I recently sold a used airplane and bought a different used airplane. I did notice a few sellers and brokers(mostly brokers) that were different from 15 years ago. First the "call for price" gambit. I called several of these types of ads; they were all brokers. Never talked to an owner/seller who had that in the ad. Broker spends time explaining to you that you don't really understand the used a/c market and his price is really a bargain... just reduced, etc.
The other weird thing that I noticed was this: 1) I called the broker, he quoted me a price. The ad had 7 photos of fair quality, and a 1/2 page description/equip list. No engine or airframe mx log pages. No other info. I asked for scanned logbook pages and the broker said that he got so many deadbeats/tirekickers that he doesn't bother forwarding this info until the deal process is "father along". This Broker had probably 20 airplanes listed online at this time, seemed like a legit operation.
The airplane was 250 miles away and I still had access to my Tiger for another week, so I called him back and told him I was planning to come look at it, at his convenience. He said: "so are you offering to purchase for $86K?" (that was the Barnstormer's asking price). I said "not yet, I just want to look at the aircraft and the logbooks if it checks out OK I'll make an offer. I AM flying 500miles roundtrip just to look...".
He chuckled and said: "it doesn't work that way. The way it works is: you peruse the ad and decide on a fair price, you make the offer, if the owner is OK with it, you PUT THE MONEY IN ESCROW, and come look look at it.
I said: "wait, you seriously are refusing to let me see the aircraft until I put $86K in escrow with your company connected to the account?
He said "we can probably negotiate the pre-purchase escrow funds down somewhat. But I really don't have time to meet with every Tom, Dick & Harry who want to look at and sit in a used a/c, but has neither the means nor the immediate plans to buy anything"
I said: "FYI, I am in the process of completing the sale of my existing aircraft. Even before the sale completes, I am liquid enough to purchase this aircraft with cash".
He said, "that's great for you, and I'm sure you are telling the truth, but like I said before, go ahead and do the escrow deposit and we can continue. Do you want me to email instructions?"
I said: "look, I don't wan't to put you out, but it is ENOUGH TROUBLE to visit the a/c, possibly hire an a&p to check it with me, before you let me see the aircraft and logs! I don't intend to visit my bank, tie up funds, possibly wastee more of my time, just to get your permission to see the thing. Does your seller know that you are driving off potential buyers with this policy?"
He said: "you might not understand, but most of our sellers are busier than we are. They appreciate our professionalism; that's why they select us".
I didn't say anything more, just hung up the phone. I ended up finding an buying the same model a/c, a Vans, about 10 days later and about half the distance away. Lucked out a bit on that.
My impression of this broker outfit, is, it signs up the aircaft, advertises it online, and waits for a "live one" to come along, as long as the "live one" doesn't require more that a 60 sec phone call or a couple of texts. Absolutely no getting up from the chair until the sale is "father along".
end of rant. Good news is, the purchase worked out fine with a private seller.
