When you are selling a used car, you want
to sell it fast and at the right price. As the seller, it is your
responsibility to package your car as you would a winning product so that the
potential buyers can know what they are getting. Let them know even before they
ask. Lots of important information about the vehicle s history alongside a
competitive price will help speed things to your liking. Any car buyer will
want to feel confident and certain when buying a used car. Do not let the buyer
feel nervous for a second. Whatever the circumstances, we provide some tips and tricks below to help you turn your used car into cash fast. Use this as a checklist to prepare.
Start by doing some market research to identify
the resale value of your car with the specific features and mechanical
conditions. Websites such as Kelly Blue Book Value where it
is easy to review the models of vehicles and their value depending on their
history and condition. Alternatively, check online classified ads like craigslist to compare and find out at what price other sellers are listing for your type of vehicle.
Consider how much selling the vehicle to the dealerships
will get you compared to a private seller. (trade-in
is faster but less money usually).
If you only need extra space then you can
donate your car to charity as a tax-deductible contribution.
Wash, vacuum, de-clutter,
and detail the car to make it clean, attractive and presentable for the
potential buyer. Also, remove any smells and apply tire shine spray. (positive
first impression)
Visit the local mechanic to do an oil change, tune-up, deal with any check-engine lights and replace burned-out bulbs. Then advertise your vehicle has recently been serviced by a mechanic.
Do not hide things from the pictures (such as a
missing parts or wheel cover) because showing such issues will actually improve trust and
confidence upfront.
Make your advertisement stand out:
-Use specific words
and phrases that show your eagerness to sell.
-
Advertise your car
for sale with detailed description.
-
Get excellent
pictures so you can show the vehicle from multiple angles. Behind your car there must be a fancy house in a nice neighborhood or beach view.
-
make sure your ad emphasizes on extra
features such as sunroofs and sporty body parts.
-
Back the approach
using word of mouth and Social media.
-
Attach a "For
Sale" tag on window side of the vehicle.
-
Ensure the ad has
your contacts and any other information that may interest the buyers.
Ask for slightly more by keeping in mind room
for negotiation.
Be available to respond to possible buyer calls
and visits quickly.
Be upfront, Be open,
and respond honestly about any questions to earn trust and confidence. (avoid disappointments).
Prepare a package for the buyer to see that
would include:
-
The service
maintenance records. Especially oil changes on time.
-
Safety inspections
performed by a licensed mechanic.
-
Getting either the
Safety Standards Certificate or Drive Clean (emission test).
-
Carfax or VinAlert
vehicle history report.
-
title deed and bill
of sale
-
Ensuring it is
mechanically sound.
-
Take care of
servicing beforehand and mention the car is well taken care of.
-
Get a mechanic
report detailing its condition. (Drive this point home to convince the buyer)
Having the above package will be much better
than selling the car "as is".
When selling to a stranger it is advised to get
cash or certified cheque (bank draft) and to read up on scams regarding car
selling online.
Check the rules governing the sale of motor
vehicles in your state because having the proper documentation organized and
ready to go can speed things up significantly.
Have tools ready in case you need to sell on
the same day and remove the licence plate (but some states might ask to keep
the plate with the car.)
Getting to know what your competitors are
selling this car for to be able to price it competitively in your city.
Consider which classified websites attract
serious buyers and which ones attract people who just low ball you to feel
they won.
Choose the best method of advertising it this
will draw the attention to people for instance through websites and social
media platforms. Include outstanding photos of both exterior and interior
designs of the car and also display the car history for the purpose of
transparency.
If an interested buyer makes an offer do not be
strict with the price as they may walk away if the price does not favour
them.
If it requires repair it is advisable to
consider reducing the price or sharing the bill with the buyer.
Have an idea of what you want to say, how to
win the buyer, what words will you use to convince the buyer and describe the
state of the car confidently/accurately.
Be willing and prepared to negotiate the price
and describe the value they are getting.
Be prepared to do a test driving while
accompanied by the buyer however before transferring the ownership to the buyer
make sure the payment is fully done in cash to bank-draft.
Make yourself available to cater for other
peoples schedules.
Remember to contact your insurance agent to
cancel the vehicle policy of your sold vehicle or get it transferred to your
new vehicle.
To learn more about flipping cars quick for money checkout car flipping university.