Monday, April 28, 2008

Tips to Selling New and Used Luxury Cars Online

People buy items online everyday. Oftentimes, collector car traders begin their searches with online shopping sites, even before they visit the classic car dealers in their home state. It’s the connectivity that makes the Internet so appealing for car enthusiasts; it gives them the ability to find those rare, exotic sports cars for sale right now.

The largest difference between buying from an online car dealer and from a traditional lot is in the delivery of the sale. Traditional lots rely on sensate techniques to sell the vehicle. Consumers grip the steering wheel and smell the interior of a new vehicle. They touch this and pull that, take a quick test drive, and by the time they're pulling back into the lot, a decision has been made.

Online car dealers don't have these tools to work with, and so their success is garnered by a different set of rules. In no particular order, here are the top five tips that have propelled everyday sellers into successful online car dealers.

How to Sell Classic Collectible Cars, Exotic Sports Cars and New Luxury Cars Online

1. Take Photographs

When selling online, use more photographs than those available from the manufacturing company. If possible, consumers like to see the exact car that they are purchasing or bidding on, and not an advertisement.

This point is especially true when it comes to selling used luxury cars online. A car is more likely to sell if every contour has been photographed. Make sure to catalog every nick, and capture every angle of the interior & exterior. Have close-ups of any minor or major damages even if they have been repaired.

2. List the Vehicle on an Appropriate Website

Some classic car dealers prefer to list their vehicles on their own site. For most people, the added cost of maintaining a website is unnecessary, especially considering that Internet stores such as ebay and ebay alternatives offer the same features at a increment of the cost, and include a much larger consumer base.

When choosing a website, be sure that the listing has all the features needed to make a great presentation to your buyers. Selling on eBay may seem like the simplest choice, but savvy buyers of luxury cars and antique cars may avoid it, as their listings are closer to a flea market than a high-end auction. Ebay alternative websites such as www.emart4cars.com and www.caroffer.com include a devoted pool of automotive buyers as well as specialized features for automotive listings. If there are other luxury items you want to sell in addition to cars, such as boats or antiques, then www.highendcrazy.com may be the best fit of all. Regardless of the website that you choose, be sure to research the cost of the listings beforehand. Take note of the commission or subscription rates of each website, as these costs vary.

3. Include as many Details on the Vehicle as Possible

The listing should include all of the specifics on the vehicle such as: engine & transmission details, average miles per gallon, seat capacity, size & weight, etc. If there are any special features, such as a car stereo system or a vintage stereo in an antique car, note these in the text. Buyers are more likely to trust a listing with detailed information.

If the vehicle is used, then even more details are required. Used cars should include details on the condition of the tires, the number of miles on the car, and the service record of the vehicle. Certain special features can be listed for classic collectible cars. Be sure to include an email address or contact information for any questions. If possible, luxury auto buyers, exotic sports car buyers & classic car aficionados prefer to speak with savvy sellers who are collectors themselves when making a purchase online.

4. Provide a Complete Car History

Online buyers want to have a complete record of a car before they make their purchase. This means that as a seller, you'll need to chronologically list any maintenance on the car (such as a rebuilt engine, transmission or alterations to the fuel system) as well as an accident report. One commonly overlooked detail is the amount of previous owners. If the car has one previous owner, buyers can expect it to have less wear and tear.

5. Seek Out Buyers and Meet Them

Classic car lovers and luxury car collectors can be found across the world. There are many online and offline groups for buyers who love luxury brands such as: Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and more. You can find websites for many of these groups online. When you do, drop them a line and let them know about your vehicles.

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