rimrock
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Post by rimrock on Jul 25, 2024 5:33:15 GMT -8
I bought a 59 DevIlle 9 years ago on a whim and thought I would use it as a extra room/yard art at my place in Moab. After getting it home and researching things I ended up taking it apart down to the frame as it was the only way to do it right. Had fun with it and got 80% done when we sold our place and moved to Idaho. Stored it tarped and under cover for the next 4 years before I found time to finish. New metal, complete window rebuilds and on and on. Turned out pretty nicely but with our winters here really had no where to put it outside and want that part of my garage back. Put it up for sale in April asking 10.000 which I thought was reasonable and had zero interest/response. Slowly lowered price to 7000.00 and still have had only 2 legitimate inquiries over 4 months. Not in any hurry other than my garage space but just curious why so little interest. Is the market that slow ? Any tips on finding interested buyers ? Have it on a couple of vintage sites on FB marketplace as well as craigslist. Never planned on making money after seeing the amount of labor needed to do one right but am not going to give it away either. Any ideas/suggestion ![]() s appreciated. Can't seem to attach a photo.
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Jul 25, 2024 9:48:38 GMT -8
A buyer wants to quickly know a handful of things about the item they are looking at, no fluff, just the bullet points so they can make the choice to dig deeper into the specifics or move on to the next ad. If your past trailer advertising is lacking the same information that your above VTT post is lacking, it's easy for me to understand why you have not had any interest in your item for sale.
You need Pictures, lots of pictures (a hundred), show the work in progress, as well as the finished trailer. If you were selling a two-million-dollar house, your Relator would "stage the house" to make the photos appear as inviting as possible. Do the same, show your trailer fully set up at the campground, awning set up, and a fire in the firepit. Lighting is very important when taking photos. Without any photos, the buyer is not able to figure out if he's interested in digging deeper into the sale.
Price, anyone that has ever taken a trailer down to the bare frame, and rebuilt the trailer back with new, quality materials know it cannot be done today for $10K "in materials". Your lack of making a sale is NOT THE PRICE. You will not accomplish anything by lowering the asking price. You need to find a better salesperson to market your item. You have to understand the market, and who the potential buyers are before you can market to their needs.
Craig's List and Ebay are just a waste of your time and effort. I'm not on FB, but my observation is that FB Marketplace is the same buyer as you will find on Craig's List or Ebay. Basically, your advertising to guys like me that are cheap, and bottom feeder's. We actually enjoy buying a relic and rebuilding it back into a nice useable trailer. But your looking at 700-1000 hours of hard labor, and $10K in materials minimum to complete a trailer build. I have never sold a fully rebuilt trailer for less than $18K (several years ago). So......I would pull your ad's, pull the price, and go do some comparable pricing just like your Relator would have done when listing your two-million-dollar home.
The buyer wants the facts, what's the size (trailer ball to license plate), how many does it sleep, does it have a clear title, does it have "current registration", no past due fees outstanding, is it towable, does it have new tires, less than 3-4 years old, are the wheel bearings recently repacked, what was done to rebuild the frame/suspension when the body was off, does all of the tow lighting work, is it a four way, or a seven way plug, does it have electric brakes, What is the wheel bolt pattern, does it have a spare tire/wheel. What are the interior appliances, are they original, or cheap modern replacements, were the original replacement appliances rebuilt, by who? Did the trailer get a sheet flooring material, what was done to rebuild and reseal the windows, does it have a toilet, bathroom, shower, air conditioning, holding tank, etc, etc, the list goes on and on.
IMO, you would be better served to actually buy a display ad in a location that has the correct buyers you need to connect with, not just tire kickers on Craig's List, etc. When I complete a new trailer rebuild, if I don't already have a buyer waiting for it, I place my ads in the Vintage Camper Trailer Magazine Classified section. It costs roughly $100 and runs until it's sold. I have never had a trailer "not sell" on the VCT Classified site. It would seem like you would be better off spending a couple of hundred dollars, than discounting your nicely rebuilt trailer with mew metal by $3,000, and then still not find any buyers. If you go this route, tell them John Palmer sent you, and you would like to have them help you with the ad.
The market for Vintage Trailers is HOT, but the buyers have become more informed (a good thing) and need to have the very important questions answered. You will find pricing all over the board, just like you will find trailer conditions "all over the board". It's not unusual for vintage trailers to sell today for over $50K, but you have to advertise to the quality buyer because they do not want to waste your, or their time.
Good luck with this sale, and your next project.
John Palmer
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Post by vikx on Jul 25, 2024 12:25:34 GMT -8
Please share some photos with us: vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/7276/add-photos-hosted-flickr-tutoriaSelling depends on the size, year, shape and campability of a trailer. Most folks like canned hams (59 Deville) and enjoy original appliances and appointments with real wood interior. The trailer must have a title. Many buyers frown on interior paint and visible modern additions. I have had good luck selling on FBk, Craigs and TCT Classifieds. It takes a while, but that's how most of mine have sold. $7000 seems reasonable for a trailer as described. Location makes a big difference. If you are in a far corner, advertise in a more central area. Calif would be good. Let us know how things go.
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Post by Teachndad on Jul 25, 2024 12:57:20 GMT -8
Both John and Vikx make strong points.
I was going to add that location makes a huge difference, but Vikx beat me to it. Selling in Idaho may be your greatest hurdle.
Yes, pix would be appreciated. The link Vikx provided will offer directions.
Cheers,
Rod
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rimrock
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Post by rimrock on Jul 25, 2024 15:17:21 GMT -8
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on Jul 26, 2024 8:09:20 GMT -8
I hate to say this, but I think that a lot of the market for these pieces of American history just isn’t what it was in 2015. The “cute factor” overcame any sense of true values for many people. Six or seven years ago, we would see trailers from the 50s and 60s on the road all the time. On the Independence Day weekend this year, we saw one. For those who are trend followers, vintage trailers can lose their appeal once the decorating is done and all the kitsch has become routine. They aren’t shiny new any longer, and their small size lack of modern conveniences no longer appeal. The folks above are correct. A fair part of the folks looking on Craigs List, EBay, are looking for cheap, not quality. You saved a gorgeous piece. of Americana from the scrap pile. I don’t know what resources are out ther to sell a gem like this, I just know that if you want to buy a new Tesla or a Rivian, or a tricked out Ford 350, you don’t go to the auto strip mall. People can be.fickle, and also cheap. Best of luck selling your little gem!
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low-lincoln
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Post by low-lincoln on Jul 26, 2024 8:34:35 GMT -8
Looks like you did a great job on the build. Personally the colors would turn me away. If it were teal or red or a more traditional 50's color I think it would appeal to more people.
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Post by Teachndad on Jul 26, 2024 9:08:09 GMT -8
I have to agree with Low-Lincoln. I scrolled through all your build pix and you did the restoration right. Thank you!!
I would also like to comment on the color. The brown color isn't a traditional color of the period and I would think most people who would spend $10k on a restored trailer would want it looking like it came from the era.
Also, the rims look like they came off a car which again contributes to the difficulty in selling,IMHO. I believe even someone not really familiar with vintage trailers would be struck by those rims.
Functionally, I am sure the rims are the same size as original, but they look out of place.
Rod
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Post by vikx on Jul 26, 2024 12:27:36 GMT -8
A trailer can always be repainted. This is a beautiful restoration and WELL WORTH 7K. I would price it around $8500.
A few nitpiks: the sink back splash looks odd. Perhaps it could be replaced to match the other side or removed all together. I agree and dislike the wheels; they don't look vintage and might be better matching one of the exterior colors. I would cover the wiring junction with a box or piece of vinyl, just for aesthetics. None of the above should prevent the trailer selling.
A coated roof will turn many buyers away.
I think it needs to be advertised in other places. Try TCT classifieds. Be sure to detail a "full rebuild" with pictures to prove it. Fbk has been good for me. You might research partial delivery or contact some movers for pricing. Splitting the cost or offering $$$ might help. Idaho is as bad as WA (my home) for being far from everybody...Ad in Seattle anyway. Also advertise in California. In So Cal, trailers sell well.
Do all the appliances work? And the faucet with no leaks?
Use the word VINTAGE in your ad title and canned ham in the description. Include all of your upgrades and offer more photos. The Flickr album is a great place to show your pix. Beautiful wood interior, everything works, upgraded, and new this or that are key points.
I will help all I can. You can PM me for my email if you like.
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Post by vikx on Jul 26, 2024 12:51:51 GMT -8
Lastly, I looked for an ad on this trailer and didn't find one. Keep renewing those ads!
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rimrock
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Post by rimrock on Jul 26, 2024 14:33:53 GMT -8
Thanks for the input. I actually saw the same color scheme on another restored DeVille and liked it better than others and it would have fit my Moab property fitting better. Agree on the wheels, got lazy and just didn't want to put any more money in to it but will now find some steel wheels I can paint and put baby moons on. Appliances are original, stove/oven look brand new and icebox is decent. Not sure about the backsplash, just redid what was existing with new formica. New plumbing done with pex, original faucet, 12v pump and new tank. Cabinets are a 9 out of 10 with one small blemish, 10 coats of hand rubbed shellac. I know no one here likes goop but put a dab of clear polyurethane caulk on every staple prior to J metal because that made sense to me. New roof as part of the metal from Hemet, new metal vent. I improved this from factory when it ws apart by adding gussets,backing plates for lights and other things that should have been done originally. Didn'y keep track of my time but if I did i would probably clear 50 cents an hour if sold at 7000.00. I have it on Facebook Marketplace,also on some marketplace groups,Vintage trailers,Vintage Capers & Parts, Vintage Glampers and KSL classifieds which is our biggest classified venue in my area. Will get the wheels done and buy an ad as John s deville8 by Kevin Hoffman, on Flickruggested. Thanks for the help deville4 by Kevin Hoffman, on Flickr deville5 by Kevin Hoffman, on Flickr dv2 by Kevin Hoffman, on Flickr dv4 by Kevin Hoffman, on Flickr
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turbodaddy
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Post by turbodaddy on Jul 26, 2024 19:23:58 GMT -8
I have a different take on this, based on experience. I bought a 32 foot powerboat in 1982. Over the next 14 years I gradually did a complete rebuild, most of the time living aboard the boat. In 1996, my wife and I decided it was time to return to living on dry land and advertised it for sale at $10K. (This was an asking price that did not in any way reflect the time and materials spent.) After a few weeks without any inquiries, we speculated that perhaps the asking price was too low. Some people just don't think they are getting something of value unless they spend ALOT of $. We doubled the asking price and within one week the boat was sold!
Looking at all of the photos of your properly executed rebuild, I think you have vastly under-priced the camper. Try putting it out there at $20K or best offer. You might find that an entirely different audience will reply to your ads. Please let us know how this goes!
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Jul 27, 2024 17:08:04 GMT -8
I agree with Turbo Daddy. And put it on Craig's List. The more photos the better. CL allows 20 I believe.,
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Jul 27, 2024 17:10:26 GMT -8
Lastly, I looked for an ad on this trailer and didn't find one. Keep renewing those ads! I have a 59 Deville also and that is the original splash. There's not an abundance of Devilles out there and I think it just has to be seen by the right audience. I've sold everything on CL.
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