In addition to construction equipment and agriculture equipment, IronPlanet also auctions used trucks, including heavy duty pickups, dump trucks, flatbeds, tractors, cabs and service trucks. There are steps you should take to prepare your used trucks for auction that can increase their resale value and help ensure that they attract bidders. Remember, the more buyers who want your truck, the better your chances of bidding wars that will drive the final sale price up.
Maintenance
The first step you should take is to test drive the vehicle. Pay close attention for any out-of-place noises or vibrations that could indicate issues are present or looming. You will also want to inspect the different parts for wear and damage. Certain things, such as worn hoses or belts in the engine, are easy and inexpensive to fix. Additionally, you might want to think about having the fluids drained and replaced, which both increases the value of the truck and presents the opportunity to spot any leaks or other issues.
There are other areas of basic maintenance that you can address as well. This includes making sure all the lights work, replacing worn windshield wiper blades and checking all of the interior controls to ensure they're working. If something like the interior dome light is out, the fix could be as simple as replacing the fuse
Interior and exterior cleaning
While you're poking around the truck, take the time to clean it as well. When the inspector comes to take pictures, you won't have to worry about the cab being cluttered with empty coffee cups and old newspapers. Get rid of any trash and thoroughly clean the interior - vacuuming dirt and debris from the seats and floor and wiping down the dash and windows. You may also want to wash the exterior to remove any grime and make the vehicle shine, which can help it appear more attractive to potential bidders who are browsing IronPlanet's online auctions. Don't forget to get the hose underneath to get rid of any mud from the truck's undercarriage.
Paperwork
When selling a used vehicle, it is essential to get all the necessary paperwork in order prior to listing the truck in an auction. The most important document is the title, which must be sent to IronPlanet prior to the auction. You will need to sign the seller portion of the title, but if you would prefer, you can provide a notarized Power of Attorney form along with the unsigned title. This gives IronPlanet permission to sign the title for the seller once the item has sold.
Any maintenance and repairs must be done before IronPlanet inspects the truck to generate a thorough report that details the condition of the vehicle. Should the vehicle be altered in any way after the initial inspection, the seller may be subject to a reinspection fee and the truck will need to be examined again. Making sure everything is in order and in tip-top shape prior to getting the inspection can help the transaction go more smoothly and also increase visibility for the truck at auction.
