Dealing with buyers
This is often the part of the selling process that most concerns people, but don't worry. Follow our comprehensive advice and it really will be much easier than you thought.
Be polite and helpful on the phone, and be prepared to answer the buyer's questions as fully and honestly as possible. Remember, this is your first contact with someone who may be about to pay you a lot of money so you want to make a good impression.
Try not to give too much detail about your own movements in that first call, for example that you will be away or on holiday on a particular day. The vast majority of buyers are perfectly honest but it pays to be careful. If you have any doubts, ask the buyer for a phone number that you can call them back on before you give your address.
If the buyer suggests viewing the car away from your home, say at a car park or motorway service station, try to take someone with you and be alert. It is easy to be caught off guard when away from familiar territory and it isn’t unheard of for people to be robbed of their cars in these circumstances.
Before the buyer arrives to view the car, have a think about the price you are willing to accept should they make an offer. Haggling when buying or selling is all part of the process so you should be prepared to drop your asking price a little to make the sale - it isn’t worth losing a sale over a minor amount as it may cost you more to re-advertise (unless you are advertising for free on UsedCar.co.uk!). That said don’t be afraid to (politely) stick to your asking price if you think it is fair or if you are getting plenty of interest in the car.
Don’t be defensive! A buyer will nearly always mention minor issues with the car as a way of reducing the price, but you don’t have to respond if you don’t agree. Show the buyer all the good points – if the car is in particularly good condition, or has some extra features – and be willing to answer any major points or complaints the buyer might have.
Remember, you don’t have to sell so don’t be pressured into doing so. If you aren’t happy with the buyers offer or approach, don’t be afraid to turn them down and say that you are happy to wait for other buyers.
