Looking to sell your RV online? The RV Trader marketplace is the best place to do so. (Everyone knows this, right?) But how do you craft the perfect listing? We asked people who have recently bought an RV, and we came up with a list of five things that will definitely spook a buyer — just in time for Halloween. Avoiding these common pitfalls when selling your RV online will help you get the ultimate treat: an authentic, enthusiastic buyer.
Don’t Want Scare an RV Buyer? Avoid These Mistakes
1. Crime Scene Photography
Besides the price tag, one of the first things that buyers look at are your photos. Good photos are likely your best asset when selling your RV online, but they can also be the biggest challenge.
Modern smartphones have incredible cameras but they can’t solve all the problems in front of the lens. When I was working at a dealership I learned a lot about taking RV photos. Here’s how to make your RV look its best, and not like something out of CSI.
First, clear off surfaces and spaces so that the bones – the countertop material, the cupboard interiors, the flooring – can be seen. I have bought and sold a number of vintage RVs and the biggest turn-off, to me, is when there is a ton of clutter in the RV. I’ve seen some photos of RV bathrooms piled high with what can best be described as junk. It’s worth the effort to remove all those items – if only temporarily – so that buyers can see the RV underneath. A polished gem will fetch a lot more than a diamond in the rough.
Second, remove anything that’s not included in the RV. If your special towels, appliances, or anything else are in the photos, they’re assumed to be included in what you’re selling. As with real estate photography, you want to present a blank canvas that a potential buyer can picture themselves in.
Third, get the lighting right. For exteriors, cloudy days will give you even lighting without harsh glare or shadows. When taking interior pictures, close the blinds and turn on the interior lights if at all possible.
Finally, be thorough: Include all the spaces in the RV such as the kitchen, bathroom, living space, and cockpit on drivable rigs. Show the interior of cabinets and appliances where you can – the more photos the better. Photos of the tires and underside – and on drivable rigs, the engine too – will help a prospect gain an idea of the condition the RV is in.
2. An Unreliable Narrator
A frequent frustration for buyers is a lack of details in a listing. For example, how many people can sleep in the RV? What are some of the highlights of the rig? Are there flexible features, such as bunks that could be used as an office or a dining table that can also be converted to a bed for adults?
These details are all really easy to obtain, and you can usually find a list of specs and standard equipment by looking up the RV’s model number. Also, every RV has some unique selling point and oftentimes you’ll find that in the RV manufacturer’s own website.
For the customizations, you may need to consult the original paperwork. If you’re selling the RV on behalf of a relative, perhaps sit with them and make a list of everything they can tell you about the RV. If you have unanswered questions, perhaps find a group that knows the rig and they could help you compile details about the RV.
Putting all this data together – and having it handy when you take calls – will let you answer your buyers’ questions with confidence. With so many scams happening lately, being sketchy or unsure of details might tell a prospective buyer that this is not a legitimate sale, even when it is. The more information you have and the better informed you are, the more confident a prospective buyer can be.
3. A Life Shrouded in Mystery
A description of your RV is incomplete without details of its history. Give buyers a complete picture of the RV they’re considering: Do all the appliances work? How old are the tires and brakes? Has there been a recent inspection or any recent service to demonstrate how well you’ve taken care of the RV?
This one’s for drivable rigs: Do you have all the service records on hand? A documented, consistent service history shows potential buyers that you’ve been diligent about maintenance – and buyers are willing to pay more for that peace of mind.
Speaking of money, you should be ready to answer questions about the financial aspects of the RV; for example, if you have to pay off a loan to complete the transaction. It’s also good to have on hand all your documentation, including relevant ownership information – if there is someone willing to buy your RV, you don’t want to delay the sale while you hunt down paperwork.
4. Ghosting the Answering Machine
Once you’ve found someone who’s interested in the RV you’re selling, be responsive. Sometimes when I try to buy an RV, I’ll contact the buyer several times but never hear back. Or, when they eventually called back, it was too late – I had moved on.
Engaging with buyers tells them that you’re motivated to find a new home for your home on wheels and that can help when selling your RV online. You can, in turn, gauge their interest by the questions they ask. But being evasive or difficult to reach – well, that’ll send them to the next listing that catches their eye.
5. The Devil in the Details
Closing the deal involves paperwork, and if it drags on for too long, that can give buyers cold feet. At the same time, with a transaction this large, you want to make sure you’ve covered all your bases.
Start by gathering all the appropriate paperwork on your end. Next, it’s reasonable to inquire about the abilities of the buyer to complete the transaction. Ask for a copy of their proof before letting them do a test drive on a motorized RV.
Are you financing your RV at the moment, and would they also need to do the same? It’s worth checking in with the financial institution that you’re using to finance the RV to see if your potential buyers will qualify for a similar loan and if so, the loan officer can help complete the process.
Bonus Tip for Selling Your RV Online
Not Knowing Who’s at the Door
This one’s for you, the seller: It might seem daunting to sell your RV by yourself, but the rewards are also considerable. After all, there’s a new RV that might be in your future or even just some space in the driveway that you’ve been hoping to take advantage of.
Meeting a buyer can be an intimidating part of selling your RV online — but it doesn’t have to be. Many local law enforcement agencies have space in their parking lot and are happy to offer the space to people conducting vehicle transactions. Having the police on your side could also help weed out anyone nefarious hoping to take advantage of you.
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Halloween is a spooky time of year, but selling your RV doesn’t have to be scary. Present your RV with the details that prospective buyers are looking for, and be responsive, honest, and confident when answering their questions – they’re likely asking the same ones you would ask. Best of luck with your sale! RV Trader is the right place to start.