Seller FAQ

How does listing my unit work?

1. Submit it. Fill out the form on our /sell page with the basics and your photos.
2. We review it. We look over what you sent and follow up if anything is missing or unclear.
3. We build a draft. Your listing is set up as a draft so we can check the details with you before it goes live.
4. You sign a short listing agreement before the unit goes live.
5. We publish it. Usually 2-3 business days after we receive complete photos and documents.

What do you need from me?

• Photos - at least 8 (exterior, interior, equipment, and the VIN plate), plus a short walkaround video if possible. Clear, well-lit shots of all sides and of any damage.
• Year of the unit
• Length in feet
• Condition - New, Like New, Good, Fair, or Needs Work
• VIN and title - the VIN from the unit and a copy of the title (or tell us if there's a lien or a missing title)
• Asking price and where the unit is located
• An equipment list and anything a buyer should know (recent repairs, known issues)

A listing can't go live without photos, year, length, and condition.

Will my unit be inspected?

Every listing gets a documentation check from our team. We verify the title and VIN and confirm it's a legitimate sale, and we review the unit from your photos and videos. That review is internal and not shared as a report.

A physical inspection is optional and happens only when a buyer asks for one. It's available in the Houston area only and costs $350, paid by the buyer who requests it.

An inspection is not a health department or fire marshal approval and not a warranty - see our "What Inspected Means" page for details.

How do buyers contact me?

Buyer inquiries come to us first, not straight to you. We handle the first inquiries and qualify buyers. We connect you with a buyer once they're serious, usually for a viewing or a deposit.

What does it cost to list?

Listing is free. You pay only on a successful sale: a 5% brokerage fee (see the next question).

How does the brokerage fee work?

• You only pay if the unit sells to a buyer who came through the marketplace. No sale, no brokerage fee.
• The fee is 5% of the sale price, with a $500 minimum - whichever is higher.
• Sales only. The fee doesn't apply to rentals; rental terms are worked out case by case. Contact us.
• After the listing comes down, the fee still applies if a buyer introduced through the marketplace buys the unit within 6 months.

You sign a short listing agreement with these terms before your unit goes live.

Who handles the paperwork and title transfer?

You and the buyer handle the bill of sale, title transfer and registration. We guide you through the steps and verify the title before closing.

You'll need a clear title in your name (or the lienholder's payoff info) for the sale to go through. Title and registration rules depend on the state, so check with your state's DMV or tax office. We don't provide legal advice.

Can you help me price my unit?

Yes, and pricing guidance is free for sellers. We see a lot of units and can tell you how yours compares on age, size, equipment, and condition. The final asking price is always your call. Realistic pricing sells faster - an overpriced unit tends to sit.

How long does my listing stay up?

Listings stay up for 90 days and can be renewed for free.

Can I list my unit for rent instead of selling it?

Yes. Rental listings show a monthly price. You set the rental terms and manage the rental agreement; we list the unit and pass along leads. Tell us your terms - minimum term, deposit, and any restrictions on where the unit can be taken.

The 5% brokerage fee applies to sales only. What we charge on a rental is worked out case by case, so contact us.

How do I remove my listing, or what if it sells somewhere else?

You can ask us to remove your listing anytime by emailing sales@foodtrucktrailermarketplace.com. We archive it within 1 business day. The fee rule still applies: if a buyer introduced through the marketplace buys the unit within 6 months, the brokerage fee is owed.

If you sell to a buyer who didn't come through the marketplace, let us know right away so we stop sending inquiries.

How do I get paid, and how do I avoid scams?

Payment goes directly from the buyer to you. We recommend a wire or cashier's check, and releasing the unit only after the funds clear.

General safety tips:

• Don't release the unit or the title until payment has fully cleared in your account.
• Be cautious of overpayment schemes - a "buyer" sends more than the price and asks you to refund the difference.
• Be wary of buyers who won't see the unit, won't talk by phone, or push you to rush.
• Prefer verifiable payment methods (e.g. bank wire confirmed with your bank, or cashier's check verified directly with the issuing bank).
• If something feels off, call us before you do anything.

Do you take units from outside Houston?

Yes. We accept units from anywhere in the U.S. The in-person inspection is available in the Houston area only.

Who handles transport to the buyer?

We don't arrange transport ourselves, but we can recommend haulers. The buyer pays for transport.