Best Practices: How to Sell Your Car

Best Practices How to Sell Your CarBest Practices: How to Sell Your Car

America’s businesses are driven and successful due to consumerism. It is costly for buyers, but successfully profitable for businesses, especially with the hidden costs of buying a car. Regardless of the condition of the economy or the nature of the industry, consumers are constantly in need of the new and latest version of a product and/or service. In technology, thousands of enthusiastic individuals camp overnight to buy the new and latest version of that product. This longing for new products also exist in the auto industry. Many individuals are selling their cars for a new model equipped with the latest technology. Fortunately for these individuals, selling a car is much easier than it was ten years ago due to the availability of resources.

Here are a few tips on how to sell your car

Evaluate and price your car: Depending on the auto industry’s newest trends, some vehicles sell faster and at a higher price than others. It is important to do extensive research on the market’s needs for your type of car, and decipher if it’s the appropriate time to sell your car. It is also important to know the prices of vehicles comparable to your own. The internet has sites such as Kelly Blue Book and Edmunds to help you find the true market value of your car. After calculating the true market value, refer to other sources, such as classified ads for comparable models. Also take into consideration the condition, mileage, and features of your car.

Where to sell your car: After pricing your car, the next step is choosing where to advertise your car. There are various websites such as Auto Trader and Craigslist where you are able to list your car. When listing online, be cautious of scams and choose sites that incur the most traffic. Ensure that you take good quality pictures from various angles and use words such as “Or best offer (OBO),” instead of definitive words such as “firm.” There are also traditional avenues to sell your car; advertising in the local newspaper, posting signs throughout the neighborhood, and posting a “For Sale” sign directly on your car.  However, before posting a “For Sale” sign on your car, ensure that it is presentable.

Presentation: Whether you are posting pictures of your car or setting up an appointment with a potential buyer, ensure that it is presentable.

  • Have your car washed, waxed, and detailed
  • Thoroughly vacuum your car (including any crevices)
  • Wash and clean the carpets and upholstery
  • Have a mechanic inspect your car for any problems

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