The used car market is on the rise. With global financial markets uncertain, more people are turning to used cars as a cost-effective solution. As soon as a new car is driven off the forecourt, the depreciation in value is huge; this means buying a quality used car can give you more bang for your buck.

So this trend presents a good opportunity for people to set up their own used car business. But how do you make your used car business a success?

When you’re setting up a new used car business, it is vital to ensure you build up a strong reputation. With-out ensuring your customers receive good customer care from the get-go, your business will suffer. Car salespeople are viewed with suspicion, and word-of-mouth reviews will be crucial to the initial success of your startup so it is important to build your business on a foundation of trust and transparency. Being upfront about any defects and dents - or finding a cost-effective way of resolving them yourself - is a way to build trust with your prospective buyer. 

Buying a used car can be stressful and confusing for buyers. As a seller, you will come across a wide range of people - from car enthusiasts to those with very little knowledge. Either way, you need to offer your cus-tomers as much information as possible to put their mind at ease. Offering information such as history and HPI checks also minimises the legwork for customers and will help to close in on a sale.

The biggest concern for used car buyers is the thought that their purchase may be faulty. Unfortunately, no matter how comprehensive your vehicle checks, undiagnosed problems may still exist. Used car sellers such as Shelbourne Motors offer a 12-month warranty from the date of purchase, giving the customer much need-ed peace of mind. Offering a warranty is a great way of helping to seal the deal.

At the end of the day, people buy people. So no matter what car you’re selling, a prospective sale may fall through due to poor rapport with your customer. You’ve got to work on making your customer feel comfort-able and not being too pressurising. This means easing off on the cheesy jokes and ensuring you give your customer the space and time they need to make a decision. A more relaxed sales approach can pay dividends.

In summary, transparency, honesty and good rapport are the cornerstones to achieving sales in the used car industry. Follow these steps and you’ll be well on the way to building up a successful business.

Have you considered setting up a used car business?