RV Camp in Quartzsite Arizona | Snowbirds in Arizona

RV Camp in Quartzsite Arizona | Snowbirds in Arizona

Expert Tips for Online RV Sales

Shawn Friesen, RVT.com

By Mary Gormandy White

Travel & Vacations Editor

If you're in the market to purchase or sell a recreational vehicle, you're probably wondering if using an online RV sales site is the best option for you. Shawn Friesen, Managing Director of RVT.com, shares his insight on this subject with LoveToKnow Camping readers in this exclusive expert interview.

Online RV Sales Tips for Buyers

Why is it a good idea to use an online resource when looking to purchase an RV?

Firstly, most (if not all) online resources for buying or selling are free to browse. Secondly, an online resource, if set up properly, allows you to search your local region, statewide, nationally or even globally and lets you search for a specific item, by keyword or other criteria. This eliminates having to pore through irrelevant material. Thirdly, many online services are far cheaper than print for a seller to advertise in, so a buyer will find items not listed in print.

Are there risks associated with shopping for RVs online?

Yes, there are risks associated. The most common being scam ads, which attempt to lure an unsuspecting buyer into sending money by placing a ridiculously low-priced unit and requesting money for a down payment be sent. Buyers think they are getting an amazing deal, but on the other end is a crook who takes the money and disappears.
For buyers to protect themselves, never inquire on an RV that has a price too good to be true, because 99 percent of the time it is a scam. Also, use a reputable escrow service when you can't do a deal face to face. An escrow service acts as a go between for the buyer and seller. The service holds your money until you have received and inspected the RV. If there was a problem, you could easily get your money back.

What tips do you have to help people find the right RV when searching online?

It helps to know what you want before you buy, because there are literally over 100,000 RVs available online. You will need to access a popular RV classifieds site, such as RVT.com, that has a large selection and allows you to narrow your search down by year, make, model, state/region and other criteria. The beauty of the Internet is the ability to search large volumes of information quickly and turn up only results for exactly what you're looking for.