Tips for Selling Truck Tractors
If it’s time to buy a new truck tractor, you should consider selling your current model for your next upgrade. Of course you want the most you can get for it, but achieving that is a multi-step process of finding your audience, setting your price, and making your truck as appealing as possible.
We have steps you should follow for the best results. And when it’s time to sell your semi, or buy a new one, we’re here to help with that too.
Find new and used Class 7 and Class 8 trucks for sale online.
Where should you advertise your truck?
By the very nature of their long-distance lives, truck tractors can have a wider sales audience than most other commercial vehicles. That also lets you cast a wider net in your advertising, putting it in front of more potential buyers. This can be especially helpful if you’re in an out-of-the-way location. Look at national truck ads to see where most trucks are for sale, and then use that for a strategic approach.
Supply-and-demand may mean you can ask for more money if there aren’t a lot of trucks for sale around you—but at the same time, those more-crowded locations may also mean more people are buying, and your truck may sell faster. Even if it’s for a little less, the speed at which you sell could be an advantage for you.
How do you determine a price?
Understand your truck’s resale value and how to improve it, then look at advertisements to see how similar trucks in your area are being priced. Compare them equally, including similar configuration, condition, and mileage. Some truck brands may also be more popular in certain areas, so take that into consideration. Remember that these are asking prices and not necessarily what the seller actually received for their sale. You may want to consider getting an appraisal, which you can show to prospective buyers to confirm your price. Adding a bit extra gives you some wiggle room for negotiation, but don’t tack on so much that shoppers will just scroll past it.
How do you get your truck ready to advertise?
Make it look good. Clean it thoroughly inside and out, including the seats, floor, dash, glass, vents, and controls inside; and as much of the undercarriage as possible. If you don’t have the time to do it yourself, take it to a detailer. The cost of having it cleaned can be well worth the extra expenditure, especially when you list a spotless truck versus a dirty one.
What repairs should be done?
Buyers want a truck they can put straight into service. If the truck requires anything more than scheduled maintenance—including tires—look at the financial side of it: Are you better off getting the repairs done, which may increase its sale price above what you paid for the fix; or let it go for less but without the time and money involved in repairing it? Either choice could be the right one but you have to be the one to determine this. And either way, when advertising the truck, mention any recent repairs that you performed, or if you didn’t, tell buyers what they can expect to have to do once they make their purchase.
What documentation should you have?
Prospective buyers will want to see maintenance records along with receipts for any repairs. Have all your vehicle inspection paperwork ready for the transaction. If the tractor was financed and paid off, have a copy of the release so the seller knows there’s no lien against it.
What type of pictures should you take?
Quite simply, lots. Your photos and videos should be a complete walkaround of the truck’s exterior and interior. By the time potential buyers have gone through your photos, they should know exactly what it’s like. Take exterior shots from all four corners, head-on front and rear, wheels and tires, coupling devices, the engine, and as much of the underside as you can. Inside, shoot the seats, floor, dash—zero in on the odometer—controls, and sleeper. Photograph any special equipment the truck has and highlight it in your advertisement.
What should be in your advertisement?
There’s no such thing as “too much information” when your truck is on the market. Outline all its specifications, mileage and engine hours, any optional equipment, any modifications, condition, and recent repairs and maintenance. Include if it’s a fleet truck or single-driver; if you bought it new or used; and why you’re selling it. If it’s been an exceptionally good truck, tell buyers what’s great about it. If it has any condition issues, mention them. People will realize you’re being honest about the truck, and if the issue is enough to turn off a prospective buyer, you haven’t wasted their time or yours when they discover it in person.
When should you advertise your truck?
Run your ad when you’ll be available to take calls and show the truck. If you’re too busy, appoint a trusted company associate to do it. You might even consider having a third-party broker look after test-drives if you can’t take the time. You’ll pay for the service, but it might be less than the money you lose taking time away from your own job. A good broker will also know how to weed out tire-kickers and scammers.
Shop for your next new or used flatbed trailer for sale online.
Now that your truck is ready, consider where to advertise it. Our marketplace helps you reach buyers at all levels and locations; and once you’ve sold your tractor, you can then check the classifieds to find your next one.
Jil McIntosh
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