MERLIN ROCKET FORUM

Topic : Dates

Would it be a good idea to have a column in the boats for sale to sort by advert date. I often look at the boats for sale and see the date of 2004 0r 2005 and my interest stops. If its still for sale there must be a reason.


Posted: 28/01/2007 15:58:08
By: Rocket0_1
Maybe the right person for the boat hasn't turned up yet,that could be a reason.Maybe you've gotta look to find the right boat for you...


Posted: 29/01/2007 10:10:56
By: Ever so Helpful
Don't be put off by the dates - if they've been on that long without selling you may be able to knock the price down more. 

Also some of the adverts are so poor, lacking information and pictures that people aren't interested enough to phone up or travel to see the boats.

I saw a very poorly advertised boat on the list for ages but ignored it as it was a long way away. Eventually it went onto e-bay and I bought it for less than half the price boats of that age are going for. The difference easily covered the cost of travelling and some work that needs doing and a new trolley!!


Posted: 29/01/2007 13:00:14
By: Pat 2121
It should be apparent which adverts you have already looked at (link turn from blue to purple). Does that not help? Or are you looking for adverts that have been modified recently, as well as new adverts?

I take all ideas on board, so keep discussing...


Posted: 29/01/2007 13:21:16
By: Mags
I used to run the lark for sale list. Really old boats were just hanging around for ages. We made people repost each month and then they tended to drop the price each month getting the boat sold at a sensible price and back in circulation rather than unloved at the end of a drive way. If they didn't repost the advert got dropped off. It saved ringing around and checking which were still for sale which was a real ball ache.


Posted: 29/01/2007 13:29:36
By: Mark Ampleford
Mags, it does turn colour but only temporarily, sometimes changing back after a few days or when something else is added.  Seems to be random with some staying purple for quite a while.


Posted: 29/01/2007 14:51:30
By: Cynic
I've noticed the random time colour change too!!


Posted: 30/01/2007 08:40:38
By: Garry R
Having had a boat on the list for a number of months last year, I would say that Mark's suggestion makes the most sense. We all have an opinion on what our pride and joy is worth and may even seek others opinion, but unfortunately the market drives the price. Once I started lowering the price aggresively then the interest grew.
The reason most boats don't sell is price and timing, not necessarily anything actually wrong with the boat.


Posted: 30/01/2007 11:40:05
By: Jon S
I would add to Jon's comment that presentation is as important as timing and price. Having not had a sniff at my sailboard from the local classified's, I sold it on eBay for more than I expected, having followed the hints and tips there, thus funding a large part of the price of a Merlin bought via the same medium. No-one in this age of IT and digital cameras can really expect much interest in any advertisement without the stimulation of pictures 'up front'.


Posted: 30/01/2007 15:21:06
By: Peter Ellam
Hear hear. The advert on this site for the boat I bought from ebay had FOUR words and no pictures and was on for some months. On ebay it was much better described with half a dozen pictures.


Posted: 31/01/2007 12:55:58
By: Pat 2121
Certain age boats take ages to sell, notably the Ghast Rider/Phantom Kipper era boats which seem to be somewhat in limbo competition wise at the moment.

Dropping adverts off every month would actually make more work so i'm not really in favour of that, i do try and email round every 6 months but this is a monster job! I think 6 months is about right if you average it out across the whole age range - some sell quickly others don't.

No system is perfect, what we have relies on vendors, buyers and potential viewers letting me know when boats sell. Then we're all happy!


Posted: 31/01/2007 18:58:14
By: Secondhandman
Could you not have a similar system as the Solo. The vendor inputs and posts their own ad. As the page fills the last add falls off the bottom of the page forcing you to re-advertise should the boat still be available. Alternatively do as the OK web does and have a date with a big yellow note saying 'NEW'.

Only a thought but keeps the sausage machine running!


Posted: 31/01/2007 20:00:33
By: Richard Battey
Just added a 'classified' to my web site. Its free so why not add your boats, they will drop off after 60 days and they will drop off when my 'free' quota of adds (500 I think or might be 50) are used.

Why not, its free, also note that my Previa (tow bar and lots of room for sails etc) is on there, with alink to ebay where it is up for auction. Take a look, possible bargain, will tell you all the issues (Merlin Sailors only)

www.sailfun.co.uk

Posted: 31/01/2007 21:32:35
By: Alan F
The vendor already inputs their own ad, i just approve it. This prevents the Merlin list promoting the sales of viagra and other dubious substances/activities and yes, we've had them all!

The big yellow "New" sign has it's merits, but is it fair on the older adverts?


Posted: 31/01/2007 23:19:08
By: Secondhandman
I'd like to see the design have to be selected from a drop down list. That way we'd guarantee the link to the design guide would work as  so many don't simply because someone can't spell "Canterbury Tales" or similar. Variations should then be described in the free format text. 
Also there's people looking for a merlin - how about the option to "watch" the for sale page and receive an e-mail when a new boat is added. This would have to be done from a login and a remove option provided but it's technically possible.


Posted: 01/02/2007 13:25:06
By: Pat 2121

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