Is it tacky to question pricing at the Classifieds?

[Getaways]

I saw a model that was, to me, way over priced at the classifieds. I'm guessing they think since they've never used the kitchen appliances and only towed twice it is still new! However, being almost 8 year old model, I don't think the lack of use doesn't impact annual depreciation on a trailer.

Anyway, is it tacky for me to comment that it seems overpriced for what a new model can be gotten for? Or just ignore it?

I don't know the protocol.

[xrvr]

Unless I were interested in buying it I would ignore. People can ask anything they want. Jim

[danlehosky]

I think any concerns you have including depreciation are appropriate. Negotiating smart is to your advantage. Once you buy whatever trailer you decide on the chances of seeing the sellers are slim. Questioning the validity or bonus of a lightly used trailer being sold for a more than premium price is just sensible not tacky.

Dan

[Janet H]

Originally Posted by danlehosky

I think any concerns you have including depreciation are appropriate. Negotiating smart is to your advantage. Once you buy whatever trailer you decide on the chances of seeing the sellers are slim. Questioning the validity or bonus of a lightly used trailer being sold for a more than premium price is just sensible not tacky.

Dan

I agree with this IF, you are interested in buying. But if you are just a casual shopper or lurker, it's best not to leave these kinds of comments.

[vswingfield]

I think all three previous replies are correct. It's smart to be aware of new prices and how they should be adjusted with the passage of time. But, if you're not interested in buying, why waste your time?

There is one person that has in the past put many parts in the classifieds that were apparently made of platinum and diamond studded, judging by the prices asked. In many cases new exact replacements were available for significantly less. I was always amazed, but didn't really see any point in commenting. Certainly no point in contacting him, even if it was something that interested me.

[AWCHIEF]

"Is it tacky to question pricing at the Classifieds?"
Definetly not, a product is only worth what someone will pay for it.

[dkottum]

Assuming you are a buyer, make an offer direct to the seller.

I agree on some of the pricing there, kinda high. We watched that several times when shopping for our two Airstreams, and for the late model prices asked, might as well have the many benefits of new. They might be better off asking closer to what they will actually accept.

Dealers do the same thing on used Airstreams, probably because they are taking trades. But they often get premium prices on used. I've had them tell me flat out new trailer price with discount can be pretty close to late model.

doug k

[Gene]

It's like a low mileage car—it gets a better price than an average mileage car of the same year, trim level and such, but not all that much more.

People often think their stuff is worth more than it is. Eventually they lower the price. When you ask them show them how similar trailers are getting much less and make an offer; if they don't take it, tell them to let you know if they decide to lower the price so you can make a bid before they post the new price. You might point out it will need new tires, seals checked, other maintenance to update it.

Gene

[purman]

Whats funny is, everyone who gets given an AS or inherits one thinks is worth a fortune for some reason.. WELL THERE NOT... Unless they have been totally re-done. I called a guy about a used 72 last fall who wanted $10,000, inherited from his folks who passed away. Was all original he said, everything worked. The inside was falling apart. I offered him $2500. I think he was very insulted. I told him, he would be lucky to get $3000. He keep insisting it was an original classic. I keep telling him, that means more work and money... don't know if he sold it or not.

[DKB_SATX]

Experience tells me that it's only worth commenting to them on the reality of their price if you're making an offer, and even constructive comments are not always received well.

I once privately commented to someone offering their trailer on the forums classifieds at a premium price that the photos they showed didn't support the price, and perhaps they should take better pictures. Now, I thought I was careful to make the comment about the photos, but I was basically told that I was rude to comment at all. While I agree it would have been rude to comment on the public part of the listing, it's their trailer to sell and they can fantasize about any price they want.

Like the scam-listing prices that are ridiculously low, I suspect that there's not much to be gained from making a reasonable offer. While there is probably a real trailer there to sell (unlike the scam listings), sellers with crazy-high prices probably aren't ready to deal with reality.

While it's not on AIRForums classifieds that I know of, here's a case in point that comes up in my automated daily search lately. $16,250 for a '69 Overlander in decent but unremarkable unrestored condition.
http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/rvs/3075812154.html

[purman]

Originally Posted by DKB_SATX

While it's not on AIRForums classifieds that I know of, here's a case in point that comes up in my automated daily search lately. $16,250 for a '69 Overlander in decent but unremarkable unrestored condition.
(.).) 1969 AIRSTREAM overlander 27' NICE

WOW, This is what i'm talking about. Sure the axles are shot. Who knows about the floor. At least the inside is in ok condition. I would give them $4000-$5000 for it. They are dreaming at $16,000.

[handn]

If I find a trailer I think is vastly overpriced I don't even call.
If I am really interested I make a fair offer and silently walk away if the seller squawks. Sometimes people will slap a ridiculous price on something they think is unique in hopes they will find someone who just got off the boat.
I think it gets you no where to debate the price without your offer on the table.

[Getaways]

Thanks for all the replies. Been away from a computer for almost a week. Unless I'd had previous bad experiences with someone I really wouldn't put a public comment questioning their integrity...... or sanity....

But I did see someone do this once in the classifieds, hence my original question.

later.

[sakthorp]

As tempting as it may be, I have found that "price policing" is usually not worth the effort. Often, the seller is clueless about what a fair market value is, OR they are simply not motivated to sell unless they can secure a top price for their trailer.

Some feel that it's in bad taste to comment about pricing on someone else's post/thread. Not sure how I'd personally feel receiving a unsolicited opinion either. I feel it's the seller's responsibility to research market value and would not want to deal with someone who has not taken the time to educate themselves.

Thankfully, we are looking to buy new, so only have to dicker with a dealer :-)