Sell Used Cars Online | Complete User Guide

There are quite a number of people who would climb over mountains just to sell used cars, but sell them through the dealership is usually a last resort. Selling one to many used cars can be pretty highly profitable and relatively smooth if done the right way. In this article, we walk you through the most significant steps on how to sell used cars without a dealership’s involvement so that you do not miss out on the maximum gains and what you should avoid.

Table of Contents

Why Sell Used Cars Without a Dealership?

Before we get into it, let’s talk about why its profitable to sell used cars without a dealership will only help you in the long run:

1. Commission: You could be charged for a commission in selling through a dealership and or also a lesser price paid directly to the seller to avoid losing some money. When you sell privately, you do not lose some of that amount you earned from sell used car.
2. Control Over Sale: Sale directly under your control with authority over the price, negotiating on your terms, and picking up the buyer. You have total control over the sale.
3. No Dealers Fee: This is a dealership that carries a fees that can eat into your net profit. Selling privately avoids all these additional costs.
4. Targeted Marketing: Here, you target specific customers. It would be much easier for you to sell used car at your set price

Steps to Sell Used Cars Without a Dealership

Sell used cars independently requires some effort, but the potential rewards make it worthwhile. Follow these steps to ensure a successful sale:

1. Research the Market Value

Obtain the market value. You can come up with its price with the use of Websites, such as Unifi cars, Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds, and similar sites. Just remember that it all depends upon your car’s age, mileage, make, model, and year. A good price, therefore determines a fast sale with a good deal.
Have the Car Ready to be Sold.

2. Prepare the Car for Sale

A clean and presentable car is likely to sell faster and at a better price. Here’s how you can get your vehicle ready-clean up the inside and outside of the vehicle-including a good cleaning within and without, and good waxing that can make all the difference. Vacuuming the interior and taking out anything that is not needed may also be of help. A little simple maintenance should also be made like an oil change, check fluids, change old wipers and lights. If you have some major issues with your car then you need to correct them before selling. If it is too costly to rectify then you need to clarify the condition of the car at the time of sale.

3. Gather Necessary Documents

Preparation of all paper documents facilitates the selling process. The most important document includes:

Title: It is a very vital thing as it communicates the ownership of the car. Ensure that your title has no liens on it.
Maintenance Records: Giving the records of maintenance will assure the buyer about the condition of the vehicle.
Bill of Sale: A bill of sale describes the terms of sale between the buyer and the seller.
Vehicle History Report: This is provided to the potential buyer by organizations like Unifi cars, Carfax or Auto Check, and it becomes the report on the history of the car.

4. Advertise the Car

The attraction of advertising will overrule as you advertise an old car that is being sold out from a dealership. Here’s how you go about doing that:

Online listings: You sell used car on the popular online channels such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Autotrader, and Cars.com. You post good-quality pictures, a description, and your contact number.
Ssocial media: Post something on your social networks asking folks to pass the word along about your car for sale. Your friends and family may have a friend looking for this type of car.
Local classifieds: Do not forget the traditional ways of classifieds in local newspapers or community boards.
Signage: Place a “For Sale” sign on the windshield of the car to attract local buyers; however, by the time you put the vehicle in a crowded place.

5. Screen Potential Buyers

After getting leads, you should shortlist the interested clients to steer clear fraudsters and time waste:

Ask Questions: From the buyer’s end, you then measure the level of intention against your budget and time that they want to spend for a particular car’s acquisition.
Meet in Safe Locations: Always meet potential buyers in safe, public places. If possible, bring a friend along for added security.
Verify Payment Method: Cash is the safest payment method, but if accepting a cheque, be sure it’s from a reputable bank and make sure the funds clear before handing over the car.

6. Negotiate the Price

Be ready to negotiate with potential buyers. Here are some tips:

Know Your Bottom Line: Determine your minimum price you are willing to accept prior to the beginning of any negotiations.
Be Open to Offers: While you still want to obtain your asking price, be flexible if a reasonable offer is extended to you.
Identify the Value of the Car: If your car is less than in mileage, maintenance recently or for any other reason that identifies it as special, identify such aspects to support your asking price

7. Complete the Sale

Once you have agreed on price, here are the next actions:
do:

Transfer Title: Transfer the title to the buyer, including the details of any required information.
Bill of Sale: Both parties must sign a bill of sale indicating the terms and conditions of selling.
Cancellation of Insurance and Registration: After closing the deal, cancel your insurance and notify the DMV that you are transferring your registration

8. Consider Post-Sale Obligations

When you sell, there could be a few post-sale responsibilities:

Release of Liability: You would submit a release of liability to your local DMV so you make sure you don’t get something stolen by the new owner if he uses the car to commit some crime.
Follow-Up: You may sometimes request that the buyer confirms his or her satisfaction a few days after the sale, and this will bring good reputation for you if you are sure of selling other cars later.

For more blogs: NewsTips

Conclusion

When you sell used cars on your own without a dealership, it is a very profitable affair if you do it correctly. Here is how you can make this happen: by getting the money at the correct price and getting an excellent deal from the buyer too, depending on just how much time you have to research, prepare, advertise, and negotiate.