Upgrading your golf cart for a newer model or one with additional features is fun and exciting, but selling used golf carts can be an arduous and frustrating task.
However, this does not always have to be the case. The following ten tips for selling a used electric golf cart will help you find a buyer who is willing to pay a reasonable price without a lot of hassle.
1. Improve the aesthetics of the golf cart.
No matter how well you have treated your golf cart, if it has been used on a regular basis, it will definitely have some wear and tear. You will have to give the car a makeover as it has never had before. The exterior will have to clean and polished, leaving it with a shiny glow, and the interior should be detailed to the last groove in the dashboard.
2. Fix any mechanical problems it may have.
You will be able to sell your golf cart much more quickly and obtain a price close to what you would like if it is in excellent working condition. If the cart has any mechanical problems whatsoever, fix them beforehand or prepare to accept a much lower amount. Even if the problem is a subtle rattling or a non-essential part, you will want to have it repaired.
3. Ensure the paperwork is up to date.
Before you start selling used golf carts, the paperwork must be in order. If you have a title and registration for the vehicle, you will want to have them both on-hand to ease the transaction. It will also help to prepare a bill of sale in advance, but be sure to leave blank lines to write in the buyer’s name, price and date when these details become known. In addition, you will want to have your maintenance records handy to help instil confidence in your prospective buyers.
4. Take a good look at the windscreen.
The windscreen of your golf cart is highly noticeable, so you want to make it is as presentable as possible. If it has minor scratches or dings, you may be able to repair it, but if it has deep scratches or cracks, it should be replaced before you try to sell the golf cart. Most windscreens are relatively inexpensive to replace, and you will be able to recoup the cost by appropriately increasing your asking price.
5. Check the batteries.
The batteries are one of the most important parts of a used electric golf cart, and knowledgeable buyers will definitely want to take a look at the bank. If the batteries are more than three years old, or if they are leaking, replace them. Ensure they are clean. If there is any corrosion or acid buildup on the connectors, scrub it away with a wire brush or replace the connectors altogether.
6. Give the tires a kick.
One of the first things a prospective buyer will notice about your golf cart is its tires. Worn tires are one of the easiest parts to replace. Check the tread on the tires. If the grooves in the tread are less than 3-mm deep, they should be replaced. But be sure that all of the tires match. If the tread seems sufficient and the tires look like they are in good shape, use a tire gauge to ensure they are properly inflated. Once they are inflated, give them a thorough scrubbing, and finish up with a coat of protectant, such as Armor All.
7. Take quality photographs of the golf cart.
In order to attract interested buyers and prevent a barrage of questions and disappointments, you will have to take high-quality photographs of the golf cart. All the images should be clear and in focus. And you should be able to make out all of the details. Take pictures at all angles of the body. Then you will have a minimum of eight exterior photographs based on the eight primary compass points. You will also want close-ups of the interior and any other aspects you would like to highlight. Some sellers hire professional photographers to get the best results.
8. List any spare parts and accessories it has.
If you have any spare parts or accessories for your golf cart, do not hesitate to throw them in with the sale, and list them in your ad. You will most likely not be needing them anyway once you buy your new golf cart. It is best to be upfront about the spare parts and accessories, but some sellers hold them back for use as negotiating tools.
9. Determine a realistic price.
Determining the price to ask for your used electric golf cart will require some research. If you ask too much, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to sell. And if you ask too little, you will only be cheating yourself. A great way to figure out how much you should be asking is to check for previous sales or current listings online. For the most accurate results, however, compare listings in different parts of the country or even different cities. What you can get for selling used golf carts in one location may be very different from what someone will pay for it somewhere else. Another idea is to go to a local dealer and ask some questions about pricing. Some people like to bump up their prices a bit to allow leeway for haggling, but this rarely works well.
10. Advertise the golf cart on a dedicated website.
Once you have made the above nine preparations, it is time to advertise that your used golf cart is for sale. Keep in mind that print advertisements are a relic of the past. The vast majority of all used vehicles being sold are advertised online. However, you want to steer clear of websites that advertise products of all types. Instead, you want to list your vehicle on a website that specializes in golf carts, such as GolfCartsForSale.com. This will help attract only people who are truly interested in what you have to offer. Thus saving you a great deal of time in the overall process.
Selling Used Golf Carts – Bonus Tip
When selling used golf carts, ensure that you are easy to contact. Always answer your phone, check your email regularly and get back to potential buyers as soon as possible.
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