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Sell Used Car Parts Online: Listing, Pricing and Shipping
Most car enthusiasts in South Africa have a stash: the standard exhaust you took off the GTI, the old headlights from a Ranger upgrade, a spare set of steel wheels, or an entire parted-out Corolla sitting behind the garage. That stash is money, and there is a steady stream of buyers looking for exactly those parts.
This guide covers the full process of selling used car parts online, from setting up and listing to pricing and getting the part to a buyer safely.
Why sell online instead of to a scrapyard?
Scrapyards and scrap dealers pay for bulk and convenience, which usually means a low price. Selling individually to the person who actually needs the part lets you capture its real value. The trade-off has traditionally been hassle: time-wasters, lowballers and buyers who “will come Saturday” and never do. A structured marketplace with escrow payments and locker delivery cuts most of that out.
Step 1: Get set up as a seller
On SecureAutoMarket, sellers go through a simple onboarding process so buyers know they are dealing with a verified seller. The vendor onboarding page explains what you need and walks you through setting up your store. Once your store is live, buyers can browse everything you sell in one place.
Remember: the marketplace is for car parts and accessories only, new or pre-owned. Complete vehicles and illegal goods cannot be listed.
Step 2: Identify the part properly
The single biggest thing you can do to sell faster is tell the buyer exactly what the part is. Buyers search by part number and by vehicle, so give them both.
- Find the OEM part number. It is often on a sticker, stamped into metal or moulded into plastic. Clean the part first if you need to.
- Name the donor vehicle. Make, model, year, engine size and body style, for example “2016 Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 double cab”.
- List known compatibility carefully. Only claim fitment you are confident about. “Also fits” guesses lead to returns and claims.
Step 3: Photograph and describe it well
Good photos sell parts. Take clear, well-lit photos from every angle, including mounting points, connectors and any damage. Our full guide on photographing and describing used car parts covers this in detail, but the key rule is simple: show the buyer everything they would check if they were holding it.
In the description, include:
- The part name and part number
- The donor vehicle and, if known, mileage
- Condition, with specific flaws (“small scratch on lens, all mounting tabs intact”)
- What is included and what is not (bulbs, brackets, wiring pigtails, bolts)
- Why it was removed, if relevant (“removed for aftermarket upgrade, working when removed”)
Used parts are sold “as is” (voetstoots), but that does not cover misdescription. If a buyer receives a part that is materially not as described, they can raise a claim before accepting it. Honest, detailed descriptions protect you as much as the buyer.
Step 4: Price it right
Pricing used parts is part research, part judgement.
Research the market
- Check the new price for the same part number from a dealer or parts store. A used part needs to be noticeably cheaper to make sense.
- Look at similar used listings. Search by part number and vehicle to see what others are asking.
- Consider demand. Parts for popular vehicles like Polos, Hiluxes, Rangers and Corollas often sell quickly because so many are on the road. Parts for rare vehicles may take longer to move, but buyers who need them often have few alternatives.
Adjust for condition
A clean, low-mileage part with all its tabs and connectors deserves a better price than one with repairs or missing bits. Be realistic: buyers compare, and an overpriced listing just sits there.
Factor in costs
Remember to account for packaging and marketplace fees when setting your price. Current fees are on the fees page; check it rather than guessing.
Step 5: Pack and ship via PUDO
Once a buyer pays, their money is held in escrow by TradeSafe, and you get on with shipping. SecureAutoMarket uses PUDO lockers from The Courier Guy’s network, which makes shipping far simpler than traditional courier bookings:
- Pack the part securely.
- Choose the right locker size for the parcel.
- Drop it off at a nearby PUDO locker using a PIN.
There is no courier account and no printing. The buyer collects from their chosen locker.
Know the locker sizes
| Size | Dimensions (cm) | Max weight |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 60 × 17 × 8 | 2 kg |
| S | 60 × 41 × 8 | 5 kg |
| M | 60 × 41 × 19 | 10 kg |
| L | 60 × 41 × 41 | 15 kg |
| XL | 60 × 41 × 69 | 20 kg |
Measure and weigh the packed parcel before listing so you know which size applies. Our packing guide and the vendor shipping guide cover this in more depth.
Step 6: Get paid
After the buyer collects their parcel, they have a short inspection window. You are paid once they accept the part, or once 24 hours pass after the parcel is delivered to their locker. No chasing EFTs, no fake proof-of-payment screenshots.
Tips for sellers who want repeat business
- Respond quickly to buyer questions. A fast, clear answer often closes the sale.
- Ship promptly once an order is paid.
- Under-promise on condition. A buyer who gets a part better than expected comes back.
- Keep your stock accurate. Remove listings as soon as a part is sold elsewhere or damaged.
- Group related parts. A buyer after a headlight might also need the matching indicator or grille.
The bottom line
Selling used car parts online is a great way to turn garage clutter into cash, as long as you describe parts honestly, price them realistically and ship them safely. With escrow-protected payments and locker delivery, SecureAutoMarket takes care of the parts that usually go wrong, so you can focus on listing.
Keep reading
- How to Photograph and Describe Car Parts So They Sell Fast
- How to Find the Right Car Part Number Using Your VIN
- OEM vs Aftermarket vs Pattern Parts: Which Should You Buy?
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell car parts if I am not a business?
The vendor onboarding page explains who can sell on SecureAutoMarket and what you need to get started. Only car parts and accessories can be listed; vehicles themselves and illegal goods are prohibited.
Do I need a courier account to ship parts?
No. On SecureAutoMarket you drop the parcel into a nearby PUDO locker using a PIN. There is no courier account to set up and nothing to print.
When do I get paid for a sale?
The buyer’s payment is held in escrow by TradeSafe. You are paid once the buyer accepts the part, or once the inspection window passes, which is 24 hours after the parcel is delivered to the buyer’s locker.
How should I price a used part?
Check what the same part number is selling for new and used, then adjust for condition, mileage and demand. Price honestly for the condition you describe.
