Selling specific/specialty items - How to advertis

[muttleynfelix]

We have a couple fairly high priced/specialty items that we are trying to sell without much luck. OUr research tells us that we are priced right. We just don't seem to be reaching the market because it is pretty small.

The first is a small tractor. Currently advertising on Craigslist, but there are a LOT of tractors for sale on craigslist. We are priced pretty well, left us a little a negotiation room, but not out of line. We've talked to people about it, but most people we know who want a tractor, have a tractor.

Second is Land Surveying equipment. The most expensive pieces are a total station and data collector. We are priced cheaply as my DH got it well below market value when he was laid off and we just want our money back out of it. My company has looked at buying it, but since we have upgraded some computer equipment this year, I don't think the owner budgetted for it this year. My coworker took a flyer to the state surveyors convention. I sent emails to friends and family members who are in the business. My coworker thought we would get a hit; we've gotten nothing.

I'm thinking at this point with winter coming, we are just going to have to sit on the tractor until next year - keep advertising on Craigslist, but not expect it to sell. The surveying equipment - I don't know what to do with it. It would really really help to sell it before the end of the year. I'm expecting baby #2 at the end of the year and between medical bills (it has been an awful year for med bills and that isn't even anything for the baby yet).

Anyone have any suggestions?

[Deleted]

Muttley there is a weekly "vehicle" magazine here with ONLY ads. Most people use the online version now. Is there anything similar there? It's THE go-to place when you want buy or sell a used car, truck, motorcycle, etc. It's nationwide so you type in your area and how far you are willing to travel to find what you want.

Also, where I live people still put ads up in the bakery, local grocery store, etc. It's worth a shot.

For the surveying equipment, is there a professional magazine that has either real or online classified ads?

Good luck!

[Deleted]

My company has looked at buying it, but since we have upgraded some computer equipment this year, I don't think the owner budgetted for it this year.

We're almost in 2013 ... might he be interested in buying it early next year, perhaps for an additional discount? Since you seem pretty close, maybe you could give him the equipment now and he could pay you for it early next year?

[tskeeter]

We have a couple fairly high priced/specialty items that we are trying to sell without much luck. OUr research tells us that we are priced right. We just don't seem to be reaching the market because it is pretty small.

If you really want to get rid of these items in this economy, they can't be priced right. They need to be under priced.

Anybody buying non-essential items, such as you have for sale, is looking for a bargain. Like at least 10% less than it should really sell for. And watch out for changing technology with the surveying equipment. That's the kind of stuff where, if you're holding out for the price you paid, it can suddenly become obsolete and worth nothing. Consider dumping it before obsolescence makes it unsalable.

[muttleynfelix]

Like at least 10% less than it should really sell for. And watch out for changing technology with the surveying equipment. That's the kind of stuff where, if you're holding out for the price you paid, it can suddenly become obsolete and worth nothing.

The surveying equipment is priced probably 20% below market value. The problem is reaching the right audience. It is basic equipment that if someone wants that type of equipment, the technology has not changed in 20+ years. We got it well below market value because the company was emliminating their surveying division (hense why my DH was laid off). They sold it to DH for a song as part of his severance.

We're almost in 2013 ... might he be interested in buying it early next year, perhaps for an additional discount? Since you seem pretty close, maybe you could give him the equipment now and he could pay you for it early next year?

My boss is very hesitant to buy anything in the first part of any year. 2012 was a great year, but who knows what 2013 will bring. I'll talk to the surveying manager and see if he has talked to the boss any more.

For the surveying equipment, is there a professional magazine that has either real or online classified ads?

Maybe. We'll talk to my dad this weekend and see what he thinks. I guess we could try the surveying supply store here in town or the one my dad or brother uses and see if they sell stuff on consignment.

For the tractor, I guess we could try the pennysaver or the Electric co-ops monthly magazine for their classifieds. I'm not sure how much that would cost though.

[bookkeeper]

Park the tractor in a prominent place with a for sale sign that includes a price. I live on a state highway and have sold many vehicles/objects in the ditch in front of my house. The local Eagles Club is located on the highway and lets its members sell their cars in the parking lot that faces the highway. Look for a park it mark it sales lot at a busy intersection. Do not underestimate the power of the bulletin board ad. My dad decided to downsize and sell some guns (he is a collector). He sold his list of guns in 2 months with $0 out of pocket cost because I gave him a printer/copier for Christmas years ago. Those of us who look for a deal stop at yard sales and read bulletin boards.

[bookkeeper]

Park the tractor in a prominent place with a for sale sign that includes a price. I live on a state highway and have sold many vehicles/objects in the ditch in front of my house. The local Eagles Club is located on the highway and lets its members sell their cars in the parking lot that faces the highway. Look for a park it mark it sales lot at a busy intersection. Do not underestimate the power of the bulletin board ad. My dad decided to downsize and sell some guns (he is a collector). He sold his list of guns in 2 months with $0 out of pocket cost because I gave him a printer/copier for Christmas years ago. Those of us who look for a deal stop at yard sales and read bulletin boards.

Oops my first double post. I do apologize.

[Deleted]

Most people sell things on the side of the road here as well. Wish someone would put out a really cheap but decent car for my DS.

[2kids10horses]

ebay, craigslist, would the local tractor dealer sell it on consignment?

[Peace77]

Is there a feed or farm supply store in your area? I would see if I could post an ad there or bring it there on a busy day with a large for sale sign on it.

Where do people learn to survey? Maybe a new grad would be interested. I once sold a special cake pan by posting an ad outside the culinary arts area of my local community college.

[muttleynfelix]

Thanks for the advise. I'll talk to DH about parking the tractor by the road. We live on a very low traffic volume road, but it is better than nothing. I made a flyer for DH to put up at the truck stop near our house.

I've talked to my survey manager again and since they have to do some equipment replacement this year, he's going to talk to the boss to come up with a plan to see if buying our stuff is possible. He also mentioned the company we buy equipment does do consignment or they may just buy it. So, that is an option.

Is there a feed or farm supply store in your area?

Good idea. There are several in the area we could put it up at.

Where do people learn to survey? Maybe a new grad would be interested.

Most people learn to survey on the job. They need 4 classes in our state to take the first part of the licensing exam and then 4 yrs experience. So a new grad would not be working for themselves for a long time.

[Deleted]

For the surveying equipment I second the idea of advertising in the Association's magazine.

Also are there monthly meetings? You could try announcing it at the meeting.