What's it like being a leading edge subprime auction in a huge metropolitan market surrounded by the ongoing tempest of chain auction leaders? 

It's like being a teapot that needs to continually brew innovation, creativity and, basically, a solid consistent blend to keep the tempest at bay.

Someone asked me recently how we survive and, in the past decade, have actually grown? What's our secret?

We actually don't have one; the real secret is in our consignors.

More on that below.

Mini-chains are seemingly Midwest- to Eastern U.S.-located and picking up more places each month in that marketspace. Their version of economies of scale to keep the tempest at bay.

Our consignors recognize one thing: the one-size-fits-all box doesn't always fit everything well or efficiently. 

So they give us opportunities, because how many auctions have a GM that is an IARA Certified Remarketer, Auto Remarketing Women in Remarketing honoree, and a past and future candidate for NAAA VP?

How many auctions have been privileged to be honored by its own employees as one of "The Best Auto Auctions To Work For" by Auto Remarketing?

How many auctions have long offered the following?

— No arbitration policies back to our consignors on any unit we completed the condition report on

— Digital bidder badges inside our APP

— Carfax-driven transparent transactions 

— In-lane concierge dealer lounge 

— A new operating system that drives our mobile technology driven lot operations

The "teapot" continues to percolate up new service-related brews, delivered with customer service and access to senior management second to none.

So I just gave away the secret to success when you are the teapot: ignore the tempest and give your consignors options that standardization and selling with your competitor might not be able to.

To all our buying and selling partners, we thank you for recognizing value is driven by returns and service, and not low price and rebates.

As always, just one man's opinion.

Editor’s Note: Jim DesRochers is vice president at Dealers Auto Auction of the Southwest. As with any contributed content, the opinions expressed in this and other editorial columns are solely that of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of Auto Remarketing or its parent company.