Did you know that car sales hit over 15 million last year? If you’re planning to buy a car, you might be looking to unload your current one. But before you list your old car, make sure you’ve got your ducks in a row.
It’s easy to make a misstep that could delay making a sale. Read on to learn about the 8 common car seller errors and how to avoid them!
1. Writing a Poor Vehicle Description
When you’re preparing to sell your car, you’ll need to pull together a thorough and honest vehicle description. Think of this as a snapshot of your vehicle’s condition, stats, and appearance.
List the mileage, any recent repairs, and the make and model of the vehicle. Highlight positive features, like a V6 engine with peppy acceleration.
Also, make sure you take clear and crisp photographs. Blurry photographs won’t show off your set of wheels. And if there’s clutter in the background, it will detract from your car’s appearance.
2. Overpricing the Car
Be sure that you’re offering a fair car price when you list your vehicle for sale. A savvy buyer will do their research and know if you’re offering a price that’s too high.
Consult websites where you can find price ranges for your particular make and model. Look at similar cars for sale in other areas and compare their condition and mileage to that of your vehicle.
And look at local publications to see if the market is saturated or if you are offering something unique. You might be able to price the car a little more if the latter is true.
Just remember that if your car is over 5 years old, your asking price should be no more than half of what you paid for it. If you price your car too high, you’ll never sell it!
3. Being Vague about the Vehicle’s Condition
Potential car buyers will appreciate you as a salesperson if you’re transparent. And that means owning up to issues with your car. Don’t try to hide problems or avoid direct answers.
Be honest if your car has been in an accident or needs new brake pads. And if the engine light has been coming on lately, mention it. Making a dishonest sale could result in an unhappy buyer who may try to return it.
4. Investing in Repairs
If your vehicle does require some repairs or parts replacements, think twice about moving forward with them. You may not recoup much from that investment.
Your best bet is to assess the level of damage and weigh the cost of repair. You may be better off adjusting your selling price accordingly to factor in the issue.
For instance, while rust might detract from the appearance of your car, it’s not worth the expense of repairing. In fact, you may be able to use sandpaper to smooth out smaller blemishes and then prime and paint over them.
Other repairs can set you back even further. A blown head gasket can cost over $1,000, and replacement transmissions can be even higher. Avoid sinking money into these repairs!
5. Providing Slow Responses to Inquiries
When someone calls or messages you about your car, don’t dawdle. Make it a priority to return the message and offer to move forward with the next steps. Failing to respond promptly can be a red flag for potential car buyers.
Treat every caller as a potential buyer. Be flexible in your willingness to meet for a test drive. And be willing to negotiate so the conversation can continue.
6. Neglecting to Gather Vehicle Paperwork
To sell your car, you’ll need to have certain documents ready to keep the transaction legal. For starters, you’ll need your vehicle’s title and registration. You may also want to have a copy of the warranty, if applicable, to show a buyer why you’re attempting to charge more.
It’s also helpful to offer your vehicle identification number (VIN) so potential buyers can research your car’s history. And if you have maintenance records, get them ready. Potential buyers will appreciate your transparency and may be more likely to trust you as a seller.
7. Selling a Dirty Car
When preparing cars for sale, don’t overlook the importance of cleaning. And that means addressing both the interior and exterior of your car. Start by washing and waxing your car so the exterior looks polished.
You can pay for interior detailing, or you can tackle the task yourself to save money. Shampoo dirty floor mats and apply the right cleaner to the type of fabric you have. Wipe down the dashboard and consider adding a steering wheel cover for a cheap cosmetic update.
8. Taking the First Offer
Even though selling cars quickly sounds appealing, don’t necessarily accept the first offer. Unless you need to unload a car quickly, you might get a low offer.
Try your hand at negotiating, and prepare a few reasons you can offer to justify your price request. For instance, the car may have a new battery or upgraded engine. Know your limits so you don’t end up getting less than you want.
If you’re hoping for a fair car price, head to https://www.bidlane.com/ for help. They will schedule an appraisal and make an offer quickly!
Avoid Common Car Seller Errors
If you can avoid common car seller errors, you’ll set yourself up for a much more productive — and potentially lucrative — experience. Clean your car, gather the essential documents, and research prices before posting a listing. And be responsive to inquiries, as well as honest about issues, before moving forward with a sale.
When you need more tips to sell any of your belongings, check back for new articles!
