Are you looking for a good, used heavy-duty or livestock trailer? Finding these items can be a problem, but using search engines such as Google can help you if you know the right search terms to use and what to look for in trailer ads.
Useful Search Tips
Using Google can be very effective, but finding the right search terms can be difficult. Remember these handy tips:
The More Specific Your Search, the More Specific Your Results
Currently, “used trailers” generates about 232 million results, including double-wide mobile homes and boat trailers; however, specifying “used aluminum livestock trailers” takes the number down to 322,000.
Of course, that is still too many results for you to look at each one, but you can also specify a geographic area: “used aluminum livestock trailers in Iowa” will show you more localized results, and “used aluminum livestock trailers for sale in Des Moines, Iowa,” limits your search to just over 30,000 hits.
If you have a specific brand name you are looking for, include it in your search. Additionally, if you know dimensions, you can also include those.
Shopping Tips
As you shop for a used trailer, take note of the information given in the ad. Does the owner include a picture? Is relevant contact information, such as a phone number or email, included with the ad?
Are the dimensions and other important facts obvious from reading the ad? Does the seller have a problem with you inspecting the vehicle, or is it being sold “as is?” If you have doubts, move on to another ad.
How to Compare Prices
Everyone is attracted to a low price, but remember your grandmother’s sage advice: “You get what you pay for.” That does not mean that you cannot find a good deal or haggle with the seller. However, it does mean that if someone is selling a “brand-new” trailer for hundreds less than older used models, something is probably wrong.
Find at least five likely ads and compare prices. You should not see more than ten percent difference among the prices; anything lower or higher may indicate a problem.
Be sure you understand exactly what the ad is offering for the suggested price as well; measurements and accessories are important factors to consider when you are looking at price.
Safety Precautions
There are a few safety tips to consider when you are shopping online. Whether you are male or female, old or young, there are certain safety precautions you should always take when considering an online purchase.
– Remember that you do not know who is on the “other end” of the computer. No matter what someone says, you have no proof the person is who you think until you meet. Do not divulge any unnecessary personal information.
– If possible, agree to meet in a public place to inspect the trailer. If the seller cannot bring the trailer to a meeting, take someone with you to the person’s home or business in order to inspect it.
If you must go alone, leave the name and address of the place you are going with a trusted person who can call you if you do not return when planned.
– Trading in cash allows you to haggle, but it also means that you must carry a relatively large amount of money with you.
If you already know that you are probably going to buy the item, ask the seller if he or she will take a check; if not, get a money order for the exact amount. If you must carry cash, leave it in an inconspicuous place, such as locked in your glove compartment, until the time to pay has come.
Following these simple tips will help you successfully shop for your trailer online and find just what you are looking for safely and effectively.
About the Author: James Whitney is an online researcher and tech blog author – he loves discussing strategic search research queries for researching purchases online, like used trailers you can purchase locally.