Selling your motorcycle in Thailand, how to get your money’s worth
Whether you are upgrading to a newer and faster model, or selling your trusty two-wheeled machine before moving back home, there are crucial steps to consider in making sure that you get the most out of your transaction when selling your motorcycle in Thailand. With over 20 million motorcycles registered across the Kingdom, you’ll find a busy market teeming with potential buyers. Understanding the ins and outs of the process is crucial to ensure a smooth process.
What to prepare before selling your motorcycle in Thailand?
The first and most crucial step in selling a motorcycle in Thailand is ensuring you have all the necessary documents. Some parts of the paperwork involved in selling a motorcycle are similar to the ones you need in buying one.
| Document/Step | Description | From who |
|---|---|---|
| Green book (registration document) | Official registration document for the motorcycle. | Seller |
| Identification copies | Thai citizens: Copy of Thai ID card. Expats: Copy of passport and possibly a work permit or proof of address (e.g., residence certificate). | Seller |
| Transfer request form | Form from the Department of Land Transport (DLT) to request ownership transfer. Both parties must sign. | Seller and Buyer |
| Inspection certificate | Required for older motorcycles to prove they meet safety standards. | Seller |
| Payment receipts | Proof of payment for any insurance or tax extensions | Seller |
| Bill of sale | Not mandatory but recommended. Provides a record of the sale, protecting both parties in disputes. | Seller and Buyer |
Get your motorcycle inspected
When selling your motorcycle in Thailand, getting your motorcycle inspected before the sale may be a good practice, especially if you’re rocking around on a vintage or an older model. It reassures the buyer that your bike is safe and meets legal standards. You can get this done at private vehicle inspection stations around town or at your local DLT office.
The inspection covers safety checks like brakes, lights, and tyres. Some older bikes might also need an emissions test to make sure they comply with current safety and emission standards. This inspection is vital as it determines whether your motorcycle is eligible to be taxed or to be driven on the road at all.
Do your research
To get a fair price for your motorcycle, it’s essential to research the market value. You need to know what similar motorcycles are selling for in Thailand to set a competitive and realistic asking price.
Check online listings
Start by looking at Facebook marketplace or other websites like Bahtsold. These are popular platforms for buying and selling motorcycles in Thailand. Browse these sites to see what other sellers are asking for similar models. This will give you a good idea of the current market range.
The condition of your motorcycle plays a big role in its price. Think about factors like mileage, age, appearance and overall wear and tear. A bike with custom parts or recent upgrades might be worth more, but it could also diminish its value. Make a list of any special features, additional options, or modifications your bike has to help justify your asking price.
Setting a competitive price
When you’re ready to set your price, aim to be competitive. A well-priced bike will undoubtedly attract more buyers and help you sell it faster. It’s also smart to set your initial asking price a bit higher than your minimum acceptable price. This way, you have room to negotiate, as buyers often try to bargain.
Setting a competitive asking price helps attract buyers. If you price it too high, it might take longer to sell. On the other hand, pricing it too low means you might not get the value it deserves. Aim to strike a balance to facilitate a faster and fair sale.
Selling your motorcycle in Thailand
Before getting your motorcycle ready for sale in Thailand, there are a few steps that you can follow to make your bike more appealing to potential buyers.
| Step | Description | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|---|
| Clean and detail the bike | Wash and polish the motorcycle thoroughly; consider professional detailing. | Makes the bike more appealing to potential buyers. |
| Fix minor Issues | Repair worn tyres, broken lights, and top-up fluids. | Increases the bike’s value and reduces buyer concerns. |
| Keep maintenance records | Organise and provide records of recent services and maintenance work. | Builds buyer confidence in the bike’s condition. |
| Take high-quality photos | Capture photos in good lighting, showing the motorcycle from various angles. | Attracts more buyers and helps the bike sell faster. |
Advertising effectively
During the advertising process, be detailed when you are writing the description. Include the make, model, year, mileage, and condition. Mention any modifications or recent maintenance and be honest about any flaws or issues. Honesty will build trust.
Using popular online platforms has the potential to reach more potential buyers as they are popular among both expats and Thais, making your ad more visible, just don’t forget to include your contact information. Make sure interested buyers can easily reach you by adding your phone number or email address. This way, you won’t miss out on a potential sale.
Negotiation
Negotiating the sale is the final step. Being prepared will help you close the deal successfully. First, be flexible. Have a minimum price in mind but be open to reasonable offers. Accepting a fair offer might speed up the sale and avoid prolonged negotiations.
Remember to stay professional during negotiations. Keep calm and don’t get emotional or defensive when you are not getting a fair price. This will help maintain a positive vibe with the buyer.
Once the price is agreed upon, ensure you and the buyer agree on a secure payment method. Bank transfers are the go-to method nowadays but to some, cash is king.
Once you’ve agreed on the price, complete the necessary paperwork and make sure that both you and the buyer have signed the transfer request form. Now it’s time to hand over the green book and any other relevant documents and say the final goodbyes to your trusty bike.
Tips for a smooth sale
Selling your motorcycle in Thailand is usually a straightforward process, but there are some areas to be mindful of to ensure a smooth sale.
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- Prepare all necessary documents in advance. This saves time and prevents delays.
- Be honest with buyers about any issues or repairs the motorcycle might need. Transparency builds trust and can lead to a quicker sale.
- If you can’t be present for the transfer of ownership, consider using a power of attorney. This document, once notarised, allows someone else to act on your behalf at the DLT office.
- Keep copies of all important documents. This includes the signed transfer request form and bill of sale. These copies are your records, useful in case of any future headaches.
Transferring ownership after selling your motorcycle in Thailand
After the sale, you can accompany the buyer to the DLT office. While the seller doesn’t always have to be there, being present can help ensure the process goes smoothly for the buyer. When at the office, you’ll need to submit a completed transfer request form, copies of ID documents, the motorcycle’s green book, and an inspection certificate if needed. Double-check that you have everything to avoid any delays.
There is a small transfer fee, this depends on how the negotiations go. You can either agree to pay for the transfer or leave it up to the buyer. The fee for the transfer is typically around 105 baht but it can vary depending on the motorcycle. Once you hand over the documents and the fees have been paid, the DLT staff will handle the rest. They will update the Green Book with the new owner’s information. Before you leave, make sure all the details are correct.
Other things to be mindful of
- Verify the green book: After the DLT updates the green book, take a moment to check it. Make sure the new owner’s information is correct and that there are no mistakes.
- Cancel insurance: Don’t forget to cancel the motorcycle insurance if it has one. Contact your insurance provider and request a cancellation. You may even get a refund if there’s any unused portion of the policy.
- Tax: Make that your motorcycle’s tax is up to date and road-legal for the new buyer.
Selling your motorcycle to dealerships in Thailand
Selling your motorcycle to dealerships can be a faster option if you are in need of quick cash, or looking to get rid of your bike quickly. Firstly, you’ll need to find reputable motorcycle dealerships near you that buy used bikes. You can do this by searching online or asking local friends. Get quotes from several dealers to compare offers.
When you’re ready to visit the dealerships, be prepared to negotiate. Dealerships usually offer less than the market value because they need to resell the bike at a profit. Don’t hesitate to walk away if the offer is too low. Once you accept an offer, the dealership will handle all the paperwork and transfer of ownership. You’ll get your money after everything is finalised.
Pros and Cons
Like selling your car to a dealership, this option has its advantages. Most importantly it’s quick and convenient. You won’t have to worry about handling the paperwork, as the dealership takes care of that for you. This makes the process straightforward.
However, there are downsides too. Dealerships often offer lower prices than private buyers or auctions. If getting the highest price for your bike is crucial, selling to a dealership might not be the best option. Weigh the pros and cons based on your priorities to decide the best way to sell your motorcycle.
Selling a motorcycle in Thailand as an expat can require careful planning and attention to detail. From gathering the necessary documents to choosing the right method of sale, each step plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and successful transaction. Whether you opt to sell privately, through an auction, or to a dealership, being well-prepared and informed will help you achieve the best possible outcome.
