Hi N2,
Many thanks for the feedback.
I agree that unless a broker is an AME (which doesn't seem to be the norm), he probably isn't any more capable of evaluating an aircraft's condition than the average pilot is. Perhaps a broker might have a better idea of what a particular airplane is worth (since he's dealing in aircraft all
the time), but it's not all that hard to get at least a rough idea from perusing a few issues of Canadian Plane Trade, Trade-a-Plane, etc.
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On 5/14/2003 10:51:43 AM N2 wrote:
With regards to selling privately, I currently have my PA28 up for sale and there are a lot of people out there who are just into kicking tires, what a pain these people are. You also get the type that want to buy block time, a share etc.
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I confess that I have some sympathy for the poor old tire-kickers; making the decision to buy a plane - i.e., ANY plane, not a particular plane - is not particularly easy (What if there is hidden corrosion? What if the maintenance costs more than I anticipate? What do I do for hangerage? Can I get insurance? etc. etc.). It's not surprising that there are plenty of people out there who are interested but not entirely committed to the project.
I agree 100% that a potential purchaser should be willing to pay for gas and oil. As you say, a serious buyer wouldn't hesitate; it's only fair, and anyway the cost is minimal.
No doubt you are already on the ball, but my suggestion for any seller is to prepare a canned e-mail message, complete with lots of (attached) photos, that can be sent out to anyone enquiring about the 'plane. That way the seller and potential purchasers can all avoid wasting a lot of time (after all, most purchasers have the same basic questions).
Another thought for sellers: if you buy a classified ad, include an asking price (otherwise, you'll scare off at least some potential buyers, who think, "oh, he probably wants a lot, I can't afford it"). Prices in US$ are also a bit of an unnecessary turn-off, IMHO.