How A Match-Making Commission Disclosure Works

Every Fast Auto Exit introduction starts with a written commission disclosure signed by both seller and buyer. The disclosure is the single most important document in our process, because it is the structure that keeps the match-making service neutral on price. This post explains what is in it, why each provision is there, and what to verify before you sign.

What the disclosure contains

• The parties. The seller's full legal name and entity (if selling through a trust, LLC, estate). The buyer's full legal name and entity. The match-making service's legal entity.
• The car. Year, make, model, VIN, current mileage. This anchors the disclosure to the specific car under negotiation.
• The commission amount. Either a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of the final closed price. Both seller and buyer see the same number.
• The commission split. How the commission is allocated between the seller and the buyer. Typically a flat split, but can be tiered or fixed-per-side depending on the car.
• The triggering event. Defines when the commission becomes payable, which is the date the transaction closes (defined as title transfer or wire receipt, whichever is later).
• The tail period. The window after introduction during which the commission applies if the parties close a transaction between themselves. Typically 12 months.
• Payment terms. When the commission is invoiced, how it is paid (we use Square), and the consequence of non-payment.
• Limitations on the matchmaker. Explicit statement that the matchmaker does not take title, does not hold funds, does not negotiate price on behalf of either party, and is not a licensed dealer, broker, or auction house in any state.

Why the commission is the same regardless of price

If the matchmaker earned more commission when the price was higher, the matchmaker would have a structural incentive to push the seller to a higher number and the buyer to a higher number. That biases the introduction. The matchmaker would no longer be a neutral facilitator.

By fixing the commission (or making it a fixed percentage applied to the final price with both sides seeing the same calculation), the matchmaker has no incentive to bias either direction. The seller and buyer negotiate freely. The match-making service introduces, documents, and steps back.

Why both sides pay

The two-sided commission structure is what makes private match-making different from a traditional broker model:

• Traditional broker: charges only the seller, typically 5 to 10 percent. The broker's incentive is to push the price high (which can bias the buyer-finding process).
• Match-making: charges both sides, transparently, with a written disclosure both parties sign. The matchmaker earns the same regardless of price.

The two-sided structure also reflects the economic reality: the buyer is getting a curated, NDA-protected access to inventory that is not publicly listed. That access has value to the buyer. The buyer's portion of the commission compensates the matchmaker for that access.

Why the disclosure happens before introduction

We will not introduce buyer and seller without both parties having signed the disclosure first. This protects all three parties:

• The seller knows what they will pay before they spend time on the negotiation.
• The buyer knows what they will pay before they invest in a pre-purchase inspection or due diligence.
• The matchmaker has documented consent before sharing identifying information.

The disclosure is electronically signed and stored. Both parties receive a copy by email. If you ever want to see your disclosure again, ask us and we will resend it.

What "tail period" means and why it matters

The tail period (typically 12 months) is the window after the introduction during which the commission applies if the introduced parties close a transaction. The tail period prevents a buyer or seller from waiting out the introduction and then "going direct" without paying the matchmaker.

To be clear: if you and the buyer do not transact within 12 months, the disclosure expires and no commission is owed. The tail is not perpetual.

What happens if the negotiation does not close

No closing, no commission. The match-making service only earns when the introduced parties transact. If the introduction does not result in a deal (price, condition, financing, transport, anything), nobody owes anything. The disclosure has no minimum, no breakage fee, no introduction charge.

What if the buyer goes around the matchmaker?

The tail period addresses this. If the introduced buyer transacts with the introduced seller within 12 months of the introduction (either directly or through any intermediary), the commission is still owed.

In practice, this almost never happens. The disclosure is short, the commission is fair, and both parties typically have already factored it into the negotiation by the time they shake hands.

What to verify before you sign

• The commission amount or percentage is the number you discussed verbally.
• The car details (VIN, make, model, year, mileage) match your car exactly.
• The triggering event language is clear: typically "title transfer" or "wire receipt, whichever is later."
• The tail period is reasonable (12 months is standard).
• The limitations on the matchmaker are explicitly stated. The matchmaker should not be holding funds, taking title, or negotiating on your behalf.
• Your contact information is accurate (the disclosure becomes evidence if there is ever a dispute).

If you have a question, ask before signing

We are happy to answer questions about any provision of the disclosure before you sign. We are happy to send a copy to your attorney for review. We are happy to negotiate specific provisions if your situation warrants it (estate liquidations and complex tax situations sometimes need adjusted language).

The disclosure is the structure that makes private match-making transparent. We want you to understand it.