Advertising And Selling

Preparing And Writing The Advert

When you describe your vehicle, always state as many features that you can even if they are standard on the model or optional extras. The idea is to paint a picture that your vehicle is excellent value for money.

Things that you should include are:

Model, Year/Registration Prefix, Colour, Number Of Owners, Mileage, Service History, Special Features, Anything Else You See As A Selling Point, And Price.

Answering The Advert's Response

The potential buyer may call at any time and indeed wish to see the vehicle at a convenient time to them. Try to be as obliging as possible. This early contact could make the difference between selling the vehicle or not. When arranging viewing times at your home, try to ensure that someone else is there with you too. Be wary of people posing as traders who can guarantee a sale for you in return for a fee. Be as courteous as possible, but still stick by your guns.

Preparing The Vehicle

So many people often overlook that a clean car will sell easier than a dirty one. Clean it both inside and out. Even pop down to your local car valeter and get a quote, this money could be very well spent.

When The Buyer Arrives

You must provide proof of ownership. Get the documents found before the buyer arrives. You can show them, the V5 registration document, the MoT certificate, service history and any recent receipts to prove that you have looked after the vehicle.

When negotiating a price be courteous and keep the mood pleasant. Any nasty comments to make you lower the price should be taken on the chin and laughed about light heartedly.

Never leave strangers alone in your home. Always keep hold of the vehicle's keys and when going for a test drive, make sure that you are in the vehicle and the person that you are letting drive the vehicle is insured.

The Payment

Unless a substantial deposit is left, do not commit yourself to the sale until full payment is received.

The best and safest is cash. If you take a cheque, either personal or bank ensure that the full payment clears your account before releasing the vehicle. It is a common mis-conception that a building society or bankers draft is cash - it is not. They are not guaranteed and again should be verified before releasing the vehicle.

Issue a receipt to the buyer, 'sold as seen', with the amount, date etc.. Write another out for yourself and then both of you sign them.