As your primary means of communication with bidders, it's important that your listing include your Terms of Sale so that potential buyers will be aware of what is expected of them before entering into the transaction. Make sure you provide clear, simple terms and conditions for payment, warranty, shipping, etc.
TIPS & TRICKS:
Providing complete details of your payment and inspection policies will increase bidder confidence, minimize negative feedback and eliminate misunderstandings, both before and after the sale.
As they review your Terms of Sale, customers will be looking for answers to the following questions, especially those concerning price and shipping:
- What types of payment will you accept - cash, certified check, funds from third-party online finance companies, credit card for down payments, etc.?
- How much time do buyers have to complete the payment for the vehicle?
- How much down payment do you require?
- How soon after the listing ends do you require a deposit?
- Will you accept the use of an online escrow service like Secure Pay?
- Who pays for shipping? While out-of-state buyers are typically responsible for shipping costs, dealers are legally responsible for shipping to in-state buyers. Be explicit in your listing.
- Will you deliver? If so, how far away?
- If you don't deliver, can you help arrange for shipping services?
- Will you only ship within the United States or internationally as well?
- Is there any form of warranty on the cars you are selling?
- If sold "as is," do you offer extended service contracts for sale?
- Will you accept bids from buyers with negative or zero feedback?
- Is the vehicle available for inspection prior to the end of the listing? If so, how should this customer arrange for an inspection with the service provider they hire?
Shipping
Perhaps the biggest difference between selling on eBay Motors and selling off your lot is that you may not meet many buyers in person. As a result, most eBay Motors buyers pay transportation companies to ship their vehicle purchases to them. In fact, shipping companies like Dependable Auto Shippers (DAS) - who offer online shipping quotes through eBay Motors - deliver thousands of cars and trucks every month.
Of course, you're not required to use or suggest DAS. Dozens of other transportation companies also provide online shipping quotes. If you have a prior relationship with a trustworthy shipping company, you might want to mention it in your Terms of Sale, offering to help buyers arrange their vehicle delivery.
Some dealers choose to provide delivery services for in-state buyers, while others offer to pick buyers up at the airport when they fly in to drive the vehicle home themselves. Either way, it's key that you address shipping in your Terms of Sale.
No matter how you handle vehicle delivery, including this information tells potential customers you're an experienced, professional eBay Motors seller.
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