Well, finally got TempBus up for sale, advice is welcome, err, toleratored

Christyhicks · June 26, 2010, 06:04:50 AM

Due to health issues of some family members, we are about four months behind in listing TemBus for sale. Of course, it is listed on this website, http://www.busconversions.com/bcmclassifieds/classified.php?n=125 and the following sites:

www.rv-coach.com
www.motorhomeclassifieds.com
www.rvclearinghouse.com
www.busesforsale.com.

Each add has a simple description with a link to our website: http://www.hickshvac.com/id7.html

I've already had inquiries from two interested parties. . . one of which is scrambling trying to come up with the money. . . .but I just don't know if THAT is going to happen.

I would like some suggestions of other places to list it, other than Ebay and Craig's list, neither of which seems to produce completed sales of conversion buses. . . I'd also welcome critiques of the add. . . price?!? My intent is to sell, so I will keep a thick skin in place and welcome suggestions of ALL types, ha ha.

We also will be needing to list BigBus, our MCI-9 that we started converting, and the MCI-8 that we WERE originally going to convert, but we have an issue with the 8, in where Larry thinks the airbeam may be leaking. . . . ewwww???!!! Suggestions on where to post adds for those are welcome too.

Christy Hicks

Depewtee · June 26, 2010, 06:18:10 AM

Christy,

You did a great job writing the description. I think, though, your file size on your pictures is too small. Maybe you can link to Photobucket or some other online picture storage site with larger pictures (the pictures you have are good, I just cannot see enough detail and you really want to show off that nice interior!).

My .02,

Brian

Christyhicks · June 26, 2010, 06:24:48 AM

I can adjust that on the website itself, I just wasn't sure people would want those pictures to open up huge. . especially those that might use slower connections. I can go in and choose the size of each pic. . . I just wanted them to be immeidately visible, but if the consensus is that they should be larger, that should be easy to do. I have to swap a couple as I took some new pics for a prospective buyer and have some that are of the interior with NOTHING in the cabinets instead of full of our crap, ha ha.

Thanks for the suggestion! Christy

Brian Diehl · June 26, 2010, 06:30:51 AM

Christy,
Do you have documentation of the engine overhaul? If you do, you might include this fact in your add. Just a thought...

Len Silva · June 26, 2010, 06:37:54 AM

I would leave the pictures as they are but use them as thumbnails to link to a larger photo at the viewers discretion. I would also include a floor plan sketch. It can be hard to visualize the whole thing from photos. Nice bus.

Christyhicks · June 26, 2010, 06:41:56 AM

The PO was the one who informed us that he had an out-of-frame done by Penske. We have no proof, other than when we had the oil pan repaired and they commented on how clean the bottom side was, along with the fact that when you hit the starter it's immediately running and starts without blowing smoke.

Several members here and of other forums are amazed at how this one starts and runs. . . sure wish the Prevost started that easy and smoked so little, ha ha. I even considered taking a video of the rear when it starts and runs, ha ha.

The only floorplan I have is a VERY ROUGH sketch. . . . Christy

Timkar · June 26, 2010, 07:10:50 AM

Here is a link to the BNO site and they are free to advertise...http://www.busnut.com/classifieds/

luvrbus · June 26, 2010, 07:21:19 AM

Christy , if you know for sure that Tempbus has a Penske (Jasper Engine) you can call 1-800-827-7455 with the serial and rebuild number they can give you all the info on the engine even the date and mileage when it was installed by what shop.
They did not do out of frames they were a exchange engine, check the valve covers and the engine block for a tag below the heads if it is a Jasper Penske it will have a tag.

good luck

ccbmster · June 26, 2010, 08:05:25 AM

Hi Christy,

I would love some info on the MC9 when you have a spare minute or two.

Thanks

Highway Yacht · June 26, 2010, 01:58:29 PM

I would try my best to get some kind of documentation on the engine rebuild if at all possible. Without documentation to me...and most others would be the same as no rebuild. Too many people are claiming "Recent Rebuilds" more than ever these days.

Lin · June 26, 2010, 03:02:09 PM

The pictures are okay for where they are, but it would be good to link elsewhere that would have lots of large pictures.

kyle4501 · June 26, 2010, 03:54:51 PM

I'd list it on EBay, not to sell it, but to get lots more exposure. Just put in the EBay add that it is for sale locally & you reserve the right to end the auction early, cancel questionable bids, blah, blah, blah . . . . .

I'd put a bunch of pictures with the EBay listing & include a link to your business site.

I thought your description of the engine was fine. I am one of those who isn't impressed with papers proving it was rebuilt. I'd rather have an engine of unknown mileage that runs great than one with papers that smokes. (All too easy to fake a few numbers or abuse to the engine - like over heat - to render the paper useless.)

jackhartjr · June 26, 2010, 04:56:53 PM

I'm confused, you are not getting out of the bus 'bidness' are you?
I hope not!
Jack

Christyhicks · June 27, 2010, 05:34:32 AM

QuoteI am one of those who isn't impressed with papers proving it was rebuilt. I'd rather have an engine of unknown mileage that runs great than one with papers that smokes

I agree with you. . . it wouldn't be hard for someone to "come up with" papers "proving" and engine was rebuilt, but I've seen SO many posts from people who had a rebuild done and had tons of problems. . . . I don't have paperwork and Larry was going to look for the tags or evidence, and then we realized that what was more important was how it starts and runs. . . and as they say, "the proof is in the puddin' " as this one starts SO easy and really doesn't smoke at all. . . It's truly amazing! With about 30,000 miles on the rebuild, it should be well broke in, and proof enough that the rebuild was done correctly.

QuoteI'm confused, you are not getting out of the bus 'bidness' are you?

Are you kidding?? Nope, we just bought a converted Prevost that was just too good of a deal to pass up, so we're selling the rest of the fleet and USING it instead of spending the next couple of years finishing BigBus.

I'll try to get pictures of the 9 up on our site soon in case anyone is looking for a great shell to convert.

I'm in the process of adding more pictures and in a larger format, so please take a look and see what you guys think! Thanks and keep the tips coming, Christy

Christyhicks · June 27, 2010, 05:50:19 AM

Oh, and BTW, I haven't received any comments on our pricing. . . . I realize that no one wants to hear they are over-priced. . . . I would have liked to have asked $40,000, but figured that this is still a down market, although the appraisal was done when prices had already dropped, but I was curious if anyone looked at all of the pics and details and formed an impression of whether they felt we were in the proper price range. I'm not saying I'm ready to change it, but I'd like honest opinions and promise I won't fuss at you, ha ha. Christy