How to deal with buyers

Be sure the number you use on your ad is the best number for contacting you, and respond to any messages at your earliest convenience. Your car may not be the only one on your potential buyer’s shopping list, so it’s important you make it as easy as possible. The easier you make it the quicker your car can sell!

It is important that you are prompt in your response to potential buyers and that you are polite, respectful and provide as much detail as possible. Buying privately relies heavily on trust so give them confidence by being your best self! It may also be seen as a reflection of how you treated your car during the ownership period.

Few vehicles are sold solely through messaging. Get ready to provide more details about your car via phone or at a meet up. The time you invested creating your ad can help you in conversation with the buyer (so make sure it’s all truthful).

Use the ad as a quick-reference sheet for the basics such as engine size, transmission type, mileage, and options. With everything you say, be accurate and honest. Remember, if you’re dishonest your trustworthiness and credibility may be a turn off.

Further to the car details you may get some additional questions from the buyer, here are some commons ones to expect:

Why are you selling the car?
Understand that potential buyers ask this question because they are looking for reassurances that you’re not selling a vehicle with problems.

How long have you owned it? Was there a previous owner?

Has the car been regularly serviced? Where do you service?

Has the vehicle ever been damaged?

What condition is the car in, and are there any issues not shown in the photos?

Are you selling with a roadworthy?

It can be a good idea to let potential buyers know other people are interested and you have other viewings scheduled; this will build urgency and convey to them that it’s a good deal.

It might be a good idea to follow up with the buyer if you have not heard back from them in a few days. Buyers may enquire on a number of cars and could forget the sellers they have contacted. The key is not to sound desperate. If they sense desperation, they may use this this to lower the price.

It is important to be patient and flexible when arranging a time to meet with a potential buyer; be prepared to drive a bit further to meet them, and understand the test drive and inspection will be unique each time. Make it clear that you expect to see their driver’s licence and if asked provide proof of insurance before the test drive. For more details see ‘How do I meet a potential buyer for my car?’.

Some people love to haggle; others hate it. There will always be always some level of negotiation, so remember not to accept the first offer. Before going into any negotiation about price, make sure you know the ‘market’ value of your car – do your research and have a clear idea of your starting and ending price. Unless you’re in a hurry to sell your car don’t be afraid to turn down offers.

Expect calls from the used car departments of dealerships. These are legitimate. Dealers may offer you less money, but you may want to consider their offers if you need a quick sale.

If the buyer wants to keep all contact over message or online and refuses to call or arrange a meeting, this can be an indicator of a scam.

You should not have the car picked up by a company without having met the buyer. Furthermore, if you receive an inquiry via SMS about your car, however, the number to call is disconnected, this can also be an indicator of a scam.

If you receive a suspicious email or SMS, report it to carsales by sending an email to safety@carsales.com.au and please include screenshots of the SMS or email.

For more information, read our ‘safety tips for sellers’ at our online safety section.

The key to selling is to be responsive and honest – it will help you get a better price for your car.

Many buyers will be willing to pay a little bit extra if you are trustworthy and they are confident they are getting a good deal.