Posted 2007-11-11 3:24 PM (#70896) Subject: Used trailer blue book??
New User
Posts: 1
Location: Wisconsin
I'm looking at buying a "newer" living qtrs trailer, just gently used I hope, but I have no idea what to offer these people when they come back and say "What's your offer"
Seems dealer prices tend to be higher than individuals selling outright, any suggestions?
Posted 2007-11-12 9:55 AM (#70944 - in reply to #70896) Subject: RE: Used trailer blue book??
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Posts: 720
Location: Never miss a good chance to shut up.
Originally written by painthorse7796 on 2007-11-11 3:24 PM
I'm looking at buying a "newer" living qtrs trailer, just gently used I hope, but I have no idea what to offer these people when they come back and say "What's your offer"
Seems dealer prices tend to be higher than individuals selling outright, any suggestions?
Best thing to do for "knowing your market" and doing your homework. There is no useful trailer blue book, but you can scout out prices on this website and get a pretty good idea.
Posted 2007-11-13 7:55 AM (#71037 - in reply to #70896) Subject: RE: Used trailer blue book??
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
We have purchased two LQ trailers from private individuals and have saved a considerable amount of money by not paying the dealer mark ups.
Go to the HTW trailer web site, click on the type of trailer and brand you are considering, and you will be presented with a list of comparable trailers. This will give you an indication of pricing from both individuals and dealers.
The prices will fluctuate depending on the time of the year. This is the start of a buyer's market when many people sell their trailers in the fall to eliminate storage costs and concerns for the winter. In the spring prices will rise as it will be a seller's advantage when people want the trailers for the rest of the year.
As others have stated, do your homework by looking and asking lots of questions.
Posted 2007-11-13 9:24 AM (#71050 - in reply to #70896) Subject: RE: Used trailer blue book??
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Posts: 720
My dog isn't fighting here but...... I see used trailers on here all the time that are priced higher than I see the same trailers at a dealer's yard. So let's be careful about generalizations. Some dealers are too high, but some individuals are too. I have seen "for sale by owner" LQs on here for more than they brought new a few years ago. So check carefully, no matter where you are buying.
Posted 2007-11-13 9:50 AM (#71057 - in reply to #70896) Subject: RE: Used trailer blue book??
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
My statement indicated that I have saved money by not paying a dealer mark up. That happened.
Dealers have to have a mark up to stay in business, without it they have the going out of business sales. They have a bottom line that they cannot exceed. A private sale is sometimes determined by factors a dealer cannot consider; desire for new equipment, financial considerations, usage etc. The pricing an individual would consider can vary greatly compared to a dealer's more restricted budget.
Many individuals do price their possessions at a price higher than their worth. They hear about a high priced sale and think that their item is worth the same or more. Just check out the advertised pricing of horses. The true value of any item is what another person is willing to spend for it, whether it is at a dealer or private residence. It has been my experience that an individual has a wider latitude in pricing than a dealer. A buyer can use this knowledge to his advantage.
Posted 2007-11-13 8:22 PM (#71123 - in reply to #70896) Subject: RE: Used trailer blue book??
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Posts: 285
If there is any dealers close by that sell the brand that you are looking at, you might give them a call and see if they could tell you what the retail is. Doesn't hurt to try.