Tips for Selling Your Car on Ebay - By R Heavner

Selling a car on Ebay works much the same as selling any item, with the addition of a few extra steps to protect yourself and your buyer. Your first order of business, if you have not done so already, is to register an account with Ebay.

With that out of the way, you will need to gather together all relevant information about your vehicle. In addition to your title / registration, try and gather maintenance and repair receipts as well. Now is also a good time to begin taking photos. As a general rule, the more the better. Take photos of all four sides of the vehicle, close ups of any body damage, the engine compartment, and the interior. Include a photo of the odometer reading. Photos should be well focused and free of any distractions that draw your viewers attention away from the car. Good results can often be obtained on a slightly overcast day in an empty parking lot.

Now that you are ready to begin your listing, move on to the Ebay Motors page. You will need to enter the VIN and complete a checklist of information about your car. When writing your description it is important that you be both thorough and completely honest. Include:

• a complete description of the vehicle, including any damage not seen in the photographs
• include any options or modifications not covered in the checklist
• a description of any mechanical problems
• if you have replaced any major components, include information
• any special circumstances i.e. car was garaged, non-smoking driver, no pets, etc.
• if you have maintenance records, indicate that they are available
• the status of the title, warranty, and inspection

Your terms for the auction or BIN should include:

• A clear explanation of what form of payment you will accept and when it will be due. As a general rule the seller should require a deposit within 3 days of the transaction. Be clear about the amount and method of deposit you require as well as what form of payment you will accept for the balance.
• Who is responsible for picking up vehicle. The seller is generally responsible for arranging and paying for any shipping service , etc. Again, make sure to spell that out in your terms.

In the course of your listing, be prepared for many buyers asking questions about the vehicle. Check your email frequently and respond quickly and courteously.

If your car is successfully sold, you will need to work out final arrangements with the buyer for payment and pick up. Most buyers tend to pick up their car in person, however if a shipping service is required make sure that you and your buyer agree upon a licensed bonded service. The final step in the transaction is transferring of the title. As the rules vary from state to state, it is wise to first check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles regarding their policies.

The author is webmaster of http://www.auction-lynx.com Internet Auction Resource Directory, a directory of hundreds of alternative auction sites and buyer/seller resources. For Ebay selling tips and tricks visit our blog at http://www.sell-it-on-ebay-auctions.blogspot.com/