14 January, 2026
PHOTO CHECKLIST: Selling your car – clear, trusted, and complete.
14 January, 2026
What Buyers Expect to See — At a Minimum
This checklist ensures your listing is clear, trusted, and complete. You don’t need perfect photos. You need the right ones.1. Preparation (Before You Shoot)
☐ Wash the exterior ☐ Clean the interior (seats, dashboard, trunk) ☐ Remove all personal items ☐ Park on flat ground ☐ Choose a quiet, neutral background ☐ Shoot in daylight (morning or late afternoon)2. Digital Identity & Legal Compliance (The 2026 Standard)
In 2026, these photos allow buyers to “Verify” your car instantly via AI apps. ☐ VIN (Chassis Number): Clear shot of the plate (usually B-pillar or windshield). ☐ Field 24 (Typenschein): Close-up of this number in your Fahrzeugausweis. ☐ Dashboard “Heartbeat”: Engine running, showing odometer and zero warning lights. ☐ CO2 Compliance Note: If a 2026 import, a photo of the paid CO2 sanction receipt.3. High-Voltage Transparency (For EVs & Hybrids)
Without these, Swiss buyers will price in a “battery risk” discount. ☐ State of Health (SOH) Screen: The battery health % from the car menu. ☐ Charging Port: Close-up showing clean pins/no thermal wear. ☐ Cables & Frunk: Type-2 and CCS cables neatly coiled in the front trunk.4. The “Swiss Care” Signals (Price Anchors)
These details prove the car was maintained to local standards. ☐ DOT Code (Tire Age): Close-up of the 4-digit date code on the sidewall. ☐ Digital Service Log: A photo of the “Service History” screen in the infotainment. ☐ Brake Hardware: A shot through the wheel spokes showing clean rotors/pads. ☐ 2026 Vignette: Visible on the glass or the digital confirmation screen.5. Exterior — The Professional Walk-Around
☐ Front 3/4 View: The “Hero” shot. ☐ Rear 3/4 View: From the opposite corner. ☐ Full Profile (Both sides): Camera held at door-handle height. ☐ Underbody/Sill: A low-angle shot to prove no rust or salt damage.6. Interior — The “Showroom” Experience
☐ Driver’s seat: Overview shot ☐ Passenger’s seat: Overview shot ☐ Reat seats: Overview shot ☐ Driver’s Bolster: Close-up of the seat edge (the first place to show wear). ☐ Rear Bench Detail shot: Showing ISOFIX points and clean upholstery. ☐ Roof Lining: Providing a smoke-free/clean environment. ☐ Center Console: Showing the screen is scratch-free and functional. ☐ Steering wheel: close up to see all buttons on the steering wheel7. Engine & Trunk — Proof of Care
☐ Engine bay (clean, not polished) ☐ Open trunk ☐ Trunk floor visible8. The “Honesty” Folder (Damage Documentation)
☐ Curb Rash: Close-ups of any rim scratches. ☐ Stone Chips: Be upfront about the hood/bonnet condition. ☐ Cargo Wear: Scratches on the trunk loading lip. ☐ Rim damage: Don’t hide anything.9. Documentation — Confidence Signals
☐ Service book / service records ☐ Spare key: if available ☐ Accessories: winter wheels, roof box, etc.🛡️ The 2026 “Pro-Tip”: The Live-Validation Video
Instead of just photos, record a 30-second continuous walk-around video.- Start at the VIN.
- Circle the car slowly.
- End with the infotainment screen showing the current date. This prevents “Digital Spoofing” and moves you to the top of the search results immediately.