Advice
How to stay safe when selling your truck privately
If you’re looking to sell your truck for the first time, you’ve probably got a lot of questions. Here’s our advice on things to consider, to make sure you stay safe during a sale.
Words by: Auto Trader
Published on 30 June 2019 | 0 min read
Most vendors are comfortable with the steps it takes to get your trucks online like preparing their truck, taking pictures and writing their advert. But we understand that it can seem daunting when thinking about prospective buyers coming round to view the truck.
The most important thing with any kind of major private sale, is to ensure that you (as the vendor) stay in control throughout the process. But how do you do this? Here’s our list of things to consider to make sure you stay safe during a sale, which will hopefully ease any concerns you may have.
The most important thing with any kind of major private sale, is to ensure that you (as the vendor) stay in control throughout the process. But how do you do this? Here’s our list of things to consider to make sure you stay safe during a sale, which will hopefully ease any concerns you may have.
Be prepared
Have all the relevant paperwork together, such as the service history and MOT certificate, for a potential buyer to review.
Buyers may wish to check details such as the mileage in the most recent MOT certificate. Make sure you never let the buyer photograph your documents.
Buyers may wish to check details such as the mileage in the most recent MOT certificate. Make sure you never let the buyer photograph your documents.
Booking viewings
When a prospective buyer contacts you to arrange a viewing, make sure you get their details. You will need their full name and contact number at the very least. This will enable you to call them back if you need to, and will give you reassurance that they’re genuine.
Beware of scammers
Lets face it, you’d find it difficult to sell your truck if the buyer didn’t get to see it first.
We would highly recommend meeting the buyer. If you do, request the potential buyer’s contact details, such as their phone number or full home address, and a proof of identity, i.e. a driving licence. This should give you further reassurances, and a legitimate buyer should be happy to provide this information. Some overseas buyers may struggle to do the trip, in which case ensure you understand the liability with shipping. Never ship a truck without receiving proof of identity and payment for the truck beforehand.
We would highly recommend meeting the buyer. If you do, request the potential buyer’s contact details, such as their phone number or full home address, and a proof of identity, i.e. a driving licence. This should give you further reassurances, and a legitimate buyer should be happy to provide this information. Some overseas buyers may struggle to do the trip, in which case ensure you understand the liability with shipping. Never ship a truck without receiving proof of identity and payment for the truck beforehand.
Test drive advice
When your prospective buyer arrives, greet them then request to check their ID and proof of insurance, which should prevent you being liable for damages in the event of an accident.
If they arrive in a car, take a note of the car’s number plate and details, just so you have some extra detail on the buyer. When meeting the prospective buyer, don’t show them what sort of locks or additional security you use, such as alarms, locks etc. Remember at this point they are still a stranger and your security is paramount. Never allow a buyer to test drive the truck alone, leave them alone with the truck, give them the keys or let them borrow the truck documents. If you have a keyless fob, keep hold of it at all times, even on a test drive. Never jeopardise your personal safety and if you feel uncomfortable at any time, walk away.
If they arrive in a car, take a note of the car’s number plate and details, just so you have some extra detail on the buyer. When meeting the prospective buyer, don’t show them what sort of locks or additional security you use, such as alarms, locks etc. Remember at this point they are still a stranger and your security is paramount. Never allow a buyer to test drive the truck alone, leave them alone with the truck, give them the keys or let them borrow the truck documents. If you have a keyless fob, keep hold of it at all times, even on a test drive. Never jeopardise your personal safety and if you feel uncomfortable at any time, walk away.
Payment
Only take a price for a truck that you are happy with - once the deal is done it is almost impossible to get any extra money.
Never release the vehicle until you have confirmation that the payment has cleared in your account. If you accept a cheque or bankers draft for payment be aware it can take a few days for these funds to clear.
Never release the vehicle until you have confirmation that the payment has cleared in your account. If you accept a cheque or bankers draft for payment be aware it can take a few days for these funds to clear.
Sell your truck now
There’s no time like the present, why not get your truck in front of the 180,000 buyers who come to our site every month, right now? Advertise your truck here.