As with other markets, the car manufacturing and transportation sectors were among the industries to suffer from the pandemic. At the height of the health crisis, buying and selling vehicles were deemed non-essential activities, especially since movement restrictions were in place for months.
Admittedly, it’s more challenging to offer an expensive commodity during these difficult times, but not at all impossible. Care should be taken to reduce face-to-face contact, while taking heed of the minimum health protocols.
Regardless of the hurdles, selling your car shouldn’t be burdensome. Here are some suggestions on how to do it seamlessly amid the pandemic:
1. Minimize Personal Contact And List Your Car Online
Keeping the initial stages of the selling process strictly online is a sure way of maintaining health and safety amid the coronavirus threat. Thanks to technology, there are easier ways to sell your car.
These are the most viable selling options for your vehicle:
- Car Sites: You can start by looking for car dealing and trading sites with quite a huge following. This enables you to reach a wide range of potential buyers. Create a compelling description of your vehicle, as well as upload attractive and high-quality photos to attract more interested buyers. To know how to write a persuading description, step into the shoes of your potential buyers and identify the key qualities you want to know in a vehicle. Also, have a better understanding of what makes a car tick.
- Social Media Platforms: Amplify your market reach by listing your vehicle in an online platform. Tag your friends and network, who may know somebody who’s looking to buy a secondhand car. Similar to listing to car sites, write a great but brief description, and upload good photos.
For your online listings, it’s better to offer virtual showings with the use of video teleconferencing channels. A seller has the option to upload videos of the vehicle on specific sharing platforms. Conducting a live question and answer session with interested buyers is another feasible choice.
2. Look For Car Dealers
Car dealerships were badly affected by the pandemic, with most offices closed during the first few months of 2020. As the situation improved, businesses have started to pick up, too. And, car dealerships are now happy to accommodate your request for a fee.
As an enterprise authorized by car manufacturers to sell and service different types of cars, a dealership is the first destination for car buyers. Additionally, it’s not only imperative for these places to have their showroom; dealerships also need to house a car service and repair area. This means that even those who may not be looking for a car may soon realize they’re willing to buy as soon as a good offer shows up.
Car dealers are perfect for when you’re looking to sell or trade-in your car for another vehicle. Instead of waiting for your unit to sell and choosing a vehicle replacement later, you can skip the waiting process and make the switch right away.
Non-franchised car dealerships are likewise beneficial during the pandemic. In some cases, a seller only has to enter vehicle details to receive a price offer right away. The next step is to proceed to the dealer, get paid, and close the deal. This is perfect for when you need to raise cash as soon as possible and don’t need to buy a replacement vehicle.
All car dealers have health protocols in place, but you’ll probably need to meet a few of their personnel face to face before the transaction is completed.
3. Hire The Services Of A Car Broker
If you can’t find a car dealership near you, or don’t have time to market your vehicle, consider seeking assistance from a car broker. This professional typically has a wide network of contacts who know a few people interested in any car offer.
The good thing about taking this route is that you’ll only need to meet with the broker, who’ll take charge of showing the vehicle to the actual buyer and collecting the payment. Before agreeing to their services, however, be clear about their brokerage fees or commission rates. Also, make sure to choose a broker you can trust.
4. How To Make Test Drives Safer
You can upload your own test drive videos or provide all the information your buyers need, like car service records. But, most buyers will still push you to let them drive your car before buying it. If this happens, your concern isn’t only whether your buyer knows how to drive safely, but whether they’re virus-free.
Make this process less scary by wiping clean and sanitizing your vehicle before the session. Provide gloves and extra face masks to minimize the spread of the virus. Open the windows to allow sufficient air flow.
Don’t forget to take the details of the buyer—name, address, and contact numbers—so you won’t have problems in tracing the person in case the need arises.
Final Thoughts
Technology has facilitated easier car selling options, but it couldn’t completely eliminate the need for minimal contact. When conducting test drives and accepting payments, a seller should insist on face-to-face transactions and observe minimum health protocols for a safer undertaking.
Barry Lachey is a Professional Editor at Zobuz. Previously He has also worked for Moxly Sports and Network Resources “Joe Joe.” He is a graduate of the Kings College at the University of Thames Valley London. You can reach Barry via email or by phone.
