[josephvman]

The main elements of the consignment agreement are going to be:

1. How long? Can either party exit the agreement early, and if so at what cost?
2. Agreement on listing price.
3. Who is responsible for prior inspection costs, repairs, detailing prior to listing?
4. Fee? Is it a flat fee, a percentage of the sale price (less any other costs to be deducted) or a "net to owner"
5. Is the fee any different if the owner of the car brings the buyer to the table?
6. How long after sale will you get your funds?

Typically the owner of the car will provide a copy of the title, and exchange the executed title for certified funds once a sale is closed.

Where consignments typically go wrong are not being on the same page with regard to a realistic transaction price, and preparation of the car prior to sale. The issue with owners is that many don't see the value in putting money into a car they want to sell, and many are motivated to sell precisely because they know how much they need to put into their car if they want to keep it.

Nothing bugs me more than seeing auctions or listings of cars that have obvious and easily-corrected issues, which means cheap owners and sloppy sellers. If an owner is trying to sell a car with bald or 15 year old tires it makes you question absolutely everything about the car. A seller who's willing to list a car with issues like that isn't one that I'd be comfortable doing business with.

I personally would never get involved in selling a car that I wouldn't be completely comfortable buying with my own money.