In these days of austerity and E-Bay many people are trying their hand at the used car business. What often starts out as someone just selling their own vehicle then leads them into moving on other vehicles for a profit. Some people do quite well at this activity whilst the majority will perhaps sell one or two cars and then give up.

This idea is not without problems. If you are seen to be advertising cars for sale regularly then you become a natural target for The Inland Revenue and the Customs & Excise who watch for people entering the black market economy. Also, you have to be careful about insurance and the famous test drive. Who is covered for insurance? Probably not you, unless you have a traders policy. And what about public liability? Do you have premises or are you most likely working from home? Either way you can be liable to your customers if they have an accident.

Most people dread shopping for a used car. There's something masochistic and degrading about the process. But what about selling used cars ? This is another kettle of fish. Car salesmen are professionals. They are salesmen every day, month after month, year after year. We are car hunters maybe once every three to five years or so. We often don't know the rules by which the used or pre-owned car industry plays. (more...)