Finding a Buyer
You can include several forms of contact information for potential buyers when you place your ad. Provide both daytime and evening phone numbers and an email address.
Some additional tips:
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If you receive a voice mail or email message, return the message promptly. The buyer was interested enough to contact you, but may cool off—or find a better car—if you don’t reply within a day or two.
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During the initial exchange, get the prospective buyer’s full name, email address and phone number; this will help you verify their identity.
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Treat your initial contact as a marketing opportunity. Try to really sell the car in your phone conversation or email. Emphasize its key selling points, but don’t exaggerate.
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Be honest and direct if the buyer asks tough question. This will save you time by narrowing down leads to the most interested buyers. In addition, honesty builds credibility—nobody expects a used car to be perfect, but they want to know about problem areas.
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Encourage the potential buyer to see and test-drive the vehicle. Arrange a meeting point or test drive for the near future and make yourself available at the buyer’s convenience, if possible.
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After the discussion, use directory listings or a follow-up email to confirm the buyer’s identity. Be wary if the information provided doesn’t check out.
