If you’re familiar with the CarMax brand, then you probably know that they are one of the biggest car retailers in the United States. But what you might not know is that they also hold auctions at some of their locations, including the White Marsh location near Baltimore, Maryland. And let me tell you, it’s a truly unique experience. Here’s everything you need to know about CarMax Auction White Marsh.
What is CarMax Auction White Marsh?
Let’s start with the basics. CarMax Auction White Marsh is an auction held at the White Marsh CarMax location, where buyers can bid on used cars that have been traded in or sold to CarMax. The auctions are held usually two times a week and are open to the public.
So, why should you attend? First of all, the prices can be really good. Second, it’s a chance to see some pretty interesting characters bid on cars in a live auction setting. And finally, it’s just plain entertaining.
Auction Day
Auction day at CarMax Auction White Marsh is a sight to behold. The first thing you’ll notice is the energy in the room. The auctioneer is shouting out numbers at lightning speed, and all around you, people are yelling out bids or waving their hands to get the auctioneer’s attention.
As you walk around the lot, you’ll see that each car has a lot number and a piece of paper in its window with some basic information, like the year, make, model, and mileage. If you’re interested in bidding on a car, you can grab a folder with a list of all the cars up for auction and their lot numbers.
Pro tip: Before the auction begins, take a few minutes to walk around the lot and look at the cars you’re interested in. Check for any obvious damage, like dents, scratches, or rust. Ideally, you want to see the cars in person before you make any bids.
The Bidding Begins
Once the auction begins, the auctioneer will start calling out the lot numbers and giving some basic information about each car. Then the bidding starts.
The bidding process can be a bit overwhelming, especially for first-timers. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and bid more than you intended. But don’t worry, there are plenty of seasoned auction-goers who can provide some guidance.
The auctioneer will start with an opening bid, and then it’s up to the crowd to start bidding. If you’re interested in a car, you can raise your hand or nod your head to get the auctioneer’s attention. The bidding will continue until there’s only one bidder left, and that person will win the car.
Pro tip: Set a budget beforehand and stick to it. It’s easy to get carried away in the excitement of the auction and bid more than you intended. Remember, there’s always another auction.
The Characters of CarMax Auction White Marsh
One of the highlights of attending CarMax Auction White Marsh is the people you’ll encounter. From the auctioneers to the bidders, it’s a cast of characters unlike any other.
The Auctioneers
The auctioneers are the stars of the show. They are masters of their craft, able to keep track of multiple bids at once, and keep the energy in the room high. They are also a bit of a spectacle, dressed in bright vests and sporting microphones that make them sound larger than life.
The Bidders
If the auctioneers are the stars of the show, then the bidders are the supporting cast. You’ll see a range of people bidding on cars, from seasoned car dealers to first-time auction-goers. And let me tell you, some of them are characters.
Pro tip: Bring a notebook and take notes on some of the bidders. You never know when you might need inspiration for a screenplay.
The Bidder’s Code
If you’re attending a live auction, you need to know the bidder’s code. The bidder’s code is a series of hand signals that bidders use to communicate with the auctioneer. Here are some of the most common signals:
- Raise your hand: This signifies that you want to bid on the car
- Nod your head: This is a more subtle way of signaling a bid
- Point: This signals a bid at a specific price
- Scratch your chin: This signifies that you are no longer interested in the car
Pro tip: Practice the bidder’s code before the auction begins. You don’t want to accidentally bid on a car because you didn’t know the signal for scratching your chin.
The Aftermath
Once the auction is over, it’s time to take care of some paperwork. You’ll need to go to the cashier’s desk to pay for any cars that you won. There may be some additional fees, like a buyer’s premium or sales tax, so be sure to factor those in when you’re setting your budget.
Once all the paperwork is taken care of, it’s time to take your new car home. If you’re attending CarMax Auction White Marsh from out of town, you’ll need to arrange for shipping or transportation. But if you’re local, you can drive your new car home right away.
Pro tip: If you’re driving home with a new car, make a playlist beforehand to celebrate your purchase. May we suggest “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf?
Conclusion
Attending CarMax Auction White Marsh is an experience you won’t forget. From the characters to the energy in the room, it’s a unique and entertaining way to buy a car. Just be sure to set a budget beforehand and stick to it. And who knows, you might just come away with a great deal and a great story to tell.
Table
| Lot Number | Year | Make | Model | Mileage | Bid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 2013 | Honda | Civic | 87,000 | $4,500 |
| 101 | 2010 | Toyota | Camry | 120,000 | $5,000 |
| 102 | 2015 | Ford | Escape | 45,000 | $11,000 |
Lists
Top 5 Most Common Types of Bidders at CarMax Auction White Marsh
- First-time auction-goers
- Car dealers
- Mechanics
- Flippers
- Car enthusiasts
Bidding Tips at CarMax Auction White Marsh
- Set a budget beforehand and stick to it
- Check out the cars in person before the auction begins
- Practice the bidder’s code
- Don’t get caught up in the excitement and bid more than you intended
- Bring a notebook and take notes on some of the bidders
References
- CarMax
- “Understanding the Bidder’s Code at an Auction” by The Balance Small Business
- “10 Tips for Shrewd Car Buyers” by U.S. News & World Report