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An RV is the perfect fit if you love the great outdoors, but finding the right RV for you can be challenging. RV shopping can be a long process. Even after narrowing your options, you may wonder when you should buy. The possibilities boil down to the following:
- RV dealerships
- RV shows
- RV events
- Private sellers
There are many factors to consider, including your budget, the places you plan to travel, and what type of vehicle you need. Whether it will be your primary residence or just a weekend getaway, buying an RV is a long-lasting investment. Luckily, RV auctions online make it easier than ever. This article covers everything you need to know about buying an RV at auction.
Why You Should Consider Utilizing RV Auctions Online
Consider utilizing online auctions if you’re looking for an inexpensive way to sell or replace your RV. Online RV Auctions are a great way to find your next recreational vehicle.
One of the most significant advantages is that you can be sure any RV you purchase has been thoroughly inspected and is in excellent condition. Another benefit to buying an RV through an online auction is that you can browse and compare different models to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle. Online RV auctions also let you spend more time choosing a specific model because you aren’t rushed to decide before another buyer comes along.
Buying an RV at an auction in Calgary should give you the best possible price on a recreational vehicle. You won’t need to worry about servicing the RV when you buy it, nor wonder if the dealer will take care of your future RV needs.
RVs aren’t the only things we’ve created resources about — we also have articles covering online car auctions, jewelry auctions online, and online art auctions in Canada.
RV Auctions vs. RV Dealerships
Not all RV dealerships are the same. Many dealers want to make a sale but don’t take the time to know their prospective buyers and provide exceptional customer experience. Additionally, when shopping at a dealership, you may be limited in what you can buy and what features come as standard equipment on the recreational vehicle you want.
For those looking to buy an RV, auction sites offer many advantages over traditional dealership sales. You can buy from sellers all over the country who have everything from brand-new RVs to gently used RVs for sale at reasonable prices. Since auctions attract so many potential buyers, you may not even be required to pay a deposit if you find the vehicle of your dreams at auction! You can save time and money on travel expenses and alleviate the stress associated with purchasing a large item like an RV in person.
However, there are still numerous benefits to purchasing an RV directly from a dealership. You can take advantage of market-based pricing as well as financing, sales support, warranties, and extended warranties to ensure you get the best deal. Market-based pricing means the dealer determines the RV’s actual value based on age, condition, make, model, and features using industry-standard guidebooks. Dealers must compete with every other RV trader selling a comparable model. In addition to lower prices, you can often get accessories or upgraded features thrown in through an RV dealer. When you purchase an RV from a dealer, you can also receive a thorough pre-sale inspection on both pre-owned and new RVs, which you should not pass up. Finally, dealerships usually have access to a wider selection of RVs than auctions.
RV Auctions vs. RV Shows
RV shows are excellent because dealers attend them to offer special deals or discounts only available at shows. However, this can also mean pressure to buy on the spot.
If you aren’t prepared to buy right away, you might prefer an auction online. One benefit of utilizing an online auction site to buy your RV is that you can thoroughly assess your options to ensure you’re making an educated decision and receiving exactly what you want.
You can spend your time browsing through the available RV inventory at once and finding the exact RV you want without being pressured to buy anything else by a salesperson. Online auctions can offer better prices without additional costs associated with showing potential buyers around. Typically, if going to shows or events, you’d need to pay for parking, admission fees, and other costs of seeing potential RVs before deciding what to buy. RV auctions also typically offer lower commission rates than traditional showroom sales.
RV Auctions vs. Private Sellers
When you’re looking to buy a recreational vehicle, a private seller is often the best option. Private sellers frequently sell used RVs for less than auction sites.
However, this strategy has some disadvantages. One drawback is that you cannot know what condition the vehicle will arrive in. Buying from a private seller means you must do your own research and inspections. You may also need to pay for RV insurance and registration fees. There are also fewer options if you need to do a refund or return.
On the other hand, when buying at auction, buyers can connect with trusted professionals to ensure their RV has been inspected and is in excellent condition before the sale. There is no risk of not getting what you paid for or having trouble returning it once it’s too late. A reputable online auction site will provide numerous buyer protections if any issues arise after purchase.
RV Auctions vs. RV Events
Attending an RV event is one of the best ways to find your next RV at auction. Buyers from all over the world use online auction sites to purchase RVs from reputable sellers. Sale events are usually held at a set date and time, so buyers know when bidding will end and what vehicles will be available. And since there is no cost associated with hosting the online event or driving up and down a lot looking for an appropriate vehicle, these auctions typically have lower starting prices.
Unfortunately, while these events are great for finding your ideal RV, they can also be a struggle for unprepared newcomers to navigate. However, online auctions are the place to go if you’re looking for a specific type of RV or want to save money.
Tips to Help You at RV Auctions Online
Before looking at actual listings, you should consider what you want from an RV. Do you plan to use it as a permanent residence while travelling? Or will you use it as a temporary place to stay when you’re not on the road? What type of vehicle would best suit you? There are endless possibilities for any given need.
Look through the listings. If you can’t find a recreational vehicle that already has everything you want and more, don’t get discouraged. Instead, look for an RV with all the essential features to cover your needs and enough space to grow with them over the years.
On the other hand, you can get top dollar at an RV auction if you take the proper steps when preparing to sell. However, be cautious—some buyers will try to take advantage of you with lowball offers. Do not let your emotions cloud your judgement – understand what you are doing before going to the auction site. This is the most effective way to ensure you get the best deal for your RV.
RV Auctions in Alberta
Many different types of RVs are available for sale, and it can be tricky to find the perfect match. You may need to search multiple auction sites or make additional inquiries before finding the right RV. Consider these three popular Canadian RV auction sites to help narrow your search.
- Graham Auctions in Calgary – As an online auction specializing in heavy equipment and vehicle auctions, we offer a wide variety of RVs in our weekly sales. If you’re looking for more information, we recommend our guide covering Online Auctions in Alberta.
- ADESA Canada –ADESA RV auctions combine on-site expertise, reconditioning, and unsurpassed buyer service to provide sellers and dealers with access to a large selection of RV inventory.
- Manheim Auctions in Edmonton – Manheim Canada has been a leading global provider of vehicle remarketing services for more than 70 years, with a vast selection of RVs for sale.
Wrapping Up
To maximize your chances of finding the best deal on an RV, you should do extensive research online to find out what other buyers pay for the exact RV you’re interested in. You’re less likely to get a good deal if you don’t do your homework. RV auctions are also an efficient way to sell your RV.
Now that you’ve learned about some factors to consider when purchasing an RV, it’s time to start thinking about your options. We invite you to check out one of our upcoming auctions to ensure you don’t miss out on a great deal – all you have to do is register to bid! If you enjoyed this post, these expert tips on how to win an online auction might pique your interest!
