Listing Instructions

4. Listing Description

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but photos alone can’t tell a customer everything they want to know about the beautiful RV you’ve listed.

A well written listing description should accurately highlight the most important and compelling features of your RV. You should include all the information about your rig, but keep it relevant. In other words, it’s okay to write a long description, but make sure it sticks to details buyers want to know.

When writing the description, try to flip the table and answer questions you would have if you were in the customer’s shoes. Some suggested topics you could cover in the description are listed below.

Renovation backstory

While an RV is just a basic utility for travel, sleeping, shelter, etc., customers are seeking a story. They want to be part of a story. And if they end up buying or renting your RV, they want to continue writing their own story with the RV.

So help the customers understand the history behind the renovation.

• Why did you renovate?
• What’s the inspiration behind the design?
• Have you traveled with the RV? Can you share pictures or videos of places you’ve been in the RV?
• What memories have you created with the RV?

And then there are the important details about the nuts and bolts of the renovation process…

• Did you complete the renovation by yourself?
• Did you work with professionals on any parts of the renovation?
• Do you have a contruction/design/painting background?

The majority of RV renovations are relatively simple cosmetic changes… paint, wallpaper, swapping furniture or window coverings. But if you re-routed plumbing or moved walls, a customer wants to feel comfortable with that construction process.

Writing tips

Be honest – Don’t waste your time or a buyer’s time by being evasive. Be up-front about any damage. You may be legally liable if you misrepresent your RV. If the buyer discovers undisclosed information through an inspection of their own or from a third-party inspector, they may feel like you misrepresented the condition of the RV. This can lead to uncomfortable situations if the buyer spent time and money traveling to inspect the rig.

If a buyer complains about a scratch, mark or stain during inspection, you may want to remind them that some wear-and-tear is normal for a used RV. Every used rig has scratches from road debris, and this is accounted for in the asking price. Used RVs actually have the benefit over new RVs that they have been road tested (and hopefully repaired if any issues were discovered).

Use proper punctuation and capitalization – You certainly don’t want potential buyers skipping past your listing because they can’t read or understand your listing description. Capitalizing entire words or sentences is difficult to read and makes it seem like you’re YELLING at people. Using slang can also drive people away from your listing.

Points to include in your listing description

The listing description should focus primarily on the renovation. After all, that’s why you and the potential customers are browsing the marketplace! But the RV will also serve a very functional purpose to customers, so you want to cover these important points as well.

Why are you selling? – This is one of the most common buyer questions, so answer this question upfront in your listing.

Define forms of payment – Let people know what payment you accept and disclose if the RV currently has a loan that would need to be paid off before transferring title. Do not take personal checks, and make sure you verify certified checks or money orders with the financial institution where they were issued. Never transfer any property until payment has been verified and cleared by your bank.

Disclose prior maintenance – Most RVs listed on our marketplace are used, which means buyers expect to find an RV that has some bumps and bruises from traveling down the highway. Used RVs actually have the benefit over new RVs that they have been road tested (and hopefully repaired if any issues were discovered). So don’t be afraid to list out repairs and maintenance. Give buyers peace of mind by letting them know you took diligent care of your RV.

It’s best if you have detailed maintenance records. Include things like how many miles you have driven it (even towable trailers), recent repairs, age of the tires, the last time it had maintenance such as oil changes, slide-out lubrication, brake checks and greasing the wheel bearings.

Disclose issues that might need fixing – Why wait to see if prospective buyers find a problem that they know you would have known about? Honesty can help avoid souring the deal. Is there water damage? Do the cupboard latches not close securely? Big or small, try to list out any issues.

Give warranty information – If your RV is still under warranty and it’s transferable to the next owner, list the type of coverage and remaining time left on the warranty. Disclose if you’ve ever had any warranty work completed and consider sharing details about where you went and how much time it took to complete the work.

Set your negotiating terms – Be sure to mention if your price is firm. Marketplace listings commonly use the following terms for pricing: firm, obo (or best offer), negotiable or must sell.

Additional listing features

Click each section below to expand information about additional features, upgrades, or details you might want to consider adding to your listing description to help persuade customers as they browse the marketplace looking for the perfect RV to tell their story.