pre-owned portable value

[Pedro77]

Hey everyone, when looking at a used portable, what kind of value should a person put on them percentage wise? Let's say it is one of the top brands, one or two seasons old, used only a handful of times or less, and in excellent condition. Would you expect to pay about 70-80% of retail? Or less, like 50-60% of retail?

Thanks,

Mike

[&JAG]

70-80% at a top brand slightly used... Looks good.

[amateurfishing]

my very own personal opinion on anything like this in used condition no matter what condition, how used/abused or not, my personal theory is if you have no receipt to return it to retailer, etc. i would never pay more than 50% of retail, peronally whats the point of saving 20-25% if something goes wrong quickly and you have no receipt for return to cover manufacturers warranty.

I also did this with fish finders all summer, ppl were trying to sell stuff that the manufactuers no longer suppport software wise, so why would u pay 50cents on the dollar when its basically worthless, and i ended up getting a great early fall deal 25% off for brand new HB 597 ci hd.

i know a lot of people do what you are thinking bout but i play hard ball and if there is no reciept (unless condition is brand new), i ALWAYS make a lower offer and see how it goes from there.

[bobbymalone]

so subjective....

are you looking to buy or looking to sell? If I was selling on somewhere like greg's list, I might high ball at 70% of retail and settle for less.

buying, I doubt I would go above 60% or so. I would rather buy a few year old used one for half the price (and they're easy to find on clist like that) than pay 80% for one that is almost new but without any kind of warranty --- especially when half off ones are so easy to find.

[tsande00]

In my opinion a brand new, high quality unit like Otter or CC is going to go for more than 50% retail if it is only a year or two old and in mint/like new condition. I think for something like that 70% is a safe figure. 80% and you might as well go buy new and get the warranty.

[401TE]

One thing to keep in mind is how much of a PITA it is to assemble these fish houses...to me that's worth at least $50-100! If the house is basically new, maybe a few scratches...I'd say it's worth at least 80% of new. More often than not you are dealing with the manufacturer for claims and I've never been asked for a receipt. They usually just send me the part I need no questions asked.

[Pedro77]

I am trying to sell a frabill predator. Unfortunately I didn't do enough research on size before settling on this house. First and only time I used it, I realized that it does not fit in my old durango. I want to sell it so I can get something smaller that I can throw in the durango. I don't want to drag a trailer around every time I go fishing. Worse yet, this dilemma has prevented me from getting out as much as I would like the last two seasons. Too big of a hassle, its been easier to just find something else to do. We all know what these things cost new. I just don't want to take a huge loss on it, but I want to be realistic on what I can expect to sell it for. Just looking for some opinions.

[bobbymalone]

One thing to keep in mind is how much of a PITA it is to assemble these fish houses...to me that's worth at least $50-100! If the house is basically new, maybe a few scratches...I'd say it's worth at least 80% of new. More often than not you are dealing with the manufacturer for claims and I've never been asked for a receipt. They usually just send me the part I need no questions asked.

If it's that big a PIA for ya, send me PM next time you need one assembled and take $100 out of the ATM machine

[Brad B]

Pedro77,

instead of selling the predator why don't you just buy a cargo carrier that plugs into your reciever hitch. I drive a chevy blazer and I have a otter northern model(same size as a lodge, similar to the predator) that rides on my cargo carrier. just make sure if you go with a carrier to get the Z-bend bar to raise it away from the tail pipe. If your interested in seeing a pic of how I got mine setup let me know and I will post one on here.

Brad B.

[Pedro77]

Yeah i would like to see some pics if its not too much trouble. I've contemplated the hitch carrier set up but wasn't too sure how well it would work. Also, do you get a lot of road spray on your house? Or would I need to wrap a cheap tarp around it before heading down the road?

[BartmanMN]

Selling a Predator can be a little tricky since retail is 700+ usually, but they have been on Sale for as low as $500 toward the end of the season, so if you paid the full retail, then you have that against you.

That is an awesome house though and should command good money if in great shape. Especially this time of year.

[broman]

Throw it out on C List and offer up a possibility of trading/cash. There's always someone out there who found out that they wanted a bigger shack.

[Pedro77]

Has hyfax kit installed, digger anchor tow hitch installed, and have the frabill cover for it. Would 700-725 be too much of an asking price? Literally, it has been used only once. Only been outside one other time for a photo shoot

[tsande00]

If it's as good as you say it is(which I'm sure it is) be sure to put up some good photos showing off that it really is just like buying a brand new shack only already assembled and includes the great accessories.

I think having pictures up of higher priced items is very important, especially when one of the selling points is the great, like new condition.

[Brad B]

Yeah i would like to see some pics if its not too much trouble. I've contemplated the hitch carrier set up but wasn't too sure how well it would work. Also, do you get a lot of road spray on your house? Or would I need to wrap a cheap tarp around it before heading down the road?

you do get a little road spray but it is not to bad as the house sits high enough to reduce the amount. for the pics I didn't put the tie down straps on but I run 2 straps each direction. as for wrapping a tarp around the house you could but I personally don't do that.

here are the pics :

[Brad B]

here is 2 more pics from each side.

just remember to add lights to the carrier. I got pulled over once before I put the lights on it.

[Pedro77]

Brad,

Thank you so much for taking time to take some pics and post them. I will definitely look into a carrier if I end up not selling the predator. Did you buy yours with the z bar, or is that custom?

Thanks,

Mike

[Brad B]

I bought it but a person could fab their own if they have a welder and metal saw.

[walleye44]

Depending on condition of coarse.70% off.

[TylerS]

Depends, if you're like my grandpa, everything appreciates when he owns it! So, in essence, you'd EARN money selling a used ice house. Sweet way of thinking, eh

[Pedro77]

No, I realize this is not going to be a money making venture. I just don't want to take it in the shorts too bad. I appreciate everyone's opinions.

[bobbymalone]

on a related note, i've got an older genz fish trap. 2 man, sliding bench seats, flip over, no door though. I bought it 'used' a couple years ago, but the canvas hadn't even been installed. still in the plastic package.

it's still in great shape, except for the softball size hole I burned in the front with my lantern. I have since patched the hole, both sides, with two big circles cut out of an otter repair kit.

Whaddya think it's worth? I'm thinking I am going to offer it up on greg's list for cashola or a straight trade for a one man fish trap.

[Pedro77]

I sold my scout two years ago with hyfax and cover for 200. It was heavily used for two seasons. I would think an older two man would would be worth at least that or slightly higher. I just find it tough to place a value on them. If you look on Greg's you see such a wide range of prices. Not sure if some of these guys are just hard up for cash or what. I also sold a clam 5600 for 250 two years ago that I paid around 300 for seven seasons prior. I guess you just have to price it at what you'd like to get, and see what people will offer.

[&JAG]

I have an ice house on c list right now! Say what you want and say firm set price. Because people are looking to low ball in this economic mess... The funny part is most of us serious fisherman will pay what something is worth in the end. Just be firm unless you need the money now! As Thanksgiving gets closer and deer hunting is through, your house will be gold! Believe me I buy and sell for a living Good luck!

[FWA]

Put it on gregs list for what you think its worth. The amount of emails, or lack of them, will tell you if you are priced right or not.