Vehicle parts are a rewarding segment to sell in: demand is constant and buyers usually know exactly what they are looking for. But that is also the hurdle – a part without precise details is practically unsellable, because nobody wants to guess whether it fits. The good news: with the part number and three proper photos, a matching part almost sells itself.
The part number is half the battle
Almost every original part carries an OEM number (stamped, stickered or cast in). That number belongs in the title or at the top of the description – it is what professionals and informed buyers search for.
- Title formula: part name + vehicle model + model years + OEM number. Example: "Starter motor VW Golf 7 1.4 TSI 2012–2017, 02T911024"
- State the vehicle reference: make, model, engine, year – if in doubt "removed from", with the type approval number of the donor vehicle.
- For accessory parts without an OEM number: manufacturer, model designation and dimensions.
Condition honestly, in three classes
Safety-relevant parts (brakes, steering, airbags, seatbelts) demand special care: describe the condition precisely, recommend installation by a professional and, in doubt, forgo the sale. Some parts, such as deployed airbags, belong in proper disposal rather than in trade.
- New/NOS (New Old Stock): unused, ideally with original packaging or receipt.
- Used, tested working: say how it was tested (ran on the vehicle until removal, measured, compression tested).
- Defective or condition unknown "for tinkerers": declare it clearly – that market exists, and you avoid disputes.
Photos that pre-empt questions
- The part from every relevant side, filling the frame, in daylight.
- Close-up of the part number – the one photo professionals look for first.
- Connectors, plugs, sealing surfaces and wear zones in detail.
- Show defects openly (corrosion, broken tabs): it builds trust and filters complaints.
Shipping and price
Small parts up to 2 kg ship fine as parcels; clean oily parts beforehand and pack them sealed (operating fluids do not belong in the mail). Heavy parts such as bonnets, bumpers or wheel sets sell best as "collection preferred" – state the weight so interested buyers can estimate costs themselves.
Pricing: research the new spare-part price and set 30 to 60 percent depending on condition; for sought-after parts for older models ("no longer available") considerably more is justified. On shopitnow the vehicle-parts category is transactional – buyers can buy or bid directly, while complete vehicles run as contact-only listings.
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