The coronavirus pandemic has created a whole new set of hurdles in our everyday lives. From work and school to dining, we have had to adapt to new guidelines and different methods to do daily tasks. One of the things that most people don’t even consider until it is necessary is selling a car during the COVID-19 crisis. We are all trying to keep our social distance, but there are certain intimacies involved with selling a car that cannot be done from afar, so it is essential to know the best way to approach a vehicle sale during these trying times.
Do as Much as You Can Online or on the Phone
Depending on your vehicle’s condition there are several options to go about selling it. If your vehicle is totaled or not working, selling it to a salvage yard is a great option. This requires the least amount of person-to-person contact. Simply call or fill out an online form to get a quote. The salvage yard may ask a few questions such as the vehicle’s year, make and model and what might be wrong with it. After that they will give you a quote for what they are willing to pay and if you agree with the price they will send a tow truck to come pick it up. At the time of the vehicle pick up, the salvage yard will issue you a check for the agreed amount and you’re all done!
If you are trying to sell your car right now and it’s in decent condition, the first step you should pursue is to create a listing online. Because this will be the primary means of communicating the features your vehicle has to offer, you will want to include as much detailed information as possible in your advertisement. Think about the things you would want to know if you were purchasing the vehicle and be honest in your description.
You will also want to provide as many photos as you can to prospective buyers, as the virtual showing will be taking the place of in-person meetings with the buyer. There are many platforms that you can use outside of the initial ad. Consider using Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime on your smartphone to give potential buyers a closer look at your car once they express interest, which will allow you to show the car off and answer any questions prospective buyers may have.
How Do You Let a Buyer Test Drive?
Once you have been in contact with a serious buyer, they are probably going to want to see the car and drive it before they commit to purchasing. Of course, other than providing a test-drive video, there is no ideal way to do this virtually, so you will want to be as safe as you can when the buyer wants to drive your car. First, do not get into the car with anyone who has any COVID symptoms. Be sure that you and the driver are both wearing masks, and provide the driver with gloves and hand sanitizer. If you don’t wish to be in an enclosed space together, you may also trust them to go for a short, unaccompanied drive.
Closing the Deal
Once you have negotiated a price and agreed on the deal, you should try to complete the sale at a reputable bank, following CDC guidelines, and accepting only cash or a cashier’s check. Many banks that are closed to the public due to the pandemic will still allow you to set up an appointment for such transactions.
Consider Alternatives
If the vehicle you are attempting to sell is reaching the end of its lifespan, you may wish to sell it to a junkyard that will make money by selling it for parts. If you are in a position to consider this option, call the professionals at Wrench A-Partat (512) 501-6946. We can walk you through the process and save you the trouble of dealing with others one-on-one during the COVID pandemic.
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