[url=https://www.tinboats.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=325268#p325268 said:
San Dimas » Today, 10:12[/url]"]Hello everyone.
I have an outboard motor that I want to sell and I don't know what it's worth. Are there references or sources that I could go to that would give me an idea of it's value? Thanks.
Old thread, great question.
Since you WANT to sell, let me ramble. Take it for what its worth.
Valuing a motor from an internet forum is very rough. SO try this...
A really great used motor could probably be expected to do 75% of new, + or - .
If it needs work but is sound, I'd say 50%, give or take.
If it is a gasping dog that doesn't run, well, plan on 25% or less.
I like the idea of asking people what they'll give. Asking random people what a thing is worth is, well, random. It only satisfies when they tell you what you want to hear.
But nothing is worth except what others will pay for it.
And a price in Florida may be different than one in Montana. Finally, since every frog praises his own pond, it is possible that YOU may have a biased view of its condition.
This all leads to unrealistic expectations.
So put the thing on Craigslist using a price you can live with from one of the above ranges.... it might sell at that price, so go there.
Next, add "OBO" to the listing. This says you are willing to negotiate in case you valued it badly for your market (it is always best to be negotiable).
Get people looking at it and putting their hands on it. If it runs, have it set up when they get there. Let them start it and smell the fumes and goose the throttle. Don't say much during all this.
They may like it, you may have the price right and it sells. If not, they'll start talking money. If that happens, just say, "Whats it worth to you?" or "What were you planning to spend?" or "Did you have a budget?" etc. Whatever. Again, the idea is to let them talk.
This puts you in control to say "Yay" or "Nay" ... instead of laboring under random notions.
You'll soon find out what YOUR motor will actually SELL for this way.
If you don't like what you learn from all this, well, refuse and thank them for their interest.*
If you like the offers, you're golden!
* Be ready to hear the answer, though.