In these times of economic uncertainty selling a car can prove a challenge. As such, you need to consider several factors to ensure that you optimise the chances of selling your vehicle as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Ensuring that the selling price is pitched at the right level is the first challenge. Many people fail to generate any interest after placing an advert because they price their vehicle unrealistically. Therefore, do your research and peruse as many classifieds and online sites as possible before deciding upon a price. And don’t forget to factor the condition of the car and its mileage into the final price.
Whether you are writing a description to place in the classifieds or stick in the local newsagent’s window, make sure it is succinct and accurate. Describe the true state of the vehicle and avoid making any unnecessary statements such as ‘hurry, this car will sell quickly’, as such claims can result in the reverse happening. In cases where the vehicle is older than three years also ensure you give an indication of how many months remain until the MOT certificate expires. In all cases state how many months road tax are left on the vehicle.
However, if the vehicle is only suitable for salvage purposes then say so! Don’t be tempted to come up with phrases such as “requires a little work” as that is blatantly misleading. If the advertising medium allows, also try to include a picture of the car as consumers like to see what they are buying. And once you are happy with the written description and you have researched a competitive sales price, advertise your vehicle.
Indeed, to successfully sell your car it is important that as many people as possible are able to see your advert. This is best achieved by placing it in as many different arenas as you can such as online classifieds, car trader websites, newspaper classified ads and even your local shop window. Furthermore, if your place of work runs intranet classifieds then make sure you add it there too!
After advertising, providing you have written an accurate description and priced the car sensibly you should soon see some interest shown in the vehicle. The next step will be making sure you finalise the sale. It is important to note that you should not allow anyone to test drive your car unless you are certain that they are adequately insured. In addition, never let them drive the car without you in it.
And finally, never hand over the keys to the vehicle without ensuring any cheque payment has been cleared, or better still you have the cash in hand. But from following such useful tips, it is possible to sell your car a lot easier, and in a much shorter time frame than you think!
Paul McIndoe writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
