Selling Tips
Buying & Selling Used Vehicles
Consumers frequently ask us "how do I sell my car online?", so we decided to setup this page of helpful tips. If you are buying or selling a new or used vehicle ColumbiaClassicClassifieds.com advertising network can help! If you're selling a car, truck, motorcycle, boat, RV, ATV, classic or old car, aircraft or heavy equipment we have a specialized category for you. We feel our affordable advertising, extensive Internet reach and helpful tips will make your next sale or purchase an easy one :-) If you are a Dealer click here!
Selling Tips
If you wish to advertise your vehicle for sale on ColumbiaClassicClassifieds.com we have a number of tips you should put to practice in order to get a quick sale and maximum value out of your vehicle. Buyers start your search here!
1. Signs & Flyers
If anything, you'll want to put a "For Sale Sign" for your vehicle's window! You can buy these from a local store or if you already have an ad listed with us you can create a custom For Sale sign free of charge from within your account. Remember to park your vehicle in a high people traffic area (like near a shopping mall entrance) to get the most inquires.
Example
You can also do the same to create a custom "For Sale Flyer" to display in local grocery stores, community & recreation centers, golf courses, churches, college campuses... anywhere you might find an announcement or bulletin board that allows advertising! Auto For Sale Signs & Flyers are free to all sellers using our network. Sell Your Vehicle Today!
Buyers who see it can go to the website and view the details of your vehicle 24/7! Remember to park your vehicle in a high people traffic area (like near a shopping mall entrance) to get the most inquires. Buyers can "tear off" you contact info.
2. Use A Photo
A good photo can improve response by 150% or more! Take one with a digital camera or ask your local photo finishing shop to make a few jpeg's (from a hard copy) for you on a disk or cd. From within your account you can add up to 15 photos plus descriptions anytime. Be sure to take trunk and engine shots, it's also best to come clean with close-up shots of any damaged areas.
3. Set The Right Price
You know how much you want for your vehicle, but do you know how realistic that price really is? Find out what your car is really worth using " Kelleybluebook Used Car Values. Or search through our website or others for vehicles matching yours and see what others are asking.
State in your description that the price is near offer - this might convince buyers to call or email you if the price is close to their budget. This will also give you the opportunity to justify the price and negotiate the sale.
4. Good Presentation
Perceived value goes a long way! Tidy up your car before you sell it. First impressions are everything! Wash the entire body, clean the windows and give it a good wax job. Clean ashtrays and throw out garbage, vacuum & air freshen the inside & trunk, shine the rims, hub caps and tires to a blinding glow.
5. Extended Advertising
Even though you want to sell your car online, another effective option is to use your ColumbiaClassicClassifieds.com Ad No. to market your vehicle beyond our website. Buyers can be pulled to your online ad from other online classifieds, as well as from traditional advertising like in your local newspaper. Hold your description to a minimum while leading buyers to more descriptive online details and photos. You can measure your success by the number of page views your ad receives.
Newspaper Example:
"99 Nissan Maxima, Exc. Condition
$16k/obo. Call 55-5555-5555 or
ColumbiaClassicClassifieds.com # 55555
When logged in see the number of times someone has replied to your ad, the number of times someone has viewed your ad and the number of times someone "told a friend" about your ad.
6. Maximizing Inquiries
As mentioned above, when you view your ad detail page, or log into your account we show you the number of ad views your ad has received since posted. This information can be used by you to decide what changes might be useful. For example, if the ad views show that a lot of people have been looking at your ad, but you're not getting enough inquiries, maybe you need to add a photo or the current photo needs to be replaced with a better one, or maybe you need to adjust the asking price slightly. If the ad views are low you may need to change your headline to attract more click through!
7. Showing The Vehicle
If you try to sell used car online you'll still need to show the vehicle. Meet in an agreed upon public area and try to take someone with you. Safety in numbers. Be honest with potential buyers about any serious problems or repairs. Show your regular maintenance records. If your buyer wants to take a test drive, make sure he/she has a valid driver's license and proof of insurance. Dress respectably. If you don't appear to take good care of yourself, your buyer may feel that is how you treated your car as well!
8. Closing The Sale
Write a receipt for you and your buyer with signatures on both copies. Include a statement that the car is being bought "as is". Include all pertinent info on the receipt so the terms of the deal cannot be misinterpreted. Keep the receipt for your records. It will establish the date of sale and help protect you from any future liability. Accept only a certified check or money order and then sign the title over to the buyer. Check with your local DMV to ensure you've complied with all the laws.