Thanks for bringing it in
Hi {{name}}, thank you for bringing your car in today. I'll have an appraisal ready soon and I'll send the figure with the reasons behind it.
Car trade in follow up texts: 13 templates for dealers
A customer left their car with you for an appraisal, and now they are waiting for a number and wondering if it is fair. How you explain it decides whether they trade with you or take the offer down the road. These 13 messages cover asking for photos, delivering the appraisal, handling a low figure, asking about a loan, what to bring, and following up when they go quiet. They go to people who gave you their number during the visit. Copy any message, or add all 13 to your keyboard and send them in one tap. It works in any app, including iMessage, WhatsApp, Messenger and SMS.
Works in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger and every other app.
Words in {{double braces}} are blanks. In the textcuts keyboard you fill them with one tap, and the names you used recently come back.
Valuing the car
Asking for photos
{{name}}, could you send photos of the car? Front, back, both sides, the inside and the dashboard showing the mileage. It speeds up the appraisal.
Appraisal ready
Hello {{name}}, your appraisal is done. I'd like to walk you through how we got there, not just give a number. Do you want a call or to stop by?
They disagree with the value
I hear you, {{name}}. If you have an offer elsewhere, send it and I'll look again. The appraisal reflects condition and the market, not a judgment of you.
Offer holds until
The figure holds until {{date}} as long as the car's condition stays the same. After that I'll refresh it for you.
Details
Loan on the car
Do you still owe money on the car, {{name}}? If so, send me the lender's name and I'll get the payoff amount, so you know what comes out of the value.
Keys and papers
Before you come in, {{name}}, bring both keys, the registration and the title or lender information. If you can't find something, tell me and we'll work it out.
Cleaning tip
A quick tip, {{name}}: a wash and an empty trunk before you come in make the car easier to appraise. Nothing fancy needed.
Selling without buying
You don't have to buy from us to sell us the car, {{name}}. If you'd like a plain offer, I can do that.
Deciding
Market moves
{{name}}, used car values move week by week. If you're still deciding, I can refresh the appraisal when you're ready.
Quiet follow up
Hi {{name}}, still thinking about the trade? Tell me if the figure was the issue or if the timing isn't right. I'll adjust my help either way.
After
After the trade
Thanks for trusting us with your old car, {{name}}. I hope you enjoy the new one. Text me if you need help with the settings or the phone pairing.
Friend wants a quote
If anyone you know wants to find out what their car is worth, {{name}}, send them my way. The appraisal takes about twenty minutes and costs nothing.
When to send each message
| When | Message | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Same day | Thanks for bringing it in | Always. |
| Within 24 hours | Appraisal ready | As soon as it is ready. |
| Along with the figure | Offer holds until | Set the end date. |
| When the deal moves | Keys and papers | Papers. |
| Day 7 | Quiet follow up | Only if no answer. |
| A few days after | After the trade | Once. |
Do not say
Texting a number that never agreed to hear from you, or one from a bought list.
Instead: Text only people who gave you their number and agreed to hear from you. Type each message yourself, and stop the moment they ask. In the US, texting rules (TCPA) require consent.
A guaranteed trade value before you have seen the car.
Instead: Say the figure depends on the inspection and give the date it holds until.
"We will beat any offer" when you cannot.
Instead: Offer to look again at a written offer.
Texting people who only asked for a quote and never agreed to messages.
Instead: Text the people who gave you their number and honor stop requests.
"Guaranteed financing", "everyone approved" or "no credit needed".
Instead: Say you will review their options together and that approval depends on the lender.
Copy pasted pitches that open with "Hey buddy" or ignore what the person told you.
Instead: Start with their name and one detail from your conversation.
Fake urgency ("only one left", "another buyer is coming") when it is not true.
Instead: Say what is true: where the car is and what is ready.
A price or monthly payment you cannot honor.
Instead: Send the full written figure, with taxes and fees, or invite them in.
Works in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger and every other app.
Frequently asked questions
Should I text the appraisal figure?
You can, but explain how you got there in the same message or offer a call. A number alone invites a comparison.
What if they say another dealer offered more?
Ask to see it, look again honestly, and leave it there. The disagreement template does that.
Do these work on the free plan?
Yes. All 13 use one blank, so they work fully on the free plan, which allows 8 textcuts, 1 folder and 1 blank per textcut. Add your 8 favorites first.
Is it okay to text customers, and what about opt out?
Text people who gave you their number and agreed to be contacted, one message at a time. Tell new contacts how to stop, for example "tell me if you'd rather not get texts", and honor any stop request right away. Never text bought lists.
Does it work in WhatsApp, iMessage and other apps?
Yes. The textcuts keyboard works in any app where you type: iMessage, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, SMS and email.