Just sold our caravan via eBay. My advice is:
Think of eBay as a shop window, it advertises you're van to the masses, but you don't need to actually sell it on there. We put it on a free listing with a £1 start price. A lot of people searching for things select the order displayed to lowest price first, so a £1 start gets attention! You don't need loads of photos as genuine buyer's will come and view the van.... I put up 1 single photo. And you don't need to list a lot of the standard features, I didn't, just the better selling points such as the motor mover. Keep it simple, give the basics.
Within an hour of listing our van, a couple wanted to view that same evening. They came round an hour later and agreed a cash price. They transferred the funds into our account the following morning and took it away later that day.
After the van had gone I then cancelled the eBay listing. Meanwhile, it had attracted 99 watchers, 18 bids and had already gone well past £3,000. I had 3 offers of £6k, 2 of £6500 and another of £7k!
I saw a caravan on Gumtree last Monday, viewed same day. Put my van on Gumtree last Tuesday night. Had a phonecall to view the next day, van sold upon viewing for the price I wanted.. Bought the van I viewed on the Thursday.
The only thing I can say about both vans was the ads were honest about the good and bad. And all pictures showed vans off to their best, e.g uncluttered, clean, nice cushions/rug (things like this do attract, especially when the female of the house has a say!).
I also think a photo of the caravan sited with awning up helps to "sell" the lifestyle therefore the caravan.
I have looked at pictures of caravans where the floor is full of awnings/water barrels etc and the old upholstery looks tired and uninviting. I havent been bothered to explore further. Dont make the mistake of thinking that as long as a van is "sound" it will sell. It has to appeal first (think of how a showhome is presented).
Yes I agree with that, caravan was completely emptied, all cleaned inside and out, bed made etc.
First impressions count, and when potential buyers view a van, it needs to be looking it's best.
When I get back from my hols I will have the best presented caravan for sale in the south. I might advertise it further a field too.
I might do a video of it too and post a link.
I really want this van to see to someone who really wants a nice van not cheap to some chancer who will wreck it because they don't care as it was cheap.
It really is a nice van.
I want to keep it again now, doh.
Quote: Originally posted by lunarvenus on 29/5/2013When I get back from my hols I will have the best presented caravan for sale in the south. I might advertise it further a field too.
I might do a video of it too and post a link.
I really want this van to see to someone who really wants a nice van not cheap to some chancer who will wreck it because they don't care as it was cheap.
It really is a nice van.
I want to keep it again now, doh.
Sounds like a plan. I've not seen your ad but if the pictures dont look p to scratch redo the lot - ad, pics, description. If you can rustle up a good pic of a trip away with it sited on a nice pitch put that on as well. I am attracted to those pics rather than those of vans in a lockup or garage for example. I have successfully sold a few caravans, trailer tent, campervan and did include a nice set-up photo, and threw a strategically placed cushion around for inside photos.
Perhaps 40% of buyers will know exactly what they want and not care about the niceties. The other 60% will just be looking for a "nice caravan" - like buying a car because they like the colour. It's all psychological.
Some good points there.
I was thinking of setting it all up once cleaned etc , then some nice new pics, maybe a bbq.
Possible some people in awning when its raining watching TV.
Maybe my boy flying a kite.
Quote: Originally posted by snowy747 on 29/5/2013
You given up Charlichoo?
Ali
Yes, we've sold up and ended our tin top trips.
Wasn't using the 'van much and was sick of it being on the drive.
Had some amazing holidays with it in Austria, which we'll miss.
But hardly used it for UK hols.
Sold it for £7k which we were happy with as it was only £10200 new 5 years ago in July.
Ah yes, dear old Austria, I miss it so much as I have been twice a year for many years. Not been since 2006 and we won't get away again until my parents are no longer here.
Off to Bude in 3 weeks to a cottage, it will be fine and we love the area and will make the most of it but how I miss Austria.
You got a good price. You selling the 4 X 4 too? Pathfinder isn't it?
One just sold on eBay for £925 so things are looking up.
Over the next week or two I will prep the van for a photo session and then spend some time advertising it in the right places.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: why can`t I sell my caravan.??
