Question:
Jim, Sorry to see you’re parting with your plane. You, and a couple other Cherokee owners, about had me buying one. Good luck. When I was shopping, although I eventually found mine through TAP, I also searched aircraft.com, aso.com, and aopa’s classified. Not sure what they charge, have you checked them out? Chris
Response:
A co-worker of mine says that OSH has worked for him in the past. He didn’t sell it at the show, he had a sign on it, and he started getting calls about a week after the show was done. (Once everybody got home, etc).. Ben
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, I placed a little ad on the FBO bulletin board. I’ve contacted all my fellow EAA members and there has not been any interest in the Cherokee 180 my partners and I are selling. I am very confident that we are asking a very reasonable, fair price (under 50k). So, what next step would you folks recommend for selling a plane? Trade-a-Plane? Broker? Ebay? How much commission does a broker typically receive should we choose to go that route? Finally, I wonder how many planes are sold at Osh? I’m trying my best to monetarily justify flying up there for one last adventure with "Juliet." Anyone hear of any stories about people buying or selling planes at Osh? If so, does Osh have an "official" place to place your ad for selling a plane located on the field? — Jim Fisher Cherokee 180 www.EAAChapter615.org
Response:
I would think that buyers would see an aircraft, which historically have appreciated in value, would be a safer place for their money than the market right now. Perry N6546R – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jim; First thing to do is to look at the market. The DOW, I mean. There aren’t going to be too many people that would normally shop in your range that would be willing to part with their bucks right now. Sorry, but you need to face the facts, but don’t despair. You could post it on all, and I mean ALL the free websites. Consider placing all the specs and pictures on a website so that propects wouldn’t call you at 11 pm at home for info.
Response:
So, what next step would you folks recommend for selling a plane? Trade-a-Plane? Broker? Ebay?
When I sold my old Cessna, I got no bites from TAP ads. I’ve been told that TAP ads really work best for larger planes that buyers are willing to travel to see. I got a few bites from ads placed in regional papers (like Atlantic Flyer). The plane sold to a man who saw my ad on one of the web sites that take ads. At the time, the site was starting up and the ad was free. Don’t remember which site, though, but it’s probably not free anymore. How much commission does a broker typically receive should we choose to go that route?
The four I’ve spoken to charge 5% or 6%. One of those is Steve Weaver, who is located in West Virginia. Find his web site and drop him some mail. George Patterson, N3162Q.
Response:
Jim, There are several "bulletin boards" on the field at OSH, where many, many airplanes are posted for sale. Mary and I looked a few years ago, but were put off by the prospect of walking literally miles, with no assurance that the plane would actually still be there when we arrived. Still, it gets your plane in front of literally thousands of pilots, so… I say go to OSH for one last blast, drink a bunch of beers, and maybe you’ll get lucky! (Selling the plane, you pig! ;) — Jay Honeck Iowa City, IA Pathfinder N56993
Response:
I’ve heard from another broker that Weaver is okay. The thing that concerns me is that he’s hooked up with that group who share web designers (who claims to be a retired professional but not broker himself) and info. On the surface that might seem harmless, but I’ve dealt with one of those guys (who claims to be a retired professional but not a broker himself) and have decided NEVER to return to the vicinity. Your milage may vary. Why not try a scaled commission process; 5% within 30 days 4% within 45 days 3% within 60 days 2% within 75 days But never give up the right to sell and negotiate it on your own with no fee. Beware of contracts, they have lien power. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – So, what next step would you folks recommend for selling a plane? Trade-a-Plane? Broker? Ebay? When I sold my old Cessna, I got no bites from TAP ads. I’ve been told that TAP ads really work best for larger planes that buyers are willing to travel to see. I got a few bites from ads placed in regional papers (like Atlantic Flyer). The plane sold to a man who saw my ad on one of the web sites that take ads. At the time, the site was starting up and the ad was free. Don’t remember which site, though, but it’s probably not free anymore. How much commission does a broker typically receive should we choose to go that route? The four I’ve spoken to charge 5% or 6%. One of those is Steve Weaver, who is located in West Virginia. Find his web site and drop him some mail. George Patterson, N3162Q.
Response:
Well, I placed a little ad on the FBO bulletin board. I’ve contacted all my fellow EAA members and there has not been any interest in the Cherokee 180 my partners and I are selling. I am very confident that we are asking a very reasonable, fair price (under 50k). <snip — Jim Fisher Cherokee 180 www.EAAChapter615.org
Hi Jim, I’m sure you’re aware of this, but given my experience, the keys to selling pretty much anything, airplanes included are: 1) Exposure – If no one sees your ad, or if they have to pay a price to see it, it won’t get as much exposure. That’s why I think TAP’s ideology of charging for that big yellow rag is just stupid, especially considering the sheer number of ads (private and commercial) that support its development costs. You can tell they "just don’t get it" because their website is merely an extension of that brain-damaged philosophy. 2) Disclosure – You need to give the prospective buyer TONS of information, including the most important to grab the buyer’s attention: PICTURES. When I was looking for an airplane about a year ago (before the market really tanked), I looked primarily online and at picture ads. I never really looked seriously at the ads without pics unless the aircraft had low time and was relatively new (less than 10 years old). I’d venture to say that a lot of people begin their search like this. 3) Market Pricing – Make sure the aircraft is priced to sell. In this market, as well as any other, even a couple thousand can make or break the deal…but I realize you’re already (perhaps painfully) aware of this fact. My recommendation? Cough up the $60/mo for the six-pic ad on aso.com and in the ad include a link to your private website on which you can provide more up-to-date and real-time status on the sale. I just helped sell a rather unique aircraft in that way. It was a Cessna 150 loaded with 2-axis autopilot, full IFR & GPS, that some people told us would be difficult to sell because it was so well equipped (if that makes any sense). I did some basic market research, looked at what was on the market (and specifically aso.com) and priced it accordingly. We got roughly 75 inquiries, perhaps a dozen of which were "very serious" and sold it for $1K more than the asking price. I realize that many people want to sell assets "on the cheap", but you get what you pay for. I’m sold on online advertising (and not the annoying pop-up kind). Incidentally, I don’t work for, take kickbacks from, or know anyone who works for aso.com. They just provided me with an effective marketing vehicle. -Doug — Doug Vetter, CMIMEIA http://www.monmouth.com/~dvetter
Response:
I’ll be in the market for a plane just like yours (I’ve seen the pictures and would love to own it). I’ve been looking at every site that has aircraft for sale except trade-a-plane mainly because I would have to pay to get on. So I would agree with Doug and not bother with them. If you still have the Cherokee 180 for sale in a couple of months I’ll be giving you a call. 
I just have to finish up this PPL thing first. :) Paul Davis www.phdavis.com
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My recommendation? Cough up the $60/mo for the six-pic ad on aso.com Great info, Doug. Thanks. Quite a few folks have emailed me privately recommending them. I think I’ll give that a try. Thanks to all of ya’! — Jim Fisher Cherokee 180 www.EAAChapter615.org
Response:
2) Disclosure – You need to give the prospective buyer TONS of information, including the most important to grab the buyer’s attention: PICTURES. When I was looking for an airplane about a year ago (before the market really tanked), I looked primarily online and at picture ads. I never really looked seriously at the ads without pics unless the aircraft had low time and was relatively new (less than 10 years old). I’d venture to say that a lot of people begin their search like this.
Pics are good, but make sure you "rate" the paint job as well. You can’t tell how good the paint is from a picture. If you don’t do pics (and I look at the ads without them) describe the colors (my wife *hates* that Cessna red interior, so…). Personally, I care much less about the outside of an airplane. Include *useful load*. Wish I had a partner, Jim, I’d probably give you a call Good luck, —
Response:
My recommendation? Cough up the $60/mo for the six-pic ad on aso.com and in the ad include a link to your private website on which you can provide more up-to-date and real-time status on the sale. I just helped sell a rather unique aircraft in that way.
I agree that aso.com with pictures is a great tool to buy or sell an airplane. Are you sure they let you put your private website link on the site? In the past when I sold a plane they would not let me link to another website. — Richard Kaplan, CFII www.umrpc.com/p210
Response:
My recommendation? Cough up the $60/mo for the six-pic ad on aso.com
Great info, Doug. Thanks. Quite a few folks have emailed me privately recommending them. I think I’ll give that a try. Thanks to all of ya’! — Jim Fisher Cherokee 180 www.EAAChapter615.org
Response:
I agree that aso.com with pictures is a great tool to buy or sell an airplane. Are you sure they let you put your private website link on the site? In the past when I sold a plane they would not let me link to another website.
They don’t hyperlink the address if that’s what you mean, but to my knowledge they don’t have any problem with listing the address per se. If they’ve changed their policy because of me, I’d like to know. ;-) Worst case, just say "Pictures and more detailed info available via email". Then, just compose a form letter email that points them to your website. Incidentally, when the user clicks on the "Send mail to owner" button, that sends an email to your address (which remains private). The emails arrive in your mailbox with a fixed subject line, so if you were so inclined you could set up a rule in your email client to auto-respond. -Doug — Doug Vetter, CFIMEIA http://www.monmouth.com/~dvetter
Response:
Jim; First thing to do is to look at the market. The DOW, I mean. There aren’t going to be too many people that would normally shop in your range that would be willing to part with their bucks right now. Sorry, but you need to face the facts, but don’t despair. You could post it on all, and I mean ALL the free websites. Consider placing all the specs and pictures on a website so that propects wouldn’t call you at 11 pm at home for info. TAP is a good source but it can run into a few bucks. Lastly, if you use a broker, expect to pay about a 5% commission and make sure he is not one of those scum suckers that have been mentioned on these groups before. You need to be aware that there are a few who run on packs on the internet and seem to be especially active on AvWeb. Mere mention of their name brings them out crying, threatening to sue, because they are such fine upstanding business people. Be very careful with ANY contract you sign with a broker and make it on YOUR terms only. A good gauge would be to ask what they are going to do to market the airplane for you. If it’s only to put it on their shared webpage and post it on AvWeb once or twice, you might think about using someone that knows what they’re doing. Fiinally, do not give up logbooks for ANY reason whatsoever (make edited copies available for initial perusal, complete copies for serious prospects) and retain all powers of negotiation with the prospect. I feel very confident to say that it would be unwise to use a fellow named Jim Armstrong for anything. He’s been mentioned here for years, has spoiled the name of some good people, has spoiled the business practices of some potentially good people and contrary to the laws of his state and what the prosecutors would like to or are planning to do to him, is still using extremely unethical practices. I recall a young lady in the northwest that was foolish enough to give a deposit. The plane was sold from under her and she spent a considerable amount of time and money to regain the deposit after about a year. Matter of fact, there was a post on AvWeb recently (one pops up every 9 months or so) asking for info about this "gent". Story is always exactly the same. Good luck. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, I placed a little ad on the FBO bulletin board. I’ve contacted all my fellow EAA members and there has not been any interest in the Cherokee 180 my partners and I are selling. I am very confident that we are asking a very reasonable, fair price (under 50k). So, what next step would you folks recommend for selling a plane? Trade-a-Plane? Broker? Ebay? How much commission does a broker typically receive should we choose to go that route? Finally, I wonder how many planes are sold at Osh? I’m trying my best to monetarily justify flying up there for one last adventure with "Juliet." Anyone hear of any stories about people buying or selling planes at Osh? If so, does Osh have an "official" place to place your ad for selling a plane located on the field? — Jim Fisher Cherokee 180 www.EAAChapter615.org
Response:
Well JIm I bought a Tri-pacer at Osh several years ago just from looking at a bulletin board ad. Make up a bunch of pin-up adds and include the row# and if possible a cell #. Drew Dalgleish – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, I placed a little ad on the FBO bulletin board. I’ve contacted all my fellow EAA members and there has not been any interest in the Cherokee 180 my partners and I are selling. I am very confident that we are asking a very reasonable, fair price (under 50k). So, what next step would you folks recommend for selling a plane? Trade-a-Plane? Broker? Ebay? How much commission does a broker typically receive should we choose to go that route? Finally, I wonder how many planes are sold at Osh? I’m trying my best to monetarily justify flying up there for one last adventure with "Juliet." Anyone hear of any stories about people buying or selling planes at Osh? If so, does Osh have an "official" place to place your ad for selling a plane located on the field? — Jim Fisher Cherokee 180 www.EAAChapter615.org
Response:
Well, I placed a little ad on the FBO bulletin board. I’ve contacted all my fellow EAA members and there has not been any interest in the Cherokee 180 my partners and I are selling. I am very confident that we are asking a very reasonable, fair price (under 50k). So, what next step would you folks recommend for selling a plane? Trade-a-Plane? Broker? Ebay? How much commission does a broker typically receive should we choose to go that route? Finally, I wonder how many planes are sold at Osh? I’m trying my best to monetarily justify flying up there for one last adventure with "Juliet." Anyone hear of any stories about people buying or selling planes at Osh? If so, does Osh have an "official" place to place your ad for selling a plane located on the field? — Jim Fisher Cherokee 180 www.EAAChapter615.org
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