Is My Vehicle Really Marketable Nationwide?

Despite current economic conditions, we still live in the land of opportunity. And a big land of opportunity it is.  In case you’ve forgotten or your vision has been impaired by the cloud of recession, the United States of America remains the third-largest country, both by size (following Russia and Canada) and by population (following China and India), and is still regarded by most as the world’s most powerful nation.  Historically, our economy has been one of steady growth, low inflation and unemployment, and one of rapid advances in technology.  Now, if you read that and your posture didn’t just straighten up -- shoulders back, chest puffed, chin up -- then I might question your patriotism, or maybe your citizenship.  But what does this all have to do with getting your vehicle sold?

Simply put, selling a vehicle privately is about exposure.  It’s about marketing your vehicle to many in an effort to sell to one.  E Pluribus Unum?  Well, yes, something like that.  Because of where we live, we have access to over 200,000,000 (that’s two hundred million) people who are old enough to drive.  And because of email and the invention of the internet we can connect with an increasingly higher percentage of these people than ever before.  And as a private seller in a struggling economy, you have a greater need for more exposure… much more exposure than what a local paper or magazine can provide.  However, that is not to say that you shouldn’t continue to use such local means of advertising.  It all works together.

Given exposure is the key, now consider your vehicle.  I could make the argument that ALL vehicles are worth marketing nationwide.  Some vehicles make an easier case for this than others.  For example, let’s talk about antiques, which are classified as such after 25 years of age.  Let’s go way back and talk about that Ford Model T you’ve had the pleasure of owning and babying for the last 20 years.  Now you’re ready to sell that pleasure to some other worthy collector or enthusiast.  Do you think it would have more chance of selling locally than if you were to give it some national exposure?  Of course not.  It’s not the type of vehicle that is readily available for purchase in every small town.  Nor is it the type of vehicle that is constantly sought after by people in your area or surrounding area.  But it is the type of vehicle that people are willing to come from far galaxies in their Ford Galaxies to buy.  Generally speaking, it’s a rare vehicle and limiting your exposure will not result in a sale, or at least not a quick sale.  Maximizing your exposure by putting it amongst others on a national pedestal, however, will result in a much faster sale.

What other types of vehicles especially benefit from nationwide exposure?  In addition to hard-to-find and top-condition antiques, classic cars (20 years old) follow suit, especially those labeled as a unique edition of that model.  Vehicles that have also been incredibly maintained also deserve maximum exposure -- not vehicles in “excellent” or “perfect” condition, but those in MINT condition or SHOWROOM condition.  Other rare vehicles are obvious beneficiaries of maximum exposure, like show cars, performance enhanced vehicles, or those models no longer in production.  Well maintained handicap-equipped vehicles can earn top dollar with the right exposure as well.  If you’re in business and you have some large commercial trucks or vans that you are looking to sell, you are also much more likely to sell to another business out-of-state.  Boats and other large watercraft (many of which fit into additional categories I’ve already mentioned) have become huge sellers nationwide.  If you own a Recreational Vehicle (RV), it should come as no surprise -- you drive it across the country, why wouldn’t it be best to market it all over the country?

As I mentioned earlier, I could make an argument for any type of vehicle.  Even the top selling new and used cars, trucks, vans and SUVs that anyone could readily find in their own area -- the F150s, the Accords, the Camrys, the Silverados, the Siennas, etc. -- are worth marketing nationwide.  People are willing to go the extra mile, literally, for a vehicle that is only slightly different than one that is for sale much closer to home.  Perhaps because it’s the one with 10,000 less miles on it.  Perhaps because it’s the one with brand new tires.  Perhaps because it’s the one that was owned by someone who didn’t let their dog ride along.  Or perhaps because the buyer prefers Midnight Black over Cherry Red.  Whatever it is, don’t tell me that you are too surprised by this.  It’s the American way.  We know what we want.

I leave you with this… Your vehicle is marketable nationwide.  When you’re ready to sell, get online, sit up straight, put your shoulders back, stick your chest out, hold your chin up, and be confident that you are taking the right approach!

Just A. Little expert advice.