Need suggestions

[Ed62]

I have a pontoon boat for sale. It is a 1990, so it's not like new. But it is in pretty decent shape, and I'm sure it's worth more than I'm asking for it. It is priced for quick sale because I want to get rid of it.

Here's the problem. I wouldn't feel comfortable selling it to someone who wasn't aware of the few problems it does have. For instance, it has a few soft spots in the floor, and it will need to be replaced at some point in time. But I'm sure it will be good to use at least for this season, maybe more before replacing the floor. But I think when I tell people about the things that might/will have to be addressed, it puts negative thoughts in their minds. I want people to understand what they're buying, and I'd rather not sell it than have someone wind up with something they bought, thinking it was something it is not. Some people will notice the soft spots when walking on the floor, but some will not. I just feel it wouldn't be fair to sell it without them knowing about it. Any suggestions on how to handle it?

Ed

[Uncle Cracker]

Good points about fairness... You have a conscience, and you should act in the way that will allow you to be comfortable. Wish everybody felt the same way about that.

What you could do is use that as an opportunity to demonstrate to people that you have made allowances in your price to compensate for the flaws, and that way they may feel vindicated, while at the same time, you can say your price is already discounted, in order to head off any lowballers. Is is insane for anyone to think that a 20-year old boat wont have some rough spots, but there are those that will. Some will expect you to sell them a perfect boat for next to nothing. You can't please them, so don't try.

[LCHIEN]

if it has some halfway obvious problems you might as well point them out rather than hope that they don't notice until after the deal is done and you feel bad about it.

Telling them the weak points as well as the strong points enhances your believability when telling them the good points and makes it look like you are not trying to put one over on them. Tell them you're not aware of any other issues (just in case there are some you honestly are not aware of).

[jackellis]

I think you got some good advice.

Unlike airplane owners, boat and car owners are not required to keep extensive logs of all maintenance work done. Too bad. It would avoid a lot of disappointment and resentment.

I agree with UC's and Loring's advice. Even better, I would encourage potential buyers to examine the boat very carefully themselves and maybe take a photo or two while they're doing it (digital film is cheap these days).

[master53yoda]

What I would do is show the price if it was in refurbished condition and show them what you have subtracted from the refurbished price for the problems that you are aware of. That covers both sides you can feel OK that you have been upfront but you also have justified the price that you are asking. This is how I have priced real estate and all things that I work with whether I'm buying or selling. I offer what my numbers come up with but I'm not a bargainer.

[Ed62]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I've been telling people about the rough points, but not pointing out the strong points. That needs to be on my to do list. There are also a couple of easy to do things that I probably should take care of so I don't have to point them out. Thanks again.

Ed