The commercial vehicle market in the UK is always on the move. Whether it’s growing or slowing down, there’s usually someone looking to buy a good, reliable van for their business. If you’re sitting on a fleet of company vans that you need to sell, you’ll want to do it quickly and get a fair price for them.
Selling multiple vans at once doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right approach, you can turn those vans into cash without waiting months for the right buyers to come along. And more importantly, you want to make sure you’re not leaving money on the table.
Let’s look at some straightforward ways to sell your company vans quickly while still getting a good deal.
Evaluating Your Fleet: Understanding the Value of Your Company Vans
Determining the Worth of Your Vans
Before you can sell anything, you need to know what it’s worth. When it comes to valuing company vans, several factors will affect the price:
- Age and mileage are the big ones – newer vans with fewer miles naturally fetch more
- Service history – a full service history shows the van’s been looked after
- Condition – dents, scratches, and mechanical issues will drop the price
- Make and model – some brands hold their value better than others
- Fuel type – diesel was once the go-to, but market preferences are changing
- Optional extras – things like air conditioning or parking sensors can add value
Don’t just guess what your vans are worth. An accurate valuation will help you set sensible prices and spot lowball offers. As the UK government guidance on selling a vehicle points out, knowing the true value helps you meet your legal responsibilities too.
Finding the Right Evaluation Tool
You’ve got a few options when it comes to getting your vans valued:
- Online valuation tools can give you a ballpark figure in minutes
- Industry guides like Glass’s or CAP provide detailed valuations
- Professional fleet evaluation services offer thorough assessments
- Van dealerships might give you a free valuation (though they might lowball if they’re hoping to buy)
For a fleet of vans, it’s often worth paying for a professional evaluation service. They’ll look at each vehicle individually and consider all the factors that might affect its value. This gives you a solid starting point for negotiations.
Best Practices for Selling Vans
Presentation of Your Vans
First impressions matter a lot. A clean, well-presented van will always sell faster and for more money than one that looks neglected. Here’s what to do:
- Give each van a thorough clean inside and out
- Fix minor issues like broken bulbs or worn wiper blades
- Consider professional valeting for vans that need extra help
- Remove any company branding (or be clear about who’ll handle this)
- Take high-quality photos from multiple angles for online listings
Professional detailing might seem like an unnecessary expense, but it can pay for itself many times over. According to the Guide to fleet remarketing, well-presented vans can sell for 5-10% more than identical models in poor condition.
Compiling all necessary documentation
Paperwork isn’t exciting, but it’s essential when selling vans. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and builds trust with buyers:
- V5C registration document (log book) for each van
- Service history and maintenance records
- MOT certificates
- Warranty documents if still valid
- Any receipts for major work or repairs
Complete service records are particularly valuable. They reassure buyers that the van has been properly maintained and hasn’t just been patched up for sale. The DVLA guidance on selling a vehicle provides clear information on the paperwork you need.
Employing Effective Van Selling Strategies
Advertising Your Fleet
Getting the word out about your vans is key to finding buyers quickly. Consider these platforms:
- Specialist commercial vehicle websites like Commercial Motor or Auto Trader Vans
- General marketplaces like eBay, Gumtree, or Facebook Marketplace
- Trade publications and their websites
- Your own business network and social media channels
Good ad presentation makes a huge difference. Include all the important details: make, model, year, mileage, condition, and price. Add plenty of clear photos showing the van from different angles and highlighting any special features. Be honest about any issues – it saves time for everyone.
The 6 top strategies for selling fleet vehicles suggests tailoring your ads to your most likely buyers. For work vans, focus on reliability and practical features rather than looks or comfort.
Engaging with Potential Buyers
Once buyers start showing interest, how you handle them can make or break the sale:
- Respond to enquiries promptly
- Be ready to answer detailed questions about each van
- Have clear viewing and test drive procedures
- Know your bottom line but be open to reasonable negotiation
- Keep records of all communications
For fleet sales, you might get buyers interested in multiple vehicles. Be prepared to offer package deals if someone wants to take several vans off your hands at once.
Considering Van Trade-in Options
Pros of Trade-in Options
Trading in your vans to a dealer or specialist buyer has several advantages:
- It’s quick – often completed in days rather than weeks
- You can sell the entire fleet in one go
- There’s less paperwork for you to handle
- You don’t have to deal with multiple buyers
If time is your biggest concern, trade-ins can be one of the best quick van sale tips. You might not get top price, but the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) Fair Wear and Tear Guide can help you understand what condition your vans need to be in to get the best trade-in values.
Cons of Trade-in Options
Trade-ins aren’t perfect though:
- You’ll usually get less money than selling privately
- You might have less room to negotiate
- Not all traders want multiple similar vans at once
- Some traders may cherry-pick the best vans and leave you with the hardest ones to sell
According to 10 steps to successful remarketing, you might want to consider a mixed approach: trading in some vans while selling others privately to maximise your overall return.
Selecting a Reliable Van Buying Service in the UK
Advantages of Using Cash Your Vans
If you want a hassle-free way to sell your fleet, Cash Your Vans offers several benefits:
- Free, no-obligation valuations for your entire fleet
- Quick payment – often within 24 hours of agreement
- They’ll handle all the paperwork for you
- Collection service available across the UK
- Fair prices based on current market values
- Experience dealing with fleet sales of all sizes
The service is designed specifically for selling fleet vehicles fast, meaning you can free up capital quickly and move on to your next business priorities.
Conclusion
Selling a fleet of company vans doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out process. By properly valuing your vehicles, presenting them well, having all documentation ready, and choosing the right selling methods, you can turn those vans into cash relatively quickly.
Remember that the commercial vehicle market has its ups and downs, so timing can make a difference too. If you need to maximise profit on fleet vans, private sales might be worth the extra effort. If speed is your priority, services like Cash Your Vans offer a straightforward solution.
Whatever approach you choose, being organised and realistic about values will make the whole process smoother.
Ready to sell your company vans? Get in touch with Cash Your Vans today for a quick, no-obligation quote and see how easily you can transform your fleet into capital you can reinvest.