Alan Simpson wrote:
> I have been following this 'E Bay' thread with some interest.
> I am planning on selling my 62 Austin Healey 3000 tri carb To finance a
> Jag project. What are peoples experience selling on Ebay. Has anyone had a
> good experience? I have been thinking of trying it.
Alan, I have a few thoughts on eBay. Apologies to the list for the *many* words
that it took to express these *few* thoughts. ;-)
eBay is a great place to sell items that can be easily and accurately
represented
online, and where there is a popular market online. I don't think that you'll
find
that to be the case for big Healeys, and it's generally not the case for most
high
value items. Cars require much more due diligence on the part of the buyer, and
good targeted marketing on the part of the seller. Online marketing should be
part of your sales effort, but eBay might not be the right venue.
There are places where you can find high concentrations of Healey enthusiasts,
and I'd look there first. Advertise in Hemmings, advertise in the national and
local Healey club newsletters/magazines. I don't know the mailing list for big
Healeys, but post something there for starters. I believe you'll find more
legitimate buyers through these channels than through eBay. Of course, it'll
help if you're not in a hurry too. Typically, eBay auctions last a week or two,
so you're limited to the Healey buyers who happen to be online and happen
to want a Healey for Christmas? It could take months to find a buyer with
the means and the motivation to get you a fair price. Especially when selling
a convertible in the dead of winter during a stock market downturn.
Disclaimer: I bought my TR4 from a former list member, and he advertised it
ONLY on the triumph list and local papers AFAIK. This was probably unwise,
he lost a lot of money, though I can't complain. Also, I bought it in the dead
of
winter. <g> Right after xmas even. Still, I'd guess there are more TR
enthusiasts on this list than anywhere else maybe aside from the entire VTR
and TRA membership, so it was a good start if he hadn't been in such a
hurry, new Miata in the garage and all. Another example, I bought my Range
Rover from a guy who ONLY advertised on a web site, not even a paper ad.
Wrong approach, but a good deal for me too, it turns out. But I think the lesson
is advertise agressively to get the most for your car, but pursue strong
channels like online specialist web sites, club classifieds, and mailing lists.
Best of luck. Oh yeah, I won't be shopping for another old car till the fall,
but
a big Healey would be on the list if it's a good driver but not over the top.
Otherwise, it's an MGA or TR3 -- my wife wants a "roundish" car. <g> If and
when you post your car please let me know.
--
Steven Newell
Denver, CO
'62 TR4
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