How to Sell Used RVs

Used RVs are easy to sell, as long as the seller is ready. When selling anything the process takes commitment and dedication. Recreational vehicles, even Used RVs, are large dependable modes of living and transportation. Recreational vehicles are someone’s home away from home, their weekend getaway, all in all - a lifestyle. Recreational vehicles are personally tailored to the owner, so selling a pre-owned motor home will take patience and the will to convince. The first big decision to be made in selling a preowed recreational vehicle is to decide whether or not to sell privately or through a dealership.

Using a Dealer-the Hands Off Choice!

Dealers are eager and willing to take the recreational vehicle off of the seller’s hands and do the dirty work. Choosing to sell on consignment is the transfer of any Used RVs to a retailer at a wholesale price to be resold. Dealers and consignment recreational vehicle dealer lists are on the internet, phone book, and motorhome magazines. Be selective. Choose wisely. It is important to find a dealer that is both trustworthy and hard working. There are scammers around every corner, waiting to take advantage of anyone and everyone willing to take the bait. Once the dealer has been decided upon, the seller will simply wait - hands off.

Selling Used RVs Privately – The Seller Has Control!

It was recently reported by the RV association that 55% of recreational vehicle sales involve private parties. Preowned recreational vehicles sold privately will give the seller ultimate control over the decision making aspects and the course of action. This choice can be time consuming, but it is almost guaranteed more money will be exchanged when selling privately. Smart, well-thought out decisions will have to made regarding: price, marketing tools and techniques, and the actual sale.

A Simple How To Guide:

1. Price
Price is the most important aspect of selling new or Used RVs. If the recreational vehicle is priced too high, it won’t sell. If the RV is priced too low, money is lost. Since the RV in question is used and pre-owned, there has already been a great amount of depreciation in its value (30% drive off the lot, 10% after 1 year, and approximately 6% each additional year).

Look at www.nadaguides.com, which is a respected internet website that allows the seller to adjust numbers and find a recommended high and low fair market price. Another pricing tool used regularly in the sale of Used RVs is the Kelly Blue Book. The Blue Book also gives suggested values of the RV (wholesale value and loan value). Look at the highest value given on nadaguides.com and look at the lowest value (wholesale value) in the Kelly Blue Book, and choose a fair market price from in between these to values.

2. Marketing
Marketing is an extremely significant step in selling Used RVs. More than likely, the potential buyer will not live in the same town, city, or even state as the seller, so it is vital to advertise the RV image and the appropriate details. There are wide arrays of Used RVs for sale in trader and specialized RVing magazines, as well as on the internet. Select the website or magazine carefully. Be aware of the hidden fees and timing issues involved with classified ads.

A digital camera is necessary to market the used recreational vehicle. It is through these select high quality photographs the prospective buyer is introduced and first convinced of taking the next step in the buying process. The ad should have detailed information about the RV’s interior and exterior, as well as details regarding the price range. At all costs, no one wants random inquiring phone calls or emails from people who can’t actually pay the asking price.

3. Sale
Once the buyer has made the first effort of contact, whether through email or telephone, it is the seller’s responsibility to start making the sale by convincing the prospect to travel (no matter how near or far) to see the RV. Offer the prospect a night in the RV, or a two-hour drive to build trust. Offer to pay for the services of a local mechanic. Mention the price, and listen to the potential buyer’s concerns and needs.
Close the deal, and feel the satisfaction of completing the process of selling a used motor home privately.

Don’t Forget!
Do NOT let the buyer take the RV without having the bill of sale, title, and secured funds in hand! It’s been done before…so don’t forget!