Whether you’ve just finished a year-long European road trip or are ending your British coastal experience, the conclusion of any travel adventure can leave you feeling a bit blue. Packing up your possessions and saying goodbye to your trusty campervan – your tiny home on wheels – might be harder than you expect.
However, if moving onto your next chapter means letting go of your beloved motorhome, we’ve got some helpful pointers on how to make sure you’re not left out of pocket. Below, we’ll take you through some tips on how to sell your campervan without losing money, while also making the goodbye process a little smoother.
Letting Go, But Not Letting Go of Value
The idea of selling a car, more specifically ‘your’ campervan, can actually be a daunting task. You’ve journeyed together, braving storms and enjoying sunny days, and as a result, it holds a sentimental value. But just as you wouldn’t overpay for a second-hand campervan, it’s important to remember that potential buyers won’t either. The trick is to find the perfect balance of price and value perception.
Doing Your Homework
Take the example of a London-based traveller who bought a campervan for £15,000. After a year, if they decide to sell it off without proper research, they might end up accepting an offer for a price much lower than what it’s worth. Here’s how to avoid that:
Know the market: Take some time to study the current market prices for campervans similar to yours. Websites such as Gumtree, AutoTrader, and even eBay Motors can give you an idea of what price range to aim for.
Consider the depreciation: Typically, a van depreciates around 15-20% in the first year after purchase, then around 10% each subsequent year. So, do your maths keeping depreciation in mind.
Marketing Matters
First impressions matter, even in campervan sales! Therefore, give your campervan the best shot at being sold by making it look its best.
A fantastic, clean interior attracts potential buyers and can even bump up the selling price. Spend a little time and effort on cleaning, repairing any damage inside or outside, and consider investing in a professional deep cleaning or detailing service if necessary.
Don’t forget to take high-quality, appealing photographs which accurately represent your campervan. Think about what attracted you to it in the first place, then try to convey that same charm in your photos.
The Art of Negotiation
This phase can make or break the deal. It’s crucial to be as transparent as possible about any defects or pending repairs, as honesty fosters trust.
A tip for negotiation is to price your campervan slightly above what you’re willing to accept. This gives you some wiggle room when discussing the price with potential buyers. Remember, you don’t have to accept the first offer that comes along.
Securing the Deal
Once you’ve found a buyer and agreed on a price, it’s time to finalise the deal. Make sure you provide the buyer with all necessary documents such as the V5C logbook, MOT certificates and service history.
Most importantly, before handing over the keys, ensure you have received the payment. It might seem like common sense, but scams can happen. It’s usually safer and faster to use a secure, traceable method of payment like a bank transfer.
Parting Thoughts
Selling your campervan can be an emotional process, especially when it has been your home on the road. However, bidding farewell to one adventure often means the beginning of another. By using these tips, you can achieve a fair price for your campervan, and you can also ensure it’s passed on to someone else who will love and enjoy it as you did. Happy selling, and here’s to your next adventure.