| The Internet is an astonishing and incredible | | | | Learn about the seller. Know your seller and |
| modern creation and there's no reason why | | | | review his/her feedback rating. Check the seller's |
| boaters, sailors and yachtsmen shouldn't take | | | | feedback rating for favorable comments and to |
| advantage of the buying opportunities on hand | | | | see if the seller has sold similar items in the past. |
| inside the "Worlds largest marketplace." This series | | | | Feedback is a vital part of buying and selling on |
| is about buying and selling boats on the internet. | | | | eBay. It provides crucial information to buyers and |
| The opportunities are astounding, particularly in | | | | sellers about the people with whom they are |
| this current market, but our series can save you | | | | transacting. As such, it is one of the most |
| time, stress and help you avoid some costly | | | | effective ways to build trust and a reputation on |
| mistakes. | | | | the site. Be sure to look at every seller's |
| You're "all in". You've decided that you're buying a | | | | complete feedback history, and not necessarily |
| boat and you're looking at doing it on ebay. Here | | | | eliminate someone with a few negatives. The |
| are some of our priceless tips and tools to get | | | | same applies to sellers just starting out who have |
| you started, and they won't cost you a dime. | | | | no or very little feedback. Everyone has to start |
| Know what you can afford, and the total costs. | | | | somewhere, and all of ebay's best sellers (and |
| Set guidelines for what you're willing to pay. All | | | | buyers) started with 0 feedback at one time. |
| bids on eBay are binding so you should make | | | | Give them a chance, but once again, be sure to |
| certain that you know how much you can afford | | | | talk to the person so that you are able to form |
| first. View final prices on other eBay Motors | | | | your own judgement. |
| listings for similar boats by looking at Completed | | | | Bidding over $15,000? Be sure to have your credit |
| Items from search results (use Advanced Search | | | | card on file first! You are required to have a |
| and select "Completed items" from the "Item | | | | credit card on file with eBay if you bid more than |
| Status" drop-down menu; also select "Other | | | | $15,000 on an item. You will be advised when you |
| Vehicles" from the "Search in categories" | | | | bid, so allow for some additional time if you are |
| drop-down menu). You can only look at completed | | | | bidding in the last minutes of an auction. Your |
| listings if you are a registered ebay member. (If | | | | credit card won't be charged - but is used to |
| you are not registered yet, it's free, just clear | | | | confirm identity - a safety measure to help |
| here to do so.) If a boat is selling at a price far | | | | protect both buyers and sellers from possible high |
| below fair market price, use added caution as to | | | | bidding fraud. Apply for financing so you'll be able |
| the nature of the transaction. | | | | to make monthly payments. Buying the boat you |
| Know your total costs and how you'll cover them. | | | | want is simpler when you can make affordable |
| Owning a boat isn't just about the dough that you | | | | monthly payments. eBay, in collaboration with |
| handed over to aquire it. Think of the storage | | | | several top lenders, can help you get the financing |
| fees, registration, fuel, upkeep, toys, toys, and did | | | | you need. |
| I say toys? What should the boat buyer look out | | | | Title - Also, make certain the seller has clear title |
| for when buying on ebay? | | | | to the boat You want to know that it is actually |
| Learn about the boat. Review the description | | | | theirs to sell. It's also a good idea to get your |
| thoroughly. The description is the seller's | | | | state's forms, print them out and take them with |
| opportunity to elaborate on all the particulars of | | | | you to meet the buyer. |
| the boat - the condition, terms of sale, any | | | | Survey - I would also advise getting a marine |
| guarantee, etc. Some descriptions are more | | | | surveyor to come and inspect the boat if you are |
| effective than others, and the best sellers will be | | | | considering one of considerable value before |
| very complete. If you have a question that isn't | | | | placing your bid. You may be able to get a |
| addressed in the description, contact the seller | | | | condensed inspection, or a statement of |
| (use the "Ask seller a question" link at the top of | | | | estimated value from a surveyor without paying |
| the listing). Don't hold off until the end of the | | | | for a complete boat survey. |
| auction. Also, be aware that many Sellers do not | | | | Older Boats - There are some great boat |
| wish to negotiate the price or reserve price (after | | | | bargains on Ebay but you need to be mindful of a |
| all, that's what the auction marketplace is for), but | | | | few things. Avoid old boats without making an |
| would like to answer any questions that you may | | | | on-site inspection and getting a marine survey. Old |
| have. Assume the boat is sold in "as is" condition. | | | | boats are infamous for having rotten stringers, or |
| Make an independent appraisal of the condition of | | | | the wooden support underneath the fiberglass and |
| the boat and again, contact the seller with any | | | | having blistering or concealed damage underneath |
| inquiries about condition before giving an offer. Be | | | | the glass that only a marine surveyor can |
| practical in your expectations of used or older | | | | discover. Also, avoid boats with "classic engines" |
| boats - expect average "wear and tear". Also, the | | | | unless you are a boat mechanic yourself. Old boat |
| listing should have heaps of photographs showing | | | | motors, pre 1980 are very, very difficult to get |
| all details of the boat including scratches and any | | | | repaired and many repair shops will not work on |
| other damage, etc. Request more photos if | | | | them because they're not sure if they can get |
| you're uncertain about anything. | | | | parts once they tear into an engine. Also, be sure |
| Ask questions. Once again, click "Ask seller a | | | | any boat trailer is in very good shape if you are |
| question" If you cannot reach your seller, or your | | | | planning to drive to pick it up. Ask when the |
| seller is inaccessible by email and/or phone, don't | | | | bearings were last serviced, if the trailer lights |
| attempt to purchase the boat until you can make | | | | function, how the wear on the tires are and what |
| contact and the seller answers your questions to | | | | size the hitch is. |
| your satisfaction. By eBay policy, if you are unable | | | | There are good deals on boats on eBay, just be |
| to reach the seller during the course of the | | | | careful, ask lots of questions and bid smart. If you |
| auction, you may retract your bid once it has | | | | missed our first article, please look for it on Ezine |
| been placed. | | | | or it is also now posted on our website. |