eBay Motors - How to Sell a Vehicle (2024)

How to Sell a Vehicle

Table of Contents

Overview

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Step 1: Prepare to Sell

Register
Gather Information About Your Vehicle
Take Photographs

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Step 2: Create Your Listing

Describe the Vehicle
Price Your Vehicle
Set Terms of Sale

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Step 3: Manage Your Listing

Actively Participate in the Process
Revise Pricing

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Step 4: Complete the Sale

Finalize Payment, Shipping, and Title Transfer
Use Second Chance Offer or Relist Vehicle

Start Selling Now
Print Version

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	Related Links
	eBay Motors Help How to Buy a Vehicle How to Sell Parts

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Prepare to Sell: Take Photographs

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Because most potential buyers will not have the opportunity to see your vehicle in person, it is important that you provide multiple pictures in your listing. People will buy a used vehicle without driving it, but not without seeing it. An online transaction requires the seller to provide a virtual walk around. This is best done with a minimum of 12 photos. We recommend a setting that produces original pictures of 1024x768 pixels (a common size) or some values close to that. Do not use stock photos.

Why are photos important?

Multiple photos have proven more effective when selling a vehicle.
Because photos speak for themselves, buyers are likely to have fewer questions during the listing duration.
Photos provide buyers with added confidence in the seller and ultimately in their bidding and purchase behavior.

Photos should be taken from several vantage points:

Exterior: all four sides
Interior
Engine
Odometer
Close-ups of any dings, dents, stains, or other damage

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Photographing Your Vehicle

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Generally, items listed with good photos receive more bids and sell for higher prices than those with poor quality photos. Here are some photos tips for your eBay auction.

Exterior Photos

Provide potential bidders with a full exterior view of your vehicle. At a minimum, you should use ¾ views to capture the front, back, and both sides in two photos; however, the more detail the better. To provide the most effective listing it is important to include a direct front and rear photo along with each side of vehicle to help identify the distinguishing make and model characteristics of the vehicle. These views are useful, because they can also show options like fog lights (front) or trailer hitch (rear).

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Condition or Damage Photos

As you walk around the outside of the vehicle, check to see whether there are any other details that show the condition. In order to increase buyer confidence, you should take photos of any notable issues including:

Dents, rust, interior damage, rips, tears, paint fade, and scratches
Cleanliness of wheels and tire tread
Grill and font end of car
Truck bed (if applicable)

Buyers should be aware of any known problems before they complete the purchase. Many successful sellers use blue masking tape to highlight damage, because damage is sometimes difficult to see in a digital picture.

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Interior Photos

Photograph all the details a buyer will want to see inside the vehicle. Make sure to photograph the seats, dashboard, and any optional equipment (such as a stereo), floor carpets, backseat, or other interior angles. Also include any items that help identify optional equipment, such as trim level and condition.

Lighting is important for interior photos as shadows and poor lighting can make them difficult to see online. Use of a flash for interior photos.

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Odometer and VIN Photos

Take close-up photos of the odometer reading and the VIN. Take a picture of the odometer reading with the keys in the ignition and the power turned on so the mileage appears clearly in the photo.

Lighting is important for interior photos as shadows and poor lighting can make them difficult to see online. Use of a flash for interior photos.

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Engine Photos

Buyers will want to know that the engine has been maintained and is in working condition. This is especially true of older and collector vehicles. One photo of the entire engine compartment with good lighting is usually adequate.

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Tips on Taking Photos

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Framing

The car should fill the frame of the photograph.

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Composition

Background should be neutral, so that it is easy to see the vehicle.

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Lighting

Shadows and poor lighting can make photos difficult to see online. Shadows from trees and buildings can obscure a clear view. Early morning or late afternoon light is generally best for photos. You should have your back to the sun and watch for shadows, including your own. Use a flash for interior and engine shots.

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Start Selling Now

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