Illustrative example 1
An older touring caravan with damp
A touring caravan has been stored for several years. There are stains around a window and a soft patch of flooring, and the owner is unsure whether repairing it would be worthwhile.
What to send
Make, model, approximate year, where damp is visible, any previous repairs and recent interior and exterior photos. Explain whether the tyres, hitch and access have been checked.
What would affect the assessment?
The extent of deterioration, likely repair work and practical collection arrangements would affect an assessment. Photos may help, but cannot establish the full extent of damp or whether towing is safe.
Enquire about a damp caravan →Illustrative example 2
A motorhome that no longer starts
A motorhome is parked on a driveway after developing an engine fault. Its MOT has expired and the owner would prefer to explore a sale before committing to repairs.
What to send
Make, model, year, mileage, how long it has stood and any diagnosis already obtained. Include habitation condition, available keys and photos of the driveway and access.
What would affect the assessment?
Mechanical condition and living-area condition both matter. Recovery would need to be assessed against the vehicle's size, location and access; collection is not automatic.
Enquire about a non-running motorhome →Illustrative example 3
A high-hour mini digger after a project ends
A small contractor has a surplus mini digger. It still operates, but has worn tracks, high recorded hours and several buckets included.
What to send
Make, model, serial number, hour reading, service history, track condition and included attachments. Describe any leaks or faults and the available loading space.
What would affect the assessment?
Wear, working functions and the attachments included would be considered together. A high hour reading alone does not describe the whole machine, and ownership and transport arrangements still need checking.
Enquire about a mini digger →Illustrative example 4
A work van with a gearbox fault
A business has replaced its work van after a gearbox problem. The old van has bodywork marks and racking, but has not yet been advertised.
What to send
Registration, mileage, MOT status, known diagnosis, service records and photos of the cab, body and load area. State whether racking is included and whether the van can be moved.
What would affect the assessment?
The fault, general condition and recovery requirements would affect any provisional offer. Describe the problem as known rather than guessing at the repair cost.
Enquire about a faulty van →Illustrative example 5
A static caravan with restricted removal access
An owner no longer needs a static caravan on a private plot. A narrow gate and nearby structures may make removal more complicated.
What to send
Make, model, dimensions, condition, postcode and photographs of the access route. Explain any permission requirements, connected services and known restrictions.
What would affect the assessment?
Removal feasibility can be as important as the caravan's condition. Access, disconnection and specialist transport would need to be agreed before any purchase or collection could proceed.
Enquire about a static caravan →Illustrative example 6
An unfinished campervan conversion
A van conversion has stalled part-way through. Some furniture and equipment are fitted, while other items are unfinished or stored separately.
What to send
Base vehicle details, mileage, MOT status, photographs of the current layout and a list of fitted and loose equipment. Explain what is unfinished, what works and what documentation is available.
What would affect the assessment?
The vehicle and conversion would be assessed as they stand. Money already spent on parts or labour does not necessarily translate into the same purchase value.
Enquire about a campervan conversion →Illustrative example 7
A site dumper that has been standing unused
A site dumper has been parked in a yard since the last job finished. Its current starting condition is uncertain and there is visible tyre wear.
What to send
Make, model, serial number, hours if known, how long it has stood and any known faults. Include photos of its condition, standing surface and loading access.
What would affect the assessment?
Condition and loading arrangements would need review. If you do not know whether it starts or moves, say so; you do not need to operate an unfamiliar or potentially faulty machine to make an enquiry.
Enquire about a site dumper →Illustrative example 8
Several surplus machines from a small fleet
A business is reviewing its equipment and has an excavator, a dumper and spare attachments it no longer uses. Each has a different age and condition.
What to send
List each machine separately with its make, model, serial number, hours, condition and attachments. Confirm locations, available records and who is authorised to arrange the sale.
What would affect the assessment?
Each item would need its own assessment even if discussed as a package. Transport, ownership evidence and declared finance would need to be addressed before any agreement.
Enquire about several machines →