Selling a car on Facebook Marketplace can be a great way to get rid of an old car and make some extra cash. However, there are some important things you need to know before listing your car for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
How Facebook Marketplace Works
Facebook Marketplace allows Facebook users to post items for sale, including vehicles. As a seller, you can create a listing with details about your car, photos, location, price, and other information. Buyers can browse Marketplace listings, message sellers with questions, and arrange to see the car in person if interested.
Marketplace uses Facebook’s platform, so sellers need a Facebook account to list items. Buyers may need an account to contact sellers. However, browsing listings is open to anyone.
Pros of Selling on Facebook Marketplace
- Large audience – Over 2 billion people use Facebook monthly
- Free to list items
- Easy listing setup
- Sell locally
Cons of Selling on Facebook Marketplace
- Limited seller protection
- Need a Facebook account
- Mostly buyer initiated
- Have to negotiate sales yourself
Preparing Your Car for Sale
To attract buyers and get the best price, make sure your car is ready for selling before listing it.
Cleaning
Give your car a thorough cleaning inside and out. Vacuum the interior, wipe down surfaces, clean the windows, wash and wax the exterior. Potential buyers will be turned off by dirt and grime.
Mechanical Inspection
Have a mechanic inspect your car and fix any issues. This will identify problems you can disclose to buyers. Fixing issues can also allow you to sell the car for more.
Cosmetic Fixes
Consider making minor cosmetic repairs like touching up paint scratches or replacing burnt out light bulbs. While not essential, small fixes improve impressions.
Photos and Test Drive
Take clear, detailed photos of the interior and exterior to post with your listing. Mention the car is available for test drives to interested buyers.
Pricing Your Car
Choosing the right sales price is important for selling your car quickly and maximizing your profit.
Check Market Value
Research the current market value for your car’s make, model, year, mileage, and condition. Online price guides like Kelley Blue Book can estimate values.
Factor in Condition
Adjust the market value based on your car’s maintenance and cosmetic condition. A car in excellent shape can fetch a higher price.
Compare Similar Listings
See what other sellers are listing similar cars for on Facebook Marketplace and other sites. Price competitively based on those active listings.
Leave Room to Negotiate
Most buyers will try to negotiate down the list price. Leave enough room to come down a bit but still get what you want.
Creating Your Facebook Listing
Your Marketplace listing is where you pitch potential buyers on your car. Make sure it’s compelling and detailed.
Title
Choose a short, eye-catching title featuring the car’s make, model, year, and mileage.
Description
Write a thorough description highlighting the car’s features, condition, maintenance history, and anything that makes it appealing. Be transparent about any defects.
Photos
Add 20+ good quality photos showing the exterior, interior, dashboard, seats, trunk, etc. Help buyers feel like they’re seeing the full car.
Price
List your sale price prominently. You can negotiate in messages with buyers.
Contact Info
Provide your phone number, email, or Facebook info so interested buyers can get in touch.
Vetting Buyers
When buyers inquire about your car, you’ll want to screen them to avoid scams or unsafe situations.
Ask Questions
Ask buyers why they are interested, their budget, where they intend to register the car, and how they plan to pay. This helps gauge seriousness.
Verify Identity
Ask to see a buyer’s driver’s license to confirm their identity before meeting them.
Require Deposits
To weed out non-serious buyers, require a small refundable deposit before scheduling a test drive.
Meet Publicly
Meet buyers in a safe public place like a bank parking lot during the day. Don’t go to remote locations.
Accept Payment Securely
Only accept verified cashier’s checks or cash. Never take personal checks or wire transfers, which can be fraudulent.
Finalizing the Car Sale
Once you’ve agreed to a sale, there are still some important steps before exchanging the car for payment.
Sign Title Over
Sign the title over to the buyer and provide any other paperwork needed to transfer ownership in your state.
Accept Payment
Only complete the sale once you’ve received acceptable payment per your agreement. Count cash carefully.
Keep Bill of Sale
Have both parties sign a bill of sale detailing the car’s info, sale price, date, buyer/seller names. Keep this for your records.
Cancel Insurance
Cancel your auto insurance on the car once the sale is complete. Removing coverage you no longer need saves money.
Remove License Plates
In most states, you must remove your license plates from the car after selling it to a private party.
Alternatives to Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is convenient but not your only option. Here are a few other good places to sell a car online:
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| Craigslist | Free classifieds site with local sites in many areas |
| eBay Motors | Reach large auction site’s car buyer audience |
| Autotrader | Vehicle sales site with broad reach and exposure |
| Cars.com | Established online car marketplace |
Conclusion
Selling a car on Facebook Marketplace offers convenience and a wide potential audience. With proper preparation, pricing, listing details, safety precautions, and paperwork, you can have a good experience. Weigh the Facebook option against other online sales platforms as well.