Whenever someone mentions car sales most of us immediately think of car a dealership or selling through the local classifieds. These options may be the traditional way of selling your car but they do have some downsides. You’ll spend most of your time driving to dealers or haggling with strangers all for the same end result. A low-balled offer and the time that you’ll never get back.
What if we told you that you could sell your car fast for a fair offer that's haggle free and get this, you could do this from the comfort of your home. Were talking about selling you car online! You can actually get an instant offer for your vehicle online now! Or read on to find out the best ways to sell a car online.
That selling your car online and listing it for sale are very different from each other. Selling your car online means that you're going to a company or buyer like CarBrain that will make you an online offer before they even see the car in person.
Selling your car online has never been easier. With CarBrain you can sell your old, junk, or less than perfect car for a fast and fair offer. Most of the vehicles we purchase will receive an online offer in just 90 seconds!
To start there is a handful of reputable sites that are open to the public. These sites allow them to leave positive or negative feedback about online companies for others to see.
If you're selling a car to an online company, then you may want to check out these sites to see what previous customers have to say.
The Better Business Bureau
Yelp
TrustPilot
After you looked up the company, seen their reviews, and got an offer from them, then the next step is to make sure you receive payment in exchange for the title. Never let a company or buyer take your car and title unless the payment is being exchanged for those items.
The first step is to do research on the company that's buying your vehicle. Start by looking up websites to sell cars on the sites we mentioned to check their reputation. If they have tons of positive reviews and none of them mention that the company did not pay for the vehicle or paid less than what the original offer, then you're on the right track. After you’ve seen the reviews, then call the company and discuss the details of the transaction. If the car is near you, then make sure they meet with you with a payment in hand when they show up to purchase the car. It may take some time looking through the car buying websites out there to find a reputable one.
To avoid an online scam there are a few small details to look out for that may indicate the source or company you're working with is not reputable and they may try some shady sales tactics to get that car off your hands.
What are signs of an online scam
Negative reviews stating the company either underpaid or didn't pay for the car
Buyer is not providing payment at the time of pick up
When a buyer has seen pictures and VIN but can't give you a confirmed offer over the phone
If the online buyer shows just one of these signs then there you may want to reconsider selling your car or selling your truck online to them and keep looking for another buyer who is reputable and trustworthy.
Finding the method that best suits you is important to ensure a smooth transaction and a fair offer.
Dealing with local buyers: Listing a car online means that you will be showcasing it on the local classifies for local buyers to see. This means that you will have to meet with strangers at all hours of the day. Most of these buyers will go back and forth with you. In an attempt to lower down your price and get a bargain off you.
Unpredictable sale time: Selling your vehicle locally will dramatically reduce a number of buyers that see your vehicle. This means it may take some time before you find a buyer with the right offer and the longer you wait to sell your car the more it will depreciate.
Posting Fees: Not every online website allows you to post up a car for free. These sites have a standard posting fee or monthly charge until the car is sold. Some of these sites can even charge you a % of what the car sells for.
Working with online buyers: Working with an online buyer doesn't necessarily mean it won't be a local transaction. Most online buyers are headquartered in one location but operate on a large scale. This means that you’ll be getting an offer online but when the time comes to sell you will be working with a local tow company and the vehicle will be stored at a local facility near you.
Instant sale: Most online buyers will not waste your time trying to see the car in person or say their shopping around for the best deal. Selling online is fast and easy. When the online buyer makes you an offer they will typically pay you and buy the car within 72 hours
No posting fees: In most cases when selling to an online buyer you will not have to incur any listing or charges. If your car isn't running then the online buyer will take care of the towing as well which can save you tons of hard earned cash.
First, you must be the titled owner of the car and have a valid and lien-free title. Then start gathering important information that every online buyer will ask for like the vehicle's VIN, Pictures, and detailed description of the damage. If you are able to acquire those three things than you can already start searching for online offers.
Finding online platforms to sell your car on isn’t too difficult; they exist in abundance. They will make you an online offer for a used vehicle and buy it just like many other sites but these services usually restrict their purchases to clean, used cars.
When it comes down to selling a used vehicle through the internet, there is no definite answer as to how much you will receive but there are a few things you can do to ensure that you get the best offer for your vehicle no matter where you go to sell it.
The first thing you should know on how to get the best price for your car is to request your cash offer using the most up-to-date possible information about the status of your vehicle.
The second thing is to take photos of the vehicle from a variety of angles. This will allow us to accurately examine and evaluate your car based on its actual condition.
Finally, give your customer service manager any extra information about the vehicle that might not have fit within the original request. Such as if there’s any mechanical issues or anything of the sort that might have happened in the past.
Here’s what you should know to make sure you get the best price for your unwanted or less than perfect car.
Do not part it out - Keep your car fully intact because this will always help you get the best offer possible, even if the part is damaged. Buyers like to see complete cars and it will help lock in a better deal.
Don't lose the keys - Always make sure to have at least one key with your vehicle, whether it starts or not. A missing key will have a negative effect on your offer.
Have state-required documents - Every state has different requirements to sell a car and if you're missing any paperwork, the buyer cannot transfer ownership. Some of these documents can take over a month to get a replacement. By then, the buyer may reduce their offer or withdraw completely.
If you've taken the necessary steps to ensure the best value, then submit your vehicle to CarBrain and in just 90 seconds you could have an online offer for your old junk or wrecked car. Our process is quick and easy simply submit your vehicle through our easy three step process and you could have an offer today!