We've had our 11ft van on the market for a few weeks, gumtree, trading post and yesterday the busy Euroa show and shine. We built it last year, strong steel frame, professional appearance, toilet space, shower, hatches 2 beds and accessories..awning solar etc.
Comments from the crowd were good. "Its compact". "Its even got a shower and toilet". "You built it yourself? It looks factory built, well done"
Not many bites. It is perfect for a single person or couple for up to 8 weeks. And thats our reason for sale, our trips up north will be up to 5 months duration, we want to build a larger van and now we have a 6 cylinder to tow it.
Why little interest?. Poptops have their positives but older people prefer full height vans yes? A tare of 450kg would attract 4 cylinder owners wouldnt it? An economy driven couple would enjoy 9-11 l/100kms (9 from i30 diesel). A shower/toilet feature would be a no brainer?
A price of $13500, less than half price of the cheapest new shower and toilet van would be a hands down sale?
Luckily we really dont need to sell. But I'm wondering why there aren't buyers that dont want a small compact caravan?
Your thoughts?
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/strathbogie/caravans/caravan-with-shower-toilet-2016/1158154025
macka17 said
02:02 PM Oct 2, 2017
ONE reason.
Combined advertising. By MFG's and PAID BY THEM. Magazines.
Over the yrs. they've conned the WIVES... That bigger is better. MORE HOME NEEDS met.
NOT what does it weight. How does it tow. What fuel does it use. what does it cost.
I WANT.
DE convince the females. and we'll ALL go back to a sensible sized touring rig range.
But we'll never convince these idiots. They all to well conned over decades.
Back in hole.
We've had 21ft 6in (22 and 28ft too, other country's)....
Di's favourite of all.
a 17ft 4in OUTSIDE. Single axle, pop top, semi Offroad Compass.
Beautiful finish, layout, and quality. 1.7 ton, loaded.
$38k back in late '90's.
Did everything. IN comfort.
Went everywhere (including being winched out of) Comfortably.
Towed VERY economically. 7.5\7.6 KMPL with Patrol.3 ltr.
AT road speeds.
-- Edited by macka17 on Monday 2nd of October 2017 02:09:46 PM
rockylizard said
02:21 PM Oct 2, 2017
Gday...
Subjective adj. 1. existing in the mind; belonging to the thinking subject rather than to the object of thought; 2. pertaining to or characteristic of an individual; personal; 3. placing excessive emphasis on one's own moods, attitudes, opinions, etc.
Cheers - John
macka17 said
02:35 PM Oct 2, 2017
Been Perusing the dictionary then Rocky.
Doesn't change the subject though.
Reasons for. and why.
It's all for the dollar. MFG and SALES. Bigger is morer. Sheckels.
In their pockets.
Dealers and mag's con them.
Trouble being. Vans have outpaced SAFE to tow with tugs,
for sale in the car size, in this country.
and people being unwilling to go up to safety sizes.
You'll find the "individual" like you mate. He\she's out there.
-- Edited by macka17 on Monday 2nd of October 2017 02:43:11 PM
-- Edited by macka17 on Monday 2nd of October 2017 02:47:26 PM
RustyD said
02:44 PM Oct 2, 2017
We have a Jurgens Sungazer J1901 and that's about as small as we want to go. Twin beds, toilet & shower, tons of space. After much too-ing and fro-ing we settled on the J1901. The two items that swayed us were the ample shower and the light weight. Never saw these initially www.euro-caravans.com.au but have seem a couple since. Mainly women traveling alone but meeting up with people.
Eaglemax said
02:48 PM Oct 2, 2017
Hi John. I get the subjective bit. People can do as they like imo. Im asking why more people arent attracted to small vans for the benefits they give. I was not criticizing large van owners, and I think that was clear.
Eaglemax said
02:49 PM Oct 2, 2017
Hi John. I get the subjective bit. People can do as they like imo. Im asking why more people arent attracted to small vans for the benefits they give. I was not criticizing large van owners, and I think that was clear.
In fact I'm planning on a bigger one!
Eaglemax said
02:50 PM Oct 2, 2017
In fact I'm planning on a bigger one!
rockylizard said
02:51 PM Oct 2, 2017
Gday...
Sorry Tony .... it was not your question that was subjective
Cheers - John
ilcag said
02:59 PM Oct 2, 2017
eaglemax you are trying to sell to a very small section of the market , I would look at where you are advertising , but it wont be easy .
macka17 said
03:13 PM Oct 2, 2017
Don't worry tony.
Just some people trying a different tack.
Chuckle. It won't work.
They can't even use their own vocabulary....
TheHeaths said
03:40 PM Oct 2, 2017
Tony,
I think there is one reason, and one reason only that your van will be difficult to sell. It has nothing to do with the mainstream manufacturers, advertising, quality of build (which appears to be very good), inclusions or lack thereof or size (although yours is exceptionally small, and that may have some influence).
I think you are facing the issue that the van, no matter how well built is home made, and that will be putting people off. That I think is your major issue.
Combine that with the size of the wheels which may influence some, based on my experience with boat trailers with small wheels versus "normal" sized wheels, a price that is not an excessive price, but is still a reasonable amount of money, for a smaller than normal, quirky looking, van, and I think you will be waiting for a buyer who appreciates the more unusual things in life to buy it. I hope that happens sooner rather than later.
That said, Rocky I admire your persistence!
-- Edited by TheHeaths on Monday 2nd of October 2017 03:43:03 PM
-- Edited by TheHeaths on Monday 2nd of October 2017 03:45:16 PM
hako said
04:12 PM Oct 2, 2017
As above, the reasons why people are not biting is simply fear of the unknown - it's home made and of unknown quality plus it's a unique one-off model. Personally I reckon the small vans sell just as easily as larger vans, possibly more because they are cheaper, so it's not the size.
Another problem with selling an unusual van would be if you price it very low - then people wonder if it's that cheap there must be something wrong with it.
However I know the care and skill you put into its manufacture...it leaves my factory Avan Cruiser for dead.
Good Luck.
dirvine said
04:39 PM Oct 2, 2017
I must admit I am a person who appreciates the smaller vans. Now I must also admit I am being super critical but hopefully constructive. The things that would put me off buying the van are:
Not made by a recognized manufacturer so quality of workmanship is unknown. (not that some van manufacturers know anything about quality)
I dont like a shared shower and toilet.
The cabinet work looks very amateur - wooden panel doors is very 1950's.
Fridge is a portable type fridge. Would be better if it was an inbuilt one.
44 litres of water is not enough for free camping if one has showers every day.
Inside table looks very small. (even the one in my van is too small).
Wheel/tyres not a size that is easily obtainable in country towns.
How cozy is it when it rains and you are forced in doors.
No Heater or cooler?
I think manufacturers have realized that people want more and more in their vans and so they just dont fit on a small chassis. Look at how New Age overcomes the 15' van with the Gecko. It has a slide out canvas sided bed that extends the usage area of the van by about 3.5 feet. Yes yours is very cheap and I have followed your posts with interest. But you are catering to a very select group. Most "couples" that are looking for vans probably fall into 2 main categories. Young and just starting out before a family is started and the Grey Nomad set. The former are probably going to look at the future and want something that will accomodate children in the future. Hence they look at bigger vans or campertrailers that have annexes. The later group (like me) want all the comfort of home (and probably a bit more besides). So if you eliminate those two groups you have a very narrow market to sell to.
I think it is a very querky and unique van. But maybe thats also its main problem Sorry that I am being so negative, and I hope you find someone who appreciates the van for what it is.
David
toglhot said
06:08 PM Oct 2, 2017
There are a number of reasons why it will be difficult to move:
Very few people want small vans. Look in a caravan yard and count the number of small vans in comparison to larger vans.
It mat well be well built, but, it is home made which is a big turn off for most people.
Again, it may well be well built but, it looks home made which is also a big turn off.
People are very brand conscious, it doesn't have a brand.
It will sell, just a matter of time and price...
I sold an Aliner not long ago. Started at $19k which was a little below what others were asking for the same model. No takers at all, so we gradually dropped the price, in the end we sold at half it's value.
In comparison I sold a Jayco Swift prior to that, advertised it at a similar price to others of the same year. It went off in two weeks, no quibbling over price. Brand power!
The right price is what others are willing to pay, not what you or a valuer has valued your van at.
Desert Dweller said
06:20 PM Oct 2, 2017
It's all about prestige these days, the bigger the better. Your tiny van doesn't look impressive therefore there won't be much interest from buyers.
We have a basic 17ft van with no en-suite by choice. It doesn't impress anyone but we don't care. It works for us.
Plain Truth said
06:54 PM Oct 2, 2017
Eaglemax,-"Dirvine's post is a very realistic and constructive post,and that is the way most people will look at your van.
But it is only been on the market a few weeks and I am sure there is someone out there that your van will suit perfectly .
It will sell.
Eaglemax said
07:18 PM Oct 2, 2017
Thankyou everyone and it wasnt taken negatively at all, great ideas and comments.
The interior is my diwnfall...attention to detail, not my strong suit. Water capacity. ..its all about keeping the weight down. Yes homemade tag us a barrier. It doesnt natter its a steel welded frame. Even has a rollbar that saved us in heavy winds in SA when we tied it to trees. Solid as. Yes I think my van is in a small market.
macka17 said
03:07 AM Oct 3, 2017
Niche..... Is the operative world.
Like I said above.
HE\SHE's out there. you just have to connect.is all.
madaboutled said
09:14 AM Oct 3, 2017
From the photo's it looks very professionally built so I wouldn't put homemade in the advertising. Maybe remove the homemade tag in your advertising and replace it with something more creative like "Custom Built" when you get them looking then tell them it was handmade by a craftsman and emphasise its strengths against mass produced vans.
Birdo said
09:17 AM Oct 3, 2017
Hi Tony
I really like the look of your small van and i congratulate you on having the skills to build your own van.
When we are caravanning i am all ways interested in having a look at the smaller vans as i am interested to see the layout in them.
We have a 20 foot van with everything in it not because of PRESTIGE but that is what we want to make ourselves comfortable when travelling around Australia looking for birds.
As has been stated by others you are in a very small market but some lucky person will eventually buy it from you.
Good luck
Possum3 said
11:27 AM Oct 3, 2017
Eagle max If I had the spare cash it would be mine in a flash - what a great little get away van - just to get out there without the fuss of packing the child bride's gear.
Tony Bev said
01:14 PM Oct 3, 2017
Eaglemax
I have seen smaller caravans than yours, being pulled by your type of car, (in your Avatar) So there is definitely a market out there, but obviously not as large as the mainstream RV/Caravan market
Below is a picture of one of several I have seen on the road
Dickodownunder said
02:07 PM Oct 3, 2017
For every item for sale there will be a buyer.
Your little van looks good and if it is well built there will be someone who will appreciate it for what it is.
Unfortunately today we live in an "instantaneous" world where people may not consider your van over one with a recognisable brand.
I had a mate years ago who decided to build box trailers...a hard industry to compete in at any time.
His sales were slow until he branded his trailers and he said sales picked up when he stopped advertising them as "home made" and had stickers made to reveal the brand "Warren Built"
Go figure but that is how some people are.
I will give you one guess at his name :)
SouthernComfort said
02:31 PM Oct 3, 2017
Hi Eaglemax,
We were recently at a caravan park near Mildura where a number of classic cars of all varieties, pulling classic or unique caravans of all varieties, arrived in convoy. They were a club of some sort. It was our departure day and I didn't get chance to talk to them beyond a quick friendly greeting, but they were attracting a lot of interest. Many of the vans were very small, some obviously home/custom built and others just restored early models. Sorry I can't be more specific, and equally sorry I didn't take pics, but it might be worth investigating classic & custom vehicle clubs and/or caravan clubs, because they clearly exist. There may just be an avenue to get some hints in relation to possible interest for your van. As everyone else has said, your van would attract only a niche market and will either take longer or a different approach than normal selling avenues. I'm a classic car enthusiast myself and I know when the time comes to move my current toy on, it will be outside the usual advertising methods for the same reason.
Barboots said
05:59 PM Oct 3, 2017
Get it on Facebook... and eBay as well.
Bushpie said
10:16 PM Oct 3, 2017
Speaking of Facebook........edited .......had second thoughts
-- Edited by Bushpie on Tuesday 3rd of October 2017 10:32:06 PM
RustyD said
10:20 PM Oct 3, 2017
Teardrop caravans are popular on small older vehicles and trikes (car engines at rear end).Search " teardrop caravan " in Mr Google and look at the images.
Eaglemax said
10:59 PM Oct 3, 2017
Hi Rusty. I owned a Panther trike ...with a roof!! In fact initially my caravan was built for it. Google "youtube trike roof" youll see a yellow trike. However rear engined trikes have a max 300kg gvm with brakes, 250kg without. I sold the trike when I realised I couldnt possibly get the weight down to that. Thanks anyway
ONE reason.
Combined advertising.
By MFG's and PAID BY THEM. Magazines.
Over the yrs. they've conned the WIVES... That bigger is better. MORE HOME NEEDS met.
NOT what does it weight. How does it tow. What fuel does it use. what does it cost.
I WANT.
DE convince the females. and we'll ALL go back to a sensible sized touring rig range.
NOBODY. Realistically NEEDS bigger that 18ft 6in INSIDE.
Annexe out. INSTANtLY doubled.
But we'll never convince these idiots.
They all to well conned over decades.
Back in hole.
We've had 21ft 6in (22 and 28ft too, other country's)....
Di's favourite of all.
a 17ft 4in OUTSIDE. Single axle, pop top, semi Offroad Compass.
Beautiful finish, layout, and quality. 1.7 ton, loaded.
$38k back in late '90's.
Did everything. IN comfort.
Went everywhere (including being winched out of) Comfortably.
Towed VERY economically. 7.5\7.6 KMPL with Patrol.3 ltr.
AT road speeds.
-- Edited by macka17 on Monday 2nd of October 2017 02:09:46 PM
Gday...
Subjective
adj.
1. existing in the mind; belonging to the thinking subject rather than to the object of thought;
2. pertaining to or characteristic of an individual; personal;
3. placing excessive emphasis on one's own moods, attitudes, opinions, etc.
Cheers - John
Been Perusing the dictionary then Rocky.
Doesn't change the subject though.
Reasons for. and why.
It's all for the dollar. MFG and SALES.
Bigger is morer. Sheckels.
In their pockets.
Dealers and mag's con them.
Trouble being. Vans have outpaced SAFE to tow with tugs,
for sale in the car size, in this country.
and people being unwilling to go up to safety sizes.
You'll find the "individual" like you mate. He\she's out there.
-- Edited by macka17 on Monday 2nd of October 2017 02:43:11 PM
-- Edited by macka17 on Monday 2nd of October 2017 02:47:26 PM
Gday...
Sorry Tony .... it was not your question that was subjective
Cheers - John
Just some people trying a different tack.
Chuckle. It won't work.
They can't even use their own vocabulary....
Tony,
I think there is one reason, and one reason only that your van will be difficult to sell. It has nothing to do with the mainstream manufacturers, advertising, quality of build (which appears to be very good), inclusions or lack thereof or size (although yours is exceptionally small, and that may have some influence).
I think you are facing the issue that the van, no matter how well built is home made, and that will be putting people off. That I think is your major issue.
Combine that with the size of the wheels which may influence some, based on my experience with boat trailers with small wheels versus "normal" sized wheels, a price that is not an excessive price, but is still a reasonable amount of money, for a smaller than normal, quirky looking, van, and I think you will be waiting for a buyer who appreciates the more unusual things in life to buy it. I hope that happens sooner rather than later.
That said, Rocky I admire your persistence!
-- Edited by TheHeaths on Monday 2nd of October 2017 03:43:03 PM
-- Edited by TheHeaths on Monday 2nd of October 2017 03:45:16 PM
Another problem with selling an unusual van would be if you price it very low - then people wonder if it's that cheap there must be something wrong with it.
However I know the care and skill you put into its manufacture...it leaves my factory Avan Cruiser for dead.
Good Luck.
Not made by a recognized manufacturer so quality of workmanship is unknown. (not that some van manufacturers know anything about quality)
I dont like a shared shower and toilet.
The cabinet work looks very amateur - wooden panel doors is very 1950's.
Fridge is a portable type fridge. Would be better if it was an inbuilt one.
44 litres of water is not enough for free camping if one has showers every day.
Inside table looks very small. (even the one in my van is too small).
Wheel/tyres not a size that is easily obtainable in country towns.
How cozy is it when it rains and you are forced in doors.
No Heater or cooler?
I think manufacturers have realized that people want more and more in their vans and so they just dont fit on a small chassis. Look at how New Age overcomes the 15' van with the Gecko. It has a slide out canvas sided bed that extends the usage area of the van by about 3.5 feet. Yes yours is very cheap and I have followed your posts with interest. But you are catering to a very select group. Most "couples" that are looking for vans probably fall into 2 main categories. Young and just starting out before a family is started and the Grey Nomad set. The former are probably going to look at the future and want something that will accomodate children in the future. Hence they look at bigger vans or campertrailers that have annexes. The later group (like me) want all the comfort of home (and probably a bit more besides). So if you eliminate those two groups you have a very narrow market to sell to.
I think it is a very querky and unique van. But maybe thats also its main problem Sorry that I am being so negative, and I hope you find someone who appreciates the van for what it is.
David
Very few people want small vans. Look in a caravan yard and count the number of small vans in comparison to larger vans.
It mat well be well built, but, it is home made which is a big turn off for most people.
Again, it may well be well built but, it looks home made which is also a big turn off.
People are very brand conscious, it doesn't have a brand.
It will sell, just a matter of time and price...
I sold an Aliner not long ago. Started at $19k which was a little below what others were asking for the same model. No takers at all, so we gradually dropped the price, in the end we sold at half it's value.
In comparison I sold a Jayco Swift prior to that, advertised it at a similar price to others of the same year. It went off in two weeks, no quibbling over price. Brand power!
The right price is what others are willing to pay, not what you or a valuer has valued your van at.
We have a basic 17ft van with no en-suite by choice. It doesn't impress anyone but we don't care. It works for us.
Eaglemax,-"Dirvine's post is a very realistic and constructive post,and that is the way most people will look at your van.
But it is only been on the market a few weeks and I am sure there is someone out there that your van will suit perfectly .
It will sell.
Like I said above.
HE\SHE's out there. you just have to connect.is all.
From the photo's it looks very professionally built so I wouldn't put homemade in the advertising. Maybe remove the homemade tag in your advertising and replace it with something more creative like "Custom Built" when you get them looking then tell them it was handmade by a craftsman and emphasise its strengths against mass produced vans.
I really like the look of your small van and i congratulate you on having the skills to build your own van.
When we are caravanning i am all ways interested in having a look at the smaller vans as i am interested to see the layout in them.
We have a 20 foot van with everything in it not because of PRESTIGE but that is what we want to make ourselves comfortable when travelling around Australia looking for birds.
As has been stated by others you are in a very small market but some lucky person will eventually buy it from you.
Good luck
Eaglemax
I have seen smaller caravans than yours, being pulled by your type of car, (in your Avatar)
So there is definitely a market out there, but obviously not as large as the mainstream RV/Caravan market
Below is a picture of one of several I have seen on the road
Your little van looks good and if it is well built there will be someone who will appreciate it for what it is.
Unfortunately today we live in an "instantaneous" world where people may not consider your van over one with a recognisable brand.
I had a mate years ago who decided to build box trailers...a hard industry to compete in at any time.
His sales were slow until he branded his trailers and he said sales picked up when he stopped advertising them as "home made" and had stickers made to reveal the brand "Warren Built"
Go figure but that is how some people are.
I will give you one guess at his name :)
We were recently at a caravan park near Mildura where a number of classic cars of all varieties, pulling classic or unique caravans of all varieties, arrived in convoy. They were a club of some sort. It was our departure day and I didn't get chance to talk to them beyond a quick friendly greeting, but they were attracting a lot of interest. Many of the vans were very small, some obviously home/custom built and others just restored early models. Sorry I can't be more specific, and equally sorry I didn't take pics, but it might be worth investigating classic & custom vehicle clubs and/or caravan clubs, because they clearly exist. There may just be an avenue to get some hints in relation to possible interest for your van. As everyone else has said, your van would attract only a niche market and will either take longer or a different approach than normal selling avenues. I'm a classic car enthusiast myself and I know when the time comes to move my current toy on, it will be outside the usual advertising methods for the same reason.
Speaking of Facebook........edited .......had second thoughts
-- Edited by Bushpie on Tuesday 3rd of October 2017 10:32:06 PM