Steve,
I agree with a lot of what you said, but I don't knw if a newspaper ad would
help a
whole lot on a Healy, plus the newspapers are expensive. I have seen eBay
prices
going up for the higher dollar sports cars (I've seen a couple of MG TFs go for
over
$20,000 lately on eBay, where I bought mine for $8,000 from a newspaper ad).
The
key to selling something like that is to take lots of good pictures (use 480x640
resolution and crop out un-needed background so the pictures don't take forever
to
load) and have a good honest description. I've sold 2 an MGB, a '53
International
2-ton truck and a motorcycle on eBay and got far more for them than I was asking
(unsuccesfully) locally. I've also bought two cars, a '78 MGB and a '62 Buick
Special, and been pleased. I emailed the sellers several times during the
bidding
and I went to pick them up with cash in hand so that I could ensure they were as
described. Good luck.
Kevin
Steven Newell wrote:
> 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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