Opinions on selling my friend's cars

[WSSix]

My friend has asked me to sell his cars for him. He's an older gentleman, 70, and doesn't drive them any more really. He also doesn't care to deal with the hassle of the internet, yet, is well aware of the power of the internet. That's why he's asked me to sell them for him. Basically, it would be like the car was on consignment only I'm simply doing this as a friend. I would have bargaining power and everything. Whom ever buys the car or cars would probably not meet him until it came time to exchange money and sign papers.

So my question is, if you were a potential buyer, how would you want to find this information out? Would you want to read it right away in the for sale ad or after first contact with me? I'm not interested in misleading anyone but I'm also not interested in scaring anyone away thinking that it's some sort of shady deal.

Thanks

[DBasher]

Put it out there from the get go, nothing sketchy about helping out an elderly friend. Are they big money, classic or rare?

Good on ya Trey!

[WSSix]

I wouldn't say big money or rare just well cared for and lower mileage really. Well, I guess the 86 vette is rare since it's a yellow convertible. They made 732 of those cars. They aren't valuable at all though which is unfortunate I think since it's known as a Pace Car model even though all 86 convertibles were "Pace Car" models. Yellow was the color of the car that actually paced the race so they bring more than the other colors.

Thanks

[Panteracer]

I agree.. keep everything up front
I had a guy approach me when I was selling my
mustang a few years back.. he said he was representing
someone in Europe.. we worked out a deal and then
he came to me afterwards asking me how much fee I was going
to pay him... I might not have objected if he was up front about a fee
Then he said ok no fee but felt cheated.. I called the whole
thing off... the poor guy in Europe really wanted the car
and said he would deal with me direct.. I was so mad
I told him and the other guy to bug off- it went to a
good home.. Chet with the Shelby club tracks it with Greg

Cool deal you are helping someone out.. that's what
car guys are all about.. I'm getting old but not ready to get rid of things yet

Panteracer

[SSLance]

I've done quite a bit of this for my business partner. I usually don't mention it until things start to get serious. I just don't see the need to explain the arrangement to every tire kicker that comes along.

Once the potential buyer shows significant interest and is asking about the history of the car or if negotiating has started...that's when I explain who the actual owner is.

It has never been an issue with us. If the buyer wants the car, most of the time they don't care who through or how they found it.

[WSSix]

Thanks guys.

Lance, I had forgotten you did that. I remember you selling your friend's Sting Ray now. Tire kickers are going to be problematic I'm afraid which is one reason my friend doesn't want to deal with selling them. I'm been waffling between saying anything or not upfront because of those people.

[SSLance]

I usually try to deal with the tire kickers as quickly as possible. Having to explain this type of situation just adds to that time and accomplishes nothing.

You aren't doing anything shady and it isn't going to cost the buyer any more once he realizes you are just an agent on the sale of the car. I'd get the fish on the hook first, weed out the tire kickers, then when it really comes down to it...explain who the seller is and how the rest of the deal will be accomplished. By then they already want the car and it won't be an issue.

[BMR Sales]

Originally Posted by Panteracer

I agree.. keep everything up front
I had a guy approach me when I was selling my
mustang a few years back.. he said he was representing
someone in Europe.. we worked out a deal and then
he came to me afterwards asking me how much fee I was going
to pay him... I might not have objected if he was up front about a fee
Then he said ok no fee but felt cheated.. I called the whole
thing off... the poor guy in Europe really wanted the car
and said he would deal with me direct.. I was so mad
I told him and the other guy to bug off- it went to a
good home.. Chet with the Shelby club tracks it with Greg

Cool deal you are helping someone out.. that's what
car guys are all about.. I'm getting old but not ready to get rid of things yet

Panteracer

Sounds like we dealt with the same guy - I told the guy I was dealing with to pound Sand!

[BMR Sales]

Originally Posted by DBasher

Put it out there from the get go, nothing sketchy about helping out an elderly friend.
Good on ya Trey!

I agree!