Essential Tips for Selling Your Used Box Trucks
Box trucks are the undisputed leaders in short-haul and last-mile, and that makes them very desirable on the secondary market. If you need to sell a box truck, it’s important to advertise it properly to get the best price possible, and especially during the holiday season when they’re in demand for transporting goods. At Commercial Truck Trader, we have tips to help you make the most of your truck.
Compare similar listing prices online for new and used box trucks for sale.
What Trucks Are Popular in Your Area?
Smaller box trucks are better suited to last-mile deliveries in cities, and while larger trucks are also regularly found working in downtown cores, they may also be popular in suburban or rural areas, where greater payloads can help offset longer driving distances. Focus your advertising in the areas where they’re most likely to be used.
What Should I Include in My Advertisement?
In addition to the basics, such as brand, engine, mileage, and dimensions, include everything a prospective owner will want to know. List any extra features your truck may have above the base model, especially if they’re comfort or technology items. Describe any upfits the truck has, such as refrigeration, shelves, a lift gate, or a side door, and whether its floor is wood, metal, or composite.
What Do I Need to Tell Buyers About the Truck?
Rather than just say “it’s in great shape,” describe its condition in detail. Mention anything done to it recently, such as brakes, new tires or battery, or any other mechanical repairs or maintenance. Be up front about issues, such as, “Minor surface rust on one fender, doesn’t affect structure.” Coming clean about the truck’s faults will tell shoppers you’re being honest about its overall condition.
What Do I Need to Show in My Advertisement?
You need photos of your for-sale work vehicle, and lots of them. Photograph the exterior from all angles, including straight-on front and rear. Zoom in on details such as the wheels, roll-up door handles, or door seals on a refrigerated truck. Show well-kept areas that can depreciate from heavy use but have handled the test of time, such as rust-free cab corners; or items you’ve mentioned that aren’t quite as spectacular, so buyers can decide if they can live with it, or pass the truck by without wasting your time. Photograph the interior in detail as well, including a shot of the odometer.
How Do I Prepare My Box Truck For Sale?
Getting a truck to look its best takes time, but it can be worth it in a potential lift to its value. Wash it and, if appropriate, wax the cab, and apply dressing to the tires. Inside, scrub the floors, clean the upholstery, wipe the dash, and clean the inside of the glass. Clean the box inside and, if necessary, paint it. If a wooden floor is in rough shape, consider a quick refinish. If you don’t have the time to do it yourself, the services of a professional detailer may be money well spent.
What Paperwork Will a Buyer Want to See?
Get everything collected ahead of time, so you can show prospective buyers and give them any necessary information. This can include maintenance records, repair bills, and the original bill of sale. Also include any owner’s manuals, and information on any factory or aftermarket warranty that may still cover the truck. If the truck has been upfitted, include the sales and installation records for that equipment as well.
How Do I Know What to Ask for My Box Truck?
You want the maximum you can get, of course, but you have to be realistic. Check local listings to see what sellers are asking for similar trucks, but be sure you’re comparing “apples to apples” in terms of their condition, mileage, and features. If yours is in better shape than most in your area, be sure your listing makes note of that, so buyers don’t just swipe by without realizing there’s a reason behind your price premium. Aside from upgrades that boost its value, take this time to also understand how versatile your vehicle is for work, including these side jobs for box truck owners that can bring in an additional income either for you while you wait to finalize a sale, or for the prospective buyer.
What Do I Need to Know About My Price?
Set your price a bit higher than your goal in order to afford yourself some wiggle room in negotiations, but don’t go so high that you’re taking it out of consideration. If you’ve done your research but you’re still not sure how much you should ask, consider getting it appraised. And again, look at what’s primarily being used in your market. If smaller trucks are popular with fleets, but the majority of listings are for big trucks, you may have an advantage with your desirable smaller truck. Check what brand-new models are going for as well, especially since prices can still be a bit volatile in both the new and used markets and you need to be competitive.
Find new and used cargo vans for sale online.
Everything’s Ready, So What Now?
Schedule your listing for when you have time to show the truck to prospective buyers. Use the online platform Commercial Truck Trader to advertise it, and if you’ve done everything right, it shouldn’t be long before it’s sold. You can reach more shoppers nationwide ready to buy for a higher value in less time on our marketplace.
Jil McIntosh
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