Q and A: Andrew Alcazar addresses some Frequently Asked Questions.
SO WHY RUSSO AND STEELE?
It is pretty simple. As a Buyer, you want to access the very best selection of the type of cars you enjoy and purchase the highest quality and caliber additions to your collection. As a Seller, you want to maximize your sales results and know that your car is marketed to a worldwide audience with professionals dedicated to achieving your goal. Finally, everyone wants to enjoy our great hobby in an atmosphere focused on the camaraderie of like-minded enthusiasts. These elements are exactly what Russo and Steele is all about. Almost ten years later, our special brand of close personal relationships binding a rabidly loyal group of enthusiasts has solidified our event as a "must attend" for genuine aficionados.
YOUR HOBBY, YOUR MARKET!
The expertise of Russo and Steele goes beyond simply having the singular focus and objective of a collector car auction; the fact is, we are fellow enthusiasts as well. We actively participate in Concours d'Elgance shows, road rallies, auctions, vintage racing and other collector car events. This hooks us directly into the heart of our mutual passion. Look for our staff at various events around the country and you will see a dedicated effort to perpetuate the enjoyment of our hobby and also be keenly in tune with current values in the marketplace. Counseling our clients to enjoy the very best of the hobby is our duty. Read about our exclusive "ALL RESERVE" format on our website and you will soon understand the value of presenting consignments with realistic reserves. This policy translate directly to the extremely high quality cars current buyers expect and demand. It is exactly what we are best at. An honest, level playing field with "arms length" transactions consummated with strict attention to detail and integrity perpetuates the relationships we work diligently to foster and maintain.
THIS IS WHY RUSSO AND STEELE
Sure, we have the best amenities in the hobby; full gourmet food buffets, hosted bars and cocktail service, only credentialed clients inside, complementary full coverage insurance, transportation services, our "patented" Auction in the Round format, dully disclosed VIN numbers and (new this year) the Authenticity Certificate Program offering the most clearly represented descriptions anywhere, on and on... Most important factor at Russo and Steele is the PEOPLE. From our expert staff to the many volunteers that join our family each event, the mood, vibe, feel and atmosphere is clearly evident. "For enthusiasts by enthusiasts" is not just a tag line; for us, it's a lifestyle. The many lifelong friendships we enjoy and the hobby that brings us together is why we extend the invitation for all to join us this January in our beautiful home of Scottsdale for the Russo and Steele Sports and Muscle Collector Automobile Auction!
Why the same dates as other auctions?
We offer a unique alternative! From our specialized market of Sports, Muscle and Hot Rods to the many exclusive amenities we provide, a change of pace and environment can be a welcome respite. We present the best market for our sellers. As the saying goes: "You gotta fish when the fish are running"! Multiple events are good for everyone and each auction has a distinctly different environment so the enthusiast has many options to choose from.
Why is Russo and Steele the only Auction to "Niche Market" the type of cars?
We offer for auction exclusive types of collector automobiles: American Muscle, European Sports, Hot Rods and Customs. These wide ranging markets include everything from Shelbys to Ferraris, full blown customs, to Hemis, Lamborghinis to Lead Sleds. Contemporary muscle and sports from Vipers to Enzo's we ARE this marketplace. By design, we feel our clients will appreciate the sharp focus on "their kind of cars".
What is the benefit of Russo and Steele's "Boutique Style" to both Consignors and Bidders?
Keeping our sales small and intimate allow the enthusiasts to be at the center of the event. It is difficult to have any car, no mater how nice, rise above a sea of over 1,000 plus cars. From a buyers perspective, getting asked to move as someone takes a picture to hang on their wall or be run over by a baby stroller when one is inspecting a potential purchase compromises the integrity of the auction. Also, buyers can be easily desensitized by hundreds of venders, fashion shows, general public mayhem and other activities that simply do not lend themselves to the collector car auction experience.
What is your exclusive "Auction in the Round" format?
Russo and Steele is interactive, and that creates excitement! The buyers are right on the floor with the cars. No cars on stages, no separation. With a ground level auction 'arena' and elevated platform seating 360 degrees around the stage, a virtual 'boxing ring' or 'coliseum' effect funnels buyers to the epicenter of the action. Interactive sound and lighting effects contribute to the excitement that is uniquely Russo and Steele!
Why does Russo and Steele limit the number of Entries in Scottsdale?
The excitement and success of an auction comes from the quality of the offering. Small sales can bring together the very best of a particular market. It's impossible to fill 1,000 lots with specific, quality inventory of a focused market. There aren't enough cars available to fill them all with out compromising integrity. In addition, we focus our buyers on a select group of vehicles. I have seen many outstanding cars simply become lost in a field of cars once the buyer's attention span has been diluted.
With the success of Russo and Steele over the last nine plus years, why do you continue to maintain the lowest fees and commissions?
Our effort is to produce the high quality of event offering the very best Sports, Muscle, Hot Rods and Customs to our clients. We, as enthusiasts ourselves, know that keeping costs and fees reasonable will continue our proven track record creating loyal clients. Building equity in the relationships with our Buyers and Sellers is what we seek to foster. The reputation of integrity and personal attention that we have earned in just seven short years speaks to the successful efforts of our entire organization. The best deals are the ones that are good for everyone.
How fast does Russo and Steele cash out their sellers?
We make every effort to be the "fastest guns in the west"! Once we have received cleared funds from our buyers, it is our obligation to cash our sellers out quickly. One of the very best ways to say "Thank You" to our selling clients, and have them continue to bring high quality consignments to our seal is to get their sales proceeds delivered promptly.
Why is the Preview Gala limited to the first 650 Registered Bidders Only?
This is the very first impression and kick off to the event. The Preview Gala is open exclusively to Registered Bidders. A full sit down, served dinner on linen, china and crystal featuring the very best local chefs showcasing their culinary delights sets the tone for the experience that makes the Russo and Steele unique. In addition to checking out the cars in a relaxed atmosphere, we are benefiting a great charity!
Why do you allow only Registered Bidders and their Guests in your Auction room?
Inside the main Auction area is reserved exclusively for Bidders and Guest simply because that is the singular objective of our event. General public is welcome in our preview areas; however, the process of Bidders making the important choice to purchase and consignors presenting their vehicles unencumbered by "looky-loos" ensures the highest level of integrity for everyone.
Hosting the bar and offering a fully catered dinner each night has to be expensive, why do it?
Similar to inviting fellow enthusiasts to our home, Josephine and I create an all-encompassing environment that is, to put it simply, the exact kind of Auction we ourselves would like to attend. Everyone in our Main Auction area enjoys the same outstanding amenities. From our famous Dinner Buffet to the fully hosted bar and lots of table seating, this atmosphere of relaxed camaraderie is what drives Russo and Steele.
Where does Russo and Steele go from here?
Bigger is not always better and less is sometimes more. We will continue to focus on what has made Russo and Steele a success. Passion, intimacy, and the close personal relationships we enjoy with all our clients. Our efforts will always be to offer a select group of specific types of cars to the savvy enthusiast who values our focus and style. Finally we will always hold the true meaning of our hobby at heart; good friends, good fun, and great cars!
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