Shopping on Facebook Marketplace

[gfmucci]

I have roughly 2 weeks worth of experience shopping for a used motorhome on Facebook Marketplace. Specifically I've been shopping for a short Class C in the 2007 to 2014 range below mid $20k. Facebook Marketplace is a good source for this vintage and price range.

Here are my observations.

Essential details are lacking in the great majority of ads, such as any known leaks, water damage, soft spots delamination, age of tires, batteries. Many don't know or won't tell, even if asked.

Some won't answer my questions via text or email - they want to talk on the phone. One expressed It was too much trouble for him to respond in writing to answer several yes or no questions. Nope. I want my answers in writing.

Many sellers seem indifferent, with little knowledge of what they are selling and little motivation to meaningfully describe what they have. Many don't even specify the model number.

If I was selling anything like this through Facebook Marketplace or any online venue, I would have a full detailed description in writing ready to send to anyone who asked. Here is what I would include:
* Year, make model, length, chassis, and link to any official brochure describing that model
* Whether there are any soft spots, delam, if repairs were made and nature of repairs.
* Age of tires and batteries
* Last time serviced and what was serviced.
* Last time roof and seams were sealed.
* Any improvements beyond factory made or installed such as suspension or front end upgrades, new electronics, new awning or TPMS.
* And I would add that the price reflects the goodness or the badness of the condition of the rig.

There was one rig advertised where the photos showed significant delamination. The seller wrote there was no moisture damage, and the lower than market price reflected the problem (poor lamination jobs happen - in this case it was a Thor).

I'm using AI to learn problem areas and repair costs in various units I've been looking at. They have been very helpful.

 

[Jireh Financial]

Good morning,
Remember, on MP, you are dealing mostly with private sellers. Having an expectation for a professional type listing will be a stretch. MP is a free service so that alone does tend to draw more of that type of buyer and seller. Other sites that charge fir the listing (like RVTrader) tend to draw a bit different seller.
I hope you find what you are looking for. Let me know how we can help. We do assist people with finding a value if that is needed.
Thank you,
Ken

 

[CaptainGizmo]

Having sold dozens of vehicles, and thousands of things online through every source you can mention, I have a good feel for the buyers each of those platforms bring.

So, allow me to give a few perspectives, just in case you’re rather new to the experience.

Facebook is full of hacks, both buyers and sellers. As a seller, I can’t stand the amount of time and effort and photos I take for a very good ad with a thoroughly researched FAIR price, only to get “heckled” by the 1-click “Is this still available” inquiry. This is nothing more than a method them to “bookmark” your ad and they have NO intention of responding.

The second annoyance is the low-baller, even though you say “Firm” or “Low ball offers will be ignored”…there are always those bottom-feeders.

Ok, so…finally…there comes the category that may stir the pot a bit, and I apologize for any hint of arrogance. Hopefully, I can construct my words carefully in an articulate manner.

Items that are old, relics, vintage, or UNDER the average market price…pretty much regardless of category…will get very little effort NOR RESPONSIBILITY from the seller!!

With a $20k price range, in the sea of RVs in the over $100k range, there will be many…if not most…who are just throwing their “junk” into the pool, hoping to get a taker. And, especially with a vehicle, there has been a history of “As Is” with any vehicle you purchase, even through a dealer. So, with an older RV that is just sitting around and may be a hand-down or just no longer used vehicle, I think some of these sellers have the “hey, I’m not asking that much and no little about it, it was my deceased father’s and I’m just trying to get rid of it” attitude.

I’m hoping this comes across as making sense for you. Doesn’t take your frustration for deligence and expectations of honesty away. I conduct myself in a manner I fully expect, but sadly, not everyone feels the same when it comes to selling stuff.