What Van? Britain's biggest and best van buyers' guide

Time consuming, a minefield, risky – buying and selling a used van for a busy sole trader or small business is something rarely enjoyed or eagerly anticipated. 

For every hour spent on it there is the potential to be losing valuable business, but if care is not taken, expensive mistakes can be made both on acquisition and disposal. The traditional method of driving the old van to a couple of dealers, haggling a deal, shaking hands and doing a simple exchange, whilst still an option, is now just one method of many. These days the selling and buying will probably be two separate transactions.

The pandemic saw auction companies having to close their physical doors and continue to trade online only. This has led to some no longer being willing to allow buyers or sellers to participate in auctions unless they are bona fide motor traders, those braver used van purchasers (and sellers) are no longer welcome. Accommodating those sellers who want a no-hassle method of disposal, the ‘webuyany’ type of organisations have expanded both their activities and presence, with most members of the public now no doubt able to name a couple of these companies when prompted to. 

Andy Picton, chief commercial vehicle editor at data supplier Glass’s thinks that these services have some real benefit to the busy small business. “If you’re pushed for time, or just want a quick sale, this could be for you. Input your vehicle details and mileage online and receive a value.

“If you accept, you arrange a final inspection and drop-off of the vehicle. This inspection takes into account any missed scrapes and dents that were excluded in the initial valuation. A final price negotiation and the sale is agreed with cash going into your bank account. 

“It’s unlikely that you will receive as much as if you sold your vehicle privately, but the process is designed to be easy and hassle-free.”

With a shortage of vehicles to sell in recent times, it’s become commonplace to see dealers appealing for vehicles by offering the ‘best price’. Timing can be of the essence here, because if the dealer has a customer in mind for the van, it is likely to be willing to pay strong money as a lower profit margin is better than no sale at all. Independent garages in particular can be worth approaching with a van that isn’t rough or that hasn’t been worked too hard. 

Jim Reid, managing director of Aberdeen-based Jim Reid Vehicle Sales Limited said: “A pro of disposing of or selling your van to an independent dealer is that often an independent will retail a slightly older, slightly higher-mileage van than you would find a franchise dealer buying, therefore they will offer more money for a van than a franchise dealer and often more than some of the car buying sites as you are cutting out the middleman.” 

Selling privately has fallen out of favour with many, the ‘grief factor’ becoming too much. For those who are prepared to risk the additional work that may be required, the reward can be a higher return. Portals such as Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace offer immediate and wide exposure with low or even zero fees payable. Glass’s Picton thinks there is a balance to be had. 

“These are specialist sites that allow buyers and sellers to connect directly with each other, making it easier to find a buyer. The sites generate a huge amount of traffic and offer thousands of vehicles for sale. However, as with all private sales, there are no guarantees. Finding the right buyer can take time and can be frustrating,” he said.