COMPLAINT FILED 01/26/2026
Gino C
We were contacted by DealerClub and were pleased to join the platform, particularly due to its leadership background and its reputation-based business model. As a newer platform experiencing rapid growth, it appeared to offer a transparent and accountable marketplace for wholesale vehicle transactions.
Our first purchase was a H3 SUT from a dealer, Automania, located in Michigan. The vehicle listing included approximately 30 photographs and what appeared to be a complete description. However, upon delivery, we discovered significant structural damage that had not been disclosed in the listing. While numerous photos were provided, the most critical issue—a severely compromised frame—was not revealed. The frame was cracked, appeared structurally altered, and was secured with a steel cable. A state-certified repair facility subsequently deemed the vehicle unroadworthy.
We immediately contacted DealerClub and were referred to Serena Martin, identified as the dispute representative. We were informed that the vehicle was sold “as-is” and that no assistance or resolution would be offered. We later submitted a review on the DealerClub platform describing our experience; this review was removed on two separate occasions.
During our communications, the selling dealer stated that Ms. Martin was his manager and indicated a close working relationship. This raised concerns for us regarding the independence and impartiality of the dispute resolution process. Shortly thereafter, our account was temporarily suspended, and subsequent attempts to contact DealerClub through calls, emails, and messages went unanswered.
This experience was particularly disappointing as it was our first transaction on the platform. We joined DealerClub with genuine enthusiasm and an expectation that its reputation-based system would promote transparency, accountability, and fair treatment for all participants. Unfortunately, our experience did not align with these expectations.
DealerClub’s mission states:
“The world’s first reputation-based wholesale auction. DealerClub is an exclusive wholesale marketplace for professionals, built on reputation and accountability, empowering buyers and sellers to eliminate the nonsense and get back to business.”
Based on our experience, we believe the handling of this matter did not reflect the principles outlined in this mission statement.
In response to DealerClub’s recent reply, we wish to clarify that our removal from the platform occurred following this unresolved transaction. Additionally, the seller attempted to offer financial compensation in exchange for not pursuing further action. We believe these circumstances warrant further review. We are in possession of recorded communications with the seller referencing DealerClub’s involvement in the matter, which may be relevant to any formal investigation.
We are submitting this complaint to seek a fair and transparent review of the transaction, the dispute handling process, and the actions taken by DealerClub in response to our concerns.
Last 8: 98127218
Date of Issue: 2026-01-03
Auction Contact: John Royce
AUCTION RESPONSE:
[IN PROGRESS]
8 Reviews on “DealerClub”
As some may know, in addition to being the President and Founder of Auto Auction Review, I am a buyer for a dealer group in Atlanta, Georgia. I buy product from the usual places, fleet companies, Manheim, ADESA, OVE, Dealer Block, ACV, Openlane, Smart Auction, wholesalers, etc. Recently, I came upon Dealer Club through LinkedIn. Will Morris, Director of Dealer Sales, reached out to me and we struck up a fast acquaintance. He explained to me the premise of Dealer Club, highlighting its user-driven approach to wholesaling inventory. Rooted in a reputation-based platform, Dealer Club allows members to list vehicles quickly and accurately, uploading up to 100 photos at a time for clarity. Selling dealers are required to provide up to 17 guarantees on the unit, ranging from mechanical condition, structural damage, paint work, and the like. This capability allows the buyer to see the vehicle for what it really is, not clouded by the subjectivity of other platforms’ condition reports (one man’s 4.7 is another man’s 2.9 as an example). Bidding dealers can then interact in real time with the seller, asking questions and generally conversing with the seller to secure a comfort level with both the vehicle and dealer. I immediately liked this approach, as I come from the years of buying cars in the street with envelope drafts and a handshake.
Will invited me to sign up for the club, and I did. Now, signing up for any new auction/online platform takes a minute- master tags, dealer licenses, POAs, and banking information are all required to get started, but it is nothing out of the ordinary. The sign up process starts online, and dealers are asked to upload the proper forms and answer the usual questions; what type of dealer, physical and mailing addresses, etc. If a dealer needs assistance in finalizing the sign up process, Dealer Club’s team of Serena and Terri are quick to respond via text or email, and are efficient in getting any issues handled. One point of emphasis is the response time; any dealer will tell you that this is critical. Anytime problems arise, being able to reach someone for assistance can make the difference between a nasty experience and a great one.
Moving on to the reason I signed up for Dealer Club, it was time to try to buy some cars. Dealer Clubs interface/dashboard is clean, well thought out, and intuitive. Vehicles can be searched for and filtered
by the usual criteria, make, model, mileage, distance, etc. The set up that I like best is you can easily search the “Auctions”, “Upcoming”, and “Make Offer” units. It easily sorts which vehicles are in active bidding, launching soon (dealers can launch immediately or on a 3:00 pm EST launch, for a 24 hour period), and expired units that dealers can make offers on. The main page also features a “Command Center” which shows transactionally what the dealership have done- its comprehensive and well thought out. One can also opt-in for the usual text or email notifications, as well as manage your account (indicated by your picture) through the main page.
As for the bidding/buying process, it was straightforward and easy to navigate. One thing though- watching the auctions for the last two weeks now, it’s obvious that dealers are placing low-ball bids on vehicles- i.e., $500 on a 23 F150 Platinum. I firmly believe that that practice will subside and eventually go away as buyers flood the site. As a side note, we should be here to BUY cars- ok, try to get as cheap as possible, but keep it reasonable. It’s unlikely that any dealer will take a $50K haircut on a vehicle, so why throw that out there?
After all of that, I ended up purchasing a 2022 Chevy Trax out of Orlando, FL. I had a little competition on the vehicle, and hit it right below MMR, and ultimately bumped $400 to get the deal done. The seller was quick to use the website texting and let me know what it took to buy it. Will himself got involved, working with the seller and I to get a deal done- similar to what other auction houses used to do- try to put deals together. Once the deal was done, I checked out, and also had the opportunity to use DC’s proprietary transport services ( I declined as I have a guy already), but this a simple, but useful service DC provides as often times floorplan companies will finance the transport. DC also provides the buyer with extended protection (up to 20 days), for those that want a longer guarantee- useful for stores with slow service departments.
All in all, I rate Dealer Club (obviously its early, as a 5-Hammer auction (that’s the best, btw). Joe Nieman, the founder, knows a little bit about building an online auction, and there is every reason to believe he and his team will hit this one out of the park- again.
See my upcoming review on my Dealer Club’s selling experience. Yep, I listed my first unit ( and will continue to do so). Watch for that to land later this week.
Dane, your confidence in DealerClub is much appreciated, we are happy to have you as a member. With that being said, thank you for giving us a platform to be able to rate auctions. It has been a much needed tool in this industry, just as DealerClub has now become. I look forward to working alongside your dealership and this website to push us all forward!
Great new & growing auction platform. Owners & employees are some of the best in the business. Will continue to do business there.
Nothing but good things to say!
Same to you Iszac, thank you for being a wonderful DealerClub partner!
Thank you Joey! We are grateful that you have joined us! We hope you find tons of inventory for your lot, and sell it all! Our success is your success! You know how to get me if you need anything at all! Here’s too many more transactions!
Overall, I have nothing but good things to say about Dealerclub. It really truly makes sellers responsible for what they are selling. It also really helps me to buy with confidence being able to see the ratings of the seller and how they do business I will continue using them, and I cannot wait to see all the great things this company will do for us dealers!
Thank you Chad, don’t you love the accountability factor? A much needed change in wholesale transactions. Thank you for being part of DealerClub, we are excited to see where we all go from here!
As honest as you can get in an auto auction, a unique platform giving dealers the confidence in bidding knowing that the platform has standards of ethics, honesty and transparency……this auction was developed with the dealer in mind and it is only going to expand and grow…….very excited to be part of Dealer Club!
Thank you Amy, our plan is to never veer away from being open and honest, it was much needed in this industry! I love that we are growing fast, with being “By the dealers and for the dealers”. I am excited that you are partnered with us, I look forward to many more successful years of business together!
A much needed change to the auto auction industry. The ability to comment and ask questions directly of the seller is appreciated. I think the format of DC is the answer to many independents who were never able to list elsewhere or struggled to gain bids because of the reputation of independent dealers. DC allows dealers to actually present their inventory fairly and buyers can bid with confidence knowing that any issues have been disclosed as the selling dealers want to maintain a high seller rating. Any issues after sales are fairly resolved and in many cases presented to a larger dealer audience for additional feedback to ensure a fair resolution.
Josiah-
I agree! DealerClub is such a smooth process, thank you for being onboard with us! It really is a much needed change to the auto auction industry. I also love having the the ability to comment and ask questions right in the auction! The rating system is unlike any other platform, and allows you guys to build a great reputation. Thank you for being part of DC!
Quickly funded and an easy sale process
Nick,
I agree! DealerClub is such a smooth process, thank you for being onboard with us!
Small car guy in a BIG business, I don’t feel that way here!! I buy/sell and cannot express enough how I feel of a safer transaction either way. As for the crew- (Zach, Serena & Terri etc) always quick response and helpful to get me where I need to be! Thank You all, keep up the GREAT WORK!
Mike,
I am glad DealerClub is working so well for you. I think the more time passes, the more we will get to work together to accomplish our goals! I am glad you came aboard! You know how to get me if you need anything!
Awesome experience so far. The online platform is easy to manage and navigate.I am not very tech savvy, but I am able to use it without getting help. The customer service is always excellent and the fees are very reasonable.
Travis, thank you for your confidence in the platform, we are happy to have you as a member, and can’t wait to see what more is in store for both of our businesses!
-Serena