Hi, to all you helpful folks, from J R & Deane in Kent WA.

This our first post, after reading other post for hours. Lots of good
info to be had here, thank you one and all.

Anyway, we are considering the purchase of a vintage bird sometime
this year. There were two post here that go our attention. "How to
Price a unit you want to sell" and "interesting
Ad.

This post, will be dealing with a little bit of both of those topics.
And maybe save a buyer from wasting their time dealing with one
seller, as we did.

We had found a few ad's and responded by e-mail, asking for more info
and pictures. So far, (about 2 weeks) out of 5 request we received 2.
One from some nice folks in Maine, saying their couch had sold. And
one today, telling me; "no, if you want see it it is in az". I was
somewhat taken back on this one. LOL The whole point for more info,
was to see if this coach was worth a trip Phoenix.......Maybe see some
pics of the new Pergo floors. So I called the seller, asking why so
rude in e-mail, and did he want to sell the coach? I get, I don't
really want to sell. BIG waste of my time.

To be honest, I do not know a lot about BB's, but do know stick built
RV's. Please check out this ad. it's for 1981 35' (One of the main
reasons I wanted more
info)

"FOR SALE: Excellent Condition... Very clean southwestern interior
with new Pergo flooring throughout, sleeps 6. This coach features
central vacuum, ice maker, food processor, two air conditioning units
and tons of storage. It also has a nice awning that extends most of
the length of the RV. This rig is in outstanding condition both
mechanically and cosmetically.
Freshly rebuilt 3208 CAT, 643 Allison Transmission, 2 AC Units,
Hydraulic Levelers, 3 Way Fridge, 10 Gallon Gas Electric Water Heater,
Airbrakes, brand new front end steering box, new tie rods and new ball
joints and brand new tires. There is also a 12.5KW Cohler generator,
500 gallon fuel tank, 300 gal fresh water tank and a 300 gal gray
water and 200 gal black water tanks. This RV recently traveled to
Alaska and back with zero problems. This RV is solid and very well
insulated. Owner is second owner. Meticulous maintenance records and
$300
CDL Buyers Inspection provided. This is a must see RV, perfect
for family vacations or for full timers. This year commemorates its
25th anniversary which qualifies it as a historical vehicle. This
coach originally sold for over $250,000. *****NOTE, THESE PICTURES ARE
BEFORE THE PERGO FLOORS WERE INSTALLED*******"

Is it possible for an 1981 35' brid to have 500 gallon fuel tank, 300
gal fresh water, 300 gal gray and 200 gal black??? Where would you put
all them big tanks?

Sellers: My wife & I are buyers.......We are looking to buy a BB,
however we are also looking at Bus Conversions. There are 100's of
units for sale, yours is not the only one. As potential buyers, we
want to get the best deal we can. As a buyer, I do not want to rip you
off, the deal has to be good for you and me or there is no deal.
However, we need to get the best BANG for our BUCK. With the
uncertainty in our economy today
and the current high diesel prices.
One could be considered a NUT, for even thinking about buying a bus.
In fact, my neighbor said just that, when I told him we were looking.
J R, your Nuts!!! LOL How many RV manufactures have went out of
business in the last year? Why did they go out of business?

Sellers: If you really want to sell your coach, please put together an
e-mail pack (or website) with lot's of pics, info and specs. That you
can easily send to us buyers. The more the better, honesty here is the
best policy. One small mistake......OK.......Two of them gets my
attention!!!

As a buyer, I do not like to call you first, I will call, only after I
have more info. and want to take it to the next step.

I will NOT call you for a price!!! It's a waste of my time. I know how
much money I have to spend.

I want to buy from the owner of the coach. Not from a dealer. I may
work with a
dealer, that has a coach on consignment. (maybe)

Your pricing has to be realistic for todays economy. Let me give you
an example: I own a 1969 Cessna 182 Skylane, before the economy
tanked, I would have asked $73,500 for the sale price. With the
economy today, I would be lucky to get $60,000 and it's a good plane.
But with the cost of Avn gas $5 to $6 a gal. Not a lot buyers want to
buy a gas guzzler, (10 to 14 gal per hr) true 4 place airplane. I see
planes like mine selling.....but for $50 to $55K

Sorry I got so long winded, in our first post. But I felt what I said
here needed to be said, from our point of view anyway. We would just
like to find and buy a good coach.

Thank you all for your time.

J R & Deane Saunders
Kent, WA (West Hill)

Good post: Add to your list of bad seller ideas: POOR PHOTOGRAPHY. A
decent digital camera can be had for under $150. Why do some sellers
insist on using a Brownie Hawkeye with a candle for a flash? Some on
this site might remember last year when the "preacher" was selling an
older PT40. His pictures were
awesome and he got every one's attention.
Another faux pas: Price it with some intelligence. $80,000 plus for a
silver edition FC is unrealistic. I own one and know it could never
draw anything even close! Those who are selling units today will be
sorry if they wait. I would love to revisit BB pricing this fall. I
think everybody will be surprised. This is a real down market, not a
blip. Jeff Rubin, a well respected Canadian economist, is calling for
$150 oil this year and $200 by 2012. I know that there are just as many
economists who feel otherwise but just the fact that many believe this
is scary. $150 oil would make for $5.00 plus diesel. How many BB's will
be sold with diesel at this level?

Bruce
1988 FC35