Instead of handing over your car as part of payment for less than market value, try selling it on your own to get as much profit as possible. Post the car online, hand out brochures, or put a simple "for sale" sign in the window. Write a persuasive ad that honestly describes your car, but highlights its positive features. Attach as many flattering photos as possible. Then, sit back, relax, and wait for stakeholders to start calling you!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Post your ad on the internet
Step 1. Post the ad on at least three sites
To reach the most potential buyers, select three places to run your ad. You can do this online or a combination of online and in-person methods (such as brochures). Make sure to post the same information on all of your chosen sites to avoid confusion.
Update all publications and brochures if you decide to change any of the terms of the sale (such as a reduction of the initial price)
Step 2. Post your ad on sales web pages
There are many sites that allow you to publish an advertisement for the sale of a used car and, in some cases, it is possible to attach photos or videos. To get started, you can do it in Mercado Libre, eBay or OLX. Read the terms carefully to find out if you have to pay a fee for the post, how long it will be in effect, and other details.
- Note that some pages remove all ads on a monthly or biweekly basis. This means that you will need to re-upload and post your ad from time to time.
- Some sites use a fairly simple ad format that allows you to enter all the information and then wait for a response. Other pages, like eBay, use an auction format. This means that your car can be sold at a reserve price (a set minimum) or a fixed amount.
Step 3. Use social networks
Take some great photos of your vehicle and create a post on Facebook and Twitter to let your friends and family know about the sale. Ask them to share your posts and spread the word. Be sure to check the mail and message window after posting the ad, in case someone who is not part of your friends list contacts you.
You can also network through your friends, family, and co-workers on staff. Ask them if they know of anyone who wants to buy a vehicle and provide them with the details of the car, in case they find someone who is interested
Step 4. Post your ad on a peer network
A network of peers (or P2P, for its acronym in English) offers its services to people interested in buying a certain type of car (in some cases, depending on the model or special brand). Do an internet search to find out about these types of services in your country that allow direct sales between buyers and sellers. Be aware that some require sellers to get around some hurdles by following return and warranty policies.
- If you are looking for buyers with more auto knowledge, provide additional details in your listing. You can write down any modifications you have made or the original date or age of the parts.
- A similar option is to post a car on an automotive message board. Instead of creating a formal ad, you will have to enter as much information as possible in an informal post. Some boards include a classified section for that purpose.
Method 2 of 3: Advertise the Sale in Person or Through Print Media
Step 1. Pay for an ad in the newspaper
Most local newspapers and newsletters have a section dedicated to classifieds. Depending on the circulation of the chosen medium and the size of the ad, it can be an economical option to find potential buyers. The downside is that you may not be able to sell it quickly, as it doesn't have as much visibility as other options.
For example, you might write "Reliable car for sale. 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe, red, 25,000 miles (40,000 km). Sole owner. Vehicle maintenance and history record available upon request. Selling price $ 7,000 or best offer. Call XXX-XXX-XXXX for more details. "
Step 2. Post banners or posters in your community
Create a simple brochure with a clear photo of the car, the price, any details of the make and model, and your contact information. Post your brochure on message boards in your office, church, grocery store, library, and even the gym. Include paper tabs with your information at the bottom of the brochure so buyers can pick up one and contact you more easily.
- Print your brochures on colored paper to attract attention. Make sure this does not affect the photo of the car.
- Check in every few days to check that the brochure is still in place. If you discover that an employee of the place has removed it, ask if there are any sites allowed for the announcements.
Step 3. Ask your mechanic for help
If you usually go to the same mechanic, tell him that you want to sell your car and that you would like him to advise you. You may even be able to park it in their lot. It can also spread the word with your customers or allow you to put a brochure in the waiting room.
The mechanic could tell you what features you can highlight, such as good tires or a very good quality alarm system
Step 4. Write “for sale” on the car with glass paint
If you already have another vehicle, park the one you want to sell on the side of the main road with the message "for sale" written in large letters on the windshield. Then, in the other window, write more details about the car, such as the sale price, the mileage and the year of manufacture. If you don't have another vehicle yet, just type the same information into one or two of the side windows and keep driving.
After finishing the poster, take a few steps back and look at it. Make sure people can read it from afar
Method 3 of 3: Create the best ad
Step 1. Set the price correctly
Enter your car information on a dedicated vehicle appraisal web page. You can also read some classified ads to see if other people are selling a car similar to yours. Determine the price with which you feel comfortable, taking into account that the buyer may want to negotiate, so you may end up receiving a lower amount than you ask for.
- Private sellers generally do best with a rounded value, such as $ 11,000.
- After obtaining an approximate estimate through a website dedicated to offering this service, determine the price based on 97 to 102% of that figure.
- Provide more information regarding your willingness to negotiate by including the words "final price" or "best offer" in the ad.
Step 2. Write a specific ad
Provide as much detail as possible regarding the car's condition, model, mileage, and extras. The more details you include, the fewer questions you will have to answer from potential buyers. Avoid overused phrases like "like new" as these are unhelpful narrative devices. Read the ad copy a few times and make sure it sounds interesting and approachable.
- For example, if no one has ever crashed the car, highlight this detail and mention that the vehicle history report is available upon request.
- To attract buyers looking to cut costs, highlight the fact that your car has excellent fuel mileage and other economy features.
Step 3. Be honest about any failure or damage
To establish trust with a potential buyer, briefly mention any mechanical problems that need repair. You can even provide them with the Vehicle Identification Number so they can do an investigation on their own.
Don't overdo it and list all the car's flaws. Pick one or two to point to in your ad
Step 4. Provide at least 10 photos
It will be easier for a potential buyer to imagine the car if they can see it from different perspectives. In the case of creating an ad on the internet, add photos until you reach the limit. If you decide to prepare a brochure, choose one or two good photos that show the best features of the car. Include photos of the interior and exterior of the vehicle, if possible.
Get creative and take photos from different angles. You can even attach a video to the ad, if the website allows it
Advice
- Have all of your car's maintenance records available for potential buyers to review.
- Consider tackling lower-cost repairs before selling so you can claim a higher sales price.