How to Sell Car Parts Online in South Africa: Seller's Guide

Whether you've got a single set of OEM wheels in the garage or a yard full of stripped chassis, South Africa's used-parts market is hungrier than ever — and the buyers are tired of phoning twenty scrapyards to find one alternator. This guide walks you through every step from price-setting to handover, with the specifics that actually matter in ZA.

The two things that separate a R200 sale from a R2,000 sale are honest photos and accurate fitment. Everything else is gravy.

Pricing a used part

The rule of thumb: 30–60% of the cheapest new aftermarket equivalent for parts in clean working order, 15–25% for cosmetic-only or untested items. Search OnePart, Gumtree and Facebook groups for the same part to set a floor. For OEM parts on German performance cars, you can often go higher — buyers will pay 70% of OEM new for a clean used unit because the OE quality is worth it.

Don't price for the dream buyer. Price for the buyer who is comparing five listings tonight. If yours is the cleanest photo at a sensible number, you win.

Photos that actually sell

• Daylight, neutral background. A driveway in morning light beats a fluorescent garage every time.
• Six angles minimum. Front, back, both sides, mounting points, any flaws.
• Include the part number. Crop a sharp macro of the OEM sticker. This single photo doubles enquiries.
• Show defects honestly. A cracked tab in the listing is fine. A cracked tab in the box is a refund.

OnePart's AI listing tool will draft a description from your photos and a short note. You can edit before publishing — never publish without reading.

Fitment-accurate descriptions

Generic descriptions cost you money in two ways: fewer buyers find the listing, and the ones who do may return it. Always include:

• Make, model, year range, body code (e.g. BMW F30 320i 2012–2018, N20 engine)
• OEM part number(s) and any cross-references you know
• Whether it's pre-facelift, facelift, LHD/RHD specific, or market-specific
• Condition: tested working, untested as removed, refurbished, damaged for spares

Packaging and couriers in SA

For most small to medium parts, The Courier Guy is the workhorse — countrywide, reliable tracking, reasonable insurance. RAM is excellent for fragile or bulky items (panels, glass). Aramex works well door-to-door for boxes under 30kg. For engines, gearboxes and full body panels, use a dedicated motor-freight broker — your courier price tool inside OnePart will surface the best option per parcel size.

Wrap glass and lights in bubble wrap (minimum 3 layers) and double-box. Photograph the packed parcel before sealing — your evidence in any in-transit dispute.

Getting paid safely

Sell only through the platform checkout. Funds are held in escrow until the buyer confirms delivery, then released to your bank account. This protects both sides: buyers can't ghost you, and you can't be accused of misrepresentation. If a buyer asks for direct EFT, refuse — and report the attempt. Honest buyers don't ask.

Note for dealers and scrapyards

South Africa's Second-Hand Goods Act (Act 6 of 2009) requires registered second-hand goods dealers (which includes scrapyards) to keep records of stock acquisition and to be SAPS-registered. OnePart's business accounts include a compliance acknowledgement at signup — see the Seller Agreement for details.