After serving you for many years, you have finally made the decision to sell your car. Whether it is due to family growing needs, mechanical issues or you are simply ready for a new, fancier ride, you are probably looking for various ways to get rid of your old car.
While selling your vehicle to a dealership or trading it for a new one are some of the most common ways to do it, many people decide to sell it online instead. Thanks to the advancements in technology, car owners now have the opportunity to list their vehicles online and get a handful of cash fast and easily.
However, in order to make a successful sale, there are several things you need to consider. In this post, we share five ways to sell your vehicle online.
Pick your platform
Typically, most people rely on social media platforms and other listing websites, such as Craigslist, to advertise their vehicles. Although these platforms are free to use they tend to be a magnet for scammers and crazies. One of my friends living in fort Lauderdale searched “cash for junk car fort lauderdale” to find a suitable company that helped him sell his junk car.
To avoid being potentially scammed, look for legitimate companies which use automotive intelligence services like taq Auto to streamline the selling and buying process.
This platform specializes in technology and customizable solutions which help deliver a seamless and effective experience to both buyers and sellers. It helps you manage leads from different sources, follows credit applications from start to finish, and keeps a portfolio of all buyers.
Determine your car’s value
Determining your car’s true value is another important step you need to take before you sell it online. You should avoid setting the price too high because it may throw off potential buyers, or setting it too low as you may end up with a financial loss.
If you aren’t sure how to determine your car’s value, there are several top sites online you can use to help you along.
For example, the National Auto Dealers Association (NADA) is a great platform that provides information on current automotive trends. You can search for new or used cars online and compare the prices of vehicles on their website.
Prepare your car for sale
If you are looking to get top dollar for your car, you need to prepare it well before you post your ad online. Make sure you present your vehicle in its best light, so you can attract potential buyers and get a handful of cash from your sale.
Start by examining whether there are any mechanical issues that need to be repaired immediately. If you need help, you can ask for assistance from a professional to objectively assess your vehicle’s imperfections including dents, dings, and noises.
Also, make sure you give it a thorough wash, inside and out, so the car will appear clean and well maintained.
Take high-quality photos
Since you will be selling your vehicle online, you must post photos of it in your ad. The photos need to be of high quality and show your car’s best features so you can attract multiple buyers.
For example, start by choosing a location with a plain background like a blank concrete wall or empty parking lot. Next, take photos of different angles of the car and if necessary, move it around so you can get the best background and lighting.
If you are taking photos with a digital camera, make sure you select the highest quality setting along with the largest resolution to capture your vehicle in the greatest detail.
Ask for a deposit
Asking for a deposit is another important thing you should remember when selling your car online. The deposit will basically serve as a “promise” that a potential buyer will buy the vehicle. This will protect you from a financial loss in case the buyer decides to renege their offer after you remove the listing.
While there is no set amount for how much the deposit should be, most sellers set the price at $500 for less expensive cars and trucks. However, there are sellers who may ask for 50% or more of the final buying price.
Final thoughts
In addition to selling your vehicle the old way, you can also do it online and get top dollar for it. There are plenty of online platforms and websites where you can list your car to a wider base of potential buyers and sell it fast and easily. To ensure you make a successful sale, follow the tips from our post and successfully sell your car online.
