Follow these tips to sell your car in a private way during the COVID-19 contingency, while maintaining social distancing
We have seen how the situation caused by the Coronavirus COVID-19 has severely affected the purchase of cars worldwide, among other activities, although that does not mean that you cannot sell yours. During this challenging period, we have a series of recommendations to sell your car online in the UK as a private individual, safely.
Wash your hands
Before meeting a prospect who has been interested in your car, it is necessary to wash your hands with soap, for at least 20 seconds or, failing that, use an alcohol-based disinfectant to do so. Although it seems obvious, it is the first line of defense to prevent the spread of the virus and it does not hurt to remember it.
Clean Your Car
In the same way, you have to clean and disinfect your vehicle correctly, so as not to put potential buyers and yourself at risk. Remember to do this after each visit with prospects and let them know that the car is completely clean to build trust. To carry out a deep cleaning, we leave you the recommendations to keep your car clean and disinfected, with which you will help limit its spread.
Consider the video tool
When promoting your car on safe sites, such as Auto For Trade, it is possible to make a video to promote your car for sale, so that those interested can see each part of your vehicle in detail. In the same way, it is recommended to carry out some type of videoconference with potential clients, showing in detail the elements of the car that they are interested in seeing.
The current offer of tools, such as Skype, WhatsApp, FaceTime, among others, allow direct communication without having to be present and increase the possibility of selling your car.
Make sure you are prepared to sell
Being prepared to answer customer questions, including the most difficult ones, is essential, to give confidence and ensure a sale. In the process, customers may ask you things like. That you sell? This question may have an objective to know if there is something wrong with the car or if something has not satisfied you, if it is not very fuel efficient, or if it is sagging for a newer or better one.
So it is important to be honest. Can the Guarantee be transferred? If the car for sale is still under warranty, or has a Warranty Extension package, you should let them know if they can enjoy it, which could be an extra value for the customer.
Do your research with the brand. Have many people seen it? This is a difficult point, as it is open to the consideration of the customer, who is forming an opinion of your particular car. If you say that many people have seen it, they may think that there is something wrong with the car and that is why you cannot sell it even though many people have seen it.
If you say no, they may come to believe that they have an advantage, so they could start haggling, as we said, it is very complicated. Is your best price? This is one of the most important questions, so you must determine how much is the least amount of money you expect to receive from the sale of the car.
You must be clear about what the disadvantages of your car may be, and establish an appropriate price, so that they cannot be used against you and “waste it”.
Arrange a Contactless Visit
We know that it is very important that customers can see the car in person, so it is advisable to hold a meeting in an open space, such as a parking lot or gas station that does not have a large influx of people. Remember to keep a safe distance of at least 1.5 meters from the prospect and remember not to shake hands, even when closing the deal.
Take Precautions During and after the Test Drive
That customers drive your car is also of the utmost importance. Consider riding in the back seat during the test (something that will be impossible if you find yourself selling a Mazda MX-5).
It is important that you agree with the potential buyer that only a maximum of 2 people will go, in order to maintain a reasonable distance inside the car and avoid contagions as much as possible.
You also need to bring a cleaning kit to use when the test drive is finished and to disinfect the vehicle before you return home. Remember that the main areas of contact with the handles, armrests, lever and especially the steering wheel.
Remember The Basic Rules
Although the peculiar conditions during the pandemic are focused on avoiding contagion, we must not forget the basic rules when selling a car, especially those that have to do with safety and paperwork.
Remember to schedule visits and inspections in public places, be accompanied by someone (in another car, in this situation), agree to payments, make a letter of sale and secure the money before handing over keys or documents, among others.
Also, it must be taken into account that during the COVID-19 contingency, most government offices have stopped working, so it is necessary to agree with the buyer, the procedures for change of ownership and / or license plate removal. Find out before making the sale.
