Selling a car ? Ad copy ideas, suggestions. Whats yours ?

[roadman5312]

   I scan the local Craigslist daily, and I do fairly well selling parts and have sold a few cars for a couple bucks profit. And I also buy stuff when I see a deal. So I thought I would start this thread with what I do and get ya'lls input on tips and tricks. It's all in the presentation, the wording. So a few of my basics :

Pictures : As many as you can post with a nice backround. Crisp and clear. CL allows 24, not sure of Kiggii in Canada but take advantage of every one you can.

Honesty :   Goes without saying, if any even tiny problem with the part or car, state it now.

KISS  : Keep It Simple Stupid.  Remember that you might be the alltime expert on what your selling, but must remember that your dealing with the general public. Many are timid, trying to learn. Once they contact you about your part/car and start trusting you then you can start educating them, and you have made a friend, and a sale. Or not.    I have not sold parts to people that wanted to buy because after talking it was wrong for them.

Anyway,                  

[dfrazz]

I would add: Do your research on what your car or parts have SOLD for (not listed).  You can search EBay and for sold listings only, or scan the auctions (local or Mecum) for results.  Then price it reasonable.    It is ok to give some negotiating room, but don't think you are going to make a fortune (aka Barrett Jackson).  I've sold many parts on here, CL, other forums and price them to what I think is fair for both the me and the buyer.  I would rather see parts being used on our cars than sitting in a box or shed somewhere when someone could really use them.

[roadman5312]

I would add: Do your research on what your car or parts have SOLD for (not listed).  You can search EBay and for sold listings only, or scan the auctions (local or Mecum) for results.  Then price it reasonable.    It is ok to give some negotiating room, but don't think you are going to make a fortune (aka Barrett Jackson).  I've sold many parts on here, CL, other forums and price them to what I think is fair for both the me and the buyer.  I would rather see parts being used on our cars than sitting in a box or shed somewhere when someone could really use them.

                        Yep , key word FAIR.  Thanks Dan.   

[js29no]

FAIR [A place you go to have your hog's and cow's judged]  sorry I just couldn't resist!!!

[74 challenge]

I'm about to sell my first ever classic car and I can't really say I am excited.

Excited to get a new mopar afterwards, I just dread the selling part.

[dfrazz]

I'm about to sell my first ever classic car and I can't really say I am excited.
Excited to get a new mopar afterwards, I just dread the selling part.

What is it?

[captcolour]

I love it when people say "rare" or "one-of-one" when you search ebay and there are 20 of them!  Again do the research. I think it is OK to say something like "hard to find another one in this good of condition".  Implies there are others out there, but what you are selling is in really nice shape (and it needs to be!).

[74 challenge]

What is it?

Sorry didn't see this.

It's my 74 Challenger. I love e-bodies but I can't afford the one I want and that bothers me so I'm going to move down the 70-72 dodge lineup to an A-body.

I'd have it up for sale right now but in the summer compression in the original 318 got a little funny and started leaking oil everywhere, so I swapped it out for a 360. I'm just putting the final touches on it and I'm waiting for winter to pass so I can fire it up and break in the cam. I love the bejjebus out of this car, the car I bought as a gift to myself for landing a good job and getting rid of it I'm afraid I may never own an e-body again as they become unattainably expensive. This keeps me up at night lol.

blah blah blah owning a classic car isn't a money thing it's an emotional attachment but I need to put that all aside - my love affair is worth nothing.

[ragtopdodge]

No long paragraphs.

Bulleted lists help.

PROs:

CONs:

help a lot.

Picture of the title if possible.  Pictures of VINs, FTs, BS's if avail.

Reason why you're selling (unless you're flipping).

Tons of pictures and link to another website for posting BIG pics, like Photobucket.  CL only shows small-ish pics.

Sell on many cities on CL.  Renew frequently.

Use Ebay.  Sold at least 4 cars on there.

[74 challenge]

How is selling a car on ebay? do you lost a lot of money to ebay?

I'm thinking about the exposure potential of it.

[HP_Cuda]

Why would you tell anyone why you are selling your ride?

Because I want money!!! Anything else will be used against you in negotiations.

[roadman5312]

            Here's one I see often. " I'm selling this car because I have to many project's " or " I have no room to store it "              And then "  Trades considered "          

[ragtopdodge]

Why would you tell anyone why you are selling your ride?

People really despise buy cars from flippers.

[HP_Cuda]

I hear what you are saying but you are asking the seller something that puts him at a disadvantage.

Besides all they will do is lie to you and say "I want to move up to a Hemi or some such crap"

You see this way you know he wants $$$ so he can buy up and not try to move him down. 

[74 challenge]

I always put in one line about why I'm selling.