Posted 2012-05-16 5:10 PM (#143991) Subject: Upside down prices??
Veteran
Posts: 213 Location: Virginia
I finally broke down and decided to get a utility trailer to pick up hay, mulch, rock etc. So I started my search at several local trailer dealers and compared brands and prices. I then searched the used utility trailer market. I was shocked! The asking prices for used trailers of the same brand/type were actually higher than the new ones!!! There was one that was in poor condition (needed all new tires, new wood, all new lights, and only had one axle (no brakes) and appeared to be totally rusted) and they wanted 50% of the new price of the one I was looking to buy! I normally try to buy used to save some $$, but this time I bought new and felt like I was getting a deal. Very rare indeed :-) What's up with the used utility trailer market? Any thoughts?
Posted 2012-05-16 8:49 PM (#143993 - in reply to #143991) Subject: RE: Upside down prices??
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 379 Location: Missouri
I think the trailer industry is getting hungry and having to drop prices. It's better to move the trailers at a lower profit margin then to sit on inventory that's not moving. Where as people who have a used trailer for sale feel that the trailer is still worth X amount and aren't considering that the value has dropped.
Posted 2012-05-17 8:18 AM (#144003 - in reply to #143991) Subject: RE: Upside down prices??
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 534 Location: Zionsville, Indiana
Used utility trailers in usable roadworthy condition are rather scarce and in high demand. We rarely have one more than a day or so. The utility trailer market is in much better shape than the horse trailer market, but even so the profit margin is and never has been very great. I would like to hear about other retail sales situations where the average margin is 15%. The clothing and furniture industries could not exist on this.
Posted 2012-05-17 6:46 PM (#144014 - in reply to #143991) Subject: RE: Upside down prices??
Veteran
Posts: 213 Location: Virginia
I picked up my new trailer this afternoon - the guys at New London Trailer were great - there was an issue with the truck/trailer brakes and they spent the time to troubleshoot and fix the issue - no charge! The used trailer market is messed up. You are right Kay - most everything for sale that I saw was not usable or roadworthy and if it was, it was priced higher than new!
Upside down prices??
