Thinking of selling your Tesla? Imagine that you are about to leave your Tesla behind and take on a whole new adventure. Now let’s get started and make it as easy as waxing a hood.
What motivates you to buy? This electric speed-demon will thrill you as it takes your car from 0 to 60 in just a few seconds. It could be that you have your eye on a particular model. What ever the case, now is the time to get your home ready for sale.
You can now focus your attention on the car’s appearance. TLC will go a very long way. Let it soak in soapy water and shine until it sparkles as if it were the star of a vintage car advertisement. You shouldn’t forget the interior. Most people enjoy a new-smelling vehicle.
Take pictures of your car. These are like your online dating profile picture, but they’re for the car. Photograph your car like a pro. A golden sunrise or early morning light just before the sunset will give your pictures a movie-like glow. Photograph everything from all angles: the front, the back, both sides and even underneath. Snap a photo by popping the hood. I promise, it pays off to not leave a stone (or seat) unturned.
While you wait, start gathering the necessary paperwork. As if you were preparing an updated resume for your Tesla. Record everything, even the date it was given a brand new set of wheels. The journey your Tesla has taken can be documented by collecting these details.
You’re next in line to set a price for your pride-and-joy. You should not go blind. Compare listings for models of the same year and similar conditions. For a quick estimate, you can use websites like Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book. They are a good compass to guide you into uncharted waters. Do some homework first, before shouting out the price.
When you decide on a price, then it is time to plunge into the murky waters of various selling platforms. Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace may be your best option for finding local buyers. Autotrader, Cars.com and other websites that focus on car sales can help you reach more people. More traffic means greater interest, fingers crossed.
When it comes to engaging with buyers, this is when the real work begins. Expect questions. Expect test drive requests. Always be friendly, but also honest. As much as the vehicle’s stellar qualities, be prepared to share its quirks. Transparency will be your friend.
When you test-drive, consider safety. Never meet with prospective buyers after dark. Also, avoid deserted areas. Think about bringing someone with you, or telling someone who can be trusted whereabouts. Safety shouldn’t be a word; it should always be your primary co-pilot.
Do you want to bargain the price of a product? You’re less likely to be in a battle and more likely to dance. You should remain calm and firm in your stance, while remaining open to any reasonable offer. Stay calm and level-headed if someone offers you cash.
Then comes the final thrilling step: Payment and paperwork. You should treat personal checks like taxes. You can reduce the amount of risk by using electronic transfers or certified checks. Dot and cross all the i’s on your documents. When you’re done, give your Tesla the keys and wave goodbye.
Last but not least, let out a breath. Maybe even shed a single tear. This is the ultimate blend of happiness and nostalgia. You’ll be ready for a brand new journey, maybe with an extra Tesla in your wallet.