Step 1 - prepare the truck

The (residual) value of a commercial vehicle depends, of course, on its use. This means minor damage to the body and normal signs of wear are less significant. But everyone knows the saying: the eye eats with you. For this reason, one should not only limit oneself to the technical condition, but also prepare the truck vehicle in a presentable way. The renewal of the TÜV can also be useful. The certificate reduces the risk for buyers of buying a pig in a poke.

Step 2 - Where to sell

When purchasing a new vehicle at the same time, trade-in is always an option. Others go through your local dealer in the area. The following applies to both: on average, 10 - 15% lower sales prices are achieved for used trucks. The explanation is simple. Before the trucks finally arrive at the buyer and user, they were at at least 2 dealers. And every truck buyer wants to earn something. Another way is via mobile de, truckscout or eBay classifieds. However, language barriers and unreliable interested parties cause frustration. We go a different way. truckoo is the only point of contact. Vehicle data is translated into 14 languages. More than 500 dealers from 23 countries place bids on your truck.

Step 3 - determine the residual value of the truck

In contrast to passenger cars, the issue of residual value and valuation of trucks and commercial vehicles is far more difficult. Nevertheless, it is possible to get an initial truck rating online. It is typically worth taking a look at the offers from Autoline or mobile. But there are two main disadvantages here: On the one hand, truck dealer sales prices are displayed. Dealers do not buy at this price because they include a security for downtimes, goodwill claims, etc. On the other hand, it is extremely difficult to find a comparable truck due to the variety of commercial vehicles. Important commercial vehicle data that has an impact on the value is sometimes hidden in the running text. With truckoo you get a truck rating completely free of charge. Your commercial vehicle will be checked at one of our partner workshops in your area - the whole thing takes less than 30 minutes. So we have all the data to give you a realistic selling price. How we do this? We automatically scan all commercial vehicle advertisements that are online on autoline or mobile de. At the same time, we have experience, especially with regard to sales abroad.

Step 4 - create a truck ad

If you want to sell your truck successfully, you should put some effort into advertising. In the end, this saves you a lot of time when answering questions. That means sharp images of the most important components. Complete overview of truck specific information. Without this data, your truck may not be found or there may be inquiries from people who are looking for something else. many requests. You should also consider giving your phone number. There are now phishing and spam calls that call once just to check if the number exists. Simply start the sales process here.

Step 5 - Get offers

f you have advertised your truck yourself, in the best case buyers will approach you. Nevertheless, it always makes sense to get a few offers. This is how you collect arguments for or against the residual value of your truck and prepare yourself for the final discussion. It makes sense not only to contact local truck dealers, but also those who specialize in certain types. Ideally, you can even find a dealer in the country where your truck will later land or be driven.

Step 6 - test drive

Most buyers want to take a test drive. If this cannot happen on the premises, you should make an agreement about the test drive. That sounds like more effort in the first step, but saves you discussions and stress in the second step. Typically, these data are included in the test drive agreement:

• Personal data owner and prospect
• Date, time, duration of the test drive
• Marking of the truck
• Condition of the truck with damage and defects
• Clarification of the assumption of costs for the fuel
• Liability Furthermore, the registration certificate part I (formerly known as the vehicle registration document) must be carried with you during the test drive.

Step 7 - negotiation

The negotiation itself is certainly the lesser evil. There are more things to consider beforehand. Unfortunately, we are also talking about experiences that other customers have had before us. Never surrender the vehicle without full payment. There are already instant transfer solutions here. This means that you no longer have to pay in cash. Request an identity card and/or business license in advance. If this is a hurdle for the buyer, you know where you are. Know weaknesses and strengths in advance and know at what price the truck is being traded.

Step 8 - The truck sale

What you have to consider for the sale - commercial or private, you can read in our other blog post - click here! In short: If you sell the truck to a private individual, you cannot exclude liability. Specifically, you have to give a statutory liability for material defects (liability for material defects means: the seller is liable for the fact that the truck sold has no unknown defects. This excludes age-related wear and tear). The warranty cannot be completely excluded contractually. At the same time you have to show sales tax (19%) and pay it to the tax office. In addition to the total price, the following must therefore appear on the invoice: net price, sales tax, total price. Unlike when selling to a private person, liability for material defects can be excluded when selling to another company or trade. However, this must also be noted in the contract. For example, a wording can be as follows: “The commercial vehicle with the vehicle identification number XXX is being sold with the exclusion of liability for material defects. Claims for damages that intentionally or through gross negligence violate the seller's obligations are excluded. The same applies to claims resulting from injury to health, life and body.” In addition to information about the buyer and seller, all data about the vehicle must be included in the contract: mileage, first registration, previous owner and any damage are important. In addition to accessories, you should list any known faults and defects. If there is not enough space, an additional page can be attached.