Selling generators just before hurricaine

[Oldtom]

Good Morning - I have 2 " Harbor Freight " type 4000 watt generators which are basically new in box with manuals and accessories. I bought them for my rentals in case of a long power outage. Now, with age and back and shoulder problems, I doubt if I could easily move or use them. I was thinking of offering them for sale on Craigslist just before the storm, since local stores may be out of generators. I will price them at $175 each OBO and take $150, which is about half of new price. I am hoping the storm hitting Florida will motivate someone to buy. I plan to change the oil ( BITOG! ) and test run them with an electric heater before placing the ad.

Any thoughts or suggestions on what I am planning? Thanks in advance for any advice

 

[The_Jeff]

Don't promise them to anyone, first with cash, gets.

Expect someone to buy your generator then "flip" it for an obscene profit. You may be better off selling to a friend/ neighbor, though they can screw you, too.

 

[Chris142]

I wish you were closer.

 

[bioburner]

With the forecast of a real winter you probably have good shot at selling latter. You have a great starting point $$. Generator sales are up around here as deer hunting is coming.

 

[Bud]

Accept only cash.

 

[hatt]

I'd hang onto them.

 

[Jarlaxle]

Cash only, I would ask $250.

 

[supton]

Price high. Leave on CL. If you want to make a buck off someone who waited too long to buy theirs, then it'll sell when the hurricane blows in.

Are these new in box, never opened; or "like new"? If NIB then I'd leave the tape alone and sell as-is. Makes it look better, might command more money.

 

[Andrew1972]

I found during storms of power is out offering delivering locally(cash only) with fuel they sell for whatever you feel is fair.

There is population without transport and getting fuel is hard if power is out they sell easily.

My father in law sold a bunch this way from a lot he got at and estate sale from a rich hoarder. My motivation was getting one new one free for helping him deliver 6.

 

[Nickdfresh]

What they said about "cash only"...

Also, don't let anyone put a "deposit" down on them...

 

[Oldmoparguy1]

Originally Posted By: Chris142
I wish you were closer.

Yes!

 

[ARCOgraphite]

240V outlet? or just 117VAC.

 

[blupupher]

Originally Posted By: Nickdfresh
What they said about "cash only"...

Also, don't let anyone put a "deposit" down on them...

I would take a deposit if I was selling it, a 100% deposit.

 

[rocky37]

I would not test run the units. Once you add gas and oil, the unit is considered "used" and you will end up getting less for them. Since there is no hour meter on the unit, there will be no telling how many hours are on the unit.

 

[Nickdfresh]

Originally Posted By: blupupher
Originally Posted By: Nickdfresh
What they said about "cash only"...

Also, don't let anyone put a "deposit" down on them...

I would take a deposit if I was selling it, a 100% deposit.


Right! My father was "skunked" by two people giving him a deposit on an old car he was selling. They both came back and got it later after still looking for cars while he held it for them. I finally told him to make all deposits non-refundable...

 

[Anduril]

Originally Posted By: madRiver
I found during storms of power is out offering delivering locally(cash only) with fuel they sell for whatever you feel is fair.

There is population without transport and getting fuel is hard if power is out they sell easily.

If you live in an area prone to storms like that, I'd highly recommend buying one of the tri-fuel kits that converts just about any small generator to run on propane or natural gas. In most cases, if your have it available, the underground natural gas lines are still functioning even if the power is out, and if not, a tank of propane will never go bad like a tank of gas, nor will it gum up carbs or anything like that. I'd assume it would be a lot easier to get ahold of than gas would be, considering people don't also run their cars on the stuff.