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Do you have a used car but hate the idea of dealing with dealerships? Thanks to social media, you no longer need to put up an ad on Craigslist and be inundated with emails. Advertising with Facebook means you can post, manage, and sell your car all in one place.
Are you considering selling your car with social media? Use these tips to sell quickly – and without surprises.
1. Find the Kelley Blue Book Value
If you have a junk car on your hands, take a look at scrap car prices to get a feel for what you could possibly get. Whether you sell to a dealer or a private buyer, your first stop should be the Kelley Blue Book. The Kelley Blue Book provides you with a standardized price for your car’s model, age, and condition. It lets you know what to ask for, what other buyers ask for, and gives you a figure to work with.
2. Scout Out Other Prices on the Marketplace
Your Blue Book value matters more to dealers than it might to private buyers, who recognize that you want a quick transaction and a bundle of cash.
So, before you settle on a price, do a quick search of the social media platform to get a handle on prices. Here are a few questions to ask as you browse:
- What kinds of cars are sold on your platform?
- What’s the average price range?
- What kind of condition are the cars in?
Selling in markets with higher demand will earn you more. So, don’t be afraid to list in markets other than you’re own.
3. Take Good Pictures and Write a Specific Ad
Some people believe that selling to a private buyer means they get less hassle than selling to a dealer. Those people are generally wrong, at least when it comes to selling on social media.
However, you can eliminate many of the questions and random messages you get when trying to get cash for cars by:
- Taking excellent, thorough pictures
- Writing a specific ad
When interested buyers have more answers, they’ll only get in touch when they’re genuinely interested.
If selling on social media, make sure to note whether you:
- Will or won’t accept trades
- Will or won’t accept offers before viewing the car
These will cut out some of the offers to trade or low-ball offers you get.
Tip: Don’t add your phone number to the ad and update your privacy settings before posting. It will protect you down the road.
4. Be Prepared to Deal with Timewasters
On the dealership lot, the people who want the answer to every single technical question for the pure joy of it are called tire-kickers.
On social media, they’re timewasters.
Because it costs nothing to send a Facebook message, you will get a lot of messages with ridiculous requests. Be prepared now so that you will feel less frustrated later.
You will recognize messages from genuinely interested buyers when they come in. So, prioritize those messages first and avoid getting into conversations with those who are testing their chances.
Selling with Social Media is a Big Opportunity
If you want to sell a used car, you have more options than heading down to the local dealer. Seling with social media opens up new markets and far more buyers than you might get on another website.
Once you have a price, all you need to do is write an informative ad, take great pictures, and learn how to filter through the noise. You’ll sell your car for cash in no time!
Are you looking for more tips on earning and saving money? Find more in the Finances archive.