Best Way to Sell?

[atx111]

I'm looking to sell an '08 Kawasaki Jet Ski and was just wondering what route of selling have people had the best luck with. I currently have it listed on Craigslist, besides the random emails from people trying to lowball me with an amount that isnt even half of NADA value, only had one guy call with an area code from Aruba who claimed to be Austrailian who wanted to wire money and have it picked up to ship to Australia for a "mate," and he had a "mate" in Dallas who could vouch for him. Seems just a bit fishy.

Anyway, are other ways better like eBay, the classified section here on iboats.com, or just the local paper? I would rather deal locally so as to not have to deal with a potential scammer. I like to think I'm a pretty smart guy, but scammers seem to be pretty clever too. Just wondering if anyone had any input. Thanks!

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Best Way to Sell?

Advertise locally. grocery stores, convenience stores, pennysaver free newspaper etc. Cheap and see what happens.
Don't trust anyone that sounds like it could remotely be a scam.
Dollar bills in your hand are the only proof that someone seriously wants to purchase an item.
Scammers everywhere just waiting for ads like yours. Beware.

 

[JB]

Re: Best Way to Sell?

CL has the advantage of reaching a lot of local people who can come see it, and whom you can meet face to face to negotiate details and close the deal.

eBay, on the other hand, is an auction. You should be able to a.) get a higher price, and b.) sell it by a certain date, regardless of price. The problem there is getting paid and getting it shipped or picked up or having to deliver it many miles.

I have sold 2 boats on eBay and one on CL. I got better prices on eBay but had hassles getting the transaction closed. The CL sale went very well but I didn't get as much as I thought I should. Same for the car I sold on CL.

I had best luck and satisfaction with boats I sold on ContinuousWave.com, but that is only a place to sell Boston Whalers and outboards for Boston Whalers. I did have to deliver 2 boats long distances.

 

[atx111]

Re: Best Way to Sell?

Thanks for the input, I think you've reinforced my feeling that advertising/dealing locally is better where the buyer hands you cash and take the boat themselves. It just sucks that there are people out there who aren't bothered by taking advantage of people and ruining things for honest people.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Best Way to Sell?

if you have surrounding CL's advertise in them, also we have 15 or 20 area CL's here in Fl.

 

[atx111]

Re: Best Way to Sell?

if you have surrounding CL's advertise in them, also we have 15 or 20 area CL's here in Fl.

That's a good idea...geez...I should have thought of that! Although, in SC Kansas, we sure don't have 15-20 area Craigslists!

 

[Isaacm1986]

Re: Best Way to Sell?

Craigslist is a great way to sell things, but expect people to want a good deal. I Sell a lot of things on craigslist, but I almost never get what I know they are worth.

Ebay is also a great way to sell, and you will get more money for your boat but you will have to hassle with delivery and shipping.

I have not found local advertising to be effective anymore, because everyone knows they can a better deal on craigslist.

just my 2cents.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Best Way to Sell?

That's a good idea...geez...I should have thought of that! Although, in SC Kansas, we sure don't have 15-20 area Craigslists!

CL does try to prevent this. Shift the sentences around in your ad to get around it.

 

[atx111]

Re: Best Way to Sell?

Craigslist is a great way to sell things, but expect people to want a good deal. I Sell a lot of things on craigslist, but I almost never get what I know they are worth.

That's kind of what I expected. I think that people are betting that you're selling things like boats because of some sort of financial hardship or whatever when you're selling in the off season. I know I won't get what its worth, it's not like I have to sell the jet ski right away. We just really dont need it now that we have a boat. I figure once spring gets closer, people will start getting the itch for summer and be looking for stuff like that rather than just the people throwing out lowball offers.

 

[Tubingluvr]

Re: Best Way to Sell?

Have you tried traderonline.com?
Listing prices range between $35 and $125 and includes an online listing with picture and also placed in the boat trader magazine(those free mags you see at the grocery and party stores)
I have bought and sold many boats this way.

 

[avenger79]

Re: Best Way to Sell?

selling on CL is great I have had good success a number of times. the biggest lesson I've learned is it's just luck in timing. I have had things listed that wound being taken off after 60 or 90 days whatever, then a few months later I'll relist them and they are literally gone within the hour.

just a matter of listing it at the same time someone is looking for it.

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: Best Way to Sell?

It's all supply and demand. If it has the value you demand it will get it. If not, you demand too much.

 

[atx111]

Re: Best Way to Sell?

Yeah, I've heard the same thing about timing. I don't necessarily think timing is good with snow on the ground, but who knows!

 

[Adjuster]

Re: Best Way to Sell?

Any local boat shops take it on consignment? You will give up some money but have none of the sales hassle.

 

[atx111]

Re: Best Way to Sell?

Sold it! Thanks for the great input! Just hope I don't regret selling an almost brand new jet ski and keeping a 32 year old boat!

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Best Way to Sell?

Well my 2 cents aint worth a dime now that its sold..
But I sold my old umm POS IMP Trihull in 2 days

A cool go kart in 30 minutes..no lie all on CL.