6 Tips for Selling Your RV

Tip #1: Setting the Price

Setting the price is arguably the most difficult (and most important) part of the selling process. We all want to get top dollar for our RV — but keep in mind that your RV is only worth what someone will pay for it. If the Price it too high, you'll have few prospects, and most likely a lengthy (and costly) sale. Few people take into consideration the costs involved in carrying your RV month after month. Don't forget that every month your RV sits unsold, you are incurring monthly cost of ownership, depreciation, interest, insurance, etc. — and fair market value is dropping as your RV ages as well.

Setting the price too low can mean a quick sale, but can leave you kicking yourself when you find out how much money you've left on the table. The solution is to determine the "Fair Market Price."

A good place to start is the NADA website. This site allows you to enter information about your RV and then gives you a low retail and average retail.

Next, it's time to take into consideration several additional factors:

• Overall condition: Are there water leaks, discoloration, dents, paint chips or other structural imperfections? Has your vehicle had all regular scheduled maintenance? Do you have the service records? Do all of the appliances work?
• Mileage: If it is a Motorized unit, does it run as expected for a vehicle of its age and mileage? Is the mileage above or below the average for a vehicle of its age?
• Accessories: Consider everything that came with and has been added to the unit - awnings, satellite dishes, solar panels, A/C unit, antennas, special mirrors, etc. - and how valuable those items might be.

You'll need to add value or deduct value based on the above factors.

Lastly, it's time to turn to the classifieds and compare your RV to other vehicles of the same make, model and age. Keep in mind that the actuals may be well above or below the Nada guides-and that these are the prices that your potential buyers will be comparing your price to.

Tip #2: Pre-Inspection Provides Buyer Peace of Mind

A recent development in private party sales, sellers can now have their RV pre-inspected and given the seal of approval before starting the sales process. The Inspected & Protected program, offered by RVSales.com and their participating service dealers, starts with a comprehensive, 80-point inspection. Once inspected, recreational vehicles receive the Inspected & Protected Seal of Approval-plus 90-day/3,000 Mile mechanical breakdown protection, providing potential purchasers the confidence that the RV is in good mechanical condition.

Not only does it give the seller a leg up over the competition, but having your RV inspected in advance means that you'll avoid having to negotiate the inspection "as part of the deal."

Tip #3: A Show-Ready Shine

Much like preparing your home for an "Open House," make sure that your RV is shined up and ready to show. If possible, make all repairs. Replace worn carpet, clean drapes and make sure the appliances shine. Also take note to make sure that the rig has been aired out and that there are no unpleasant smells.

Tip #4: Getting the Word Out

Thanks to the Internet, you can now reach significantly more prospects than ever before — and at a reasonable cost versus typical print advertising. The Internet allows you to target RV-specific sites. RVSales.com makes it possible for you to list once and be seen on over 800 websites, plus with multiple ad options you choose the ad type that's right for you: limited run, or run until your RV sells. Compare this to local newspaper advertising that needs to be renewed on a weekly basis, or even RV specific publications that are renewed every two weeks.

Be sure your ad clearly identifies make, model, year and mileage, and make sure to include multiple photos... A picture's worth a thousand words — buyers have a hard time visualizing, and photos will go a long way towards getting the call.

Tip #5: Closing the Sale

Closing the sale starts with the very first contact you have with your prospective buyer. That means the very first phone call or email — this is where the true selling starts. Be responsive. Your prospect is most likely inquiring about several RVs at the same time. Check your phone messages frequently, and if you've provided an email address, make sure to check there several times a day as well.

Remember that, for most people, a purchase of this size is the second largest purchase of their life after their home — and it's not unusual for real prospects to contact you several times with lots of questions before committing to come see your rig. Keep a positive attitude, don't oversell, but do let your pride in your vehicle be heard in your voice. Answer questions concisely and completely, but be sure to listen well — what they say may well help you identify the items that are most important to them.

When you feel the time is right, start asking the prospect to take the next step and come see the rig. Take him on a long test drive, and consider letting him "camp" in the rig overnight. Just making the offer lets your prospect know that you are confident they will like the rig.

Finally, ask for the sale.

Tip #6: Take the Puzzle Out of Paperwork

Nothing can muck up a perfect sale quicker than unprepared paperwork. Make sure you have a clean title on your rig available at closing. If you still owe money on your RV, make sure you've had the appropriate paperwork prepared by an escrow company or lawyer to process the sale.

If you own your RV free and clear, be sure to have a proper bill of sale made up and ready to sign. There are numerous sites on the Internet that allow you to download official forms for a nominal fee (usually $10- $20 dollars), or you can check with you state DMV. Another option is to go to a free site such as http://www.autocrisis.com/billofsale.phtml, where sample forms are available. Be sure to check with your state to make sure your bill of sale form is in compliance, as well as any additional forms such as transfer of ownership, etc.

It goes without saying, however — just as a reminder — do not give possession of your RV to the buyer until you have secured funds or have cash in hand. One of the most common, and safest, ways is through a Bank Wire Transfers, followed by cashier's checks. If you take a personal check, be sure to check with your bank a make sure that it has cleared before handing over possession of your rig.

One last note: if the buyer is arranging financing, make sure that he has been provisionally approved before he comes to purchase the rig. This will save you both time and frustration.

Good selling!