onto a Flat Bed Trailer, along with other Items that have been programmed by the system for shipping at the same time along with Your Item, and moved to the nearest warehouse where we have the necessary equipment to prepare it for shipping. By not having completed Your transaction on time, we will have to unload Your Item and change the delivery schedule for the Items that have been programmed by the system for shipping, at the same time along with Your Item. This could lead into a delay for the entire delivery schedule and in order to prevent unwanted delays for other Customers, we will be forced to remove Your transaction from the system and You will be automatically billed for all the fees associated with this process.

Delivery Time Frame "Estimated Delivery Time Counter" - indicates the time frame for the Item to be delivered to Buyer's confirmed address. The delivery time frame is determined by the date at the time of Your registration (if chosen), in the field "I would like my Item to be delivered on". If left unchecked, the Item will be shipped as Standard (3-5 Business Days).

Note: Prime Auto Center reserves the right to modify the delivery time frame, if during shipping, unexpected events causes delays.