Posted 2016-02-05 9:31 PM (#166016) Subject: buying horse trailer via online ad
New User
Posts: 2
I was wondering if anyone can tell me the proper etiquette for purchasing a trailer online from a private party. I am shopping for trailers and there are a couple I am interested in that are far enough away that it would take me a few weeks to organize pick-up. Do I pay full amount up front? Down payment until actual pick-up? Etc.
Posted 2016-02-05 10:54 PM (#166017 - in reply to #166016) Subject: RE: buying horse trailer via online ad
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
You will usually have to offer a non refundable deposit, for the owner to hold the trailer until you can see it. This should be as minimal an amount as possible, if you have to walk away from the deal. 10% is as high as I've had to offer. DO NOT PAY THE BALANCE until you have personally inspected the trailer, or have YOUR representative do it for YOU. Do not use a "dealer he knows". Unless he can produce a clean title, properly notarised at the time of the sale, do not pay and leave with the trailer, with an offer for him to send it to you. Make sure the present owners name is the same as the title holder on the title. Securing a properly executed title is paramount, as many states will not allow you to license it without a proper title and bill of sale. Completing the legalities at a notary at the time of the sale, is the best way to obtain the proper paperwork you will later need. Other wise it can happen that you may have a trailer in your drive way, that you don't own and can't license.
Posted 2016-02-05 11:09 PM (#166019 - in reply to #166016) Subject: RE: buying horse trailer via online ad
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
There are several ways to effect a payment, long distance. Various money transfers can be arranged, bank to bank is the safest. Again no final payment should be paid until the paperwork is completed. Some people will accept a cashier's cheque, however, more recently, this has become a less secure payment than in the past. Cash is king, that's how we complete as many transaction as possible. The most important part of your transaction is the preinspection of the trailer. If you are not knowledgeable of trailers' structures, take someone with you that is. Everything should be inspected for its proper functionality; appliances, all hinges and latches, window and door operations, lighting, brakes and tires. Make sure the trailer's plug matches your truck's; take a new spare in case it has to be switched out before you leave. All the exterior lights and brakes should work before you hit the road. Best of luck.....
Posted 2016-02-06 7:55 AM (#166022 - in reply to #166016) Subject: RE: buying horse trailer via online ad
Elite Veteran
Posts: 656 Location: Rayne, LA
A friend of mine used a private investigator ( one that he chose ) in the home town of the seller to take and send many pictures as well as give an opinion on a car. He had this done for minimal dollars.
Posted 2016-02-06 7:56 AM (#166023 - in reply to #166016) Subject: RE: buying horse trailer via online ad
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
Scroll down the main trailer forum page and read the post titled what legal rights do I have buying misrepresented trailer...pay attention or you'll be stuck in the same position.
Posted 2016-02-06 8:02 AM (#166024 - in reply to #166016) Subject: RE: buying horse trailer via online ad
Elite Veteran
Posts: 720
Used trailers that are priced right sell quickly. My experience has been that if I find one I want, I call and verify it is there to look at, then I go look. Cash in hand. If it is what I want, by paying green cash there is no excuse to not have title ready to sign over.
Last one I sold, I had too many calls to volunteer to hold it for very long. So if you are thinking many days or weeks, you'd be well served to use the PI mentioned and get it paid for. But there was a thread here last week where that early pay didn't work out so well. So beware.
If you can't personally go and look and complete the purchase, many ways it can go wrong.
Posted 2016-02-06 3:15 PM (#166029 - in reply to #166016) Subject: RE: buying horse trailer via online ad
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by booknerd on 2016-02-05 12:31 AM
I was wondering if anyone can tell me the proper etiquette for purchasing a trailer online from a private party. I am shopping for trailers and there are a couple I am interested in that are far enough away that it would take me a few weeks to organize pick-up. Do I pay full amount up front? Down payment until actual pick-up? Etc.
buying horse trailer via online ad
