FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common questions about Shift Lot, buying and selling vehicles, dealer subscriptions, and more. If you can't find what you're looking for, contact us.

General

Learn about Shift Lot and how the marketplace works.

What is Shift Lot?

Shift Lot is a mobile-first online marketplace that connects licensed used-car dealers with qualified buyers. Dealers list their inventory on Shift Lot, and shoppers can browse vehicles, compare options, save favorites, and contact dealers directly.

Shift Lot does not own, sell, or take title to any vehicles. It is a platform for dealers and buyers to connect and communicate.

How does Shift Lot make money?

Shift Lot generates revenue from dealer subscriptions. Dealers choose a plan based on their inventory volume and feature needs. Shift Lot does not charge buyers and does not take commissions on vehicle sales. Buyers can browse, search, compare, and contact dealers for free.

Is Shift Lot available on mobile?

Yes. Shift Lot is built as a mobile-first platform and works smoothly on phones, tablets, and desktop browsers. You can browse vehicles, save favorites, search, and contact dealers from any device.

How do I report a problem with a listing or dealer?

If you encounter a listing issue or have a concern about a dealer, please contact us. We take all reports seriously and investigate concerns promptly.

How do I contact Shift Lot support?

Visit our contact page to send us a message. You can also email us directly at support@shiftlot.com.

For Buyers

Information for shoppers browsing and contacting dealers.

Can I buy a vehicle directly through Shift Lot?

No. Shift Lot is a marketplace platform that helps you find and contact dealers. You cannot purchase vehicles directly through Shift Lot. All negotiations, pricing, financing, and purchase agreements happen directly between you and the dealer.

How do I contact a dealer about a vehicle?

Click on any vehicle listing to view details and the dealer's information. From the listing page, you can contact the dealer directly via email or phone. Shift Lot facilitates the connection, but all communication is directly between you and the dealer.

Does Shift Lot handle payments, delivery, or shipping?

No. Shift Lot does not process payments, handle vehicle delivery, arrange shipping, or manage title transfers or registration. All of these are handled directly between you and the dealer.

You and the dealer will arrange payment method, pickup or delivery, and any other logistics directly.

Does Shift Lot guarantee vehicle condition, availability, or pricing?

No. Shift Lot is a marketplace and does not own or control the vehicles listed. The dealer is responsible for:

Providing accurate vehicle descriptions and pricing
Disclosing vehicle condition and history
Honoring warranties or "as-is" sales as applicable by law
Ensuring vehicle availability when you contact them

We recommend inspecting vehicles thoroughly and asking dealers detailed questions before making a purchase decision.

Can private sellers list vehicles on Shift Lot?

No. Shift Lot is a marketplace for licensed dealers only. All sellers on Shift Lot are licensed to operate as motor vehicle dealers in their jurisdiction.

Do I pay a fee to use Shift Lot?

No. Shift Lot is completely free for buyers. There are no fees to browse, save favorites, search, or contact dealers. You only pay for the vehicle itself when you negotiate a purchase with a dealer.

For Dealers

Information for dealers listing vehicles on Shift Lot.

Who can list vehicles on Shift Lot?

Shift Lot is available to licensed used-car dealers. You must be licensed to operate as a motor vehicle dealer in your jurisdiction. Shift Lot verifies dealer licensing before activation.

How do dealer subscriptions work?

Shift Lot offers four subscription tiers based on your inventory size and feature needs:

Starter: $79/month for small lots (up to 20 listings, 15 images per car)
Growth: $149/month for growing dealerships (up to 50 listings, 30 images per car)
Pro: $249/month for medium-volume dealers (100+ listings, unlimited features)
Platinum: Custom pricing for high-volume dealers (unlimited listings, dedicated support)

Visit our pricing page for full plan details.

Can I import my inventory into Shift Lot?

Yes. Depending on your plan, you can import inventory via CSV upload or API/feed sync. Higher tiers offer API access and automated inventory synchronization with your dealer management system.

How many dealer user accounts can I have?

The number of user seats depends on your subscription plan. Starter includes 1 user seat, Growth includes 3, and Pro and Platinum include unlimited user seats. You can manage your team and invite additional users from your dealer dashboard.

Are dealer subscriptions refundable?

Shift Lot subscriptions are not refundable. However, you can cancel at any time, and your cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period. Visit our refund policy for complete details.

Can I cancel my subscription?

Yes. You can cancel your subscription at any time through your dealer account dashboard or by contacting support. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period. Your listings will be removed from the marketplace once your subscription ends.

Does Shift Lot handle vehicle sales or payments?

No. Shift Lot facilitates communication between you and buyers. Payment, title transfer, financing, delivery, and all other aspects of the sale are handled directly between you and the buyer. Shift Lot does not process payments or take commissions on sales.

How do I respond to buyer inquiries?

Buyer inquiries come through your dealer inbox within your account dashboard. You can view inquiries, manage leads, and communicate directly with buyers through the platform.

Can I edit or remove my listings?

Yes. You can add, edit, or remove listings at any time from your dealer inventory dashboard. Updates are reflected on the marketplace immediately.

Need more help?

Can't find your answer?

Our support team is here to help. Reach out with any questions or concerns via our contact form or email us at support@shiftlot.com.