This year has seen exceptional growth and demand in the light commercial market, with both the new and used markets reporting strong volumes.
While new sales volumes remain buoyant, there has been a note of caution from the SMMT that the latter end of the year could see volumes levelling off if the current status quo of high employment and low interest rates is disturbed.
In the used market, demand eased slightly in the second quarter, while the holiday months were busier than in previous years.
Combined with this, there is a lot of stock about and while nice vans are making good money, there is a shortage of the ‘Real Beauties’ at auction.
What everyone wants is a clean, retail-quality van and these have been in relatively short supply, meaning prices have been very strong. In particular, the end-user wants a well-presented vehicle that is ready to go to work the next day.
Small businesses have been very much the driving force behind the renaissance in van sales and despite rumblings from some sectors about business confidence, while economic conditions remain relatively benign, it is likely that the demand will continue.
With this in mind, there are a number of issues that van sellers should be aware of. Documentation is vital, as buyers are wary of vans with ‘no docs’.
To the professional buyer, the ‘no documentation’ issue is seen as a hindrance to getting the vehicle on retail sale. The end user can be put off from bidding completely as it can raise doubts about the vehicle’s condition or history.
In essence, there is no excuse for a seller to send a vehicle for remarketing without the necessary documentation and that means V5, service history and MOT if applicable.
Condition is always important and even more so when buyers are faced with a wide selection of stock to choose from. It really is worth investing in pre-sale preparation to get vans looking their best at remarketing time.
The market is very receptive to clean examples of the smaller panel vans and these desirable models are making good money.
There are plenty of car-sized vans in the market place, with the cleanest examples attracting lots of attention. Larger panel vans again need to be in good condition and perhaps have something a little different in the spec to get the buyers interest.
LCV Stock overview:
Prices from around the BCA network:
Year=Model=Derivative=Mileage=Sold=% CAP
99/T Ford Transit 120 SWB 65,278 £2,950 112
99/T Renault Master SM33D 53,173 £4,000 128
00/W Toyota Hi-Ace 2.4 GS LWB 79,229 £4,250 121
01/Y Peugeot Boxer 270S 44,020 £4,650 134
00/W Ford Transit 120 SWB Semi High 36,865 £5,000 139
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