It is possible to sell a vehicle during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is strong demand for used vehicles as few people have the discretionary income necessary to buy a brand-new automobile during the recession. Take the proper precautions and you will successfully sell your vehicle during the pandemic for fair value.
Sell a Car Online™
Selling a vehicle online is quite easy, especially when in-person interactions are kept to a minimum during the COVID-19 pandemic. The beauty of selling online is you do not have to interact with a salesperson or run the risk of someone touching your vehicle during a test drive and not buying it. Enter the details of your vehicle into one of the many web-based buying platforms and you will receive a quote. However, you will likely have to take pictures of the interior and exterior of the vehicle and upload them in order to receive a detailed quote as opposed to a general price range.
Selling In-person
If you decide to sell your vehicle in-person with a private buyer or through a car dealership, request that the individual test driving the car use hand sanitizer prior to touching the wheel, stick shift, etc. Ideally, this individual will wear a face covering and gloves. Furthermore, it is also in your interest to add protective coverings to the driver’s seat and floor below so those who test drive your vehicle do not leave the virus inside your ride. Remain six feet away from the potential buyer or appraiser at all times.
Consider the Potential Buyer’s COVID-19 Policies
Auto dealerships should clearly post information about their COVID-19 prevention policies for car-sellers to read. Take a close look at these procedures and policies to ensure the individual who inspects, and test drives your vehicle will do so in a safe manner. The vehicle should be sanitized before and after it is test driven and appraised. Furthermore, the auto dealership’s employees should wear protective face coverings and gloves, so they do not spread the virus throughout your vehicle or directly to you.
Clean the Entirety of Your Vehicle
Safely selling a vehicle involves protecting yourself as well as interested buyers. Clean your vehicle from top to bottom including the entirety of the interior. If you list your vehicle for sale in an online or offline ad, make clear note of the fact that you have cleaned and sanitized the interior and exterior of the vehicle. A clean vehicle is much more likely to sell, especially in the midst of a pandemic.
Request Digital Payment
If you sell your vehicle to a private buyer, do not accept a bundle of cash. Rather, it is better to obtain payment in digital form. Cash is that much more likely to carry and transmit the virus simply because it is tangible. Instead, opt for payment through PayPal, Square, Venmo or even a digital currency such as Bitcoin. If the buyer insists on paying through traditional means, request a check rather than cash. A single paper check is less likely to carry and transmit the virus compared to several hundred-dollar bills. However, you should wait for the check to clear before handing over the keys.
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