Businesses that buy used cars via the Internet or online have been around for awhile. These firms make selling your car easier than if you walked into a car dealer for trade-in value. But if you do decide to go the dealership route be prepared to have your car seriously undervalued. You won’t get anywhere near Kelley Blue Book figures because the prices listed there are the numbers you’ll see when selling to private parties.
The second reason why you won’t get top dollar at the car dealership is a matter of economics. The people there have to offer you less than Blue Book value because they need to resell it on their lot for a profit. If they buy your trade in at full “retail” price, they won’t make enough money to justify the trade in purchase.
It may be more convenient for you to buy a new car and trade in your old one at the dealership for a one stop shopping experience, but you may sacrifice hundreds or even thousands of dollars on the value of your used car. But if you are seriously considering an online business that buys cars, you should know a few things before you do it.
Car Buying Businesses Are Not Created Equal
Most online car buying businesses will give you a quote or bid for your car after you have sent in the necessary information and photos. The honest businesses will stand behind their quoted value, while the less than trustworthy ones will back off of their original bid and claim that your car isn’t worth what they estimated. They may show up at your door, ready to tow you car away, but offer you a check that is less than the original deal they agreed to.
If this happens to you and the car buying business claims they can’t pay you what they offered, or lowers the payment to cover “costs” or towing, you are under no obligation to accept their new terms. If anything, just say “thank you, but no thanks” and walk away. Don’t let the idea of having a check in your hands, especially if it is less than what you agreed to, be the only reason to accept the offer.
The honest car buying services will give you the best price, according the information you’ve provided them, plus a free tow to fetch your car. At this point, they’ll fill out the necessary paperwork for you, transfer the ownership, and hand you a check. When looking for a good online car remarketer check online reviews and see if there are any issues or complaints filed against them with the Better Business Bureau, of they are members with the BBB.
Customers Rule
When you call an online used car buying firm you should be able to get a good read, within a couple of minutes, on whether or not you should do business with them. Pay special attention to how you are treated on the phone. Is the rep friendly and professional or is the person rude or in a rush to go to the next caller? Does the rep ask pertinent questions about your used car, what condition it is in, and how his or her company arrives at the price they’ll offer you? Does the business offer assistance in filling out and transferring the title, and other paperwork? Are they willing to go the “extra mile” to make sure your transaction is smooth and hassle free?
Customer service should be at the top of your list when it comes to finding a good car remarketer to buy your car. Some firms only deal with good, working used cars, while others are able to make offers on cars that aren’t running, or are salvage vehicles. In these instances, the car must be “whole” or have all of its parts accounted for, and not stripped out.
Check Around
A good course of action to find a good online car buyer is to shop around. Make mental notes of not only the prices you are quoted, but how the staff treats you, and the reputation of the business and extra services offered. Some car remarketers will gladly donate the proceeds of the sale to the favorite charity of your choice, in your name. Others will take bitcoin as payment too.
The best defense is a good offense, as the saying goes in the sports world. Taking proactive steps to find the best online buyer for your car is the best insurance against a bad selling experience.
Source: The Telegraph
(http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/how-to/10753194/How-to-sell-your-car-online.html)