Leading auction specialist British Car Auctions (BCA) is advising small business owners to put in some research when it comes to van disposal and use an auction as the sale route.

The task of selling an old work van can be a time consuming exercise if selling privately, and the likelihood of getting a reasonable price can be very slim, said BCA.

“When selling an old work van it’s not just a case of sticking a for sale sign in the window and hoping for the best. One of the easiest and quickest routes to sell a van is through auction,” said Duncan Ward, BCA’s UK business development manager for commercial vehicles. “The process is hassle free and water-tight, with the auction company handling all the pre-sale marketing, appraisal and valuation, vehicle preparation and the transaction itself, leaving you to get on with the day-to-day running of your business. And because you can sell your van quickly, you can get cash back to the bottom line within a few working days.”

To go to auction a van needs to be delivered with all the relevant paperwork, such as registration details, MOT and service history, or alternatively BCA can collect the vehicle for a small fee. An entry form will then be completed; this is a legally binding document giving the auctioneer permission to sell the vehicle on the seller’s behalf and confirming details of make, model and specification. BCA can provide information and advice on a sensible price for a van of the type and age being sold.

Once the van is handed over, BCA will use a range of techniques to market it, including searchable online catalogues such as www.commercialauctionview.com, e-marketing and SMS messaging. The van will then be entered in the next suitable sale and sold to the highest bidder, with BCA taking care of payments and the VAT element. After it is sold the seller will be sent a cheque - less the commission and charges - in just a few working days.