These days, there's no question about how useful the Internet is for buying and selling stuff. If there is an interested buyer and a willing seller, even the most obscure items can be traded without the two people ever meeting face to face.

Car parts are no different. Car enthusiasts no longer have to rely on their local car parts shop or supplier to get what they need. Now, they can order it online themselves from anywhere in the world and have it delivered to their doorsteps.

It isn't just good news for people who want to buy car parts; it's also great news for you if you're looking to sell the car parts that you have!

Why Sell Car Parts Online?

There are a few possible reasons for wanting to sell car parts online. Firstly, you may have a used car part that's just laying around. It's easy to assume that people might not be interested in the car parts you have. But remember: there's always someone in the world looking for second-hand parts just like yours. 

So, instead of letting that part rust out, you can sell it to someone who can make the most of it. The people receiving your car parts will save themselves a trip to their local car parts shop, and you'll have some cash getting into your account for it!

Some people also sell car parts online for what's known as arbitrage (not to be confused with 'arbitration', which is an entirely different thing).

Arbitrage is when you take advantage of the price difference for the same car parts in two different places. For example, someone might order car parts online from Japan at a relatively low price. Then, they'll sell those car parts online for a higher price in Australia, or even vice versa. This is what arbitrage is all about, and it's a big reason why some people start selling car parts online.

No matter what your reasons are, the process of selling car parts online is the same.

How Do I Sell Used Car Parts Online?

Let's say you have a couple of spare car parts laying around. Here's how you sell them online.

Step 1: Find a Reliable Website Where You Can Sell It

You need to figure out where you're going to 'set up shop' to start selling used car parts. This is a website where you can post the items you have for sale so that potential buyers can find them. 

There are plenty of car parts websites, but not all of them are created equal. What you need to find is a reliable platform with the selling tools that you need. Most importantly, you'll need to find a site that has lots of users, so that your ad will be seen by as many people as possible. 

When it comes to handling payments, always be sure that you and the website you’re on are using reliable, trustworthy payment gateways as well.

Step 2: Figure Out How Much the Car Parts are Worth

Once you've found the website that you're going to use, the next step is to focus on the parts you want to sell. Firstly, you'll need to figure out how much they're worth.

A simple way to do this is to look for the same part on other car parts websites. Be sure to compare your parts with those in the same condition, whether they’re brand new or used.

Once you know what they're worth on the open market, you'll then need to ask yourself how much you want to get out of it. There's no right or wrong answer here – it's entirely up to you. Some sellers want to be paid the full value of their secondhand car parts. Others are willing to sell at a lower price if it means selling the parts faster and easier.

Step 3: Prepare the Listing

Once you've decided on your price tag, now comes the 'fun' part: preparing the actual listing. You can sign up at Carpart.com.au to start using the site's free car part listing feature.

First, clean the car parts that you're selling. Even though you don't want them anymore, it doesn't mean that buyers won't appreciate a clean-looking part. Be sure to give them a thorough clean, especially since you'll also be taking their pictures.

Be sure to get good-quality images of the car parts you're selling, and from different angles. It will allow your potential buyers the chance to examine the item as best as they can without having to see it up close.

When typing out the listing, always include all the essential details: measurements, model numbers, and an accurate description of the car parts. Also, always be honest about the condition of the items. This means that if there are markings, chips, loosening, or any other form of imperfection or damage, declare them upfront. By being open and honest, you'll save yourself from complaints and negative ratings after an unsatisfied customer receives the items.

Step 4: Pack Your Items

Odds are, you'll have a few chats with potential buyers who want to know more about the car parts you're selling. When you do find a buyer, and you both agree on the terms, it's time to pack and ship.

Whenever you sell something online, packing it is a critical step. Remember: the boxes that you courier the items out will take some punishment on their way to the destination. You don't want them reaching the buyer all squashed and useless.

So, the first thing you need to do is get the right box to use for your car parts. Visit your local packaging supplies store and find some thick and sturdy cardboard boxes suitable for your needs.

Once you have the right box, you'll need to secure the items inside that box. You don't want them to move around much during shipping. For this, you can wrap the car parts in foam or bubble wrap, and then fill the box with packing peanuts or crumpled newspapers. If those items can't move around much in the box, there's less chance they'll get damaged while being transported.

Last but not least, seal the box using strong packing tape. You can never use 'too much' tape, so use it liberally and make sure that the box is secure and won't pop open accidentally.

Step 5: Ship Them Out

Once your package is ready, take them over to your preferred courier service. Always, always, always (this is important!) use a courier service that provides you with a tracking number and some amount of insurance. The tracking number is vital for transparency so that you (and the buyer that you share the tracking number with) are aware of the package's movements at all times.

Having insurance on your shipment is essential so that if the package goes missing, you'll be able to receive compensation from the courier company.

Once the buyer has received their second-hand car parts, the entire process is complete. With this guide and your doggedness in successfully making a profit from your used auto parts will bring you closer to your first online sale. 

Another Way to Sell Second Hand Car Parts

Another way to sell car parts online would be to participate in platforms like CarPart's auto parts finder. It works like this: Potential buyers place a request for car parts they need. If you're among CarPart's certified sellers, you will be notified of these requests. You may then respond with your best quote if you have the part that a customer requires. It's a great way to find buyers and contact them directly. If you're interested in becoming a certified seller, please register here first. 

By Ray Hasbollah