If you're a car dealer or just trying to sell your used vehicle, you need to be prepared for questions from the potential buyer. They'll want to know exactly what they're getting, and they will rely on you for that information. Most consumers are aware of car history reports and are encouraged to obtain one before purchasing. But a lot of them shy away from spending the extra money, or they simply walk away from the sale and say they'll "be in touch," when what they really plan to do is obtain a report on their own. But you don't have to let them walk away. Here are four ways in which giving buyers a free VIN history report with each vehicle can help your business and boost sales.

Gives the Buyer What They Want

Whether car sales is old hat or this is the first one you've ever sold, common sense dictates that your prospective buyer will want the full rundown on the vehicle. Besides wanting to know why you are selling the car and if there are any major mechanical problems, they are also likely to ask the following questions:

• Has the car ever been in an accident?
• How many owners has the vehicle had?
• Is the title clean and clear of any claims?
• Has it ever been totaled?
• Is the odometer correct?

Sure, you can be like those other guys who robotically tell the customers what they want to hear. But you know that the proof is in the pudding, and you have the pudding right there in black and white, ready to feed the buyer. Imagine how happy your customers will be when you slide the VIN history report across the desk, giving them exactly what they want.

Gives Buyers Incentive to Purchase

Consider the following scenario:

A prospective buyer comes to you, looks at the car, and likes what they see. They ask the usual questions which you answer, take it for a test drive, and then come back. They tell you they love it, but there's just one little tiny thing.

They want to think about it. You nod politely and silently kick the ground as they walk away.

But here's the thing. Many times, what they really want is the time to obtain the car's vehicle history report. They may tell you this and they may not. The bottom line is this—if a lack of the vehicle's history report is the only thing standing between you and the sale, pulling out that report and handing it over literally tosses those excuses right out the window. Having the facts in writing gives the customer incentive to buy.

Shows You're Honest

You know how most people shop for cars because you've done it yourself. They find the car they want, and they keep their fingers crossed that the salesperson will be honest about everything related to the vehicle. Your customer knows that you can sit there all day and tell them how great the car is and that it's never been in an accident, and that yes, the title is clean.

But those are just words.

When you pull out that VIN history report, something magical happens. You're no longer spewing forth empty words. You're giving them solid evidence that backs you up. And having proof that you're honest is good because it can build trust, and it adds value to the sale. And it could result in repeat commissions over time.

Increases Your Overall Reputation

Reputation is the bread and butter of any successful business. People don't just go anywhere to buy a car. They shop around. They ask their friends and neighbors. They read reviews, and they learn who and what to avoid.

When word gets around that a particular car dealer is upfront, honest, and goes above and beyond to provide customers with everything they need to make an informed decision, which includes the little things like providing a free VIN history report, it can vastly improve your reputation within the community.