Wanted Card
A wanted card is a Lotify listing posted by a dealer to describe a vehicle they're looking for — make, model, year range, price range, condition — which other verified dealers can then respond to with matching stock.
Wanted cards invert the traditional trade model. Instead of a dealer browsing lots at auction, the buyer describes exactly what they want (e.g. '2019–2021 BMW 3 Series Touring, diesel, under 80k miles, up to £18,000 trade') and supplying dealers respond with vehicles that fit. It surfaces demand first, then lets supply-side dealers self-select.
What a good wanted card contains
- Make, model, and derivative specificity (e.g. '320d M Sport Touring', not just '3 Series').
- Year range and mileage cap — keeps responses relevant.
- Target price band in trade money — filters out seller price-fishing.
- Fuel type, transmission, and any must-have spec (leather, nav, two keys, full service history).
- Timeframe and collection/delivery preference.
Why wanted cards work for trade sourcing
Auctions surface everything available; wanted cards surface only what a specific buyer actually needs. For dealers sourcing niche or margin-sensitive stock, that signal-to-noise ratio is the difference between a useful trade channel and a waste of time. Responding dealers also know the buyer is genuinely in the market — no speculative bids, no price-walking.
Related terms
Retail Return
A retail return is a used vehicle that didn't sell on the forecourt within the dealer's target holding period and is being moved back into trade — typically at 60 to 120 days old.
Part-Exchange (PX)
A part-exchange is when a customer trades their existing vehicle in against the purchase of another, with the dealer giving an allowance for the PX that reduces the amount payable on the new car.
Trade Price
Trade price is the price a vehicle changes hands at between two dealers — significantly below retail, without VAT on the margin (when sold Margin Scheme) and without retail preparation or warranty built in.
Put the terms to work
Source and sell stock with verified UK dealers. 90-day free trial, no card required.