08-16-2013, 05:01 PM
Depends on the value of the car and how I feel that day/feel about the potential buyer. Usually I go with the buyer on the test drive, just like at a dealership. Just as much to make sure they don't steal it as to make sure they don't beat the crap out of it on a joy ride or rob a bank.
For payment, cash only. If it is over $2000, meet at your bank, cash only still but deposit the money right away so the bills get checked.
The other part you are forgetting is the DMV. I usually just sign the title over and tell the buyer to take it to the DMV on their own time. The hour or two wait isn't worth the time. On MN titles there is a part on the bottom for the sellers to fill out to report the sale that covers your butt if they don't transfer the title. Once or twice I had to go to the DMV because the buyer insisted and I didn't have any other buyers lined up to fall back on.
If you don't "need" the money you are going to be on much better footing. A lot of buyers on Craigslist seem to think that you owe them something for showing up or have an obligation to work with them and will push the limits. As soon as I feel any sort of vibe like that I tell them to get lost and move on to the next buyer. My rules:
1. Don't meet them anywhere, make them come to you where you want to meet them.
2. Don't let them pick the time, tell them when to come. If they are late by more than 10 or 15 minutes discard that buyer.
3. Make a really good ad with all pertinent details and good pictures, list the price as firm even if it isn't. Don't answer people who ask questions that are already in the ad. If they aren't taking the time to read the ad 3 or 4 times they aren't serious about the car.
4. Don't give out your phone number. Period.
5. If you followed number 4, you don't need this rule which is: If they want to "talk" about the car, make them show up in person. Don't waste your time with 20 questions over the phone or endless emails.
6. If they try and "low-ball" or discuss price at all before seeing the car they aren't serious about buying the car, they are serious about getting a really good deal and will try and haggle endlessly.
7. When you set up a time let them know you have multiple appointments after them.
8. Make sure they are explicitly told that you only accept cash and that checks/money orders/cashiers checks, etc. are NOT CASH.
9. Remember, above all else, that you don't need them for anything, they need something from you. Make them work hard to buy the car, not the other way around.
For payment, cash only. If it is over $2000, meet at your bank, cash only still but deposit the money right away so the bills get checked.
The other part you are forgetting is the DMV. I usually just sign the title over and tell the buyer to take it to the DMV on their own time. The hour or two wait isn't worth the time. On MN titles there is a part on the bottom for the sellers to fill out to report the sale that covers your butt if they don't transfer the title. Once or twice I had to go to the DMV because the buyer insisted and I didn't have any other buyers lined up to fall back on.
If you don't "need" the money you are going to be on much better footing. A lot of buyers on Craigslist seem to think that you owe them something for showing up or have an obligation to work with them and will push the limits. As soon as I feel any sort of vibe like that I tell them to get lost and move on to the next buyer. My rules:
1. Don't meet them anywhere, make them come to you where you want to meet them.
2. Don't let them pick the time, tell them when to come. If they are late by more than 10 or 15 minutes discard that buyer.
3. Make a really good ad with all pertinent details and good pictures, list the price as firm even if it isn't. Don't answer people who ask questions that are already in the ad. If they aren't taking the time to read the ad 3 or 4 times they aren't serious about the car.
4. Don't give out your phone number. Period.
5. If you followed number 4, you don't need this rule which is: If they want to "talk" about the car, make them show up in person. Don't waste your time with 20 questions over the phone or endless emails.
6. If they try and "low-ball" or discuss price at all before seeing the car they aren't serious about buying the car, they are serious about getting a really good deal and will try and haggle endlessly.
7. When you set up a time let them know you have multiple appointments after them.
8. Make sure they are explicitly told that you only accept cash and that checks/money orders/cashiers checks, etc. are NOT CASH.
9. Remember, above all else, that you don't need them for anything, they need something from you. Make them work hard to buy the car, not the other way around.