Consumer Protection BC has received complaints from consumers who have had bad experiences with third parties calling them to offer to sell or advertise their cars for them, online or otherwise. While online car sales are not regulated by Consumer Protection BC, we do license certain segments of the telemarketing industry.

Here are a few tips to help you make an informed decision before agreeing to have a third party selling your car:

1. Know who you are doing business with. There are many reputable companies out there, so do your research. Call Consumer Protection BC and the Better Business Bureau to ask if there have been any complaints against the company you are considering.
2. Read the fine print. Whether online or in person, always educate yourself about the terms and conditions of the sale. Doing so will help you determine whether you want to deal with the company or not.
3. Ask about refunds. You will want to know what happens to your money if your car doesn’t sell and how much you will get if it does sell. You will also want to know what happens if you change your mind (if there's a cooling off period).
4. Get references. Selling your car can be a big sale. It’s a good idea to ask the company for references of satisfied customers. If the company is reputable, supplying references shouldn’t be a problem for them.
5. Don’t be fooled by slick websites. Scammers and companies who may not follow good practices can make a great looking website, too. Again, do your research. Check blogs and message boards to see what people are saying about the company you are considering. These will often pop up in an internet search - sometimes you need to scroll down the page to find them as they may not be the first link to be displayed.

There is a lot involved with selling your car. Make sure you take the time to think about your decision if you choose not to sell your car yourself. If you have a question about your rights, please contact us at 1-888-564-9963 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The person who is assisting you in selling your vehicle may also be required to be licensed by the Motor Vehicle Sales Authority.  The Authority regulates car sales in British Columbia and is responsible for licensing car salespeople and dealers.  Consumers who purchase vehicles through a BC licensed dealer also have access to the motor dealer customer compensation fund.  If you have questions about selling your vehicle online through a third party, contact the Motor Vehicle Sales Authority.