How DealerDraft Works
From your first click to cash in your account — every step is designed for speed, transparency, and security.
Submit Your Vehicle
Start by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Our system automatically decodes it to verify year, make, model, and trim. Add your current mileage, upload photos, set your location, and enter your target asking price. The entire submission takes under 5 minutes.
Professional Inspection
TrustWithin 48 hours of submission, a certified DealerDraft inspector visits your location. The inspection covers 50+ high-resolution photos, OBD-II diagnostic scan, mechanical systems check, frame and structural inspection, tire tread measurement, and interior/exterior condition rating. You receive a copy of the full report.
Price Prediction
Our proprietary market analysis engine compares your vehicle against thousands of recent dealer transactions, auction results, and retail listings. It generates a predicted dealer offer range — typically 88-93% of your target price — giving you realistic expectations before the auction begins.
Dealer Marketplace
Your vehicle listing goes live to our network of 2,400+ verified dealers across all 50 states. Dealers can view the full inspection report, all photos, condition scores, and vehicle history. The auction runs for 48 hours, during which dealers submit binding offers.
Choose Your Offer
After the auction closes, you review all offers in a clear comparison view. You can see each dealer's offer amount, dealership name, location, and ratings. Accept the best offer — or reject all of them with zero obligation. The only cost if you reject is the $150 inspection fee.
Secure Escrow Payment
TrustOnce you accept an offer, the winning dealer deposits the full purchase amount into our secure, FDIC-insured escrow account. If your vehicle has an outstanding loan, we coordinate directly with your lender to pay off the balance first. The remaining funds are held until vehicle delivery is confirmed.
Vehicle Pickup & Delivery
We arrange professional, insured transport for your vehicle. For local sales (within 50 miles), a licensed tow truck picks up your vehicle and delivers it directly to the dealer. For out-of-state sales, your vehicle is taken to a DealerDraft holding hub and loaded onto an interstate carrier. Once the dealer receives and inspects the vehicle, escrow releases your payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most vehicles sell within 48 hours of being listed to our dealer network. The full process from submission to payment typically takes 5-7 business days, including inspection scheduling, the auction period, escrow processing, and vehicle pickup.
No problem — most vehicles on DealerDraft have existing loans. When the winning dealer deposits into escrow, we pay your lender directly for the payoff amount first. The remaining balance is then transferred to you. We handle all the paperwork with your lender.
A certified DealerDraft inspector comes to your location at a time you choose. They perform a comprehensive inspection including 50+ photos, OBD-II diagnostic scan, mechanical systems check, frame inspection, tire assessment, and interior/exterior condition rating. The full report is shared with dealers.
Absolutely. You are under no obligation to accept any offer. If the offers don't meet your expectations, you can decline all of them with no penalty. The only cost is the $150 inspection fee, which is non-refundable once the inspection is completed.
Our escrow service acts as a neutral third party. The winning dealer deposits the full purchase amount into our secure escrow account. Once the vehicle is picked up and the dealer confirms the condition matches the inspection report, the funds are released. If there's a dispute, our resolution team mediates.
DealerDraft provides dispute protection for both parties. If the dealer claims the vehicle condition doesn't match the inspection report, our team reviews the original inspection photos and report. If the claim is valid, we negotiate a fair resolution. If not, escrow releases to the seller as planned.
For local sales (within 50 miles), we arrange a licensed tow truck to transport your vehicle directly to the dealer. For out-of-state sales, your vehicle is first taken to a DealerDraft holding hub, then loaded onto a carrier for interstate transport. All transport is insured.
We accept most passenger vehicles, trucks, and SUVs from model year 2005 or newer with under 200,000 miles. The vehicle must have a clean title (no salvage, rebuilt, or flood titles). Exotic vehicles, commercial vehicles, and motorcycles are not currently supported.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you're selling your car or looking to buy pre-inspected inventory, DealerDraft makes it simple.