We all want to save money on horse and transportation – equestrian, racing, and other horse related activities can add up to a lot! With the current international shipping delays, some horse goosenecks, trucks, and trailers may be delayed – and be quite expensive compared to a couple of years ago.
So, what should you do? Here are some tips to get more out of your next horse transport purchase.
Should you buy new or used?
Buying used can be cheaper – but cheaper doesn’t always necessarily mean a good investment. If you are buying used, you need to do your homework. You’ll need to check if there is any money owing on the float or truck using the Personal Property Securities Register. When inspecting the float – and any seller that is dicey about it should be ignored – you need to check for rust, especially on the floor and underbody. There should also be a separate door on the side for access without opening the tailgate.
You also need to consider your horse’s freedom of movement, weight, and your own vehicle’s towing capacity, too.
Consider Delays – On All Fronts
With the global semiconductor shortage causing massive delays on all products needing chips, you may have to wait for your horse float, gooseneck, or truck to become available. New vehicles have wait lists of eight months or more – and this can affect second-hand models coming on to the market too. Bottom line is it all adds up to higher prices. You could wait – but waiting could make things worse. Even so, there’s something you can do about it.
Saving On the Back End – Good Finance Deals
You can save on the back end in the current climate by getting a cheaper personal loan. “Finding a competitive personal loan through a trusted broker, preferably one who has some understanding of horse transport, can save you in interest which is a long-term saving,” says Savvy Managing Director Bill Tsouvalas. “With interest rates as low as they can go right now, locking in a good rate can reduce repayments and interest overall. So, you might be balking at prices, rest assured you’ve got a better handle on the overall cost.”
Finance Pre-Approval
You can improve your leverage over dealers and sellers by getting finance pre-approved. Tsouvalas says this works the same way as a loan, except you haven’t found a float or truck yet. But what you do get is a powerful bargaining chip – your price ceiling. “This is the conditionally approved amount,” Tsouvalas says. “Sellers know you’re ready to buy and so do dealers. They also have to match your price ceiling, or you walk away. It’s a great point of leverage, so use it to your advantage.”
Remember to consult a financial professional before making any decision about loans and big purchases.
