Online sell a car

 

Selling your car online isn't as simple as taking a few photos of your car and posting them. There are other steps to consider to ensure your post gets as much attention as possible to reach people who want to buy your specific make and model. With this in mind, we've put together a quick guide to help you understand how you can sell your car online.

How to sell your car online safely and securely in 12 easy steps

1. Choose a platform. The first step in selling cars online is choosing a platform. There are numerous Internet car sales companies to choose from, including these popular options:

Facebook Marketplace. Marketplace is a free online marketplace that links consumers and vendors. Everything from cars and trucks to motorcycles and boats can be listed by sellers. Facebook recommends using a secure payment method including Cash, Messenger, or PayPal. Be cautious because scammers like to use this free platform.

 Craigslist. This long-time favorite is still a good choice for selling online; However, scams have become more frequent. Craigslist provides access to sell in most major cities and you can even post your ad in other states. Paid automotive advertisements cost $5.00. Auto trader. Try the sell-it-yourself option with free ad renewals for $49 per listing.. Auto Trader Kelly Blue Book offers several options for sellers including instant cash offers.

2. Find the true value of your car. Numerous online appraisal tools are available, including KBB and Edmunds. You can take your car to a dealership or two and get their trade-in and purchase evaluation.

3. Do basic repairs. Most buyers expect a car to be in good condition. One of the best ways to increase the value of your car is to get it repaired before advertising it for sale For instance, getting new tires and fixing a cracked windshield will improve the appearance of the vehicle as an investment.

4. Clean your car. If you want a full wash and wax, think about getting your automobile professionally detailed. Clean the dashboard and other surfaces inside the car with a vacuum. If you smoke in the car or regularly have pets in the car, you may need to clean the upholstery.

5. Take interior/exterior photos. Once you've cleaned the car, it's time to photograph the interior and exterior These images ought ideally show the console, seats, dashboard, and any unique features. The entire car should be visible from the outside.

6. Know your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). You can find your VIN in several places in the car: on a tag on the driver's side dashboard near the windshield, on the driver's side door jamb (on the front of the door), and on the door sill (where the door closes.

7. Discussion. Based on the values you get using online price estimator tools and any offers from the dealership, you should have a good idea of what the car is worth. Potential buyers will offer what the car is worth and what they think they can afford. If you are serious about selling, be willing to negotiate on price.

8. Ask for a deposit. If you have an interested buyer, you can ask for a small deposit to hold their car while they are ready to purchase their auto insurance, license plate, and cash (or other payment method).

9. Offer multiple ways to pay. Depending on the price of the car, cash is always handy for both buyers and sellers. For larger deals in the thousands, you may want to use a secure payment app like Zella, Venmo, or PayPal.

10. Prepare for the test drive. Before you allow others to drive your car, call your insurance provider and find out if you are covered for other drivers. When you meet a potential buyer for a test drive, ask them to see their driver's license and take a photo of it. If you have a family member or friend with you, they should ride with you for the test drive for added safety.

11. Pre-Purchase Inspection. The buyer will probably want to inspect the vehicle. You can agree to go with them to a nearby garage or a reputable mechanic of their choosing.. The buyer always pays for the inspection.

12. Completion of Paperwork. Make sure you can identify the vehicle title and if you can't, you will need to go to your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and pay for a duplicate title. DMV offices and websites are where you'll find the forms you need to fill out to transfer title and ownership.


Conclusion
While traditional (offline) car sales are not going anywhere, online car sales have steadily gained popularity among the public. Also, even those who purchase a vehicle online usually start their car-buying journey online! This is why it is absolutely essential for dealerships and car retailers to have digital channels for their audience. By following the information provided in this blog, you will be able to set up your business in the online space quickly and effectively.