In this article, you will learn some tips and tricks about getting your boat prepared to sell.
This list was curated directly from our experienced team of Yacht Brokers & Agents who specialize in getting boats sold.
We understand that you may not have time for all of the items below, and if that is the case - feel free to contact one of our Yacht Brokers and let United City Yachts Sell Your Boat! You can receive a free boat valuation and learn what we will do to get your boat sold! CLICK HERE.
1) Clean Your Boat
Whether you have the skill to detail a boat, or you hire somebody - keeping your boat clean both inside and outside is important throughout the entire sales process. Potential buyers should be presented with a clean and tidy boat that leaves them imagining themselves using the boat, compared to thinking about what needs to be done to be seaworthy.
At United City Yachts, our Brokers have a list of trusted boat detailers to help. If you would like a local detailer that we trust, please contact us.
2) Professional Photography and Video
We live in a multi-media world and quality content is king! Taking wide-angled, detailed and 'macro' photos are important to showcase your boat and the details that make it unique.
Be sure to clean your boat of clutter - just like if you were to sell your home, a well staged boat will attract more buyers!
Our Brokers at United City Yachts are expertly trained and create high-resolution, professional quality photos, video walk arounds and 360 degree virtual tours. This is one of the reasons why we are Canada's Yacht Sales Network!
3) Repair anything that is broken or needs maintenance.
Simply put, a boat that runs and functions will sell quicker. Many buyers want to Sea Trial or hire a surveyor to inspect the boat - that means that having your boat prepared, running and ready will help sell your boat faster!
At United City Yachts, all of our Brokers are boaters. They have the ability to review a boat and identify potential issues. We also have an extensive list of surveyors and boat mechanics. Additionally, we schedule boat showings and attend so our sellers don't have to.
Click the button below to see an example of a boat listing from United City Yachts. You will notice the photography is good and the angles showcase the features of the boat.
4) Be flexible with show dates.
To effectively sell your boat for the highest value, you need to show some flexibility and respect the buyer's schedule.
This is a big advantage to listing your boat with United City Yachts and using one of our brokers. It is our job to show your boat, and just like real estate, we work around the buyer's schedule to get your boat sold! You save time and time = money!
5) Get social media attention
Don't be afraid to advertise your boat. It will get more exposure and find potential buyers.
At United City Yachts, we have a dedicated team to marketing and advertising your boat. Not only do we advertise on the most popular social media networks, but we also have the ability to advertise across North America and target boat buyers during their search. We also have a massive email list of potential buyers.
6) Use a For Sale Sign
If your marina allows it, fix a For Sale sign to your boat. It will help attract local boaters within your marina, and you might sell your boat through word of mouth.
The United City Yachts For Sale Sign is well recognized by the boating community.
7) Protect your finances during the transaction
Be aware of potential scammers, and be careful accepting large sums of cash, cheques and e-transfers. Unfortunately, we live in a world where scams are fairly common - practice due-diligence and be careful. If it's too good to be true, it like is a scam.
At United City Yachts, we use a third party accounting firm with a dedicated Trust Account. This ensures that your money is safe, and both the buyer and yourself will walk away happy. We are also fully insured - meaning that you are protected both financially and from liability in regards to the boat transaction. We take selling your boat very seriously and will weed through potential scams to bring you a legitimate buyer.
8) Delivery date - be flexible and make sure your boat is ready for its new owner
We understand there can be a lot of emotions when it comes to selling your boat. We recommend making a list of things that need to be cleaned and cleared well before it switches ownership - this way, when the date comes, your boat is prepared and the buyer is happy.
At United City Yachts, we handle the transfer of ownership and 'delivery date' of the boat to the new owner. This helps remove emotions and makes the transfer a bit more simple.
9) Price Your Boat To Sell
Finding a fair price to sell your boat is a challenge. Take some time and search similar boats in similar conditions across multiple listing websites to determine a "fair market value". If you don't get many buyers inquiring, it might be to expensive.
At United City Yachts, our team of Brokers works together across the country to determine a boats value. We scour the internet and historical sales information available to us to provide a valuation. The biggest advantages of using a broker vs. a dealer are that when you sell your boat, you keep the full price that you sell for, and we sell a commission on top of the sale at a fair priced fixed rate. You can learn more about the advantages of working with a Yacht Broker vs. a boat dealer by clicking here.
10) Shop for a New Boat - enjoy potential tax savings!
We believe that once you're a boater, you are always a boater! While selling your boat, or even after - visit our website (UnitedCityYachts.com) and start shopping for your new boat!
We offer an "Advanced Trade Program" - meaning that if you find a boat you want from our website - you can buy it. While we list and sell your boat, you can enjoy your new boat along with the potential of tax savings on the full transaction! Contact a broker today to learn more or use the link below to start shopping.
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