Learn how eBay provides a convenient and fast way to sell used cars online with these helpful tips and best practices.
Every day, hundreds of cars sell on eBay. You can find every kind imaginable on the platform, and if you are interested in selling one, it can be a great place to safely sell the old family car.
Selling a car on eBay can be a very fast way to get it off your hands—usually in about 7 days. In fact, you can set up a shorter auction if you want. The site is quite intuitive, and you should be able to get the hang of it after exploring it for a few minutes. Here are a few tips to help you with your first eBay car listing so you can quickly learn how to sell a car and prepare your listing right away.
- Research. When selling a used car, it is important to learn what it is worth. Research past eBay listings for vehicles similar to yours to ensure your asking price aligns with other used cars online.
- Take a lot of pictures. Pictures are critical when selling on eBay, and buyers have come to expect them, especially with a big-ticket item like a car. Once you think you have enough pictures, take a few more.
- Be sure to show all parts, including views from all sides.
- Take plenty of pictures showing the interior, the dash and gauges, front seats, back seats, and the radio console.
- Capture a clear picture of the odometer showing the actual mileage.
- Take pictures with the doors both open and closed.
- Open the hood and take a few pictures of the engine bay.
- Get a shot or two of the alloy wheels, if present.
- If there are any defects such as dents or scratches, be sure to photograph them as well. Good pictures demonstrate a willingness by the seller to transparently disclose all issues with the vehicle.
- Documentation. Start getting your documentation, such as the title, in order. Also, obtain a bill of sale form from your local Department of Motor Vehicles. Some localities require other paperwork, such as a smog inspection form.
- Create an item description. This is the description used to sell your car—like a salesperson's voice in written words. Be sure to include the following details:
- Vehicle History: Write a few short paragraphs describing what you know about the vehicle's history. Are you the original owner? Has it been in any accidents? If you have maintenance records or have recently replaced parts like tires or the starter, it is a good idea to mention them.
- Defects: Buyers also need to know about any defects not evident in photos. You must disclose all known defects so buyers have a clear idea of what they are bidding on.
- Selling Terms: Include a few statements telling the buyer what forms of payment are acceptable, along with any required deposits and a payment deadline. Selling cars on eBay requires many of the same selling terms as an in-person sale.
eBay listings are presented in HTML. You can learn a few basic commands or pay a small fee to use a template provided by eBay. If you aren't very tech-savvy, using one of these templates is highly recommended. - eBay auction formats. You have two options when listing your car on eBay Motors:
- Auction Format: eBay auto auctions allow you to set a starting bid price and a reserve price. The starting price is the minimum amount required for the first bid. It is usually a good idea to set a low starting price to attract more bids; many auctions start at just $1 and increase substantially. If you are concerned about selling your car for too low of a price, you can set a reserve price, which is the lowest possible amount you are willing to accept.
- Fixed Price Format: eBay also offers an alternative method called the "fixed price format." This allows you to set a "Buy It Now" price, functioning more like a fixed store price rather than an auction.
Online sites like eBay have become increasingly popular for selling used cars. The process is normally fast, you can set your own price, and everything can be done from the comfort of your home computer.
Selling Cars on eBay: Tips for Selling a Used Car
Learn how eBay provides a convenient and fast way to sell used cars online with these helpful tips and best practices.
Every day, hundreds of cars sell on eBay. You can find every kind imaginable on the platform, and if you are interested in selling one, it can be a great place to safely sell the old family car.
Selling a car on eBay can be a very fast way to get it off your hands—usually in about 7 days. In fact, you can set up a shorter auction if you want. The site is quite intuitive, and you should be able to get the hang of it after exploring it for a few minutes. Here are a few tips to help you with your first eBay car listing so you can quickly learn how to sell a car and prepare your listing right away.
- Research. When selling a used car, it is important to learn what it is worth. Research past eBay listings for vehicles similar to yours to ensure your asking price aligns with other used cars online.
- Take a lot of pictures. Pictures are critical when selling on eBay, and buyers have come to expect them, especially with a big-ticket item like a car. Once you think you have enough pictures, take a few more.
- Be sure to show all parts, including views from all sides.
- Take plenty of pictures showing the interior, the dash and gauges, front seats, back seats, and the radio console.
- Capture a clear picture of the odometer showing the actual mileage.
- Take pictures with the doors both open and closed.
- Open the hood and take a few pictures of the engine bay.
- Get a shot or two of the alloy wheels, if present.
- If there are any defects such as dents or scratches, be sure to photograph them as well. Good pictures demonstrate a willingness by the seller to transparently disclose all issues with the vehicle.
- Documentation. Start getting your documentation, such as the title, in order. Also, obtain a bill of sale form from your local Department of Motor Vehicles. Some localities require other paperwork, such as a smog inspection form.
- Create an item description. This is the description used to sell your car—like a salesperson's voice in written words. Be sure to include the following details:
- Vehicle History: Write a few short paragraphs describing what you know about the vehicle's history. Are you the original owner? Has it been in any accidents? If you have maintenance records or have recently replaced parts like tires or the starter, it is a good idea to mention them.
- Defects: Buyers also need to know about any defects not evident in photos. You must disclose all known defects so buyers have a clear idea of what they are bidding on.
- Selling Terms: Include a few statements telling the buyer what forms of payment are acceptable, along with any required deposits and a payment deadline. Selling cars on eBay requires many of the same selling terms as an in-person sale.
eBay listings are presented in HTML. You can learn a few basic commands or pay a small fee to use a template provided by eBay. If you aren't very tech-savvy, using one of these templates is highly recommended. - eBay auction formats. You have two options when listing your car on eBay Motors:
- Auction Format: eBay auto auctions allow you to set a starting bid price and a reserve price. The starting price is the minimum amount required for the first bid. It is usually a good idea to set a low starting price to attract more bids; many auctions start at just $1 and increase substantially. If you are concerned about selling your car for too low of a price, you can set a reserve price, which is the lowest possible amount you are willing to accept.
- Fixed Price Format: eBay also offers an alternative method called the "fixed price format." This allows you to set a "Buy It Now" price, functioning more like a fixed store price rather than an auction.
Online sites like eBay have become increasingly popular for selling used cars. The process is normally fast, you can set your own price, and everything can be done from the comfort of your home computer.
Selling Cars on eBay: Tips for Selling a Used Car
By Howtodotips
Learn how eBay provides a convenient and fast way to sell used cars online with these helpful tips and best practices.