Thanks to the proliferation of the internet searching for auto shipping companies is now easier. You could also use a variety of sources to come up with a list of shipping companies to contact. You could use an ad paper, search up the telephone directories, ask old friends who have experienced shipping their autos too, and other sources.

1. Select Your Top 10 Choices

When you get a large list of about 20 to 30 the next step is to contact each and every one of them by phone to get more information. Before you do so, prepare a list of things you want to ask the shipper. These questions should relate to your needs and your capability to pay for the shipping. You will also want to include questions that will affect convenience on your part and the shipper’s part. Take into consideration things like schedules, quality of service and other concerns.

For example, you could ask them regarding their packages. See if they offer one that suits your needs and is within your price range. Ask about the terms and conditions surrounding the delivery.

2. Check Your List

Create a checklist of factors you desire of an auto shipping service. Then against this list the various prospective shipping companies you would like to investigate. As you talk to them on the phone, or over the internet, see if their services can match up to the factors you listed on your checklist. Put a check mark on every factor a shipping service can deliver. At this point you may want to weed out the undesirable prospects on your checklist.

3. Get Quotations

This is where many of the prospects get shown the door. It is true that one of the most important considerations is the price. So when you ask for quotations try and badger them into giving you their best price. It may be their last opportunity to win you over.

4. Compile and discard

Once you receive the quotes, you will be faced with the real decision: which of these shipping companies will you entrust your auto to? Basically what you do is try to find a compromise between the price you can afford and the features or quality of service the auto shipping service offers. You can even do this iteratively and weed out the list one by one, voting out the least desirable service until you are left with only three.

When you have about two or three quotations left, you can now make your final decision. Your final list will probably contain auto shipping carriers who have similar features and similar prices. How do you know which service to engage? Call them and haggle with them!

5. Haggle!

Shipping companies can give you a little leeway with their pricing. This is especially true if you are shopping for a shipping service. Try to get the ones that offer the most perks. However, you should never forget that quality comes first. Don’t compromise the quality of service for a few perks. Remember, it’s your auto we’re talking about. Among these three companies try and tease them a little bit. Tell them you found a company that is willing to give you the same service at lower price. Try and see if you can push the prices a little lower.

Be honest. Don’t try to bluff them by telling them you got this great deal when in fact you didn’t. If he calls your bluff and hangs up on you, and all the while he actually had the best offer, you will get stuck with nothing.

About the author:

For more great auto shipping related articles and resources check out http://www.transport-tips.com< /a>

Technorati Tags: automotive, autocare, auto care, car care, auto repair

With prices averaging more than $20,000 for a new vehicle and $9,500 for a four-year-old vehicle, most consumers need financing or leasing to acquire a vehicle. In some cases, buyers use “direct lending:” they obtain a loan directly from a finance company, bank or credit union.

In direct lending, a buyer agrees to pay the amount financed, plus an agreed-upon finance charge, over a period of time. Once a buyer and a vehicle dealership enter into a contract and the buyer agrees to a vehicle price, the buyer uses the loan proceeds from the direct lender to pay the dealership for the vehicle.

Consumers also may arrange for a vehicle loan over the Internet. The most common type of vehicle financing, is “dealership financing.”, but the smart car buyer knows it’s better to shop for financing before you shop for the car, and the internet is fast becoming the “big dog” in auto financing.

In a dealership financing arrangement, a buyer and a dealership enter into a contract where the buyer agrees to pay the amount financed, plus an agreed-upon finance charge, over a period of time. The dealership may retain the contract, but usually sells it to an assignee (such as a bank, finance company or credit union), which services the account and collects the payments. For a vehicle buyer, internet financing offers:

1. Convenience - Consumers can shop for financing from many different sources (often from one website), from the comfort and privacy of their own home.

2. Multiple financing options - A potential auto buyer now has the power to “shop the nation” for auto financing and get approval within minutes, without ever leaving their den or living room.

3. Special programs - From time to time, online loan entities may offer incentive discounts to buyers who have procured a loan with them previously, or are already doing business with a partnered company.

4. Low overhead - Some financial companies are now “internet only” which allows them to have very low overhead. In turn they tend to pass the savings on to their customers in the form of lower interest rates, and to their employees in the form of better wages. The later usually translates into better customer service.

For the vehicle buyer, dealership financing offers:

1. Convenience - Dealers offer buyers vehicles and financing in one place.

2. Multiple financing relationships - The dealership’s relationships with a variety of banks and finance companies mean they can offer buyers a range of financing options.

3. Special programs - From time to time, dealerships may offer manufacturer-sponsored, low-rate programs to buyers.

One downside of waiting to finance through a dealership is that the customer may get “car fever”, and step into a financing situation that may be less than optimal, just so they can “drive the car home today”. Automobile salesmen are quite aware of this potential, and will sometimes help the customer’s emotions get the best of them.

Do your homework - The complete article can be found at http://www.aloanandlovingit.com/vehicle-finance.html

…Arm yourself with knowledge and you become invincible!

About The Author

John Martin is the owner of aloanandlovingit.com, a personal finance website featuring up to date, informative content. Visit http://www.aloanandlovingit.com and signup for the now famous, seven-day financial awareness e-course.

(c) 2005 eyebye media (John Martin)

Technorati Tags: automotive, autocare, auto care, car care, auto repair

If you’re trading in a car to a dealer follow these steps and get an extra $500 to $1500 for it!

Get the wholesale price for the car you’re trading in. This allows you to have a starting figure and know what the dealer thinks your vehicle is worth.

Now you’ll know what you can expect to get from your car, but the dealer won’t make it easy.

Remember, they’re trying to make a profit, and giving you as little as possible for your trade-in is another way they can make money.

They’ll try to bargain down the price they’ll give you for your car by saying:

“There are huge rebates on the new ones which affects the secondary market.”

“That’s a nice car, but we have 6 just like it already on the lot.”

“Oh, that’s an old body style… they’re impossible to sell anymore.”

“Wow, this one’s been through the wringer… there sure are a lot of dings and scratches.”

“Hmmm…it has a lot of miles on it… we’ll have to take it to the auction.”

Of course, some of these statements might be true, but the dealer is also likely to exaggerate so they can under-value your car. How can you fight back? Here are a few tips:

Have your vehicle professionally detailed.

Bring all your service records to show the car was properly maintained.

Make sure everything works: air, radio, etc.

Put a few new car brochures (from other manufacturers) are in your car, plainly visible, so the salesperson knows you’re shopping.

If you you follow these simple steps you will guarantee to get more for your trade-in!
About the Author

Gus Skarlis is a former car dealer and founder of Before You Buy A Car. His Book “10 Things You Must Do Before You Even Think About Buying A Vehicle” has helped thousands of consumers save money and time when purchasing a vehicle. This FREE resource takes you step by step through the car buying process. The site is located at: http://www.BeforeYouBuyACar.com

Technorati Tags: automotive, autocare, auto care, car care, auto repair