Selling online

Jean & Leroy · 03-09-2006, 01:10 PM

Some time ago I asked on this site about selling RVs on the Internet. I've advertised our 2004 Meridian 36G on several sites that were suggested here and recently reduced the price to $122,000. It's in pristine condition, but I've still had very few inquiries. Any suggestions?

Jean & Leroy · 03-09-2006, 01:10 PM

Some time ago I asked on this site about selling RVs on the Internet. I've advertised our 2004 Meridian 36G on several sites that were suggested here and recently reduced the price to $122,000. It's in pristine condition, but I've still had very few inquiries. Any suggestions?

Tom N · 03-09-2006, 02:21 PM

What was MSRP on your Meridian???

Jean & Leroy · 03-10-2006, 11:36 AM

It was $192,504.

Duner · 03-10-2006, 07:59 PM

J&L,
When I was selling my '99 Chieftain in '03, I was very disappointed with the results from 3 major web sites. Lots of inquiries but all are looking for rock bottom price & my coach looked like new. I sold it when I parked it by the freeway about 4 miles from my house with BIG sign in windshield ($65,000)and rear panel. Got 3 bidders on the very first weekend. Also had a lot of interest when I went to a "RV Show". La Mesa RV was having their parking lot sale at a local K-Mart. I just parked with the customers and my $65K price looked pretty good compared to the well worn $80-90K that La Mesa wanted for several used ones they had.

If your rig is in really mint condition, I recommend spending your weekends taking the rig at a highly traveled site where people can see it. How far is I95 for you? It's kind of a pain going back and forth ( I didn't leave mine out over nite). But once you get that 1st interested party, it like fishing, you'll be back for more.

Good Luck!
Bill

N8XV · 03-11-2006, 06:01 AM

I agree with Duner, most of the online people are looking for a bargain. You need to park it in a high traffic area with a big for sale sign and a detailed list about it.

Tom N · 03-11-2006, 06:54 AM

Don't know what you paid but with some hard bargaining your coach could have been bought for ~$143,000 or slightly less new. Your Meridian probably depreciated >$21,000 in 2 1/2 model years.

In my opinion think roughly $1000 a month depreciation on a coach purchased new. More expensive coaches have much higher depreciation. Sad but mostly true.

Jean & Leroy · 03-11-2006, 07:05 AM

You must be a pretty good bargainer. That would be a 26% discount. I must say that I'm pretty discouraged with the whole "big" RV industry. First, they price coaches at at least 20% over what they're willing to sell them for; the depreciation is enormous; I've been dealing with a couple of wholesalers connected to big dealers and they are so slimy--worse than the worst of used car dealers. To top it all off, I get ten mailings a week from the Affinity Group, who owns Trailer Life, Woodalls, has its fingers into Camping World, sells insurance, road coverage, discounts to campgrounds, etc. There is no entity that seems to act as watchdog or check on either the industry or the Affinity Group, which seems to be the major arm of the industry. I've had some form of RV since 1982. Now I'm feeling that it just takes a long time to learn about insidious the industry is.

rebelsbeach · 03-11-2006, 07:26 AM

Jean,I think you hit on a magic word...."education".

It's pretty much common knowledge,found on many of these rv forums that a 25% discount off MSRP can be obtained...When I bought my coach recently,I could have even gotten 27% off,had I wanted to travel....Having worked with the local Winnebago dealer in my area before,I was fortunate that he "met" the 25% off...
Being a "veteran" of his service department's good reputation,it was worth the two percent for me to stay close to home....Having said that,if you're closest dealer doesn't have that good reputation, you might choose differently.

If I didn't have a dealer close,I would call Ron Lichtsinn in Iowa...Check "Big Trace's" experiences elsewhere on this thread...

If you're looking to trade,maybe give him a call?

BigTrace · 03-11-2006, 07:33 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by BigTrace:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jean & Leroy:
You must be a pretty good bargainer. That would be a 26% discount. I must say that I'm pretty discouraged with the whole "big" RV industry. First, they price coaches at at least 20% over what they're willing to sell them for; the depreciation is enormous; I've been dealing with a couple of wholesalers connected to big dealers and they are so slimy--worse than the worst of used car dealers. To top it all off, I get ten mailings a week from the Affinity Group, who owns Trailer Life, Woodalls, has its fingers into Camping World, sells insurance, road coverage, discounts to campgrounds, etc. There is no entity that seems to act as watchdog or check on either the industry or the Affinity Group, which seems to be the major arm of the industry. I've had some form of RV since 1982. Now I'm feeling that it just takes a long time to learn about insidious the industry is. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Unfortunately, every one of us is in the same boat. Everyone here SHOULD be getting near 26% as a discount when buying it new. It's all about buying it "right" the first time and doing a bunch of homework before the purchase. Also, it's about uniqueness and resale when you buy it. Just like our homes, eye and curb appeal mean everything. The bottom line is, "Have you enjoyed yourself"? I sure have, and no amount of money can buy what I've experienced while RV-ing.

The other BIG factor you are faced with is the "softness" of the market. The "Class A" market was down some 18% last year. The BIGGEST factor is fuel prices. I agree with all of the others in that you may want to consider placing it in a great, visible location, an RV show etc. Word of mouth is also another good factor as I sold my last coach to friends of ours. You will probably also have better luck as it gets closer to summertime when more people are in the market. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

ON EDIT: I forgot to mention also if you are planning on purchasing another, the "homework" for buying a new or used MH AND the sale of your existing MH should begin at least 1 year in advance. I ALWAYS recommend also that you sell your existing MH PRIOR to purchasing your new one. If your planning to trade, I still recommend selling prior as the dealer will most likely low-ball your existing rig to give you a better deal on the new one. Everything is a give and take..

Duner · 03-11-2006, 07:59 AM

Also, stay away fom the wholesalers!!! They are looking for 30 cents on the dollar. Bank repros, auctions are their source.

One more choice (if you have one in your area) is a "park-n-sell". The one by me is $150/mo for rv's. You leave it there and keys are with the manager of the lot. They will escort interested buyers in & out, start the motor, but not drive it. This place is noted for serious sellers with nice vehicles because cars pay $45/weekend, $35 2nd weekend, etc and they have to move the car out because its a park-n-ride Mon-Fri. Only rv's & boats stay all week.

Don't get discourged too quickly! If you priced it too low and it sold on the 3 day, you'd be kicking yourself for not making $10K more. You'll just have inch the price down til it sells.

Bill