Online shopping services are more popular than ever before. Customers can now purchase just about anything through a variety of online shopping sites such as Amazon and eBay. These online sites offer products such as clothing, furniture, household items, tools, electronics, and even cars! In fact, purchasing a car through eBay Motors is actually quite a simple process. It gives buyers a chance to view a much broader inventory of vehicles from all over the country, making it easier to find the exact car they are looking for. While the process of buying a car on eBay is relatively straightforward, consumers must also consider the fact that the car will need to be shipped if it is not purchased locally. This begs the question: Does eBay ship cars? While ebay may provide the option of shipping cars to sellers, this is actually the responsibility of the buyer. Here’s how it works:
What happens when I purchase a car from eBay?
It is important to understand that eBay itself does not ship cars. Although they partner with a courier service called uShip, they do not have a dedicated shipping department for vehicles. Sellers can choose to provide shipping services using their own courier service at an additional cost or they can leave that decision up to the buyer. If a seller offers free shipping, beware because this usually means it’s a scam. In most cases, there is a clause stating that the “Buyer is responsible for vehicle pick-up or shipping.” This means that buyers will have to make private shipping arrangements on their own.
How do I ship a car from eBay?
If you do not live close enough to pick up the car yourself, you will need to make arrangements to have your car shipped. There are a number of auto transport companies that can ship your car for you. You will need to begin by researching auto transport companies online to find one that meets your needs and budget. Be sure to check plenty of reviews, as not all auto shipping companies are equal. You also want to make sure the company you choose has the proper licensing, registration, and insurance. Once you have decided on a shipping company, you will need to coordinate the logistics of the shipment with the seller. You can arrange to have the car picked up directly from the seller, or if the seller is willing, you can arrange for the seller to drive the car to a nearby terminal for pickup.
Make sure to communicate with the auto transporter that you have purchased the vehicle from eBay Motors so they can guide you on how to coordinate a specific time and day for pickup. You also want to ask the carrier to inspect the vehicle prior to loading it onto the trailer. They should be able to provide a full condition report of the vehicle before it is shipped. This is critical in case you need to file an insurance claim later on.
Finally, you want to ask the seller to properly prepare the vehicle for shipment. They should clean the car, remove any exterior accessories, document any and all scratches or dents, leave the gas tank ¼ full, and make sure the car has plenty of fluids. Reputable sellers should be willing to work with you to coordinate every aspect of the shipping process.