Advertising your boat for a private sale after having it valued

While most articles on this site are about how to value and add value to your boat, there are lots of things that you can do during the sale to make sure that you get the most value out of the transaction.

If you chose to sell your boat privately, you will save the costs of a Dealer or Broker, but it is important for you to get organised so that you don't miss on any crucial details.

First of all, make sure that you advertise the boat in a way to put it into the best light and so to attract lots of potential buyers. Internet listings are an obvious choice - some of them are paid for but several listings are free to the seller. Do a web search to find out about possible sites where to advertise your boat.

Making some good quality photographs will be essential as a picture is worth a thousand words. Use a digital camera so that you can take lots of shots and choose the best ones, and make sure that the boat is tidy and uncluttered when you photograph.

So decide upon what kind of online advert you would like. If it is a paid advert, you also need to make your mind up as to and what duration you wish to opt for. Two months is a good recommended timeframe.

Another great place for adverts are signboards of local marinas or boating clubs, especially considering that it is likely that the buyer will be from the surrounding area. You can use a printout of your online ad to advertise on signboards. Trade magazines are another advertising platform to consider.

Remember to include all of those characteristics that will help set your vessel apart from the others when you write the ad text. Justify your sales price underlining the value for money to attract more potential buyers. Don't forget to make sure that the contact details are accurate. Providing both a phone number and an email address is a good idea.

Make a plan on how to deal with the enquiries you will receive. It is a good idea to prepare an inventory sheet that includes more information and possibly more pictures, which should show off your boat really well.

Also consider where and when potential buyers can come and view the vessel. Don't advertise your boat for sale until you know that you have the time and availability deal with the enquiries that will come in, and remember that flexibility on viewing times will make it more likely it is that potential buyers will see your boat over others.

Always keep in mind that when you are selling that boat, you are competing with lots of people with the same goal so being professional and friendly will give you an edge. You will have better chances to liquidate your vessel and be ready to move on.

As for the negotiation of the actual sale, be aware that most buyers will try to negotiate the price down. The best counter-strategy is to anticipate their objections and have answers ready.

Still, you would always assume that you will have to concede a discount of 10% or so over the price you originally listed. As you will have certainly read in other articles on this site, when doing valuing the boat it's fundamental not to only to decide on a starting price but also to make your mind up as to the minimum offer that you are willing to accept.

The secret to sales negotiation is to be well prepared, anticipate what potential buyers are likely to say and work out in advance how you're going to react, keeping in the back of your mind what price you'll be prepared to accept. If there is anything about your boat that makes it unique and/or particularly attractive to the buyer, make sure to point that out.