•
Consider selling online — At Yahoo! Autos, a Basic ad costs $14.95 for 21
days and allow sellers to post a color picture of their vehicle and gives them
access to detailed ad statistics and reporting. Featured ads cost $24.95 and provide
sellers at least two months of run time, an additional URL and email response
links, featured placement and a thumbnail photo in the search results.
•
Show it off — If you choose the online route, or even if you decide to pay
to run a photo in a printed classified listing, photograph your meticulously cleaned
car with a flattering backdrop. Shooting it in an appealing location near a coastline,
some mountains or in front of some greenery will look more impressive than standing
next to a dumpster.
•
Monitor your listing — If you've listed online, then you'll probably have
the ability to track how many people are viewing your car and clicking for more
information. If nobody is clicking on your listing, you might want to consider
changing the asking price or modifying the description. If you've listed in the
paper, double-check the text of the ad. Typos are not at all uncommon.
•
Set up a meeting — Once people start responding to the ad, you'll want to
carefully consider the best way to meet with them in person. Most people won't
buy the car based on a picture alone and will likely want to kick the tires. For
your own personal safety, ask the potential buyer to meet in a public location
like a nearby super market parking lot. Don't invite strangers over to your house.
•
Bring a friend — Bring another person along to the meeting if possible.
There is always safety in numbers and you'll probably feel more confident with
a friend nearby when it comes to any negotiations.
•
Protect yourself — If they want to go on a test drive, ask to hang on to
their driver's license. If they don't have one, they shouldn't be driving around
in your car.
•
Get paid! — If they like the car and agree to a purchase, request cash or
cahier's check. Don't accept a payment plan or personal check. Don't agree to
accompany the buyer to "get the money." If the buyer is inclined to
buy the vehicle an agreement can be struck to return to the same location at another
date to make the exchange.
The
market for selling used vehicles is very competitive and getting the best deal
can be a challenging, yet rewarding experience. So do your homework and be prepared,
because educated sellers are usually the most successful ones.
--Travis
Bowie is the producer of Yahoo!
Autos and is an expert in product management, business operations and
classified listings management.
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