Let’s be real selling a car online seems like a good idea at first.
Facebook Marketplace makes it easy to upload a few photos, add a price, and wait for the offers to roll in. But if you’ve ever tried it, you probably know it’s rarely that simple.
Between the lowballers, no-shows, and tire kickers, selling your car privately can turn into a full-time job with no guarantee you’ll actually get what it’s worth.
That’s where Victorian Car Buyers comes in and here’s the truth most people don’t realize:
On average, Victorian Car Buyers pays more than private sellers get on Facebook Marketplace and with far less hassle.
Let’s break down why.
Facebook Marketplace: The Hidden Costs of “Free”
Facebook Marketplace is technically free to use, and that’s part of its appeal. No listing fees, no commissions. But that doesn’t mean it’s cost-free not by a long shot.
Here’s what most private sellers deal with:
- Endless messages from people asking, “Is this still available?” (and then disappearing)
- Lowball offers from buyers hoping you’re desperate
- Time wasters who want to “come take a look” and never show up
- Negotiation fatigue people trying to talk you down on price for every scratch and ding
- Safety concerns about meeting strangers or test drives
- Weeks (sometimes months) of your car sitting unsold
And in the end? You may accept a lower price just to be done with it.
The Victorian Car Buyers Difference: Fair, Fast, and Final Offers
Now compare that to selling your car with Victorian Car Buyers.
Here’s what happens:
- You get a free quote within minutes
- There’s no pressure to accept but if you do…
- We schedule a free pickup at a time that suits you
- You get paid cash on the spot
- No inspections. No haggling. No listing photos. No time wasted.
Most importantly? The price we quote is the price you get.
No last-minute reductions. No games.
And because we buy direct (not for resale on Facebook), we can afford to pay more than what private sellers often get after all the back-and-forth.
Why Private Sellers Often Walk Away With Less
There’s a myth that selling privately always gets you more money. And yes, in some rare cases if the car is in excellent condition, has low mileage, and you find the perfect buyer you might squeeze out a little more.
But here’s the reality for most people:
- Buyers on Facebook want a bargain
- They assume private sales mean desperation
- They come expecting to negotiate down — often by hundreds
- They’ll point out every small flaw to justify it
If your asking price is $4,500, you’ll likely get offers closer to $3,800… and then still settle for $3,500 after weeks of trying.
Victorian Car Buyers skips that whole circus. We know what your car is worth based on real-time market demand, parts value, and resale conditions. And we give you a quote that reflects that with no deductions or last-minute changes.
Time = Money (And Marketplace Wastes a Lot of Both)
Let’s say you list your car today. It might take a week just to get serious interest. Then you’re answering messages every day, coordinating viewings, cleaning the car, and maybe even taking time off work to meet buyers.
Each interaction costs time and time is money.
Now imagine selling to a professional buyer who:
- Gives you a cash offer right away
- Picks up the car from your home free of charge
- Handles all the paperwork
- Pays you instantly
It’s not just faster it’s more profitable when you factor in time saved.
Safety and Reliability: The Facebook Problem No One Talks About
Let’s not forget the safety aspect.
Meeting strangers for test drives isn’t always comfortable especially when you’re dealing with high-value items. You never really know who you’re talking to, and stories about stolen cars or fake payments aren’t just internet horror stories they’re real.
Selling your car to a verified, professional business like Victorian Car Buyers gives you peace of mind:
- You know who you’re dealing with
- You know when and how you’ll get paid
- You don’t need to leave your house
- You don’t need to transfer rego or deal with fines from strangers driving under your name
We handle it all. Properly. Safely.
Real Example: What Sellers Are Actually Getting
Take a recent customer in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. He listed his 2009 Honda Accord on Facebook Marketplace for $3,800. After three weeks, he got an offer for $3,200 and the buyer didn’t show up for pickup.
Frustrated, he contacted Victorian Car Buyers.
We offered him $3,500 cash, arranged same-day pickup, and paid him on the spot. No haggling. No delay. He even said, “I wish I’d called you first.”
That kind of thing happens all the time.
Summary: Why Victorian Car Buyers Often Pays More
Let’s recap:
| Factor | Facebook Marketplace | Victorian Car Buyers |
| Listing Cost | Free | Free |
| Quote | You set it | We offer based on real value |
| Time to Sell | Days to weeks | Often same day |
| Negotiation | Yes, constant | None |
| Pickup | Your responsibility | We handle it |
| Final Payout | Often lower than listed | Often higher than private sale net |
| Safety | Variable | Guaranteed & secure |
When you zoom out and look at the full picture, the choice becomes clear: less effort, faster results, and more money in your pocket.