I'm thinking about putting a car for sale on E-Bay for the first time and was looking to get any feedback/advice people might have based on their own experiences. I have questions about the whole process...any hidden fees, setting a reserve, buy now prices, etc. Tales of both good and bad experiences would be greatly appreciated.
E-Bay experiences?
- Thread starter 78Calais
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Write a detailed and specific description and post as many pics as you can of every area of the car. Be prepared, people will still ask all kinds of questions some smart and some not so smart. Its been hit and miss for me selling autos on e-bay. E-bay tells you what it will cost and Ive never found hidden fees. If you put in the best offer option, people will send you stupid offers. If you have a desireable auto e-bay will work well, if its an average car it may not sell the first time.
ive had all good results when buying cars on ebay. ive bought two trucks on ebay. my dad bought a suburban on ebay. and my grandpa has bought a couple hot rods. everything has worked out fine.
as far as selling goes, ive only personally sold one truck on ebay. its all very straight forward. if there is a minimum dollar amount you must have, that is what you will set for your reserve. if there is a price you'd sell it immediately for, thats your 'buy it now' price. ebay has no hidden fees. but you have to watch what your doing, each additional option you use costs for more. so take that into consideration. good luck.
as far as selling goes, ive only personally sold one truck on ebay. its all very straight forward. if there is a minimum dollar amount you must have, that is what you will set for your reserve. if there is a price you'd sell it immediately for, thats your 'buy it now' price. ebay has no hidden fees. but you have to watch what your doing, each additional option you use costs for more. so take that into consideration. good luck.
Thanks for the feedback. Now I'll have to try and figure out what to ask for my Calais. I have no idea what a nice G-Body is worth. I guess it's like any other car....it's worth whatever someone will pay for it. Because I have no idea I thought an auction might be better but I do need to try and figure out a reserve value because I like the car too much to just give it away!
I think if you add up your receipts and time spent on the car that can give you a reference in terms of the price. Then you can decide what a reserve would be and a buy-it-now. I think for a first-time buyer a reserve is the best way to go, as if you put it w/o a reserve you basically sell the car for the highest price inputted. The reserve protects you and the car doesn't sell if it doesn't hit the reserve. Also you're not charged to relist the car if it doesn't hit the reserve price. You're buy-it-now price is slightly lower than your reserve, and it's the lowest price you will take. IT is very straight forward and you can read / download all the information before you actually start the listing process.
As stated before, be as descriptive as possible, with have as many pics as possible, especially considering the work you put into the car. From your parts list it looks as though you have a very nice, built car. And be forward with any issues the car may have. Another idea may be to list specific options / codes that g-body enthusiasts look for and would catch their eye, like if the car has the F41 suspension option, rally gauges, floor shifter (maybe take a picture of the options sticker if possible). Mention things you upgraded, improved upon. If the drivetrain has a fresh rebuild mention that. Make the car shine to draw the buyer in, letting them know the heavy lifting is done and the car is a great piece.
And as stated be ready to answer questions, with some that may not be the most smart, I would say. If you put a contact email (I would not suggest a number unless it is really the only way to contact you) be prepared to get hammered with "How much to end the auction, how much you want for it?" questions. Nine out of ten these are the guys (I actually had a guy have his girlfriend call me when I was trying to sell the '66 Impala) that will try to low-ball you or have no intention of buying the car. I would suggest not telling them the price, have them bid on it or work it out after the auction. Lastly check your auction / account often during the time it's listed because people will contact you through the auction.
I actually found my current cutty and some other items/parts on ebay and had very good luck during the whole purchase process. Selling the Impala not so good (too many low-ballers) but overall it was a good experience.
Hope this heplps
JAE
As stated before, be as descriptive as possible, with have as many pics as possible, especially considering the work you put into the car. From your parts list it looks as though you have a very nice, built car. And be forward with any issues the car may have. Another idea may be to list specific options / codes that g-body enthusiasts look for and would catch their eye, like if the car has the F41 suspension option, rally gauges, floor shifter (maybe take a picture of the options sticker if possible). Mention things you upgraded, improved upon. If the drivetrain has a fresh rebuild mention that. Make the car shine to draw the buyer in, letting them know the heavy lifting is done and the car is a great piece.
And as stated be ready to answer questions, with some that may not be the most smart, I would say. If you put a contact email (I would not suggest a number unless it is really the only way to contact you) be prepared to get hammered with "How much to end the auction, how much you want for it?" questions. Nine out of ten these are the guys (I actually had a guy have his girlfriend call me when I was trying to sell the '66 Impala) that will try to low-ball you or have no intention of buying the car. I would suggest not telling them the price, have them bid on it or work it out after the auction. Lastly check your auction / account often during the time it's listed because people will contact you through the auction.
I actually found my current cutty and some other items/parts on ebay and had very good luck during the whole purchase process. Selling the Impala not so good (too many low-ballers) but overall it was a good experience.
Hope this heplps
JAE
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