Avoid the number plate rip off
Avoid the number plate rip off
James Newell dispels a few myths about the number plate market and gives tips & advice on saving money when buying or selling number plates.
With so many number plate dealers selling largely similar stocks of number plates- it’s possible that a number plate can have a different asking price from dealer to dealer- and this figure can fluctuate by thousands of pounds.
It pays to shop around- as with anything- but more so with number plates as spending 30 minutes or so looking at the market can be worth a great deal of saved money.
Buy direct from the DVLA
If you want to buy an unissued prefix or “new style” combination – a so called “make your own” number plate- then it pays to check first with the DVLA.
Many number plate dealers are “DVLA resellers” which means they advertise number plates for sale on behalf of the DVLA and in doing so add a commission.
An example would be buying a combination such as G3 ABC – such a plate would be offered for sale at the DVLA for £250 with nothing more to pay.
Some dealers may advertise this plate for as little as £144 which makes it appear cheaper.
Once you have added the transfer fee and VAT then suddenly this plate when bought via a dealer can cost as much as £300.
It’s worth stressing that not all number plate dealers are DVLA resellers and not all number plate dealers will charge you more than the DVLA – this advice highlights the possible pitfalls when buying number plates and how to insure against them.
Compare the dealers
Many number plate dealers can have the same number plate for sale. It’s possible that this number plate is offered for sale at different prices at the different dealers (similar to some estate agencies)
It’s worth taking the time to conduct a few searches and jot down a few prices and the dealers who advertise which plate for which price to enable you to get the best deal.
It’s worth comparing number plates and prices to find what’s best for you.
In addition to buying directly from the DVLA- you may also buy directly from DVLA auctions.
These auctions are held every two months and all details can be found at the DVLA auctions website.
The auction lots are not unissued and sequential registrations as with the DVLAregistrations website – but you can find some great quality number plates at rock bottom prices.
Details of forthcoming lots and previously achieved prices cane be found here which is a great tool when trying to find your ideal number plate or gauge it’s approximate value.
Number plate classified adverts
Clearly when buying something it pays to buy direct and “cut out the middleman” Number plate classified advertising is a new alternative to using number plate dealers.
This website is leading the way with some advanced and industry-first features which are all designed with the easy and affordable buying and selling of number plates in mind.
Related articles
Number plates – a buyers guide
What’s on your plate?
Related links
Buying numberplates
How to buy a number plate
Which number plate to buy?
Number plate investment
Wanted number plate adverts
How to transfer a number plate
Selling numberplates
How to sell a number plate
Can I sell my number plate?
What is my number plate worth?
How to transfer a number plate
