| Automotive Column - More than just a plastic for sale sign |
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| Written by Nathan Wilke | |
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So the school year is up to speed again, and money is running tight. The story is often the same for many college students, and in desperate times that financial void may require the sale of some valuable motorized possession. Another concern is turn-around time. Sellers of cars, trucks, or motorcycles motivated by financial need are incredibly concerned with getting what they want, and getting it quickly. No longer is the search for prospective buyers limited by who drives past a posted for-sale sign, or readers of local newspapers. Everyone is aware of the many different avenues to sell vehicles today, from paper circulation flyers to online sites. Local flyers and magazines, like Auto Trader or other common publications, are a great way to get a picture out. However, these services are not free, and the space for a picture and text is limited. Sellers may run into trouble attempting to summarize a vehicle’s entire condition within the allotted space. Fortunately, there are several online venues, such as www.AutoTrader.com or www.craigslist.org, on which to post ads. Some sites can even be used free of charge. In my personal experience, I have found that online sites offer several advantages over traditional methods of advertising a sale. There is ample space for posting descriptions of the vehicle condition and modifications. Most sites will offer the capability to post a photo or several photos of the vehicle for sale. In a case where there are many vehicles of a certain type for sale, ads with photos included will get the most attention. There are a few tips to keep in mind when posting an ad, many of which can be easily observed. Just take a look through a few posted ads, and see what is common about the ones that are clear, attractive, and easy to read. Descriptions of the vehicle that are kept accurate, yet as brief as possible, are best. Long essays with multiple paragraphs describing every detail about a vehicle will rarely be read completely. Lists of key selling points and observed problems with the vehicle will make a summary that is easy for a potential buyer to interpret. Always be sure to be accurate in describing any large flaws, as this will save you and potential buyer’s time by eliminating confusion when problems are noticed after they take the time to come and look at a vehicle. Photos of large body or mechanical problems are worth more than any description, as they allow interested parties to see exactly what is out of place without leaving their computer. A final note for sellers, and purchasers as well, is to beware of scams. Anyone who has exchanged, or researched purchasing, a vehicle on a website will likely be familiar with the scam responses that can be received. Be wary of any persons that are buying or selling items from overseas, strange shipping terms, or using escrow services for payment before the vehicle is received. Whenever possible, get a look at the vehicle before you even think of making payment on it. If a price or terms of a sale seems too good of a deal to be true, it probably is. Carefully read over website’s information on common scams. Sites such as AutoTrader.com will have sections on fraud. Other sites, such as craigslist.org may have less documented fraud awareness sections. Be sure to do your homework, and take more caution than you would when purchasing a vehicle from a local private party or dealership. |
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