When it comes to selling a car, most of us know that selling privately can get you more money than trading in or selling to a used car buying site. As it’s almost Valentine’s Day, we thought we’d get into the spirit of things. In this article, we’re sharing some car detailer tips that will ensure prospective buyers fall head over heels for your car! Meaning you make the most money you can, while also selling quickly.
Selling a Car – Tips from a Detailer:
First impressions count:
Firstly, make sure your car is in tip-top condition to be sold. It should have a valid MOT. Address any outstanding issues that may cause engine lights, and get any major faults fixed before listing. If you don’t, you may find the value of your vehicle plummets over an issue that could be a really simple fix.
Always make sure the car is perfectly clean inside and out. This attention to detail is especially important just before taking the photos. It’s also important before any prospective buyers come round to look at the car. We recommend a simple decontamination detail, like our “Protection Detail”. Alternatively, if the car is a high-value vehicle, then a paint correction could, in fact, boost the value of it enough to pay for the detailing work and make some more money on top.
Pictures paint a thousand words:
When people are looking for a second-hand car, the first place they’ll visit is the internet. They’ll search on sites like eBay, Gumtree, Autotrader, Pistonheads and many more.
The first thing they’ll see on these sites are the pictures of your car. So, be sure to take good quality, high-resolution photos so buyers can clearly see your car. Take the pictures in a well-lit environment, preferably on a sunny day. Set the scene with a pleasant background, this will really help to uplift the overall image. Always aim to get a variety of photos that clearly show the exterior from all sides, the interior from multiple angles and include one of the engine bay.
Make it a great first date:
Whenever you have someone coming round to take a look at the car be sure to get everything prepared beforehand to make the experience as smooth as possible for your prospective buyer.
- Have all the paperwork and history ready with the vehicle.
- Make sure the vehicle is clean inside and out.
- Move the car into an open area with good lighting where the buyer can freely look round the car and open all the doors.
- Be sure to top up all the fluids under the bonnet.
This pre-visit organisation will ensure the buyer has every opportunity to fall head over heels for your car.
One final thing to add is that these pre-sale tips don’t just apply to private sales, but to auctions and traders as well. The better you present your car the more money you can potentially get from whatever method you choose to sell your car.
At Black River Details we can help you if you’re thinking of selling a vehicle. Talk to us about our detailing services that will ensure buyers fall head over heels for your car! Contact us HERE.
Winter car detailing makes car care a breeze.
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