How Pickly Works: Deposit, Inspection, Secure Payment & Delivery (Step-by-Step)

Intro

Buying a used car online shouldn’t feel like gambling. Pickly is built around one simple principle: you should know what you’re buying before you pay in full.
That’s why we combine professional inspections, transparent payment steps, and nationwide delivery—so you can purchase your next car 100% online with confidence.

Below is our process from start to finish.

Step 1: Browse Cars Online

Start by exploring our inventory and filtering by the details that matter most to you—make, model, mileage, price range, location, and key features. Each listing is designed to help you compare options quickly and focus only on cars that match your needs.

Tip: Shortlist 3–5 cars first, then narrow down based on mileage, condition, and overall value.

Step 2: Reserve Your Car With a Small Deposit

Once you find the right car, you reserve it with a small deposit. This does two important things:

1. It helps secure the vehicle while we coordinate inspection scheduling.

2. It confirms you’re a serious buyer, so sellers are more likely to cooperate quickly.

Your deposit is part of a structured, transparent process—not a “pay and hope” situation.

Step 3: We Inspect the Car at the Seller (Before You Pay in Full)

This is where Pickly becomes different from typical online listings.

A trusted, independent inspector checks the vehicle at the seller’s location. The inspection typically includes:

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  Exterior condition (paint, panels, signs of accidents)

  
  


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  Interior (wear, electronics, warning lights)

  
  


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  Mechanical health (engine, transmission, brakes, suspension)

  
  


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  Tires and undercarriage checks (where possible)

  
  


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  VIN verification and document review

  
  


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  Photo documentation and detailed notes

  
  

You receive an inspection report with findings and photos so you can make an informed decision.

Step 4: Review the Report and Decide

After inspection, you’ll have a clear choice:

• Approve the car if it meets expectations

• Request clarifications if you need more detail

• Walk away if serious issues are discovered (based on your policy terms)

This step protects you from surprises and keeps the process buyer-first.

Step 5: Choose Your Payment Option

Once you approve the inspection report, you can complete the purchase using one of two paths:

Option A: Bank Transfer (Wire/ACH)

If you’re buying without financing, you pay the remaining balance by bank transfer after inspection approval. We confirm funds and move to paperwork + delivery scheduling.

Option B: Financing With Minimum 30% Down

If you choose financing, our partners can review your application and offer terms.
In most cases, financing requires a minimum 30% down payment. Once approved and documents are signed, we finalize the transaction and organize transport.

Key point: We structure the process so you’re not asked to commit to the full amount before inspection.

Step 6: Paperwork and Documentation

Pickly coordinates paperwork so you’re not chasing multiple parties. Depending on the deal structure and state requirements, this may include:

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  Bill of sale and purchase documentation

  
  


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  Title and registration-related documents (where applicable)

  
  


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  Delivery confirmation and handover details

  
  

We keep everything clean and trackable.

Step 7: Pickup and Nationwide Delivery

After payment and paperwork are confirmed, we coordinate pickup and delivery through trusted logistics partners. Delivery typically includes:

• Pickup scheduling from the seller

• Transport updates (when available)

• Delivery coordination to your address

When the car arrives, you can visually inspect it upon delivery and confirm condition.

Step 8: Test-Drive Guarantee After Delivery

Even with a strong inspection, real-world peace of mind matters.

That’s why Pickly can offer a test-drive guarantee period (based on your published policy) so you can verify that the vehicle matches expectations after it arrives.

You’ll always see the exact terms on our Guarantee & Warranty page.

Transparent Fees and No Last-Minute Surprises

We believe trust comes from clarity. Pickly aims to present fees upfront, including:

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  Inspection coordination

  
  


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  Paperwork/admin processing

  
  


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  Delivery/logistics (where applicable)

  
  

No hidden charges added at the last step.

FAQ: Common Questions

Do I have to pay the full amount before inspection?

No. Our model is designed so you can reserve the car, complete inspection first, and then approve before paying the remaining balance.

What if the inspection finds serious issues?

If major issues are discovered, you can decide not to proceed. Any deposit handling is governed by the policy shown during reservation.

Can I finance any vehicle?

Financing availability depends on partner criteria, your profile, and the vehicle. We also require a minimum down payment (typically 30%).

Do you deliver nationwide?

We coordinate delivery through logistics partners and support broad coverage across the U.S., depending on vehicle location and route availability.

Call to Action

Ready to buy your next car with confidence?

• Learn the full process: How It Works

• Explore payment options: Financing & Payments

• See protection details: Guarantee & Warranty