For Sale Adverts: Do you list the negatives?

clockwork

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***cross posted in CR***

So after a lot of soul searching I have decided to put my boy up for sale. We've hit a point where I want to go further and he is very happy doing the level he is at now. He is for sale at a low and realistic price as he has a few negative points as most horses do. The main one being that he has a fused bone spavin in his near hind - its not caused him a moments trouble since it was diagnosed in 2006 and he is happy working hard on a daily basis/competing most weekends/training/hunting etc.

Anyway he officially went on the market on Monday and the advert stated he has a fused spavin - as I've not had a single call or email (not even a Spam one...lol) I was wondering if the spavin thing is putting potential buyers off? I was under the impression that it is better to be up front about it especially as the low price would cause alarm bells but I was wondering what you lot all thought? Is it better to talk to people about this kind of thing in person?

I've not done all the adverts so its not too late to change them to remove the reference to the spavin or even reduce the price if you think its too high (£2250, 16 yrs, TB, does most things, XC demon).

Any advice or opinions most welcome.

Thanks in advance.
 
I think with something like that to be honest you're best to mention it but also to make it clear what he is still capable of. I would say for his age and with the spavin though i think you would need to drop the price a bit to get some more interest.
 
Answered in CR - personally I'm not sure that alot is moving at the lower end of the market (I know odd people who have sold)

Not many people are making big purchases at the moment and those not affected by rising costs tend to be looking at the higher end market.

TBH - agree with above re price

I don't think there's a right or wrong way with the advert - tbh I wouldn't ring if I saw the spavin on an advert but then I'd take it no further if it was brought up on the phone either.
 
Personally, if it does not affect him I would not mention it in the advert, but instead on the phone. Seeing something of that nature might put people off, but if you can explain in more detail over the phone they may not immediately write him off. As long as he would pass a vet for what you're selling him for I think there's no need to make a big issue of it.

What sort of level is he doing things at, as that makes a difference to price? Unfortunately although he sounds lovely, his age and the fact that he's a tb really reduces his value. I would say your price is probably fair if he's a fun, sound allrounder, but in the current economic climate you'd probably have more interest at around £1800.
 
Thanks spiral - I've dropped the price to 1750 to get some interest.

He has competed at Intro/PC level 4 and is happy at that level or just below.
 
I wouldn't put it on the advert but would explain it on the phone. Because you can explain all the details to them and then they can make a decision to come out and view him.

It would put me off ringing you if a read it in the advert and would listen with an open mind on the phone.

As long as you are honest on the phone, i would just try and concentrate on getting the calls first.
 
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