Want to dive deeper into any of these listings? Just click on the car to take you directly to the listing.

I’ve been having a lot of conversations lately with folks trying to figure out what’s going to make these platforms tick—what’s going to take them from also-rans to real players. Everyone’s got their theories, but rather than dissect each platform, let’s look at some big ideas that could actually move the needle for these underdogs. Because let’s be honest—Bring a Trailer’s sitting pretty on the throne, and everyone else is just fighting for scraps. (for those who are into AI, the image above is just about ok, tried to get every platform featured, but it refused my polite requests 😭)

1. Specialist Platforms: Niche Doesn’t Have to Be a Dirty Word

Specialization isn’t necessarily the name of the game, but if you’re clever about it, it can work. Take PCarMarket—they started as a Porsche-only joint, but they’re branching out, with 32% of their sales coming from non-Porsche cars. The initial idea was tight—own the Porsche crowd—but now it’s drifted. They’re still finding their way. Then there’s platforms like The MB Market that cater to a specific brand or the new JDM-focused platform set to launch. None of these guys will ever match BaT’s volume, but who says they need to? Success doesn’t have to mean 100 cars a day; it’s about hitting the right notes with the right audience.

Then there’s the price-specific angle. Look at SBX—they aimed squarely at the high-end supercar market, but the execution has been patchy. It’s not that the concept is flawed; they’ve just got other fires to put out. And let’s not forget SOMO, who rolled out with the goal of auctioning $100k-$1m cars. After a rough start, they’re now seeing big wins. SOMO will never be the ‘Walmart’ of car auctions like BaT—they’re more like that high-end boutique where you know every piece has been handpicked. Meanwhile, Hagerty’s out there floundering without any clear focus. We’ve ranted about this before: they’re trying to be everything to everyone, and it’s just not working.

2. The Offline Advantage: Bringing the Digital to Life

While these platforms live online, there’s a lot to be said for showing up in the real world. Some have started to bridge the gap by partnering with car events, showcasing a few top auctions to the enthusiasts in attendance. SOMO’s done it, and Hagerty’s dipped their toes in—though it hasn’t quite boosted their numbers; they’ve sold more cars than PCarMarket but still lag 66% behind in total sales value. Even some power sellers on BaT, like MohrImports, have found success by mixing in-person presence with their online listings. It’s simple—people connect with what they can see and touch, and that connection can translate into sales.

3. Hosting Your Own Events: More Than Just Auctions

Then there’s the DIY approach—hosting your own events and getting the community involved. Collecting Cars has this down to a science with their global cars and coffee meets. They’re not pulling in the traffic numbers some of their competitors have, but they’re moving some seriously high-ticket cars. Case in point: Collecting Cars has sold 122% more in total value than Cars & Bids this year, despite Cars & Bids auctioning nearly 1,000 more vehicles. The difference? Collecting Cars knows how to make people feel like they’re part of something special. Cars & Bids, not so much. This isn’t just a volume game—it’s about creating moments that bring buyers to the table.

Final Thoughts: Brand, Focus, and a Bit of Hustle

Of course, these aren’t the only factors at play. There’s a whole mix of things that can make or break a platform—team expertise, for example. Hagerty’s got the Broad Arrow specialists, but they’re still trying to find their footing in the online auction world. Then there’s marketing know-how, brand identity, and laser-focused execution. Honestly, I could write about this all day. Today, I just wanted to highlight a few ideas that have been on my mind recently, but trust me, there’s plenty more to explore. The truth is, success in this game doesn’t come from one magic bullet—it’s about finding the right combination of strategy, timing, and a little bit of hustle.

Alright, this might not be the Porsche you had in mind for today’s spotlight, but stick with me—this 2000 Boxster S is the perfect starter Porsche, and it just sold for $9,500. Yep, you read that right—a real, mid-engine Porsche for less than ten grand that delivers an authentic driving experience without draining your wallet.

This isn’t just any budget-friendly ride, though. It comes equipped with the Sport Package, a punchy 3.2-liter flat-6, and a few tasteful mods like 17-inch Sport Classic wheels, a Borla exhaust, and those stylish Houndstooth inserts that give the interior a little pop. And the best part. It comes with a clean Carfax and a pre-purchase inspection report, so you know exactly what you’re getting into before you hit the road.

With 137,000 miles and a few signs of wear here and there, it’s seen some action, but that’s all part of the charm. This Boxster S is the gateway drug into the Porsche world—giving you all the sound, style, and thrill of a classic drop-top without the intimidating price tag. For under $10k, it’s a seriously cool way to get behind the wheel of your first Porsche and experience that undeniable Stuttgart magic.

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