When it comes to selling your RV, there are several options to consider. One of the most popular decisions is whether to sell it outright or to opt for consignment at an RV dealership. While consignment may seem like a more hands-off approach, selling your RV outright often proves to be the better choice. Here’s why.
1. Faster Sale and Immediate Payment
One of the key advantages of selling your RV outright is the speed at which you can complete the transaction. When you sell directly to a buyer, you can negotiate and finalize the sale much quicker than going through consignment.
On consignment, the process involves a dealership handling the sale for you, which can take time. The dealership will list your RV, show it to potential buyers, and sometimes even negotiate the price on your behalf. While this can be convenient, it also means you might be waiting longer for a sale.
Additionally, selling outright means you receive payment immediately after the sale is complete. With consignment, the dealership may not release payment to you until after the buyer has made full payment, and there could be delays involved.
2. Control Over the Sale Price
When you sell your RV outright, you have full control over the asking price. You can set the price based on what you feel is fair, and you can adjust it as necessary depending on market demand.
In contrast, when you choose consignment, the dealership may have input into the price, often setting it lower to make the RV easier to sell. The dealership will take a commission (usually between 10-20%), and this could reduce the amount you ultimately receive for your RV. Additionally, consignment dealers may price your RV higher to cover their costs, but that doesn’t guarantee it will sell quickly.
3. Higher Profit Potential
Because you’re not paying a commission fee when selling outright, you’re likely to pocket more of the sale price. On consignment, the dealership typically takes a commission as a percentage of the sale price, which reduces the amount you walk away with. If you sell outright, there are no middlemen to take a cut, meaning you keep all the proceeds.
This is especially important if you’ve already done the work of preparing your RV, marketing it, and negotiating with potential buyers. Selling outright can often yield a higher return, especially if you’re able to negotiate a favorable deal.
4. Full Ownership and Control of the Sales Process
When you sell your RV outright, you’re in control every step of the way. You handle all negotiations, communication, and marketing directly with buyers. This means you can personally vet potential buyers, answer any questions they may have, and feel confident about the deal.
With consignment, the dealership takes over these responsibilities. While this might be more convenient, you’re not as involved in the process. You also won’t be as hands-on when it comes to negotiating a price, which may result in you not getting as much as you would if you were managing the sale on your own.
5. Avoiding Hidden Fees and Costs
While consignment may seem like an easy route, there are often hidden fees and costs that can eat into your profit. Dealerships may charge storage fees, advertising fees, or other administrative charges for the consignment process. These can add up over time, especially if your RV takes a while to sell.
Selling outright means no hidden fees. You can choose how to market the RV (through ads, online platforms, or word-of-mouth), and there are no additional charges beyond what you might spend on advertising, if any.
6. No Risk of Prolonged Selling Process
Consignment also carries the risk of your RV sitting on the dealership’s lot for an extended period. If your RV doesn’t sell quickly, you may be left paying for storage fees or the dealership may lower the price to make it more attractive to buyers. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re in a rush to sell or need the cash urgently.
When you sell outright, the timeline is in your hands. If you don’t want to wait, you can drop the price or push the sale on your own terms to ensure a faster transaction.
7. Direct Buyer Relationship
Selling your RV outright lets you deal directly with the buyer. This direct interaction gives you the opportunity to establish trust, answer questions personally, and maybe even offer a small incentive to close the deal. Some buyers may prefer a direct sale as they feel more confident dealing with the owner than a dealership, and this can lead to a smoother, more transparent transaction.
Conclusion
While consignment offers a hassle-free, hands-off way to sell your RV, it often comes with a slower process, hidden fees, and lower overall profits. Selling outright gives you the freedom to control the sale, make more money, and have the peace of mind that you’re in full control of the transaction.
If you’re looking to sell your RV quickly, get the best possible price, and avoid paying unnecessary fees, selling outright is the smarter choice. With a little effort and a good understanding of your RV’s value, you can secure a successful and profitable sale without relying on a third party.