If you don't know your minimum price, consider researching similar vehicle values at eBay Motors, or try other vehicle pricing resources such as Edmunds.com.

TMV®  - Offered by Edmunds.com
Wouldn't it be great if you could determine what others are paying before you visit a dealer? We think so. That's why Edmunds.com's created True Market Value (TMV) pricing, this proprietary system takes into account all market variables and gives you the bottom line price. Updated monthly, it's a guide that tells you what buyers are currently paying for new vehicles — or what dealers and consumers are paying and getting for used vehicles — before you begin your negotiations. Edmunds.com's True Market Value pricing system for new and used vehicles is the industry's best guide to market value pricing and the only pricing system designed with the consumer in mind. Their exclusive TMV pricing has full national coverage with regionalized values throughout the United States. This ensures that you get the most accurate pricing available.

Kelley Blue Book - www.kbb.com
Kelley’s advice is simple: If a salesperson whips out a copy of the dealer edition of the Kelley Blue Book and points to one of its retail prices, say to him or her: "It’s nice to know the price that Kelley thinks dealers are asking for this car, but can you show me what dealers are actually selling this car for?"

Also, consider your vehicle situation:

• Are you trying to sell your vehicle quickly, or
• Are you "just fishing" for a price and are willing to re-list the vehicle if it doesn't sell right away.

Your answer will help you decide the right price for your situation.

If you chose to sell online with eBay Motors, go to the 'sell your vehicle' form, your minimum price should be set as the Reserve Price.

Note: A No Reserve auction is a very popular method to drive more bids than Reserve Price auction, but you should consider the following suggestions to make the most of the opportunity.

Start the bidding low to sell high.
On eBay Motors, the Starting Price in a Reserve auction is the opening price of the auction - not the price of your vehicle.  Professional auctioneers use a low starting price to allow more bidders to participate in the auction - and more bidders give the vehicle a better chance of selling at a higher price. You should choose a starting price that is a fraction of your Reserve Price to start your auction.

Note: With a No Reserve auction the starting price is the actual starting price of your vehicle. However, since each bid could ultimately win, there are typically more bids driving the price higher. See "Tips for a Quick Sale" below for more suggestions on No Reserve auctions.

You can use the “BuyItNow” option if you have an "asking price" for your vehicle.

If you have an asking price, or a price you would accept for an outright sale, try using “BuyItNow”.  If a buyer wants your vehicle at your “BuyItNow” price, they can click to buy it directly instead of bidding on the vehicle.  It can be a fast way to sell your vehicle since anyone can accept your “BuyItNow” price at anytime.  But, remember your auction and reserve still apply if no buyer uses “BuyItNow”, so price accordingly!

Tips for a Quick Sale

Are you looking to sell your car in a hurry, and price is not as important as convenience? Here's some tips:

• Set a No Reserve auction with a very low starting price. The final high bid will win the auction.
• Try setting a very low “BuyItNow” price that you know is a "steal" for the right buyer.

Photos of your vehicle

Both sides of the vehicle
Give your buyers the full exterior view of your vehicle.

• Acceptable: 3/4 view to capture the front, back and sides in two photos
• Preferred: Both side views and front and back of vehicle (4 pictures total)

NOTE: The front and back of the vehicle should be clear as these distinguish makes and models

Interior Condition
Document all the details a buyer will notice inside the vehicle including the controls and instruments.

• Preferred: Interior view including dashboard, instruments, controls, seats and carpet

Damage Close-ups
Your buyers need to be aware of any known problems with the vehicle before purchase. Give them a view and accurate description and they can bid and purchase with confidence.

• Preferred: Notable problems including dents, rust, interior damage, rips/tears in upholstery/headliner, paint fade, and scratches.

Engine Compartment
Buyers like to know the engine has been maintained and is as described.

• Preferred: View of entire engine bay with adequate lighting

How to describe your vehicle

Start with a detailed description of the item
Buyers want to know all they can about the vehicle you are selling. Remember -- a car feature you think is unimportant could be the difference to the buyer, such as air conditioning or CD player. The following are some suggested topics for your description:

Make, model, sub-model and year

"You are bidding on a 1997 BMW 328is"

"This is a 1997 Ford Explorer XLT Eddie Bauer edition"

"1996 Harley Davidson Sportster 1200"

Engine type and transmission

"2.8 liter 6-cylinder with manual transmission"

"V-8 with automatic overdrive"

Options and option packages

"Sport package including sunroof, leather seats, sport wheels, and traction control"

"Full-time 4x4 with towing package"

"Air conditioning, cruise control, power locks and windows"

Interior and comfort features

"Leather seats with power adjustments"

"Fold down rear seats"

Any notable additions or modifications to the vehicle

"I added a CD-changer and cell phone adapter. I also disabled the alarm."

"I added 18" custom wheels in 1998 including a new set of snow tires"

Buyers also want to know the vehicle history:

Ownership history

"I am the original owner and bought the car from Seaside BMW in 1997"

"I purchased the car from a used car dealer 5 years ago"

Maintenance records, if any

"I have all records of service from my ownership and the previous owner"

"All service on this vehicle was performed at County Chevrolet"

Recent service

"The car has new tires and a new clutch installed less than 2 months ago"

How to Describe Vehicle Condition

The condition of the vehicle you are selling is especially important to close the deal with a buyer. Always think like a buyer and be as accurate and complete as possible so the buyer can bid with confidence.

Exterior
"The car has a noticeable dent on the passenger side behind the door."

"The paint has faded on the hood and roof"

"A small chip is visible in the lower right portion of the windshield"

Engine and mechanical
"The muffler sometimes has a noticeable rattle during idle."

"The windshield washer spray valve is not functioning"

"My mechanic recommends updating the shocks and struts"

Interior
"The seats have noticeable wear including a stain on the driver's seat"

"This is a non-smoker vehicle"

"The passenger power seat adjustment does not recline"

How to Describe Terms of Sale
Notify buyers of any specific requirements you have to complete the sale of vehicle. The terms can help you make the sale easier if the buyer is prepared.

Payment Terms
"I would like a 10% deposit within 3 days of close of auction"

"Balance to be paid within 10 days of close of auction."

"I accept payment by money order"

Delivery Terms
"Buyer to pay for shipping of the vehicle."

"I will arrange to deliver the car within 100 miles of San Jose, CA."

A Vehicle Inspection Makes Sense, Whether You're Buying or Selling. 
Why Get an Inspection?

Buyers, feel more confident knowing the vehicle's condition:

• Get a thorough assessment from a professionally-trained Certified Vehicle Inspector, who can catch the details most people might miss
• Verify a seller's description of their vehicle through an objective and independent third-party
• Sellers, maximize your chances for sales success with a listing that stands out:
• Attract more bidders, who are more serious, because they're more confident about your vehicle
• Gain a competitive edge over vehicles that don't offer an inspection. Your listing receives a special icon to highlight the inspection report.
• Bolster your credibility with potential buyers. Your word is backed by a professional's inspection!

What Does the Inspection Cover?

• A thorough inspection of the vehicle’s exterior and interior, including electrical accessories, equipment options, tire size, tread depth, and a visual engine inspection with the car running.
• Have the inspection conducted at a location of your choice. You can expect the inspection and consultation to take approximately one hour.

The binding contract of the auction is between the winning bidder and the seller.

Closing the deal

Auctions can last 3, 5, 7 or 10 days. Bidding automatically ends when the auction does. The high bidder and seller should contact each other within 3 business days of the end of theauction. It's a good idea to check your email or phone regularly after the auction.

Contact the buyer

You and the buyer will receive an email notice at the end of the auction that it is over. This email contains the final price of the item (not including any shipping charges) and contact information for the winning seller. You should try to contact the buyer within 3 days.

How do I pay?

Buyers pay the seller the final price of the auction, along with other specified payment terms (such as shipping). You do not pay eBay.   This can be arranged in many different ways.

Payment

Some sellers require a small deposit from the high bidder soon after the close of the auction. Most sellers will expect payment in full before they will sign over the title.  If there is a lien on the vehicle it must be clear, the finance companies involved may have special requirements. You can avoid the hassle and inconvenience of title transfer and vehicle registration by using Escrow.com through Ebay.

Fraud Prevention and Insurance

SafeHarbor is a full-service customer support and educational resource to ensure safe online trading on eBay and elsewhere on the Internet.  Part of the SafeHarbor offering includes insurance for items bought on eBay, up to $200. For higher priced items such as vehicles, the safest way to prevent fraud is to use services such as Escrow.com which offers a trusted third party service to manage payment and transfer of title documents.