How to Spot Time Wasters and Tire Kickers When Selling Your Aircraft
When you’re selling an aircraft, not everyone who contacts you is a serious buyer. Some are just time wasters and tire kickers — people who have no real intention of buying but will happily waste hours of your time.
Here’s how to spot them early so you can protect your time and focus on real buyers.
Common Red Flags
1. They flatter you too much They start by heavily complimenting your aircraft — saying how beautiful it is, how well maintained it looks, or how it’s one of the best examples they’ve seen. While some genuine buyers do this, excessive flattery is often a tactic used by time wasters.
2. They make big promises but give no proof Watch out for people who say things like:
- “I’ve got contract work for it”
- “I’ll fly it X hours per month”
- “I just need to sort out finance”
These sound good, but without any evidence (like a deposit or proof of funds), they’re often just stories.
3. They want to lease or rent before buying Some buyers will ask to lease or cross-hire the aircraft first with the promise to buy later. While this can sometimes work with reputable people, it’s also a common tactic used by those who can’t actually afford to buy.
A good way to test them is to ask for the first month’s rent upfront plus proof of insurance. Serious people will usually be fine with this. Time wasters will often disappear or make excuses.
4. They’re always “just about to” do something Common excuses include:
- Waiting to get their licence
- Waiting to sell their current aircraft
- Waiting for finance approval
- Waiting for their partner to agree
While some of these can be genuine, if they keep using excuses without taking real action (like paying a deposit), treat them as low priority.
5. They want excessive inspections without commitment Serious buyers will usually be happy to review your documents and photos first. If someone wants to come and open panels, use torches and mirrors, or do a full pre-purchase inspection before showing any real commitment (like a deposit), be very cautious.
You have every right to say: “I didn’t ask for a full service inspection. You came for a quick look. Do you want to proceed or not?”
How to Protect Yourself
- Always ask for a deposit before allowing a full pre-purchase inspection (especially on higher-value aircraft).
- Be polite but firm. Don’t be afraid to move on from someone who is dragging things out.
- Remember: Your aircraft isn’t sold until the money is in your bank account.
Bottom Line
Most people who contact you about buying an aircraft are genuine. However, there will always be a percentage of time wasters and tire kickers. The sooner you learn to spot them, the more time and stress you’ll save.
Focus your energy on buyers who are willing to take real steps — reviewing documents, paying a deposit, and moving forward. Everyone else is just noise.