metcars 397 Posted October 11, 2017 16 minutes ago, Mojo121 said: This is a good point and what I've been thinking about. I have noticed prices at the lower end sub £5k actually going up. Cars we would have retailed at £1995 now £2295. Cars that we're £2495 now £2995. I wonder whether it's a case of we have to adopt or be left behind; it just doesn't feel right paying more money for cars I bought cheaper a year ago. The risk is paying more and prices drop, left with a forecourt full of then overpriced cars. I think I'll wait a bit longer before deciding. Spot on! I've been doing some local research and prices of 'cheapies' are on the up here. The prices of vehicles over 10yrs old are now actually hitting cap retail? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grant8064 219 Posted October 11, 2017 8 minutes ago, met said: Spot on! I've been doing some local research and prices of 'cheapies' are on the up here. The prices of vehicles over 10yrs old are now actually hitting cap retail? Snap. Thing is the local auction used to be empty on a part ex clearance night and you could pick up the odd space filler but is now rammed with pretend traders and dodgy mechanics looking to earn a few quid off facebook with a hooky MOT in tow and no tax to pay. Anything under £2000 they can hoover up and add a couple of hundred quid of profit...frankly how can I compete when i'm paying bills, the government their bit and proper prep?! Still finding stuff over £3000 buyable now and then because they're priced out of the market but the cheap stuff only comes in through the front door or in chop now...given up on auctions for cheapies that don't need a gearbox, engine or make a few hundred under retail. I used to find that after a few months they would disappear having bought one too many lemons or got a tug from the dole office but these days there is always five more guys waiting to replace them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
have a word with the wife 299 Posted October 11, 2017 8 minutes ago, grant8064 said: Snap. Thing is the local auction used to be empty on a part ex clearance night and you could pick up the odd space filler but is now rammed with pretend traders and dodgy mechanics looking to earn a few quid off facebook with a hooky MOT in tow and no tax to pay. Anything under £2000 they can hoover up and add a couple of hundred quid of profit...frankly how can I compete when i'm paying bills, the government their bit and proper prep?! Still finding stuff over £3000 buyable now and then because they're priced out of the market but the cheap stuff only comes in through the front door or in chop now...given up on auctions for cheapies that don't need a gearbox, engine or make a few hundred under retail. I used to find that after a few months they would disappear having bought one too many lemons or got a tug from the dole office but these days there is always five more guys waiting to replace them. had a interesting conversation with a chap the other day, showed interest in one of my cars, he asked if the cars up the road [ parked in a layby] were also mine ? i jumped straight on this and told him in no uncertain terms they werent ! explained and pointed to my garage thats where you go when youve got a problem, and thats where you go for service, not some layby ! he said he understood, but there again i havent seen him since ? i dont mind telling people i have overheads, i dont mind telling people its a vehicle thats had a proper pdi , and theres somewhere to come back to for service, if they dont listen as to why i am dearer than "the layby" then i disregard them and carry on, if i have to pay more for my cars [which substantially i am] then the asking price has got to rise, have faith in your product and your service and you will pay the rent Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
It's me 615 Posted October 11, 2017 21 minutes ago, grant8064 said: I used to find that after a few months they would disappear having bought one too many lemons or got a tug from the dole office but these days there is always five more guys waiting to replace them. this is one of the reasons i voted brexit Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grant8064 219 Posted October 11, 2017 9 minutes ago, have a word with the wife said: had a interesting conversation with a chap the other day, showed interest in one of my cars, he asked if the cars up the road [ parked in a layby] were also mine ? i jumped straight on this and told him in no uncertain terms they werent ! explained and pointed to my garage thats where you go when youve got a problem, and thats where you go for service, not some layby ! he said he understood, but there again i havent seen him since ? i dont mind telling people i have overheads, i dont mind telling people its a vehicle thats had a proper pdi , and theres somewhere to come back to for service, if they dont listen as to why i am dearer than "the layby" then i disregard them and carry on, if i have to pay more for my cars [which substantially i am] then the asking price has got to rise, have faith in your product and your service and you will pay the rent +1 I too make it very clear I run a REPUTABLE business and pay all our dues. We focus pretty locally for sales and fortunately get a lot of good word of mouth sales from people that have bought before but i'm always astounded by the ones that turn up knowing of our reputation but still choose to buy from the local roadside parking space that the scrap guy seemingly owns and runs as a forecourt because the metal is a few hundred quid less than ours with a proper ticket, service, PDI and a warranty we actually get backed. It's all about looking long term IMO, do it right every time and it pays off, there are no quick bucks to be made. It's just a shame that everyone and his wife with a few giros saved up becomes a short term 'trader' these days. It harms the business from a reputation point of view if nothing else. Can't worry too much because the chancers do usually disappear after a few issues and complaints but at the moment there seem to be people waiting to fill their shoes too readily. The upside is when the former potential customer rolls back up a few weeks later asking for advice because the shitter they bought because it was cheaper has blown up and the guy on the end of the pay as you go mobile has stopped answering...paints me in a bad light but we all know that feeling of satisfaction. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BHM 994 Posted October 12, 2017 You're both correct in what you say however the majority of the general public (certainly the ones buying up to £3000) do not give a toss about your business being legit. They do not give a single thought to the car being pdi'd - all they are concerned about is THE PRICE. How many of us are repeatedly contacted the the "bottom price brigade". Do you for a moment think they give a fig about paying your overheads, wages, taxes etc.? It's only going to get harder over the next few years. There are desperate times ahead as most people's finances are stretched further but they want to maintain the same standards - I've certainly never met so many fussy & unrealistic customers as I have recently had the "pleasure" in dealing with. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Max Branning 149 Posted October 12, 2017 I can remember a few years back when 2k-4k stock was a good earner. Now it just seems increasingly hard to find good retail stock with enough margin left in it after preps etc. If you are operating a forecourt specialising in this price range then it is going to get harder as overheads are only going to go one way and margins are gradually being dragged down. As i said earlier how many traders are honestly beating minimum wage for the hours they put in ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grant8064 219 Posted October 12, 2017 9 hours ago, Max Branning said: I can remember a few years back when 2k-4k stock was a good earner. Now it just seems increasingly hard to find good retail stock with enough margin left in it after preps etc. Completely agree Max. We stock 4k - 8k but do love a good few 2k - 3k on site because they ALWAYS sell quickly...hard to find right ones but you know when you do they will fly out the door. I always feel a bit more calm knowing I have those month savers on the forecourt for when it's quiet. We're putting a lot more effort lately (I have been a bit lazy tbh) into buying from punters rather than just advertising that we shift metal...can't buy at auction lately so gotta try something! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Arfur Dealy 823 Posted October 12, 2017 12 hours ago, tradex said: Well said. A quick look at Scumtree will find lots of typical: Selling for a friend/father/girlfriend Sell a few on the side Part time....part time kicks in when the head gasket pops It's a hobby....but shift a couple a week Etc. A while back now, a few kerbside shitta sales appeared near our site, and we had people stopping to ask about them....incredibly. I'm not shy to say we rang the council....got us no where....lots of excuses but no answers and certainly no results. Wasn't a wasted complaint as we did get a visit ourselves the same week by some suit asking questions about waste management of grey water ...bit of a coincidence? If cuckoo's appear more pervasive methods are required. The scum will buy from scumbags. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
have a word with the wife 299 Posted October 12, 2017 13 hours ago, BHM said: You're both correct in what you say however the majority of the general public (certainly the ones buying up to £3000) do not give a toss about your business being legit. They do not give a single thought to the car being pdi'd - all they are concerned about is THE PRICE. How many of us are repeatedly contacted the the "bottom price brigade". Do you for a moment think they give a fig about paying your overheads, wages, taxes etc.? It's only going to get harder over the next few years. There are desperate times ahead as most people's finances are stretched further but they want to maintain the same standards - I've certainly never met so many fussy & unrealistic customers as I have recently had the "pleasure" in dealing with. the pdi comes across as a service to the customer, it isnt, its to protect me in the long run . re "get harder over the next few years" is so true, was just thinking about xmas, doubt there will be many white convertibles purchased for the wife as a pressie, used to be a big thing few year ago ! SORRY FOR MENTIONING XMAS Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MrC 142 Posted October 14, 2017 I sold a camper yesterday. Advertised it two weeks ago on a classified advert. Had a tyre kicker and a no show straight away then it went dead and at best had 22 watchers. I stuck it on a 99p start and no reserve auction last Sunday.. Within an hour it was up to £15k few days later up to a touch under £20k.. However the interest frenzy went through the roof, which is what its all about. Short story short i got full asking price. I still have the classified ad running and today alone i have had 3 calls on it. I tell those people that i build these campers and to keep my details. Hopefuly something will come from those leads. In other news I have a couple of cars sticking kicking around with zero interest.. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jimbo 11 Posted October 14, 2017 I always use ebay auction over classified. Builds more interest and bids and u get more pex offers. Usually stick a reserve on or a £99 start no reserve for a cheapy and get what i can with a blunt and frank advert Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grant8064 219 Posted October 14, 2017 We've suddenly got really busy...punters literally rolling over on sight. At first I thought it might be a positive sign but then realised that our stock that we've had for a couple of months is now super value given what stuff is making in the block...anything even half reasonable that I write down is still bringing near retail so it's making our stock on the forecourt look very good value to anyone that's paying attention. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
metcars 397 Posted October 14, 2017 5 minutes ago, grant8064 said: We've suddenly got really busy...punters literally rolling over on sight. At first I thought it might be a positive sign but then realised that our stock that we've had for a couple of months is now super value given what stuff is making in the block...anything even half reasonable that I write down is still bringing near retail so it's making our stock on the forecourt look very good value to anyone that's paying attention. Yes, this is something I've noticed too. I was going through my stuff last night and making some 'adjustments'? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SC Derby 259 Posted October 14, 2017 Yeah we’ve had a good week and every sale bar one has brought a part ex in behind book - so should all sell within a week with a healthy profit. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tom 164 Posted October 14, 2017 Dead again this week..........had a couple of sniffers but no sales. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BHM 994 Posted October 14, 2017 1 hour ago, grant8064 said: We've suddenly got really busy...punters literally rolling over on sight. At first I thought it might be a positive sign but then realised that our stock that we've had for a couple of months is now super value given what stuff is making in the block...anything even half reasonable that I write down is still bringing near retail so it's making our stock on the forecourt look very good value to anyone that's paying attention. Dead this week, 1 sale, but I noticed this a few weeks ago myself when all of a sudden 5 on my hit list (long termers) that I'd reduced by a few quid all went in the same week and in the end it made for a very healthy week. Two more long termers to go and anyone have any ideas how to shift a GolfPlus? Never ever again unless it's for pennies - even the horrible greedy VW men don't want it, Eastern Europeans turn-up there noses at it & even Asians only seem to want to make absolutely insulting offers - and even they can't be bothered coming Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grant8064 219 Posted October 14, 2017 1 hour ago, BHM said: Two more long termers to go and anyone have any ideas how to shift a GolfPlus? Never ever again unless it's for pennies - even the horrible greedy VW men don't want it, Eastern Europeans turn-up there noses at it & even Asians only seem to want to make absolutely insulting offers - and even they can't be bothered coming The 1.6 TDi Golf+ has always been a good seller for us with caravan types...i'm not into hat kind of thing but apparently it's a really surprisingly good tower. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jimbo 11 Posted October 15, 2017 I dont get the block prices... if everyone is buying at almost retail how is it poss to even make any profit on the buy price. Let alone account for overheads Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BHM 994 Posted October 15, 2017 +1 I can't buy from the block at the moment, I've not had a car from Manheim for 2 months. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trade vet 702 Posted October 15, 2017 40 minutes ago, BHM said: +1 I can't buy from the block at the moment, I've not had a car from Manheim for 2 months. I don't understand that ,unless you are just referring to your local Manheim ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rory RSC 596 Posted October 15, 2017 I've bought some cracking bits of stock and done ok over the past couple of weeks with cars grabbed at good prices, and actually back and sold. Bought 3 grade 3's from Manheim, that I can't see why they would not be grade 1 as all they want is 4 wheels refurbed plus a couple of minor touch up jobs between the lot. Ever notice they get a newbie doing the surechecks and every single report has the same thing written up on it? At a Newcastle Manheim sale in the last week or so nearly every report said brakes spongy.....I think the guy might have stood in a puddle as 3 were bought and driven back fine Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
It's me 615 Posted October 15, 2017 2 hours ago, Rory RSC said: At a Newcastle Manheim sale in the last week or so nearly every report said brakes spongy.....I think the guy might have stood in a puddle as 3 were bought and driven back fine its me i got the job so my mates could nick a few motors and if it wasnt for those pesky kids i would have got away with it Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ocsltd 133 Posted October 15, 2017 On 14 October 2017 at 8:58 AM, tradex said: We paid a visit to BCA Peterborough Car Supermarket yesterday, long trip but it kills two birds with one stone, having family not too far away. Jesus H Christ (add any hyperbole you see fit).....the prices were simply incredible even before their TIP.....including the odd motorcycle they had there. Just how can buyers maker money out of these purchases, is the car is danger of being extinct and we haven't heard. If anyone needs any clarification this site is now retail only only missing the ballons, bunting & CRA-2015 Unlucky private couple armed with a Parkers & glammed up for the visit bought a late one that didn't get further than the few junctions down the A-47 before spitting it's dummy out, that's gonna hurt someones bank account. PS Leggy but clean old Clio 200 in Alien Green....but with a killer kiss to it. Was missing the colour coded fuel cap cover, the buyer will have trouble matching the colour....got the T shirt for that one, our paint guy had to off-match the colour as it fades a bit but enough on something smack in the middle of a panel. Small world as we tried to buy that car off Ebay a while back. My partner reminded me the Clio was provisional at 32? This is now on eBay item number 222678874402 £4995 complete with ripped drivers bolster and missing fuel cap.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andymc1973 199 Posted October 15, 2017 why would take pics without doing the petrol cap/seat bolster?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
