Charter Bus for Sale Guide - buses for sale everywhere so read for help choosing the right bus first
Charter Bus for Sale Buyers Guide
When you are ready to buy a charter bus or commercial motor coach to use in your tour operation, or as church transportation, you should be aware of some of the issues at stake among the many types, makes, and models. If you haven't read our Seven Commandments for buying ANY bus - read that first! These commandments of advice will save you thousands of dollars and a lifetime of headaches. This page does NOT address the issues for converting a bus to an RV - see Conversion Bus Issues for that information.
If you haven't seen our bus make and model quick reference chart - read that next! It identifies most major makes and models of buses, complete with a list of advantages and disadvantages. For instance, older coaches offer huge advantages in price, parts are readily available for the most popular brands, and they are easy to locate and purchase. However, they can be substantially more expensive to finance and insure under certain circumstances.
Bus Parts for the major brands are available for even 30 to 40 year old buses from licensed dealers. More obscure brands, those made in foreign countries and imported, and models only produced one year, present problems however.
Financing a charter bus - this makes and breaks most charter operations, not the choice of bus make. However many companies offer better financing for certain preferred builders and even certain models, especially those that have the lowest depreciation. The purchase of any bus used for business should not be done without a thorough evaluation of the finance options that are attached to it.
Insurance for a charter bus - this can be the other BIG "deal breaker". If you cannot insure your coach at a good rate you will never be able to turn the kind of profit needed to deal with depreciation, attrition, maintenance, and sales operations. Do NOT underestimate this part of the process. Also realize you may have to pass your states and others DOT regulations. Get an insurance quote in writing from at least TWO major carriers before signing to purchase a bus of any type.
Size is an important issue when considering your purchase. Many prefer the larger 102" wide coaches but they are more expensive than the standard 96" wide units. Make sure there are no height restrictions, weight restrictions, or special licenses needed to run the one you are considering on the roads you will be running on.
Charter operations have a very special interest in "seating capacity" as it pertains to profitability. Longer buses cost more, but generate more revenue when running full.
Weight issues for your new coach should not be ignored, or underestimated. Heavier coaches usually cost more to operate but may hold up better.
If you are trying to locate a charter bus for sale, there are also some other things you'll need to keep in mind. The charter bus industry has many facets, and when looking for a charter bus for sale, you will need to have an understanding of your needs.
Charter bus for sale hunting can lead to many listings. There are some charter buses that are similar to shuttle buses, there are double-decker buses and coaches that all meet the various needs of those looking to get into the charter industry. Depending upon your own specific needs, you will be able to sift through the charter bus for sale listings and find what you are looking for.
Our bus for sale prepurchase checklist is helpful when shopping for a coach.
There are many major bus lines that specialize in charters, like Peter Pan and Gray Line. But, many small local companies also offer charter tours, and perhaps that is what led you to search for a charter bus for sale. Charter buses can be used for school trips, college trips, to sporting events, to big cities, to concerts, historic sites, shopping excursions and other events. In addition, many large conventions can use charter buses to get attendees to and from the airport, hotel and other points of interest.
Often times, you will see chanters in the
classified section or travel pages of
your local newspaper. These charters
include trips to sporting events, where a busload of patrons can enjoy the game
without the drive, parking and traffic themselves. And, many charter companies
like this will include everything in a package - that is usually a tremendous
deal - tickets, transportation, lunch and maybe even something else like a souvenir.
Depending on what part of the country you are in, there may be daily runs to places
like Atlantic City. With that, casinos have a deal with the charter bus companies
that give all gamblers money toward their bets. Still, more charter bus companies
will offer overnight trips to destinations within a few hours drive. And, many
private clubs or groups will hire a charter company to make travel arrangements
for a trip.
Since many charter buses for sale are equipped with lots of
extra, they make for a comfortable drive- almost like being in a plane. The seats
usually will recline, there is a restroom - with or without a sink, plenty of
luggage storage, overhead lights, one or several televisions with VCR/DVD capabilities
for each passenger and more. These amenities can change from bus to bus, so be
sure to check all the features when shopping for your charter bus. Some major
companies that manufacture
charter buses are ElDorado and Star Trans, but
large charter companies, like Peter
Pan, often sell off their older model
buses through companies like http://busbusbus.com
to get the newest charter buses. This means savings on
quality charter buses
for smaller, more local companies.
So, whether you are looking for a bus
for charter tours, sightseeing excursions, day trips or overnights stays, you
will have lots to choose from when searching for your own charter bus for sale.
Now you just need the tourists!
NOTE: After evaluating the information above on SPECIFIC issues related to this particular platform you may find the prepurchase checklist helpful. It covers GENERAL issues you should be aware of for ALL platforms. It will serve as a very valuable resource to assist you in evaluating a bus, motor home, or RV for purchase. Take a copy of it with you when shopping.
Our bus for sale prepurchase checklist is helpful when shopping for a coach.
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