Getting Rid of the Old Parts

So you've switched out your wheels, put on a new exhaust, or swapped out your intake. But now, you've got your used parts lying around your garage, and you'd rather have cold, hard cash (Who wouldn't?) We can relate, so here's a quick guide to show you how to sell your used parts online as quickly as possible, for as much money as possible!

The Basics

Selling your used parts online is pretty simple, once you know the most effective way to do it. We'll go into more detail in just a bit, but here are the keys to selling your part quickly for the most money you can:

• Good Photos
• Detailed, straighforward description
• Fair price & clear shipping
• Make it easy to buy
• Advertising your part in the right place

Let's talk about how to achieve each one of these key elements one by one.

Taking Great Photos

Think about it: do you want to buy something when you visit a cluttered, run-down store that's dirty and dingy? No way. The same is true online. If your photos show your part in a cluttered environment or make your part look unclean, it'll take longer to sell your part. And you'll get less money!

Your photos are the ONLY thing potential buyers see, so make sure buyers can see how nice your parts really are. Nice photos also give the impression that since you took the time to take good photos, you also took care of the part you're selling.

Here's what to do:

• Clean Your Parts First: Sometimes you can't get an exhaust or rims absolutely spotless, but get them as clean as possible. This makes your parts look newer.
  
  
• Pick a Clean Spot: Find the cleanest, most uncluttered area you can to take your photos. This ensures the parts can be seen clearly, and that the focus is on your parts, not the washbucket next to them!
  
  
• Get a Nice Backdrop: If possible, you'll also want to take the photos against a white background instead of a garage floor. A few things that work well are big white sheets (only if your parts aren't dirty), or even those big pink sheets of insulation you can buy dirt cheap at Home Depot or Lowes.
  
  
• Find or Make the Right Lighting: Make sure that your part can be clearly and easily seen. However, direct sunlight or harsh lighting can "bring out" flaws, shadows, and glare, so your best bet is soft, bright light, such as a very slightly overcast day. Inside, soft flourescent lighting is best.
  
  
• Use a Nice Digital Camera: If you don't have one, borrow a buddy's. A good camera will give cleaner, clearer photos that really let your parts shine.
  
  
• Get as Many Shots as You Can: The more photos, the better. People really want to know what they're getting, and more photos gives them a sense of security. One or two is ok, but 5-6 photos is ideal.

Writing Your Description

When selling your parts, a good description ensures your buyer has the info he or she needs to make a purchase instead of being forced to ask questions (and forcing you to answer them!)

Here's what to do:

• Really Sell Your Part: Don't make outrageous claims, but don't be afraid to let buyers know what benefits they'll get from your parts. A little salesmanship never hurt anybody.
  
  
• Give as Much Info as Possible: Think about the types of questions you would ask if you were purchasing the same parts and go ahead and give the information necessary to answer those questions BEFORE being asked. (e.g. "The driver's front rim has a 1" long bit of curb rash.")
  
  
• Be Honest: If your parts have a problem, or if you aren't going to include something people expect, be sure to outline these facts - they'll save you lots of trouble AFTER you've sold the part. A little honest goes a long way the next time you want to sell a part.

Fair Price & Shipping

It's likely that the reason people will be buying your used part is because they want to save money!

Here's what to do:

• Set the Right Price: Do a little research to determine what amount your parts are selling for on the used market (or what they are new). If you can't find the price, here's a quick and dirty guidline for pricing:
  
  - Almost new, 85% of retail
  - Moderately used, 70% of retail
  - Heavily used, 50% of retail
  
  
• Don't Overcharge for Shipping: A lot of guys like to play a shell game by underpricing their item and overpricing their shipping. In the end, because buyers perceive this as being dishonest and shady, you'll turn away buyers instead of attract them.

Make it Easy to Buy!

Ever go to a store, get ready to buy something, but you can't find a sales clerk or a cash register? What probably happens? You walk out more often than not. The point is, if your listing doesn't allow the buyer to close the deal, it won't be as effective.

Here's what to do:

• Make it Easy to Ask Questions: Include a cell phone number or e-mail address at which you can be reached quickly and easily so you can answer questions your buyers have. This will allow you to close the sale faster.
  
  
• Make Payment Easy: Check / Money Orders are a thing of the past for online transactions. Allow potential buyers to use PayPal, a free online payment site where you can send a receive money. It's hugely popular and will allow your buyer to pay quickly and for you to get your money quickly.

Advertise in the Right Place: PPT

You've heard the saying: Location, Location, Location! Well, it's true online, too. Picking the right spot to advertise and sell your part can make all the difference.

Here's what to look for:

• The Right Buyers: You want to sell your part on a website with people interested in buying used performance parts, not other types of items (like toasters, teddy bears, or other junk often found on large auction sites).
  
  
• Plenty of Exposure: You want a site that sees plenty of traffic of performance parts buyers and will allow your ad to run for as long as possible.
  
  
• Cheap or Free Listings: Why spend a bunch of money listing your part when the whole point is to GET MORE MONEY? List your part where it'll hit the right people, plenty of them, and do it where you don't have to spend a bunch of money.