When looking to sell your vehicle, youdon’t need to be a rocket scientist, but you do need to know how to get yourcar into the right hands. Better Business Bureau recommends following a few keypointers to ensure that your sale goes smoothly.
With the Internet becoming the go-to hub ofinformation, any “buyer” can look reputable. Every year BBB hears horrorstories of car sales gone bad and, many times, it all boils down to: “If theoffer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
“If the buyer is asking you to wire moneyor is avoiding meeting you face-to-face, steer clear,” says Sandra Crozier-McKee, president and CEO of the BBB Serving Southern Alberta and East Kootenays.
“Never give too much personal informationto the potential buyer. In some scamming situations, the buyer will send acheck for an amount greater than the asking price, and ask you to wire him backthe difference. If the buyer’s check bounces, you’re out the money you wired…andyou’re still left with the car.”
When working with a potential buyer, BBBrecommends considering the following:
Communicatewith the potential buyer. Don’trely solely on email conversations. Meet face-to-face and be open and honestabout your car’s conditions. Many times buyers are good at vetting a car’sconditions and will turn down your offer if it’s not all you say it is. Keepall records of service so that the buyer can see proof that you have cared forthe vehicle.
Firstimpressions matter. Consider getting the carcleaned and tuned up. You’ll be glad you did when the buyer’s eyes sparkle withdelight as they accept your offer. Same goes for the buyer – trust your gut. Byinvesting in the time to let them test ride your car, you’ll know that thebuyer is serious about making an offer.
Don’t overshare. Make notes for yourself that you can refer to whileon the phone with a potential buyer. Keep them handy for when it comes time totalk about car’s maintenance history. When meeting with the buyer, meet in aneutral, well lit location. Don’t give them your home address.
Sealthe deal. Give the potential buyer ample time to askquestions. This will help avoid problems in the future. Once you feel confidentthat you have shared all of the nitty-gritty details about the car, it will betime to start talking money. Aim high and work your way down, but always behonest with the buyer on the car’s conditions.
For more consumer tips you can trust, visitwww.calgary.bbb.org
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About BetterBusiness Bureau: BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets andupholds high standards for fair and honest business behaviour. Every year, morethan 65 Million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews to help them findtrustworthy businesses across North America. Your local BBB serves consumersand businesses in Southern Alberta and the East Kootenays. For moreinformation, start with calgary.bbb.org.
Media: Please contact Christine Bassit,Communications and Marketing Coordinator of Better Business Bureau ServingSouthern Alberta and East Kootenays, with any questions at 403-531-8685 or byemail at christine@calgary.bbb.org
