How to write a Camper Sale Ad
In 2009 our ebook report was released to show people how to list and sell their camper, caravan, motorhome on eBay. Here’s a follow up on the art of writing an ad that will get results.
Preparing an advertisement on eBay is a multi step process, whereas writing an ad deals only with the copy you insert that compliments the photos and other components of the advertisement.
Firstly, it’s important to prepare a list of all the features of the camper you are selling because buyers need to understand what is on offer. If this list is sufficiently detailed it will allow the buyer to quickly determine what makes your camper different or worth more thann the others. If you are including the two gas bottles for example, then why not tell the reader. When preparing the list, start with the big items first, like annexe, air conditioning and solar power system. You might not have thought about the number of features before so now is the time to sit down with a pen and go to it. If you are struggling for items to list or you want to check you have sufficient items listed, go to eBay and view similar campers and compare your list with others for sale. Note also that your list should be in point form so it is easy to read.
The second challenge is to write your ad copy so it sounds genuine. To achieve this, you need to be objective towards the item you are selling. If it is damaged then state what damage there is. If you have added extra items or modifications, then it would be wise to give details about these things. I suggest being positive in your appraisal rather than negative because talking the buyer out of purchasing is the last thing you want to happen. Have your spouse or a friend check your written copy and see if it has all the elements needed for a winning ad.
- List of features
- Sounds genuine
- Positive appeal
- Reason for selling
- Willingness to assist with information and inspections
- Age, model and condition of camper
- Price indicator
We’ve covered the first three listed points, now you need to let the reader know why you are selling. If it doesn’t sound genuine, then leave it out, but make sure you have an idea of what you are going to say when speaking with people at an inspection. Allow your reader to make contact with you to ask any questions or arrange an inspection. Its ok to include your phone number is you wish. The inspection process is another topic altogether, but taking the time to write a detailed advertisement will prepare your brain for the questions ahead and get you in a better frame of mind for dealing with the sale.
The title of the ad should include the make, model and year of the camper. For example: “Jayco Swan 2004 camper”. This means eBay will categorise your advertisement so that people can find it easily in a search. It is also important for the buyer to make comparisons with other year models of the same make. In other words, Jayco buyers for instance, will be looking for price related differences in the year models listed for sale in an attempt to identify a bargain. If your price is indicated to be lower than the next guy, then you will get the bulk of the inquiry (as long as the listed features appeal).
In relation to price, there is a particular procedure I advocate when selling on eBay and so I use the term “price indicator”. The price indicator needs to be realistic for the offer. You could be selling a 2001 model caravan that has twice the number of features as another similar van in a 2003 model. Often the condition determines whether you get a premium sale price, so if your van is only slightly older but is “hardly used” there is the chance your caravan will sell for a price close to the 2003 model. I’ve seen some things happen that dont make sense when it comes to price. For example, if you sell at the right time of year, you could expect to sell for 5-10-% more than other times when the demand is lower.
I hope this helps your marketing efforts should you decide to sell your camper. Most importantly, have fun and learn from the process since it will probably help in other areas. You might like to download the 23 page report “How to sell your camper fast on eBay” since it contains the entire process needed for selling successfully online.
