Selling my car on Ebay - any hints or tips?

Amanda65

Hi all

Having previously sold only a few small items on Ebay before (mainly clothes) I am now thinking of putting my car on to sell.

If anyone has sold a car on Ebay I would be really grateful of any tips and also any pitfalls I should look out for.

Thanks

Elle00

Amanda65 wrote: »

Hi all

Having previously sold only a few small items on Ebay before (mainly clothes) I am now thinking of putting my car on to sell.

If anyone has sold a car on Ebay I would be really grateful of any tips and also any pitfalls I should look out for.

Thanks

Does "don't do it" constitute a useful tip?

Okay, seriously, if you've exhausted all other avenues and are happy to take a bit less than it's worth then okay: I'd recommend doing everything possible to describe the car accurately but without over-emphasising the bad points. If you mention all the flaws you're more likely to dissuade perfectionists winning the auction, showing up to kick your tyres then leaving without paying on the grounds it's a heap of junk. People frequently bid on cars then don't honour the bids. That's why so many of the auctions say "re-listed due to time wasters" and "no tyre kickers".

Also, I'd recommend putting a contact phone number on there and welcoming viewers so that people can be confident you have nothing to hide and are selling a decent vehicle. I bought a car off ebay not so long ago and was only happy to do this because it was on sale locally and I could view it in advance. The car was accurately described, warts and all, and that made me feel confident that I knew what I was getting and for a reasonable price.

Oh, I'd also say that reserve prices are annoying to a lot of buyers and it's better to just start the auction at the minimum you'd be willing to accept for your car.

HTH

Poppy9

I sold my OH car on ebay a couple of years ago. The easiest way we have ever sold a car.

We took plenty of photos, especially showing any dents etc. We were totally honest about the condition of the car and requested they contact us to view before bidding if necessary.

Bidding was a bit slow for a couple of days but then it got going. Not one person wanted to view the car and the buyer travelled over 200 miles to collect the car. They paid in cash and drove away happy. Gave us great feedback too. Two other unsucessful bidders contacted me after the auction ended to request a second chance if the wining bidder didn't buy.

We got more for the car than if we would have sold through local ads. We didn't have to endure people just viewing for fun and trying to get the car for nothing.

The car was a high mileage diesel estate.

far2812

Hi - I've sold 2 cars (mine and OH) and also bought one from Ebay - no hassle at all. Advice would be give as much information as you possibly can - always put your number on there.

On both occasions we had "trade" people ringing straight away with a cheap offer.

Do you know how much you want for the car? That is usually a good start.

I found that by putting a reserve then at least you give people an idea of the lowest price you'll offer.

Fi
x

newsseller12

I sell cars regulary on eBay and I would say:-
1. Always start at 99p with a reserve
2. Put your contact number on the listing
3. State any viewings welcome on the listing
4. If anyone asks for a buy it now price tell them, buyers hate to be told "im not telling your the reserve just have a bid"
5. Do not lie about the condition of the car just be fair & honest
6. Set your auction to Uk bids only
I have sold over 50 cars on eBay and have onley ever had problems once with one Irish buyer who kept me hanging on for over a month to collect a vehicle she had bought with countless excuses but never arrived, Her feedback was good (over300) and all posative.
Just filed a NPB and reclaimed my fees and relisted.

Amanda65

Thanks everyone

Think I'll bite the bullet and list the car. I need ot have sold it by 28th as have ordered a new (second hand) car from a garage and have the option of part ex'ing my Alhambra but hope to get more than the garage will offer me.

Just a couple of final questions
1) How long did you let your auctions run?
2) What payment methods did you accept?

Thanks again - some great tips

Amanda

lady_stardust

I sold my Fiat on ebay a couple of weeks ago. It was an MOT fail so anything I could get for it was a bonus. It actually did far better than I expected.

I would say put as much detail on about the car as possible, good and bad points. No-one is going to go for a vague listing.

You will get lots of emails from people with low feedback wanting to buy the car straight away. If you accept one of these (and I wouldn't) make it clear that you will not end the auction until you have the cash in your hand and they collect the car, or that they pay via paypal. That usually scares them off.

Be very very good on communication post-sale too.

soolin

Absolutely no paypal for cars..that is a huge problem.

Cash on collection or a bank transfer or cheque cleared before collection only.

lifesuckssometimes

newsseller12 wrote: »

I have sold over 50 cars on eBay and have onley ever had problems once with one Irish buyer

Irish why include the race do we have a problem with them yes not paying but why include race Paddies :rolleyes:

albionrovers

I used www.webuyanycar.com instead of Ebay. Only really works for cars < a grand though, bottom dollar valuation etc etc....I was happy ( I knew my car was ****ed), they were happy, money cleared within 3 days, jobs a good 'un.

Amanda65

albionrovers wrote: »

I used www.webuyanycar.com instead of Ebay. Only really works for cars < a grand though, bottom dollar valuation etc etc....I was happy ( I knew my car was ****ed), they were happy, money cleared within 3 days, jobs a good 'un.

Hiya

Have tried that but they offered £1350 :eek: - book value is £3K!