Tips for Selling Cars Online

Before the advent of the Internet, there were only two ways of selling your car: selling it to the dealer or selling it privately. Nowadays, digital marketing has made selling of car a hassle free process. Here are some simple tips that help you sell your car.

1) Prepare your car and organize important documents: When selling your car, make it as attractive as possible.

• Start with cleaning your vehicle. Get your car's exterior waxed. Remove the trunk clutter and all interiors. Vacuum clean the interior surfaces.
• Replace fused off/burnt off lights and check for all fluid levels.
• Collect all the important documents like vehicle history report, maintenance records, etc. that a prospective buyer would like to see.

2) Snap some pictures: A key to online selling is using quality photos. Capture your vehicle's pictures from every angle. Keep in mind the following points:

• Highlight special features that make your car stand out.
• Shoot pictures clearly and to keep focusing on the vehicle, use a non distracting, simple background.
• The number of photos you like to post depends on the package you apply/select.
• Show off your car interiors and electronics. Do not be afraid of posting pictures of scrapes and dents, as the buyers would also like to know what is wrong with the vehicle. This will help build credibility and prevent surprises when a buyer comes to look at the car personally.

3) Write car description: This is the most important step in the process of selling your car. You should:

• Give honest, clear and thorough details about the vehicle, as this will build the trust.
• Think about what attracted you when buying that particular vehicle. Write about the number of cup holders, rear seat entertainment system and other features that make it a perfect family car.

4) Find a buyer: Buying a car online can be stressful for the buyer, as he is the one who will pay for the car that is unseen. To ease him, create an effective bridge of communication with him.

• Include several forms of contact number for the potential buyer when placing an ad.
• Be direct and honest if the buyer asks several questions.
• Try encouraging the potential buyer to see and test drive your vehicle.
• After discussing, follow up the buyer. Be careful if the information provided does not check out.

5) Take payment and transfer ownership: Whether you are dealing with person on phone, through email or in person, always be aware when taking payment. Remember the following points when taking payment:

• If a buyer is willing to pay via money order or check, accept only the exact amount.
• If possible, go to the bank with the buyer for verifying check's authenticity.
• If the buyer wills to pay by money order, follow the same safe payment guidelines for accepting checks.

After taking payment for the car, it's time to transfer ownership. Have both parties signed before the transaction is complete.