10 Common Mistakes Horse Sellers Make
How to avoid common mistakes
Even experienced sellers can make mistakes that delay the sale or lower the final price. Here are 10 common pitfalls and how you can avoid them:
1. Poor-Quality Photos and Videos
❌ Mistake: Using blurry or poorly lit visuals.
✔️ Solution: Invest in high-quality photos and videos that showcase your horse’s conformation, movement, and temperament. If you don't have an eye for photography, lack the equipment, or the desire to take good photos, outsource this task to a professional. Check out our Directory to find an equine photographer near you.
2. Vague or Misleading Descriptions
❌ Mistake: Providing incomplete or exaggerated information.
✔️ Solution: Be clear, honest, and detailed in your listing. Highlight strengths while being transparent about any limitations. The more questions you can answer in your description, the less questions you will get and the more likely you are to attract the right audience for your horse.
3. Overpricing Your Horse
❌ Mistake: Setting a price too high for the market.
✔️ Solution: Research similar horses and price competitively to attract serious buyers. There's three different ways you can list your horse on Manebid; Timed Auction, Buy Now or Make an Offer. Read through the details on our Sell With Us page and understand which option will be most suitable for your horse. If you're unsure, get in contact with us and we can go through the options.
4. Not Preparing the Horse Properly
❌ Mistake: Listing a horse that isn’t well-groomed or properly conditioned.
✔️ Solution: Groom your horse and ensure they’re at their best before creating your listing.
5. Ignoring Documentation
❌ Mistake: Failing to provide necessary paperwork.
✔️ Solution: Have all health records, registration papers, and training information ready to share.
6. Skipping Marketing Efforts
❌ Mistake: Relying solely on the auction platform to find buyers.
✔️ Solution: Promote your listing on social media, equestrian groups, and local networks to increase visibility, or if you choose one of our optional Gold, Silver or Bronze Promotion Packages, we will do this on your behalf.
7. Neglecting Buyer Communication
❌ Mistake: Being slow to respond to inquiries.
✔️ Solution: Answer buyer questions promptly and professionally to build trust and encourage bids, or save yourself the hassle - full enquiry management is included if you choose one of our optional Gold, Silver or Bronze Promotion Packages.
8. Unrealistic Expectations
❌ Mistake: Assuming your horse will sell immediately or for top dollar.
✔️ Solution: Be patient and realistic about the process, understanding market trends and buyer behavior.
9. Skipping a Vet Check
❌ Mistake: Selling a horse without proof of health or soundness.
✔️ Solution: If possible, it can help to get a vet check before listing to provide peace of mind for buyers.
10. Lack of Preparation for Sale Finalisation
❌ Mistake: Being unprepared to finalise the sale after the auction.
✔️ Solution: Have all your paperwork and documents ready to go. This might include registration transfers, preparing health documentation and completing livestock movement forms for biosecurity purposes.
Avoiding these common mistakes can save you time, frustration, and money while ensuring a positive experience for you and the buyer.
Ready to list your horse? Manebid is here to simplify the process and help you achieve the results you're after.
Click the nominate the button below and start selling today.
