Help What is the Best way to show sell and close a Boat Sale? Bombard the potential buyer with Lots of info? Buddy up? Any suggestions?
Ebay How to show and close a boat sale ?
- Thread starter Chuck711
- Start date
- Status
I've sold
two boats (14 & 22') and bought two boats (22 & 23') on eBay. All experiences have for the most part been good. The price for these sales was in the $2500 - 3000 range so we are talking about a great difference in selling price between a 23 footer and your 33' boat but I think the advice will be the same. First - a honest discription of the boat including standard and added features. Disclose warts and rough spots. Answer all questions that will come your way. In any event make sure you state that the boat is being sold AS IS WHERE IS Second - lots of pix. Buyers always seem to want pix. Third - offer inspection PRIOR to bidding. For a boat your size you may want to consider making the deal subject to a survey. Fourth - Make hauling away the buyers responsibility but offer help if there is a local boat hauler and/or someone to demast etc.. Fifth - require a nonrefundable deposit within say 3 days. Make sure it's secure funds because of the scams that are being pulled. PayPal is always good. Be careful - make sure MOs and checks are "real" Last - Make auction subject to local sale. I know there is more info but that's all I can come up with right now. Good luck.
two boats (14 & 22') and bought two boats (22 & 23') on eBay. All experiences have for the most part been good. The price for these sales was in the $2500 - 3000 range so we are talking about a great difference in selling price between a 23 footer and your 33' boat but I think the advice will be the same. First - a honest discription of the boat including standard and added features. Disclose warts and rough spots. Answer all questions that will come your way. In any event make sure you state that the boat is being sold AS IS WHERE IS Second - lots of pix. Buyers always seem to want pix. Third - offer inspection PRIOR to bidding. For a boat your size you may want to consider making the deal subject to a survey. Fourth - Make hauling away the buyers responsibility but offer help if there is a local boat hauler and/or someone to demast etc.. Fifth - require a nonrefundable deposit within say 3 days. Make sure it's secure funds because of the scams that are being pulled. PayPal is always good. Be careful - make sure MOs and checks are "real" Last - Make auction subject to local sale. I know there is more info but that's all I can come up with right now. Good luck.
Follow a couple of auctions
and see how they end, you might want to have a reserve price so that you don't end up selling it for way less than its worth. I just saw a decent Choy Lee go for less than 10k and I would think at a min that boat should have fetched 15k so that was a good example and what about the buyer never completing the deal.
and see how they end, you might want to have a reserve price so that you don't end up selling it for way less than its worth. I just saw a decent Choy Lee go for less than 10k and I would think at a min that boat should have fetched 15k so that was a good example and what about the buyer never completing the deal.
eBay
In the last month, I sold a travel trailer and a pickup on eBay...combined at over $33k. - Set a reserve price so you don't lose a lot of money. - I did not do it, but set a 'buy now' price...I will do it next time. - Don't be to firm on pick up/delivery...put 'negotiable.' - As mentioned, lots of pics, inside and out. For .15 they are a bargain and everybody wants them. - You can be as detailed as you want in the narrative. Draft a narrative before you actually get on line. That way you can refine it and get it exactly as you want it without being under pressure to finish it while registering your item. When it comes time to fill in the narrative, copy and paste it. - If you have a good reason for selling, list it. A good reason is 'moving up' or 'just lost job, must sell.' - I would not list it is to be sold 'as is.' That infers there is something wrong with it. - Some will want to look at it, some will not. Tell them they are welcome to come see it and check it out. Of course, you'll want it immaculate if they come to look at it. - Be sure you check the eBay option to accept emails from interested parties. That way you'll get questions from interested parties. Also check that you want copies of your replies sent to your email address, that way you'll have a record of various 'conversations.' Have fun!
In the last month, I sold a travel trailer and a pickup on eBay...combined at over $33k. - Set a reserve price so you don't lose a lot of money. - I did not do it, but set a 'buy now' price...I will do it next time. - Don't be to firm on pick up/delivery...put 'negotiable.' - As mentioned, lots of pics, inside and out. For .15 they are a bargain and everybody wants them. - You can be as detailed as you want in the narrative. Draft a narrative before you actually get on line. That way you can refine it and get it exactly as you want it without being under pressure to finish it while registering your item. When it comes time to fill in the narrative, copy and paste it. - If you have a good reason for selling, list it. A good reason is 'moving up' or 'just lost job, must sell.' - I would not list it is to be sold 'as is.' That infers there is something wrong with it. - Some will want to look at it, some will not. Tell them they are welcome to come see it and check it out. Of course, you'll want it immaculate if they come to look at it. - Be sure you check the eBay option to accept emails from interested parties. That way you'll get questions from interested parties. Also check that you want copies of your replies sent to your email address, that way you'll have a record of various 'conversations.' Have fun!
Chuck
(1)You have to know how much you are willing to take for your product,(boat). Know what it is selling for all around. Understand that this is in your area and not Florida.It's probably easier there, than in say Canada. Larger market, more buyers ,more boats.(2) So understand the market in your area. Motorcycles dont sell so fast in the winter, more sell in the spring. Impulse buyers. With Ebay, honesty is first and foremost. Check out other auctions. (3)Good quality pictures(closeups preferably),Spring for the enlargements.(4) List everything you can think of regarding the boat from the life jackets to the anchor rode. Any questions should be posted in your auction. This will save you from having to answer them over and over.It's pretty self explanatory the actual listing part. Don't be disappointed if it doesn't sell right away. you can relist it. Naturally it's not free so watch the fees. Good luck and I'll keep a eye out for it. Keep it up, Ctskip
(1)You have to know how much you are willing to take for your product,(boat). Know what it is selling for all around. Understand that this is in your area and not Florida.It's probably easier there, than in say Canada. Larger market, more buyers ,more boats.(2) So understand the market in your area. Motorcycles dont sell so fast in the winter, more sell in the spring. Impulse buyers. With Ebay, honesty is first and foremost. Check out other auctions. (3)Good quality pictures(closeups preferably),Spring for the enlargements.(4) List everything you can think of regarding the boat from the life jackets to the anchor rode. Any questions should be posted in your auction. This will save you from having to answer them over and over.It's pretty self explanatory the actual listing part. Don't be disappointed if it doesn't sell right away. you can relist it. Naturally it's not free so watch the fees. Good luck and I'll keep a eye out for it. Keep it up, Ctskip
Consider Selling Your Boat Here
I had good luck selling my boat in the Classified Ads on this O'Day Owners Website. (The site is, of course, open to list all brands of boats.) I sold my boat in about a month. You might try it here first, before eBay, and maybe get a little bit more for your boat.
I had good luck selling my boat in the Classified Ads on this O'Day Owners Website. (The site is, of course, open to list all brands of boats.) I sold my boat in about a month. You might try it here first, before eBay, and maybe get a little bit more for your boat.
I can add this as a buyer.
I purchased my 222 O'Day through e-Bay.. I had caught in several pix's of interiors, water spotting and signs of leaking going on there on the bulkheads at the chain plate area. My concern was core damage on the deck. Some of the my questions clearly were not answered with knowledge of what this meant. But I did get glossy answers. One seller cut me off short after the third e-mail question and told me that he sold the boat locally for cheaper than his buy it now price. Hee He. Now I knew he was hiding something.. Moral --be sure to answer questions promptly and completely without fudge and candy. I even saw a guy posted a picture of his boat hanging from a tree with the trailer out from under it. Just be careful of the pixs you display and make sure they show both inside and out. e-Bay is a great place to buy and sell. You are competing with the professionals and you are getting world wide exposure. I think you need to buy something and learn before you sell. I live in up state Ohio and bought in lower Tenn. I placed a non refundable deposit to hold my boat for a week so that I could see my purchase before paying the final amount and tow her home. Ask lots of questions before hand.. I'd do it again.
I purchased my 222 O'Day through e-Bay.. I had caught in several pix's of interiors, water spotting and signs of leaking going on there on the bulkheads at the chain plate area. My concern was core damage on the deck. Some of the my questions clearly were not answered with knowledge of what this meant. But I did get glossy answers. One seller cut me off short after the third e-mail question and told me that he sold the boat locally for cheaper than his buy it now price. Hee He. Now I knew he was hiding something.. Moral --be sure to answer questions promptly and completely without fudge and candy. I even saw a guy posted a picture of his boat hanging from a tree with the trailer out from under it. Just be careful of the pixs you display and make sure they show both inside and out. e-Bay is a great place to buy and sell. You are competing with the professionals and you are getting world wide exposure. I think you need to buy something and learn before you sell. I live in up state Ohio and bought in lower Tenn. I placed a non refundable deposit to hold my boat for a week so that I could see my purchase before paying the final amount and tow her home. Ask lots of questions before hand.. I'd do it again.
Selling Suggestions
Chuck, I had seen your boat advertised on eBay and one other location. I am interested in a soal draft since I will be moving the New Bern in the next few years, otherwise I may have been interested. Just a few suggestions.............. Improve on the pictures, you are trying to show how great your boat is and why someone would want to buy it. Include pictures that are clear and unclutered. Include pictures of the head and engine. You want your add to pop and really grab attention. As an example of a site that gives great detail check the following link. It is from my brothers Slocum 43 that he recently sold. It is across from you at the Sheraton on "B" doc, assuming the new owners have not started the world cruise. www.slocum43.com
Chuck, I had seen your boat advertised on eBay and one other location. I am interested in a soal draft since I will be moving the New Bern in the next few years, otherwise I may have been interested. Just a few suggestions.............. Improve on the pictures, you are trying to show how great your boat is and why someone would want to buy it. Include pictures that are clear and unclutered. Include pictures of the head and engine. You want your add to pop and really grab attention. As an example of a site that gives great detail check the following link. It is from my brothers Slocum 43 that he recently sold. It is across from you at the Sheraton on "B" doc, assuming the new owners have not started the world cruise. www.slocum43.com
I'm getting a lot of Exposure !!
Thanks to all. You've given me very good and sound ideas on handling the situation. I have had 525 lookers in 2 days and 23 people watching the sale. I think thats pretty good. Fairwinds however is quite a boat!! This is pretty exciting! I'm in an area where a lot of people move to and their first thought is buy a boat. I hope someone buys "Fairwinds" and actally uses it, Hopefully cruise. I'll keep all the thoughts in mind. I stated I'm available for phone or email questions. I set the deposit real low hopefully that will make a difference. As for stating" where is as is" Well sadly my best intentions could get me sued if I didn't state that...............
Thanks to all. You've given me very good and sound ideas on handling the situation. I have had 525 lookers in 2 days and 23 people watching the sale. I think thats pretty good. Fairwinds however is quite a boat!! This is pretty exciting! I'm in an area where a lot of people move to and their first thought is buy a boat. I hope someone buys "Fairwinds" and actally uses it, Hopefully cruise. I'll keep all the thoughts in mind. I stated I'm available for phone or email questions. I set the deposit real low hopefully that will make a difference. As for stating" where is as is" Well sadly my best intentions could get me sued if I didn't state that...............
Ebay "Buy it now " Feature
Glad you liked my listing. I wish I could use " Buy it now" Feature however you must have a high rate of use with Ebay to qualify. Why I can't think of a good reason to limit it. It must be a carrot to use Ebay a lot.I think having a hidden reserve is scary to buyers.........
Glad you liked my listing. I wish I could use " Buy it now" Feature however you must have a high rate of use with Ebay to qualify. Why I can't think of a good reason to limit it. It must be a carrot to use Ebay a lot.I think having a hidden reserve is scary to buyers.........
Reserve
The reserve should not scare buyers. If they make an offer with which they are comfortable, and it does not meet the reserve, they have lost nothing. Then, if still comfortable, they can raise their offer.
The reserve should not scare buyers. If they make an offer with which they are comfortable, and it does not meet the reserve, they have lost nothing. Then, if still comfortable, they can raise their offer.
I'm getting a lot Exposure on Ebay still 2 days
Bert I really don't understand your thought. I think you mean the min. opening bid as they can't see my reserve. I think having a $500 deposit a good idea that should relax buyers. I noticed however that most boats have a $2000 Deposit. So far I've had 950 view my auction. That really blows me away!!! 1988 Cal 33 ( Fresh Water Boat from Michigan ) now in NC
Bert I really don't understand your thought. I think you mean the min. opening bid as they can't see my reserve. I think having a $500 deposit a good idea that should relax buyers. I noticed however that most boats have a $2000 Deposit. So far I've had 950 view my auction. That really blows me away!!! 1988 Cal 33 ( Fresh Water Boat from Michigan ) now in NC
Reserve
Chuck711...As you know the bidders cannot see the reserve. When I sold my truck I had an opening bid of $10k and a reserve of $22k, which was below retail. Therefore, if somebody was interested, he could bid any amount with which he was comfortable over $10k. Maybe he thought he could steal it a $12k or $15k or any amount. The guy that bought my truck ended up making three bids...if I had to guess, I'd say he started at $20K went to $21k and then $22k...when eBay told him he met the reserve. He got a great deal and I got $5k more than the dealer was going to give me.
Chuck711...As you know the bidders cannot see the reserve. When I sold my truck I had an opening bid of $10k and a reserve of $22k, which was below retail. Therefore, if somebody was interested, he could bid any amount with which he was comfortable over $10k. Maybe he thought he could steal it a $12k or $15k or any amount. The guy that bought my truck ended up making three bids...if I had to guess, I'd say he started at $20K went to $21k and then $22k...when eBay told him he met the reserve. He got a great deal and I got $5k more than the dealer was going to give me.
Buy It Now Option
If you ever list a high dollar item on eBay with a "buy it now" option, be sure to use the option that forces to buyer who utilizes "buy it now" to pay immediately. I didn't do this (at first) when I sold a car on eBay, and had to list it 4 times (the 4th time, I finally learned about the "immediate pay" option) before I was able to successfully, properly sell it. The first 3 times, I had scammers utilize "buy it now", pulling out of the bid, but they had no intention of buying. All three were "over pay by counterfeit cashier's chack" scams.
If you ever list a high dollar item on eBay with a "buy it now" option, be sure to use the option that forces to buyer who utilizes "buy it now" to pay immediately. I didn't do this (at first) when I sold a car on eBay, and had to list it 4 times (the 4th time, I finally learned about the "immediate pay" option) before I was able to successfully, properly sell it. The first 3 times, I had scammers utilize "buy it now", pulling out of the bid, but they had no intention of buying. All three were "over pay by counterfeit cashier's chack" scams.
- Status