Selling, how do you do it?!

[blingblang88]

I looked but couldnt find a thread where i could ask this question.
Am i asking too much?
http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...3528901/?Cr=16
I've priced it the cheapest with this many kms on carsales but can't seem to get a bite.

It turns out selling isnt that easy.

So where do the good people of Ford Forums go to sell a car? This forum, carsales, gumtree?
Do you have any tips to help me out?

Thanks
Lucy

[Polyal]

Its a very tough market at the moment IMO.

Ive had my TE50 for sale for a few months now and nothing really serious has come through. I little different to selling a Territory but at the end of the day popular cars at the right price sell.

I sold my little Alfa, which I already regret, within 3 hours of putting it on Gumtree.

Makes a mockery out of carsales' fee.

[furiousgibbon]

the used car market is currently dire. I've spent 2 months trying to sell a car that's in as new condition, I thought it'd take me a week. Listed it everywhere, carsales, gumtree, forums, tried to interest friends and colleagues. Even after dropping the price to make it the cheapest one in that mileage bracket I still only got a single call. Luckily that call was a serious buyer, and he got himself an absolute bargain. Final sale price only slightly more than what I'd been offered by a dealer, which says a lot! He saw in on gumtree by the way. I've had success with carsales in the past, but from 700 'detail views' and 24 people saving the car, not one serious enquiry.

[Bearman]

Its always a pain in the rear end selling cars privately.

How long have you had it up for?

What is the roadworthy status? I usually bypass those that say "no" unless they are seriously cheap. I really couldn't be fagged running around under someone elses ownership while chasing up a RWC, just makes for a messy transaction unless the car is supplied no rego, plates off. In that case I wouldn't go for it anyway.

It may be worth your while getting a detail done and some better photos. That engine bay shot, it looks like its been submerged in the river!! One look at that would put people off.

Give it a good detail, better pics and offer up a RWC should see it move.

[Polyal]

As with this particular example I would say the rims would put a lot of people off. If you have the stock steel ones around I would be putting those on.

[Sioso]

Originally Posted by Polyal

As with this particular example I would say the rims would put a lot of people off. If you have the stock steel ones around I would be putting those on.

I agree with this advice, factory wheels + a good clean and chances of selling will go up.
Then again what would I know, 90% of the time I just go with a trade-in and take few $$$$ loss rather then going through the sales process.
Even when you get a buyer it can be a pain in the ar$e waiting for them to get their act together with money, vehicle checks, insurance etc....

[fordomatic]

Presentation, presentation, presentation.

When i look at those photos it looks dirty and unloved, also i would put the original wheels back on.

I have sold 3 cars in the last three years and they all sold within 2 weeks. I look on carsales and price them a little lower than the cheapest one in the same condition and then don't budge on price. But my cars are always immaculate and i make sure my photos represent that. You need your car to stand out over all the rest that are advertised.

[Ringo]

The colour is a plus I think but perhaps the rims are bit ‘boy racer’

Make it easy and risk free to consider your car over all the others for sale.

Service History?
Options?
Flexible on price?
RWC on the vehicle already? Ready to go?
Tyre depth?
Consider getting an RACV (or equivilent) check over and other that for review by potential buyers (yes it means spending money to make money)
What is your story? Where did you get it from etc? Make it a bit personal which will stick in people’s minds.

Sold a few cars in my time and have done OK out of it. Think about how the cars yards get people interested on a car do it and do it yourself.

[blingblang88]

Good suggestion on the engine bay, thanks. I head up to the murray river often so that'll be the dust.

I hadnt got a rwc, purely out of laziness. The car is always maintained so i wouldnt think it'd be too difficult to obtain one.

I've only had it up a few weeks so i know i'm being a little jumpy wondering why it hasnt sold yet. I guess i expected a bit of attention being on the cheaper side of things.
I might just have to be patient!

[blingblang88]

Originally Posted by Ringo

The colour is a plus I think but perhaps the rims are bit ‘boy racer’

Make it easy and risk free to consider your car over all the others for sale.

Service History?
Options?
Flexible on price?
RWC on the vehicle already? Ready to go?
Tyre depth?
Consider getting an RACV (or equivilent) check over and other that for review by potential buyers (yes it means spending money to make money)
What is your story? Where did you get it from etc? Make it a bit personal which will stick in people’s minds.

Sold a few cars in my time and have done OK out of it. Think about how the cars yards get people interested on a car do it and do it yourself.

Great suggestions, thankyou. It looks like i might be spending a bit of time detailing it over the weekend

[Stefan]

Yeah the photos a bad, the car is dirty, the wheels look bad, under the bonnet it is absolutely filthy with extra cables hanging around. Even the fact that the lawn looks neglected.

Harsh but not surprised no one wants it.

Clean the car properly, in the door jambs, under the bonnet, take the junk out of it, like the umbrella, take the car to a park and take some nice photos and it will sell.

If nothing else lose the wheels.

[BENT_8]

Wheels and fuel consumption.

Ive been tossing up wether to buy a late model SUV to replace the Pathfinder and where you've priced yours is right in our bracket and the k's are acceptable, but as soon as i saw the wheels i was instantly put off unfortunately.
Black Duco+ Black 20" Wheels+ Low Profile Tyres on an SUV= Questionable history.
Enough to make me look away.

Put the factory wheels back on, keep the price where its at and flog off the 20's seperately.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by Stefan

Yeah the photos a bad, the car is dirty, the wheels look bad, under the bonnet it is absolutely filthy with extra cables hanging around. Even the fact that the lawn looks neglected.

Harsh but not surprised no one wants it.

Clean the car properly, in the door jambs, under the bonnet, take the junk out of it, like the umbrella, take the car to a park and take some nice photos and it will sell.

If nothing else lose the wheels.

I agree, it's harsh to hear but this will help in attracting more prospective buyers.

I never take pictures of a car im selling that is dirty. It just makes me look like a grot. But that is just me.

[blingblang88]

It looks like i'll have to listen to the majority and loose the wheels and put some time in on the polish up.
I think i was just a bit over eager to get it on the market.

It's funny, i spent a long while finding 20s with load rated tires to keep it legal.. now they're what could be holding up the sale!

[Polyal]

If you advertise it in the local Logan newspaper it might sell, they are definitely a GCM.

GCM = Gold Coast Mod

[blingblang88]

Originally Posted by Polyal

If you advertise it in the local Logan newspaper it might sell, they are definitely a GCM.

GCM = Gold Coast Mod

Haha harsh, but, i came here to ask what i was doing wrong. So i'll take that

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by blingblang88

Haha harsh, but, i came here to ask what i was doing wrong. So i'll take that

Just playing. I wouldn't say wrong but the person who is buy that car is probably going to be spooked by them.

Another thing might be the fact that its not a 7 seater? If you were going to buy a second hand Territory you may aswell well get one that can take 7.

But those rims would spook 90% of people straight up, most people buying them are not into modifications.

[blingblang88]

Originally Posted by Polyal

most people buying them are not into modifications.

I completely hadnt even considered that fact. Good point

[GASWAGON]

Dont worry about your wheels they're fine. (I really like them).

Its the fact that you dont have a RWC thats why its not selling.

Buyers want to buy cars that are fault free with no troubles in the foreseen future.

[XB GS 351 Coupe]

Car looks grotty, neglected and un cared for in the add, even if I was looking for a Territory I would not be giving it more than casual glance. The car does not look ready for sale with all the junk in there. PS I also think the wheels need to go, they are shockers on that car, a SUV with 20's and low profile tires, are you a rapper??

The last car I sold privately I took everything that was not going with the car out of the car, then spend a day cleaning and polishing it inside and out, took some great photos and it sold within a few days.

I also remember selling a car years ago, had it for sale for two weeks and it did not sell, put the price up $1500, and sold it the next day after giving the buyer a $500 discount, if he turned up a week earlier he could have had the car for $1500 less.

[Itsme]

Territory price is too dear for your model.

[STINKY NINJA]

Most people dream about how good their car is,how awesome the condition is and how good their price is and never sell because they are dreamers on all accounts.
If it really is that good on all fronts it will sell if the right buyer comes along,at the moment you have to be very patient selling cars.
Ive found most people think excellent condition is actually not even average condition,ive bought and sold at least 15-20 cars and ive never ever seen one in the condition the people describe it,its always worse and always needs money spent despite them saying its perfect condition with nothing to spend!

[LG17]

I agree with what has already been pointed out including putting the standard wheels back on.
I have bought and sold many cars.
Presentation both in photos and in the flesh must be spot on.
Take the car to a park or similar with nice bushes in the packground to take the photos. Get it out of the driveway.
If there is a problem of some kind, try and mask it - take the prospective buyer's eyes away from it.
Take everything out of the vehicle, detail it to within an inch of its life and wash it every day if necessary. It must be ready for someone to look at it at all times.

In the wording of your ad, point out all the safety features (even if they're standard) and describe it accurately. Have it roadied so it can leave you straight away - no hold ups - and have the sale transfer forms ready to go.

I would also take your ad down until you have it absolutely 100% ready.

[STINKY NINJA]

Do what this guy says ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ its your only hope!
Make it appeal to the masses.

[FG50T]

The market is so dead! I remember when you used to put a car online and it would be gone in a week or two. I've had a nightmare of a time lately even with perfect pictures and descriptions.

Took me 4 months to sell a fully optioned unmodified VE II SSV with 40,000kms. Ended up selling for near bottom dollar to a guy interstate who didn't even come see it. Only had the one phone call for it.

Had a VW Golf on there for 5 months, 80,000kms, options, exc condition, in the lower bracket of pricing. Not a single phone call.

An Abarth, pretty much brand new, 12k cheaper than retail. No phone calls after 3 months.

[Cav]

How to sell a car?

Well first off, do you really want to sell it or do you just want to see how many $$$ you can get for your car?

First thing to decide on is price. Look at Red Book and then look at cars on Carsales and other sites and you will see a big increase in prices over what the Red Book says.

Why is this?

Well firstly, those cars have not yet sold at that price. Many private sellers make the fatal mistake of putting the same price on their car as the dealers use. They forget that the dealer has to cover his business costs, has to pay 1/11th of the sale price in GST, he has to give a warranty, he has to give a roadworthy, he has to give a title to the car; so his prices must cover these costs as well as allowing enough fat in the deal to offer the buyer a trade in price on his clapped out car.

My suggestion would be to price your car between the dealer price and the Red Book price. This allows you to give a potential buyer room to haggle. Everyone wants some $$$ off your price.

Next step, get the car detailed. Pay someone to clean and polish it, otherwise do it yourself. Make sure you clay bar it and then wax it. The interior must be spotless.

Photos. Don't use your phone, use a proper camera and if you are no good at photoshop get a mate to help. Most sites allow 15 photos. Make sure you submit 15 photos. The front, sides, rear, ¼ front, ¼ rear, engine, boot, interior - front and back seats, make sure you show the driver's seat clearly, instrument panel. If there are any dents and scratches, photograph those as well.

Description – don’t overdo the adjectives, or tell the reader what a bargain it is – let them decide. Be honest with the faults and say that is why you have lowered the price – that will stop any purchaser from trying to reduce the price on faults you have mentioned. Make sure you include servicing and rego details.

Blokes will ring up and ask what is your lowest price. If you tell them, they will immediately try and get you to reduce it even further. If a bloke asks will you take $$$, don't respond except to say that he should come and examine the car and if he brings cash you may be interested in haggling. If a bloke says he'll be there on the weekend to buy it ask him for a deposit. No deposit, no holding the car otherwise you may knock back a genuine buyer in the meantime only to have the other bloke a no show.

When a potential buyer comes to look at the car show it to him like you would to your mates when you have just bought a car. Start with the outside, walking him around the car, open the boot, open the bonnet and finally get him to sit in the car. That's when you show him the service records If he wants a test drive, make him sit in the passenger seat, and drive sensibly. If you drive like a racing driver he'll assume the car has been flogged.

If he wants to return tomorrow with his dad/mate/girlfriend/wife to buy the car – get a deposit. Otherwise tell him if a buyer calls tonight and wants the car you will sell it. You won't keep it for him without a deposit.

DON'T TRUST ANYONE!

[blueoval]

Ive noticed ppl are holding onto their cars longer now with the purse strings getting tighter. No incentive to 'upgrade' unless you have to. That and people dont want rare, cool cars. They are happy with a fridge with wheels or A to B cars.

[Jack91]

How to sell a car?
Make it cheaper.
I advertised my coupe for $21,500. I had to take $16,500. I wanted to sell and he had a big stack of 100's.
My fairlane owed me about $10,000. I had to take $7,000 for it, just 2 months after a full restoration. Again, he had the cash that I wanted.
Both were very recent, not much money around at the moment for used cars.
I dont want to sound Territory-ist, but I reckon most buyers of those would be yard buyers, youre gonna have to work harder, sorry!

[Myluckyday]

Personally, I'd never buy a black car, and certainly not a pseudo 4WD with low profile tyres.

There have been a heap of Territories through the auctions as of late.

Something like yours might bring between 3 - 4,000 dollars.

Here is a 2005 Territory for auction ... still has 24 hours left before final bids.

http://www.graysonline.com/lot/0001-...wagon?spr=true

QLD Market.

It's not black, has standard wheels, it's a 7 seater and it's AWD ... all positives (for me ... Mr Average Buyer). But it's higher mileage.

24 hours to go ... current bids are at $2,309. Will sell @ 8pm Wed night.
Follow it through and see what it sells for.


Here is a 2005 Ford Escape XLS, black, similar k's to yours, currently @ $1,909.

http://www.graysonline.com/lot/0001-...wagon?spr=true


Here is a black 2003 Hyundai Terracan 4x4 7-seater
I reckon those wheels would have set the owner back the best part of $600 - $800

http://www.graysonline.com/lot/0004-...wagon?spr=true

Current bidding is $1,009 ... also closes in 24 hours.


Good Luck with the sale.
.

[peaterj]

Unfortunately most sellers want Redbook price for their car and buyers only want to pay trade in prices for it, you have to price it accordingly.

I recently sold a late model GT , was fed up with all the low ball texts and emails in the end the only person to ring was a dealer who bought it for a lot more than all the previous offers.

Took the dealer around 4 weeks to sell it but even they had to lower their price quite a bit to move it.