Selling and buying, cars, parts, your soul, etc.

[Ef-it]

OK, I haven't sold a car in a while. I have sold a few (around 22 or so not counting the cars sold for friends, I know that isn't much compared to some) since I was 16. Every time I am blown away by people's concept of respect and courtesy towards the buyer or the seller. Here are a few rules that everyone should follow, kinda along the lines of 'Treat people like you would like to be treated', 'Give respect to get it', 'Give everyone the benefit of the doubt, until proven otherwise', and 'Put yourself in their shoes'.
I know you're thinking who is this guy to say how I should act? If that's the attitude you already have please don't post in this thread and stop reading now.
First and foremost. Pointing this out again. Treat buyer or seller with respect. Thank the buyer for taking the time out look at your car, after all they are your potential customer. Thank the seller for looking at what you are selling.

Seller tips:
Make sure you don't have to sell what you are selling. Desperate sellers get less.
Read the buyer. Tell them what would interest them first.
If they aren't in the know when they ask a question, don't have an attitude. Politely answer and give the best explanation you can.
Know what you are selling. Be honest. Have a conscience. Shady just gets you into problems in the future, worst case scenario law suit, jail time, etc. Try to know everything that has been done to maintain it. Try to know what number of owner you are of it. I know in some cases this can't be determined. Have an idea of what it would cost to fix whatever has not been fixed.
Try to get it emission and inspected if possible. Cars listed with that in any listing sell quicker!
Ask a reasonable amount. Understand this, You absolutely will not get all your money back out of it especially a car. Only few cases does someone get it,
usually in the instance of a special item that is extremely hard to find. Or someone just has a lot of money to throw around. A car is the worst investment someone can have, in returns aspect.

Seller: Owner to Customer haggling.
Be flexible as you can. List for more than you need to get out of it. It leaves room to make the customer feel like he is getting a deal. Also leaves room for items that need to be repaired.
The Dreaded lowballer...If they insult with a low ball, try your best to not get offended. I'll try not to go to far into this. Think to yourself where they are possibly coming from. Examples: They are believe in something for nothing. That's just the money they really have to buy. They don't understand value system, supply and demand, etc. Politely say "I am not comfortable with selling for that amount, the lowest I can go is _____"
If they are still rude, "I am not interested in selling for any less. Thank you for your time" Remember supply and demand, this is your property you have a right to get what you want out of it. *Within reason!*
Remember, most of the time there is always someone looking for what you are selling. It is up to you to get them to notice it. Once again within in reason. There are so many places to advertise. Start with a place that has a following that is most interested first. If you own a mint 1953 waffle maker, find a group who collects them.

Buyer Tips:
Important! Have funds available when viewing item! Do not check something out and say "I still have to sell mine first."
Research what you are getting till you can't stand thinking about it anymore. Be prepared. Know what is a problem area and ask if it has or hasn't been corrected. Make sure you look it somewhere well lit. If you meet someone in the club and bring them home and turn on a light, Janet Jackson just went to Freddy Jackson. Look over what you are buying carefully, know what to look for.
When meeting the seller be courteous. They don't have to sell it to you. They might not have to sell it.
Read the seller. Be polite. Get briefly acquainted, check their character. Do you want to buy from this person? Does this person seem like they are shady? Gonna sell you a lemon?

Customer to Owner Haggling:
Don't pick it apart in their face. Know what you have to buy with. Know what you want to pay. Do not approach with an offer very far below set price. Offers can come out as insults. Do not tell them what their items value is. That is just plain rude. If you know of one cheaper elsewhere go elsewhere. Give an example after checking it out why you are wanting to offer your price. "This needs to be fixed, it costs x amount, x amount have it put in."

The Sale:
Seller:
Decide whether taking a deposit is right for you. Make sure there is an agreement written that item will be picked up on certain day with remainder of full amount. If it is not picked up the deposit will be kept. Make sure you are always ready to get property out of ownership asap. If the buyer has full amount money on the spot, try to arrange getting your car or other to them as soon as possible. More time in between gives a flighty buyer think time to back out.
Buyer:
Be ready to take delivery asap. Do not inconvenience the buyer by holding it. Remember they don't have to sell it to you. Money talks. They might have someone looking with more money after you check it out.

Hopefully this was able to open some eyes and give perspective. If everyone tried to use some perspective in every and any interaction we would all be better off as a whole.