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Silverhobby · 07-10-2009, 08:18 AM

Recently, I have been trying to sell another A/S trailer. I have advertised all of it's shortcomings with full disclosure. I have found that the only thing some people look for are the "pretty curtains, nice upholstery, and floor covering." The operating systems and the chassis are last on their list for some reason. Also, even though I consider my price reasonable, I have had several offers "sight unseen" of about half my asking price. I kindly tell them to find another trailer in similar condition for the money.

StevenG · 07-10-2009, 09:59 AM

I researched here and searched for some months before we drove 800 miles for the '87 we bought. Dealer said it was in great condition, absolutely no dents... When we got there, the first thing I noticed were the hail dings on the street side. Depressing. Not too many, not that obvious, until you knew they were there. But the floor plan was perfect for us. Everything but the hot water heating element worked. The price was right. And you know the best part of the deal? I didn't and don't have to worry about putting a ding in the skin! It's already there!

Now many people probably couldn't live with a few small dimples from the waist down on their A/S (It was apparently under a shelter, and the hail came in at an angle) but I figure any older A/S is going to have some "problem spots." So why sweat it? The inside was/is pristine, we pulled the rear twins and installed a pillow-top queen, and my wife and I just love it!

**Kevin245** · 07-10-2009, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silverhobby

Recently, I have been trying to sell another A/S trailer. I have advertised all of it's shortcomings with full disclosure. I have found that the only thing some people look for are the "pretty curtains, nice upholstery, and floor covering." The operating systems and the chassis are last on their list for some reason. Also, even though I consider my price reasonable, I have had several offers "sight unseen" of about half my asking price. I kindly tell them to find another trailer in similar condition for the money.

Kevin,

You're the Honest Seller who is well informed, fully disclosing, and a rarity in today's world.

You and I have spoken on the subject of vintage unit pricing and the fact that I believe there are a whole lot of overpriced rigs out there, and as you indicate a number of low-ballers looking for someone to take the bait. I believe in reasonable negotiating, but when someone low balls the price it really is insulting.

The sad part of the scenario you describe is that while you're busy informing the prospective buyer of all the good, not so good, and the occasional "this will need to be fixed" details, most buyers aren't listening. Like you said they're too busy looking at the fluffy stuff instead of the details. Then they get mad later on when they realize that the "so and so" doesn't work, even though you told them that from the beginning.

Your appreciative Forum peer,

Kevin

slowmover · 07-10-2009, 05:03 PM

Of course they want the interior to look like a sales brochure! Give it to them!

This is how I sold my 1983 34' Silver Streak:

Several ads (including signature) in several places. I compiled over 110-photos with 5,000-words of description documenting every aspect and square foot of the trailer and sent this out on CD via snail mail. I wanted no "disappointments" from prospective buyers as I live at the end of the road (well, one end of the United States even though Texas continues another 150-miles south).

I had several prospective buyers make roundtrips of over 400-miles each to view the trailer. It sold for the asking price. That it was clean -- with "problems" pointed out -- made the systems repairs and maintenance look all the better. Even the newbies were satisfied that our 210-days on the road in 2007 had made the trailer better (and, a looonng 40+ hours of cleaning a clean trailer at the end).

No matter any anxiety the buyer may have felt as he and I conducted examinations, he always had that CD at home or in the car on the laptop to review. Staging the photos -- good lighting, correct time of day, etc -- was worthwhile. (Short version: remove EVERYTHING. No undercabinet coffeemaker, no toilet paper, no nothin).

As to systems in general, well, I have sold several houses that I was surprised to learn how little buyers cared about electrical, plumbing and HVAC so long as what was present was currently working.

sempi2 · 07-10-2009, 10:12 PM

We knew nothing about trailers period. One day I decided that we should get a TT to tour America. (see my other post - much longer ) What is important to this post is that we had NO idea what we were looking for or at. Totally lucked out since we did not check any of the working parts, ie, oven, fridge, TV, water system, heater, air, etc, etc.
PO had the A/S manual, plus all the receipts for things done. Our trailer is not very old, a 2005, but I suppose we could have been in for some real trouble. Because we didn't check any of the systems we very well could have bought a lame duck.
Thankfully we found all systems working perfectly (after we figured out how to start/work things).
So far the only biggie was a axle that needed to be replaced, due to any apparent tire blowout.
Not may trips under our belt (4), but are looking forward to many, many more - another starting next Thurs, 7-16-09.
Looking forward to making new A/S friends. Certainly like how friendly all seem, sharing food, adult beverages and campfire.

Silverwanabe · 07-13-2009, 08:28 PM

Before I purchased my first Airstream, I researched for years, gained enormous amount of knowledge and then magically my current unit became available.

I gave it a good look over and it had the usual Airstream issues.

I knew it would look great after the remodel. Also the price was within my budget.

It has been a pure pleasure to restore my AS.

I do not know why potential customers expect a unit X years old to be in mint condition for a very low price. Maybe these folks are purchasing their first unit and do not know better, or they are just plain cheap.

Talk is cheap, Airstreams are expensive.

( Wally Byam)

**Janet H** · 07-13-2009, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silverwanabe

I do not know why potential customers expect a unit X years old to be in mint condition for a very low price. Maybe these folks are purchasing their first unit and do not know better, or they are just plain cheap.

Or both.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 07-14-2009, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silverwanabe

I do not know why potential customers expect a unit X years old to be in mint condition for a very low price. Maybe these folks are purchasing their first unit and do not know better, or they are just plain cheap.

Talk is cheap, Airstreams are expensive.

( Wally Byam)

Hi, this is what they think they are getting because this is how the scammers describe them. "Thirty years old, everything is in perfect working condition, and no scratches or dents anywhere." Or, "2006 Bambi $ 5,800.00"