|
Selling your car online? Well, before you go out looking for the best new or used car online classifieds, take a little time to prepare...
Here are five great tips and ideas to sell your car online and get the phone ringing or a full email box from enquiries….
1. Think…
Put yourself in the mind of the potential buyer…what are they looking for? If you were the buyer, what kind of questions would you ask and what would you expect to see or read. Look at the other online ads for new or used cars for sale and see which are the best ones and start making some notes about how best to sell your car online.
2. Write from the heart…
Don’t just write down the facts; tell a story…why you originally bought the car, the great times you have had, how well you have looked after it and a genuine, honest reason that you are selling…time to upgrade or you need more room for the family. You have plenty of room to write your story online…use it to really sell your car’s story and why a prospective buyer would want to buy.
3. Don’t be cheap…
An online ad is about one tenth of what it used to cost to place a classified ad in the paper so consider buying the “Featured Ad” option for a small additional fee that will give you prominence, especially if your car is a popular model with lots of competition. Also, consider advertising on more than just one online new or used car classifieds site; there is some merit in buyers seeing your car several times on several sites as this reinforces your "brand" and you can also reach a wider target audience.
4. Photos, photos, photos…
Find a great location that suits the car you want to sell and the market you want...the right setting, by the beach, in a park or by a fountain can make a huge difference. Remember, first impressions count so have your car professionally detailed just before the shoot and choose a nice sunny day. Usually you can upload at least four and up to eight digital pictures of your car for your classified ad. Start with a three-quarter shot of the front, a side on shot, an interior and a feature close up such as mag wheels or spoiler. If more images are allowed include a clean engine bay, boot and accessories such as upgraded sound system.
5. Be ready for the enquiry…
OK, you’ve written the words, uploaded great pics and placed the best new or used car classified ad possible…and the phone rings or you get an email enquiry…now what? Like every good Boy Scout out there, be prepared. Write down some notes about your car and keep them handy…that way, when you are asked a question you will sound confident, encouraging the potential buyer. Think about the questions you would ask if you were ringing up to enquire and prepare your answers…and have a pen and paper handy so you can take down their details. Sometimes buyers are a bit reluctant to give their details if you simply ask, but if you are on a mobile you can always start with “I’m in a poor reception area, can I take down your number in case it drops out?” and then offer your first name and ask them for their first name. This way you can start developing a rapport.
Now start the sell process, but be subtle…once you get some buying signals or interest, sell the inspection, not the car…”So would Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning suit you best to come for an inspection?” It is hard to say no when you phrase it like that. It is very difficult to sell or negotiate over the phone…much easier when you and the buyer are face to face after a test drive. If you get an enquiry via email, have a nice pre-prepared email with a few more facts (plus some of the content from your ad) ready to send immediately back with a couple of your images attached, and then follow up with a phone call half an hour later.
And when they are ready to buy… have ready your terms of payment, ask for a small deposit (say $500…this shows real commitment from the buyer)and then shutup! Don’t prattle on about the car, your favourite football team or what you are going to do with the money or anything else…so often a successful sale can be undone because of a silly slip of the tongue. Follow these tips and guidelines and you will sell your car fast online.
|
