These 10 top tips below will help you sell your call that bit quicker, so take note and good luck making that sale!
1. Pay to give your car a professional valeting, including the engine. Purchase new floor mats and freshen the interior by spraying ‘new car perfume’ All these actions will ensure that your prospective purchaser gains the most positive impression that you have taken really good care of your vehicle.
2. Ensure that you price your vehicle correctly. Do your homework, Check local classified websites to compare other cars of the same make and specification being sold privately in your area. Place in the middle price range.
3. Place your car on a popular classifieds website. Include as many details as possible about your vehicle. Think about the types of things you would like to read if you were the buyer. Take photographs from different angles. Try to park in a picturesque spot to take photos.
4. Emphasise the car’s best features. How reliable is it or how economical on petrol/diesel is it. If you’re struggling, try to think what attracted you to the car in the first place. If it hasn’t done much mileage make sure you say so.
5. Produce a professional looking ‘For Sale’ sign detailing price and your telephone number on your computer if you can, or ask a friend to do this for you. When parking, always try and place your car in a prominent position for maximum exposure.
6. When someone calls to arrange viewing, arrange to meet them half way from their address. Meet at a safe spot with people around i.e. a supermarket car park. This will make it easier for them to agree to meet you to look over your car and more opportunities to ultimately sell it.
7. Don’t forget, just because you have a pet name for your Golf or Peugeot and think it’s the greatest thing in the world it doesn’t mean potential buyers will. Ask the going rate and don’t get emotional or take it personally if you have to take a little bit less for your treasured “Betsey” it’s just business.
8. Be prepared to negotiate over the price. People like to feel they are getting a good deal. If you can afford to be a little flexible you will have more chance of selling your car.
9. Once you’ve agreed on a price with the buyer, discuss the best method of payment. Cash transactions will require both buyer and seller to sign a cash receipt. However we would recommend a bankers draft or cashier’s cheque drawn from the buyer’s local bank.
10. Final piece of advice – Smile, be polite and state the facts.
Congratulations! After taking note of all these tips you will be well on your way to selling your old car. When you’ve finally banked that cheque it’s time to hunt down that new stylish car you’ve always wanted.
Keep an eye out for our ‘Top 10 Tips on Buying a New Car’
