In this era of advanced connectivity, you don’t need to walk into a dealership to purchase a car: buying one has evolved to online purchases. With just a few clicks on your phone or laptop, you can choose from a wide array of car options, even if they’re a thousand miles away. However, this begs the question: how do you transport your newly acquired vehicle from the purchase point to your doorstep? This is where car shipping comes into play, helping to bridge the gap between buyers and sellers separated by thousands of miles.
In this guide, whether you’re a buyer or a seller, we’ll arm you with some practical tips to ensure a seamless shipping experience. So, let’s jump in.
Before proceeding to ship your newly purchased vehicle, consider hiring a local mechanic or inspection service to inspect the vehicle on your behalf thoroughly. This will help you identify any issues or discrepancies the seller hasn’t informed you about that might not be mentioned on the online listing. If possible, you can request a virtual video tour of the vehicle to understand its condition better.
Before finalizing the purchase, you must collect a written agreement from the seller. This should clearly state the terms and conditions of the sale, the car’s price, payment method, shipping arrangements, and any warranties. It should also contain the vehicle’s history report, which can be obtained using its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Some sellers might already have a recommended shipping company from prior experience. However, it’s best to conduct your research into reputable shipping companies with lots of experience, reviews, and expertise. The seller might have used the company several times and can vouch for their services, but you must ensure that the company is reliable and has a good reputation.
After selecting your desired shipping company, request a quote and get a clear understanding of the breakdown and what is included in the service. Also, inquire about their insurance coverage and ensure one is in place to protect against potential damage or loss during transit. You can even purchase additional coverage just to be safe.
Once everything regarding the shipping has been finalized, communicate with the shipping company and the seller to schedule the pickup and delivery of the car. Provide them with necessary details and special instructions or concerns regarding the transportation, including delivery timeframe and potential fees or penalties.
As a seller, selecting a reputable shipping company is crucial to ensure smooth transactions if you don’t already have one. This is most important if your buyer doesn’t have one and is still on edge about how to transport the newly purchased vehicle. Research and compare the services and reputations of various shipping companies, paying attention to customer reviews.
Once this is done and the buyer has agreed on a shipping company, clearly communicate the details. This should include information about shipping costs, options, timeframes, etc. Provide accurate information about the shipping company you intend to use and patiently address any concerns or questions the buyer might have.
Clean the car and perform necessary repairs or maintenance before shipping. This is especially important if the car isn’t new. Also, take photographs and videos of the car’s condition to have proper documentation should any issue arise after shipping. Ensure all documents and paperwork is complete, updated, and shared with the buyer before the car is shipped.
Once all prior steps are completed, work with the shipping company to schedule the pick-up of the vehicle from your location. Provide clean instructions, the contact information of the buyer, as well as the delivery location to ensure the process goes smoothly.
Once the vehicle has been delivered to the buyer, follow up to ensure they are satisfied with their purchase and the shipping service. Quickly address any concerns or complaints and work towards a resolution. This helps to foster a continuous business relationship with your client.
Shipping a car bought online can be an exciting but complex process. However, by following the tips in this guide, buyers and sellers can confidently navigate any challenge. Moreover, if you are looking for a trusted partner in transporting vehicles purchased online, Ship A Car Inc. has the expertise and experience to offer a seamless and reliable solution. Call us at (866) 821-4555 to speak with our shipping agent.
The duration for shipping a car bought online depends on factors such as location, shipping method, availability of carriers, and weather conditions.
If such happens, document the problem with pictures or video and notify the seller and shipping company immediately.
