Selling cars and boat on eBay questions...

[Apathetic]

Hi,

I'm selling several cars and a boat on eBay in the next weeks or so, and have never done this before. I have a question that I would appreciate your advice on:

I've read this thread (and am now paranoid, lol) http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=207127 , so I want to protect myself as much as possible. If I sell a car or boat through eBay is simply putting this on the auction page a binding contract and protection: The car is sold AS IS. THERE IS NO WARRANTY AT ALL. I am not responsible for anything that happens to you or the car. The buyer is relying solely on his/her own inspection, and not on any written or verbal representations made by myself or anyone else as to the condition of the vehicle. Buyer is responsible for pick up or shipping.

Or, is there an opportunity to have a contract written out and signed after the auction? As I've said, the most I've sold before is car parts and that's about the most I've bought in the past.

I thank you in advance for your time and suggestions.

 

[Margarita Man]

Re: Selling cars and boat on eBay questions...

Spell out everything you want on a contract on your EBay ad and the buyer agrees to this contract when he bids, there is no need for another written contract. Look at the ads on EBay from the car dealers. What you have to worry about is that someone actually comes thru and pays you for the car or boat. Good Luck!!!!

 

[woodrat]

Re: Selling cars and boat on eBay questions...

I have sold several cars and a couple of boats on ebay. Never had any trouble except one flaky bidder who never came through. Just state the as is part in big bold letters. When the bidder bids, he is essentially signing a contract with you based on the terms you put in your description.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Selling cars and boat on eBay questions...

non-boating tech forum

 

[Apathetic]

Re: Selling cars and boat on eBay questions...

Thanks guys for the input, I really appreciate it.

Sorry SBN.

 

[rheagler]

Re: Selling cars and boat on eBay questions...

I have sold a lot of stuff on Ebay. Everything from collectible Smurfs to heavy equipment. Try your local papers and Craigslist first. Don't get me wrong, Ebay can be very good for selling vehicles, but sometimes it can be a royal pain. With that said, just be sure to put any and all information and terms of sale in the item description. Once the auction is over, just make up a bill of sale and do whatever your state and the buyers state require for ownership transfer. You should be fine with what you were thinking with the "as-is" statements. Just be sure to put all that in the item description. If the winning bidder flakes out, you can get your final value fee back as long as you follow Ebay's procedure. Good luck with your sales!

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Selling cars and boat on eBay questions...

don't make any representations about the vehicle's such as "runs great" ect. If you want you might put how long you have owned it and what problems you have had with it if any, but better to just leave it to the buyers inspection. I have "bought" four boats on Ebay. I put bought in quotation marks as two of them I walked away from when I inspected them. (got my money back both times) they were both sorely misrepresented. Be sure to include " vehicle is sold as is where is with no representations or warranties on the sellers part" I have also sold several vehicles on ebay and have never had any problems with buyers coming back to me. They are always as is where is.

 

[Apathetic]

Re: Selling cars and boat on eBay questions...

Thank you everyone for the reply, I have another question somewhat related.

For those that have sold cars via ebay or long distance, how did you accept payment and ensure that you weren't getting, say, a fake "certified check?"

Thank you again so much for taking the time to answer what are likely foolish questions, I just can't afford to mess this up.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Selling cars and boat on eBay questions...

a lot of people don't like Paypal, but I do as if something goes wrong they will go to bat for you. If Paypal accepts payment and transfers it to you it's like cash as far as I am concerned. Have them put a deposit with paypal and good old cash for the balance. Money orders, cashiers checks ect are worthless in today's age.

 

[rheagler]

Re: Selling cars and boat on eBay questions...

I have accepted certified checks for large Ebay purchases. I have just made sure the buyer agrees that the check clears before the paperwork transfers and the vehicle leaves my posession. For international purchases, I have accepted a small (but not too small that someone would walk away) deposit via Paypal, and the balance by bank-to-bank wire transfer, but only after verification that the buyer is legit. I always state in the auctions that the items will not go anywhere until funds have cleared. Any legitimate buyer will be fine with that. The scammers are always the ones trying to get you to end the auction early, tell you that their "shipping agent" will contact you, and that they need your full name, address and bank routing info. Just be careful, check feedbacks and don't pay attention to anyone who seems to anxious or acting like they need your item for some kind of emergency. Paypal is nice in that it is secure, but on a large payment the fees are depressing. Good luck with your sales.

 

[Apathetic]

Re: Selling cars and boat on eBay questions...

Thank you all so much for all of the advice you've given me. I know my questions are foolish, but I just want to ensure I learn from those who know, rather than from a hard lesson.

Thank you!

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Selling cars and boat on eBay questions...

I agree on any check certified or otherwise they do need to clear before you let go of anything.