About
How it Works
Selling a Vehicle
Buying a VehicleTesla Tips & Tricks and EV Bids Join Forces to Enhance the Tesla Ownership Experience
In an exciting development for the Tesla community, Tesla Tips & Tricks and EV Bids have merged to bring unparalleled value to current Tesla owners, as well as those exploring the Tesla ownership experience.
A Combined Mission
By integrating the robust EV Bids marketplace and consumer auction technology with the deep knowledge base of Tesla Tips & Tricks, this partnership will create a one-stop hub for all things Tesla. From finding the perfect pre-owned Tesla, to having a fun and exciting way to sell your current Tesla, to mastering the art of optimizing your ownership experience, this collaboration ensures every step of the Tesla journey is seamless and rewarding.
What This Means for the Tesla CommunityA Marketplace Redefined:
EV Bids will incorporate the Tesla Tips & Tricks brand and content directly into its platform. Buyers and sellers will not only find a reliable marketplace but also gain access to expert advice on selecting the right model, maximizing range, and maintaining their vehicle’s value.
Enhanced Ownership Resources:
Tesla Tips & Tricks members can look forward to a richer experience with marketplace integration, offering practical advice on Tesla ownership while making it easier to find parts, accessories, or even upgrade to a newer model.
“We are thrilled to combine the strengths of EV Bids and Tesla Tips & Tricks,” said Tory Hornsby, Co-Founder of EV Bids. “Tesla owners are passionate, informed, and tech-savvy. By merging these platforms, we’re giving them the tools to make smarter buying decisions and enjoy a more fulfilling ownership experience.”
Navid Gondal of Tesla Tips & Tricks added, “This merger is all about synergy, and providing the Tesla community with more value, more insights, and more opportunities than ever before. Our members will find it easier than ever to buy, sell, and thrive as Tesla owners.”
Driving InnovationWith the combined resources and expertise of EV Bids and Tesla Tips & Tricks, Tesla owners and enthusiasts can look forward to:
- A streamlined platform for buying and selling a pre-owned Tesla.
- Up-to-date tutorials, tips, and news about Tesla’s latest features and updates.
- A vibrant community dedicated to helping owners get the most out of their Tesla.
This partnership underscores a commitment to bringing improved value to the current and future Tesla ownership community.
How Does a T3 Auction Work?
- Buyer
- Seller
- 01 Register Register to Bid
- 02 Apply Apply for Financing and Get Pre-Approved Or skip this step if you’re paying cash
- 03 Find your Tesla Shop live online T3 Auctions to find your Tesla
- 04 Research Do research on market value and place your bids
- 05 Win Win the T3 Auction
- 06 Finalize Finalize the sale and have your Tesla delivered to your home or office
Selling Your Tesla on a T3 Auction
What does it cost to sell my Tesla on a T3 Auction?
There is no charge to list your vehicle on Tesla Tips & Tricks and you’ll receive the full amount of the sales price.
What criteria do you use to determine if a Tesla is approved for a T3 Auction?
Our focus is on connecting use Tesla sellers with a buyer. We only accept a used Tesla if we believe it’s in excellent condition with a clean VIN reports. Factors such as condition, battery health, mileage, quality of photos/information submitted, vehicle history, market trends, reserve pricing, and more are considered.
Can I sell my Tesla on a T3 Auction if I live outside of the United States?
T3 Auctions are only offered on used Teslas for sale that are located in the U.S.A.
I currently reside in Puerto Rico. Can I still sell a vehicle on Tesla Tips & Tricks?
At this time, Tesla Tips & Tricks does not offer vehicles for sale in Puerto Rico.
What is the process for submitting my Tesla for a T3 Auction?
The process for submitting your Tesla is simple. Just click Sell My Tesla in the site navigation. You'll provide us with the year, model, trim, and VIN. We will also need multiple photos and some other relevant details. If your vehicle qualifies to be listed on a T3 Auction, we’ll create a listing and advertise nationwide to find potential buyers.
What information do you need sell my Tesla?
You’ll provide the year, model, trim and VIN, as well as quality photos that reveal the condition of your Tesla. We’ll also ask for details on vehicle including its history and extra features that may set your vehicle apart from others to potential bidders. Any and all information we gather will be used in the listing creation process to provide the most value for your Tesla.
Who writes the listing description for my Tesla?
Once we have all of the details, our professional copywriters will craft a custom listing that highlights the reasons buyers should bid on your Tesla. You'll have the opportunity to review the message and approve prior to the T3 Auction going live.
When will my T3 Auction start?
We begin with the expectation that when you submit your Tesla for sale, you want to sell it as soon as possible. We'll work with you to curate and publish your listing with that end in mind. If you have a specific date you would like to have your listing go live, we will work with you to make that happen as well.
How long does a T3 Auction last?
T3 Auctions are designed to last for seven days. However, bids placed within the last 60 seconds of the auction will extend the timer to ensure all bidders have the opportunity to place their final and highest bid.
Can I edit my T3 Auction once it’s live?
In the unlikely event you need to edit your auction, contact us and we will make the necessary changes. You can also leave comments to answer questions and provide additional information about your Tesla.
Is it possible to put a reserve price on my T3 Auction?
We offer two types of T3 Auctions – those with a “reserve” and those with “no reserve.” In a “reserve” auction, there is a minimum price that must be met for the vehicle to be sold. If the final bid does not meet the reserve (which is unknown to bidders), there is no sale. In a “no reserve” auction, there is no minimum price, meaning the vehicle will sell for the exact amount of the highest bid.
Should you choose a “reserve auction”, we will work with you to establish the reserve price based on vehicle condition, market, and demand. Once the reserve price is agreed upon, your listing can be published.
With a “reserve auction”, you have the freedom to lower the reserve price at any point during the auction. Simply reach out to your T3 Auction Specialist and let them know you’d like to lower your reserve. Note that you cannot raise the reserve once the auction has started.
Would you advise me to disclose my reserve price?
As the seller, you always want to keep your reserve price private. We recommend never revealing your reserve price, including in the public comments. We have found that those who disclose a reserve price almost always see a slowdown in bidding, especially when the auction nears or reaches that value.
How does the buyer get in contact with me and make payment?
At the end of the auction, completion of the sale transaction takes place between the buyer and the seller. Tesla Tips & Tricks will provide the contact information to both parties so the transaction can be completed. We recommend the seller email and/or text a picture of the title and a bill of sale to the buyer prior to them sending payment. Wire transfers and cashier’s checks are known to be safe payment options. Tesla Tips & Tricks recommends the seller verify funds prior to releasing the vehicle and title.
What happens if the highest bid does not reach my reserve?
In the event that your reserve price is not met, we will get in touch with you and the highest bidder to try to negotiate a price that will satisfy both parties. If we reach an agreement, we will put you and the buyer in contact with each other, and we’ll drop our buyer’s fee to 2.5%.
Can I try negotiating a deal outside of my T3 Auction?
Teslas listed on a T3 Auction are subject to exclusive sale through us. A buyer or seller attempting to make a deal outside the parameters of the auction is a conflict of interest and a direct violation of the terms of service of the buyer/seller agreement. Instead, sellers are encouraged to maintain close contact with the Tesla Tips & Tricks team to make sure your auction is optimized for the best possible results.
What if my auction ends and I don’t want to sell my vehicle to the highest bidder?
As per your agreement with Tesla Tips & Tricks, all sellers must follow through with the sale of their vehicle once the auction closes. If there is no justifiable reason, failure to follow through with the sale may be subject to legal action from the buyer as a violation of the buyer/seller agreement.
What happens if the winning bidder doesn’t want to follow through with the agreed purchase?
On Tesla Tips & Tricks, it is very uncommon for a winning bidder not to follow through with the purchase. In the event that this does occur, the winning bidder forfeits their 5% buyer’s fee and are permanently banned from Tesla Tips & Tricks. Additionally, if the buyer with the winning bid fails to follow through with the purchase, we will immediately initiate negotiations with the next-highest bidder(s) in an attempt to sell your vehicle at an agreed-upon price. Should we be unable to strike a deal, we may offer to re-list your vehicle free of charge. We may also pay you half of the collected buyer’s fee after 90 days.
Just Looking
At Tesla Tips & Tricks, we are committed to helping not only buyers and sellers obtain their goals, but we also want to serve as your go-to cool vehicle community. To that end, we offer a section for comments in every auction. Because Tesla Tips & Tricks is a hip and cool vehicle community, we encourage your participation even if you don’t plan on bidding. By opening the floor to comments in our Tesla Tips & Tricks auctions, we are spiriting full transparency. Comments may provide additional information that the seller or potential buyers may not be aware of.
Buying a Vehicle
What is the procedure for registering to bid?
First, you'll need to register for a Tesla Tips & Tricks account.
Next, you'll need to register a credit or debit card to your Tesla Tips & Tricks account in order to cover any potential Buyer's Fee holds.
Once you've registered your credit or debit card, you're ready to bid.
How do I place a bid?
First, you have to register.
Once you are registered, just click the “Place Bid” button on the vehicle’s listing page. You will be prompted to enter the amount of your bid. Depending on the current bidding level, there might be a minimum bid increase over the previous high bid.
Once you have submitted your bid, a hold will be placed on your credit card for 5% of your bid amount. This hold will stay in place for the duration of the auction.
What are bid increments and how do they work?
For auctions up to $15,000, minimum bids increase at increments of $100. For auctions over $15,000 to $50,000, minimum bids increase at increments of $200. For auctions above $50,000, minimum bids increase at increments of $500.
Can I bid if I live outside of the United States?
No. Tesla Tips & Tricks only accepts sellers and buyers living in the United States.
Is it possible to inspect a vehicle before bidding?
We highly encourage due diligence prior to bidding. If you want to inspect a vehicle or have a vehicle inspected by a mechanic, use the Contact Seller link to make arrangements.
Note that this depends on the seller's availability and willingness to do so.
Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a “post-auction pre-purchase inspection”. You are obligated to purchase the vehicle if you are the winning bidder.
Do you have proxy bidding?
No. If you are outbid on a vehicle you are interested in, you will need to manually input your next bid. Please remember that the price of the vehicle will immediately progress to your bid amount. For example, if the current high bid for a vehicle is $40,000 and you input a $45,000 bid, the current high bid will immediately go to $45,000.
When I bid, why do you place a hold on my credit card?
When you place a bid, we place a hold on your credit card in case you are the winning bidder and will have to pay the buyer’s fee. The hold on your card will be for 5% of your initial bid amount, with a minimum of $500 and a maximum of $5000. In the case that you are not the winning bidder, the hold will be released from your credit card at the end of the auction.
Can I contact the seller directly?
It is permissible to contact the seller directly through the auction description page by clicking the 'Ask a Question' button, or by posting a comment.
What happens in the case that the reserve isn’t met?
If an auction for a vehicle ends and the reserve price has not been met, we will work with the seller and the high bidder to find a sale price that is agreeable for both parties. If we are able to reach an agreement, Tesla Tips & Tricks will put the buyer and seller in contact.
How do I know the reserve price of the vehicle I am interested in?
Reserve prices are not published, just like in live auctions. If a listing does not have a reserve, you’ll see a “No Reserve” tag on the description and “No Reserve” text near the bidding box. If you do not see the “No Reserve” text, then that auction has a reserve price. Asking the reserve price of a vehicle goes against our terms of service. The only time that a reserve is made public to the buyer is if the reserve is met, and the vehicle sells.
How do I complete the transaction once the T3 Auction is over?
When a T3 Auction ends, we provide the buyer and seller with each other’s contact information. At that point, the buyer and seller are able to get in touch via email or telephone to complete the paperwork, the financial transaction, and arrange delivery.
How do I pay for a vehicle that I won?
Generally speaking, payment forms may include a cashier's check, certified wire transfer, cash, or other means--it is ultimately the seller and buyer's responsibility to find a mutually-agreeable payment arrangement.
Is it possible to finance a vehicle I am interested in?
It is possible to finance a vehicle you wish to purchase through Tesla Tips & Tricks. However, BEFORE bidding you must make sure that you are pre-approved with your lending institution to purchase the exact vehicle you plan to bid on. Please do not assume your financial institution will finance the vehicle you want. Instead, please take the steps necessary to secure financing before you bid, so that you are ready to close the deal quickly after winning the vehicle. Do not wait until Post-auction to begin applying for a loan.
What if I win an auction, but decide I don’t want to complete the sale?
All bids on Tesla Tips & Tricks are considered binding. As such, all due diligence such as inspections and arranging finances must be completed prior to bidding. When you bid on a vehicle you are agreeing to purchase the vehicle in its current condition and location. Tesla Tips & Tricks auctions do not provide for a “post-auction pre-purchase inspection.” Before bidding, please make sure you have all of the information you require to be comfortable purchasing the vehicle.
What are the specific rules that must be followed in the comments?
We want to ensure that Tesla Tips & Tricks is a community that is open and honest. As such we will not tolerate use of foul language or personal attacks. The focus should be on the vehicle being sold in a professional, courteous, community. Things that are frowned upon include:
Personal attacks, use of foul language, or spamming
Sharing your personal contact information outside of EV Bids
Asking the seller what their reserve price is
Publishing the price you think the vehicle will sell for
Inappropriate images or inappropriate description/profile text
Soliciting for your personal business, website, or social media handles
Refocusing the conversation to focus on other vehicles
Steering the conversation to topics unrelated to the vehicle being offered
Posting links to inappropriate webpages
Posting links to inappropriate videos
Posting links to other vehicle sales sites
How much are the buyer fees for Tesla Tips & Tricks?
In addition to paying the final purchase price to the seller, the purchaser also pays a 5% buyer’s fee to Tesla Tips & Tricks. There is a minimum buyer’s fee of $500 and a maximum buyer’s fee of $5000.
