Welcome, Sellers!
Selling a vehicle privately can feel daunting - meeting strangers, worrying about scams, dealing with non-genuine buyers (tyre-kickers), and hoping you'll actually get paid. We understand those concerns, and that's exactly why AutoSettle exists.
This guide will walk you through every step of selling your vehicle safely and confidently with AutoSettle. Whether you've already listed your vehicle on Facebook Marketplace, or another marketplace - or even if you're starting from scratch - we've got you covered.
Why Sell with AutoSettle?
AutoSettle takes the stress out of private vehicle sales by solving the biggest challenges sellers face:
- No more scams: We verify every buyer's identity biometrically
- No more time-wasters: Optional deposits ensure buyers are serious
- No more payment worries: Funds are secured before handover - no more "I'll pay you later" promises
- No more unsafe meetings: Everything is tracked, recorded, and moderated
- Get paid instantly: Money transfers to your wallet immediately at handover
Best of all, you only pay $34.95 when the deal settles successfully - no upfront costs, no risk.
Your Selling Journey: Step by Step
Here's how AutoSettle works for sellers, from start to finish:
Step 1: Create Your Vehicle Profile
You have two ways to create your vehicle profile on AutoSettle:
Option A: Import from Your Existing Marketplace Listing
Already listed on Carsales, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or another platform? Brilliant! Here's what to do:
- Copy the link to your listing
- Paste it into AutoSettle
- We'll automatically import your photos and listing details
- Our AI will read your number plate from the photos (if visible), or you can enter it manually if it's been redacted
- Verify that the number plate we've detected matches your actual registration
- Scan your vehicle's odometer
- Invite your buyers
Keep your marketplace listing active! It helps attract buyers. When interested buyers contact you, simply direct them to use AutoSettle for a safe, secure transaction.
Option B: Build Your Profile from Scratch
Not listed anywhere yet? No worries! AutoSettle makes it easy:
- Upload photos of your vehicle
- Upload any relevant documents (service history, roadworthy certificate, etc.)
- Enter your registration number and VIN
- We'll verify your vehicle details and create a comprehensive profile
What happens next? Once we have your registration details, we use government and commercial databases to verify your vehicle and provide a complete PPSR report. This gives buyers confidence and makes your listing more attractive.
Step 2: Set Up Deposits (Optional but Recommended)
Deposits are a brilliant way to filter out tyre-kickers and ensure buyers are genuinely interested. Here's how they work:
- You can set a deposit amount between $50 and $1,000 in your vehicle profile settings
- Buyers pay the deposit to AutoSettle (not to you directly)
- Multiple buyers can pay deposits—they're not locked out
- At settlement, the deposit is transferred to the buyer's wallet and deducted from the final payment
- If a buyer withdraws, their deposit is refunded immediately
When should you require a deposit? We recommend deposits for rare vehicles, expensive vehicles, or cars that might attract casual browsers (like performance cars that appeal to young enthusiasts). Deposits show commitment without locking anyone in.
Step 3: Complete Your Identity Verification
To keep everyone safe, we use biometric verification to confirm you are who you say you are. This also automatically sets up your AutoSettle Wallet (where your payment will land when the deal settles). The verification process is simple and secure - just follow the prompts in the Identity Verification Guide.
Step 4: Connect with Buyers
Now you're ready to connect with interested buyers! Here's how it works:
- Buyers can find your listing through your marketplace ad
- When they contact you, encourage them to use AutoSettle for security and peace of mind
- You can invite buyers directly using their mobile number or email address
- Buyers can also bring your vehicle to AutoSettle by copying your listing link
- You can work with multiple buyers at once - it's first to commit that wins!
All communication happens through AutoSettle's secure, AI-moderated chat system. This keeps everyone safe and creates a complete record of all interactions.
Step 5: Manage Test Drives
AutoSettle helps you coordinate test drives safely and efficiently. You can schedule times, confirm attendees, and keep everything organised through the platform. See the Test Drive Guide for detailed tips on making test drives smooth and secure.
Step 6: Negotiate Offers
Buyers can make offers through AutoSettle, and you control the process:
- Review all offers in one place
- Accept, reject, or counter-offer as you see fit
- The first buyer to agree to your price (or the highest accepted offer) moves forward to settlement
- Everything is transparent and documented
Check out the Offers and Negotiations Guide for strategies on getting the best price for your vehicle.
Step 7: Settlement
This is where AutoSettle really shines. Here's what happens:
- The buyer deposits the full purchase amount into their AutoSettle Wallet before handover
- We verify that all funds are present and ready
- You arrange a safe handover location and time
- At handover, once the buyer confirms they're satisfied with the vehicle, funds transfer instantly to your AutoSettle Wallet
- You hand over the keys knowing you've been paid in full
No more "I'll pay you the rest later" situations. The money is secured before handover, and you're protected every step of the way.
See the Settlement Guide for detailed instructions on the settlement process.
Step 8: Handover
The big moment! Meet the buyer at your agreed location, let them inspect the vehicle one final time, and once they're happy, the funds release to your wallet. Hand over the keys, transfer paperwork, and you're done! The Handover Guide has a complete checklist to make sure nothing gets forgotten.
Step 9: Post-Sale
After the sale, you can withdraw funds from your AutoSettle Wallet to your bank account anytime. We don't earn interest on your money, and there are no hidden fees. The Post-Sale Guide covers everything you need to know about accessing your funds and finalising the paperwork.
What Makes AutoSettle Different?
- You Stay in Control
You choose who to work with, what offers to accept, and when to move forward. AutoSettle doesn't make decisions for you—we just make the process safer and easier. - Complete Transparency
Everything is tracked and recorded. All communication goes through our moderated chat system. There's a complete audit trail of every interaction, so you're protected if anything goes wrong. - No Upfront Costs
You only pay $34.95 when the deal settles successfully. If it doesn't work out with a buyer, you haven't spent a cent. - Works with Your Marketplace
Keep advertising wherever gets you the most visibility. AutoSettle simply adds the security layer when you've found a serious buyer.
Your Next Steps
Ready to get started? Here's what to do next:
- Create your vehicle profile using the Vehicle Profile Guide
- Complete identity verification using the Identity Verification Guide
- Consider setting up deposits in your vehicle settings (see Deposits Guide)
- Start connecting with buyers and let AutoSettle handle the rest
Additional resources to help you
Test Drive Guide - coordinate safe, productive test drives
Offers and Negotiations Guide - get the best price for your vehicle
Settlement Guide - understand the settlement process in detail
Handover Guide - complete the sale smoothly and safely
Post-Sale Guide - access your funds and wrap up paperwork
Tips and Checklists - practical advice for every stage
Selling your vehicle doesn't have to be stressful. With AutoSettle, you've got a trusted partner looking out for you from start to finish.
Let's get your vehicle sold - safely, securely, and with complete peace of mind.
You're in good hands!