Test drives and hagglingViewings and test drives

Being organised is crucial when it comes to securing the sale. For starters, make sure you're around to field phone calls, offer viewings and let prospective buyers take test drives.

Thorough planning can make the selling process run more smoothly

This is the crunch part of the sale. Get yourself organised, take on the salesperson’s role with confidence and you’ll quickly find a buyer willing to pay what you require.

Fielding phone calls

Make yourself available to answer the phone. If all a would-be buyer gets is your answering service, he or she may pass you by. Also, keep a copy of your ad and other helpful info by the phone. If the caller wants to check anything, you have it to hand.

Keep an appointments diary for viewings, and take the full name and contact number for each buyer.

When making appointments, allow enough time for a test drive. Ask the buyer to bring their driving licence and a copy of their insurance documents, so you can check if they are covered to drive your car.

Arranging a viewing

The best places for these are at your home – especially as most serious buyers will want to cross-check your address with the V5C – or at your place of work. Don’t agree to meet in a lay-by or pub car park.

For security’s sake, ask a friend or family member to act as a witness to what’s said and also to discourage crooks who may try to steal your car while your back is turned.

When the buyer arrives, note the make, model and registration number of their car. This will help trace them if need be.

Arranging a test-drive

Allow a test drive only if the potential buyer can produce a valid driving licence and current insurance documents to prove they are covered in your car.

If the buyer appears genuine and interested, let them drive a fair distance. Limiting them to a trundle round the block may put them off.

Always accompany them and never leave the car unattended with the keys inside. Crooks posing as buyers steal plenty of cars.

Never let them drive off alone, leaving the car they came in as security. You may never see your car again – and discover that the car they left is stolen.

Don’t be afraid to call a halt if they drive recklessly. Better to lose a sale than be involved in a crash.

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