Notice anything different?…the brand new design of VanlifeTrader.com is LIVE!
Since our launch in 2018, we have been humbled by all the folks who have used our site looking to buy or sell their custom vans. We want to thank you for coming along on this ride with us through all these years.
Although those glorious early days are filled with nostalgia, our bootstrapped days are coming to an end. It was time for a redesign, from the inside out. This massive project was much more than just a redesign of a website. It was an opportunity to think of you all first. To apply the lessons we have learned over the years to give you a buying and selling experience you deserve. I am so proud to be here with you all.
Before we review some of the exciting changes, if you are a builder or seller and have an active listing on the site that you have not yet updated, please jump to our action items section at the bottom to find out what changes have impacted your listing and what steps you need to take.
Okay, now let’s get rolling through some of these cool updates we made.
1. The Design
So let’s start with the most noticeable difference, the design itself.
The goal?
We wanted to make the overall experience for buyers, sellers, and casual browsers simpler and more user-friendly.
We have a new logo, colors, and fonts. It gives VLT more personality, while staying true to the clean, modern vibe of the site and community.
2. Search Functionality
We’ve replaced that old search form with a more intuitive search bar that invites you to start searching for your dream van right away, the way you want.
Now you can search for SOLD vans, as well as Custom Builds to put in your van!
Van listings also provide filters to narrow down your search with in-depth filters like solar panel wattage, battery type, amp hour, and water capacity.
You can now get updates on new listings that match your search parameters sent to you. Just save your search, enter your email and choose to get notified of new listings.
3. Seller Listings
The Seller and Builder Listings have been completely revamped, making sure buyers get the info they need in a cleaner, more consumable way.
We are now featuring a beautifully formatted grid of photos for buyers to get a visual understanding of what they are purchasing and for builders to display their stunning work.
4. Builder Listings
The Builder Listings have also been completely revamped, creating a one-stop shop for vanlifers to compare all the new amazing build companies.
Builders now have more opportunities to drive traffic to their sites via email and social media marketing. Those of you with open build slots can finally advertise your buildouts (without an actual van for sale), and link your live listing to your builder profile on the site.
We created a clean list system that makes it easy to digest details. And moved the Contact Seller box higher on the page so it’s more convenient and easy to find.
4. The Resources (New!)
Introducing the new VLT Resources section!
Our mission is to build an incredible marketplace for everyone interested in vanlife, not just providing opportunities for van transactions, but also empowering you with knowledge. In our Resource section, you can find a high-quality selection of guides, how-to’s, and articles to help you thrive in every part of your vanlife journey.
What we have now in the Resource section is only the start. In the coming months, we have plans to build out additional buying guides, as well as provide you with conversion tips, gear reviews, lifestyle advice, interviews with experienced vanlifers, and much more. If there’s anything in particular you’d love to see a post about, let us know! We love suggestions.
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There’s quite a bit more to explore than we could list out here, so browse the site when you get a chance and tell us what you think. If you have questions, find a bug, or need help of any kind, just let us know.
We know change can be hard, but we hope you’ll come to love this new site as much as we do.
The VLT Team
Get regular vanlife tips, guides, and listing updates
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Here are the specific things you’ll need to look at …
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The Action Items and new Features
[SELLERS AND BUYERS PLEASE READ]
Are you a VLT seller or builder with an active listing on VanLifeTrader.com?
If so, please read the simple instructions below to find out what has changed on your listing and what you need to do to update it in our new design.
We strongly encourage you to take a look at your active listings to ensure they are listed properly with our new features!
For SELLERS
- “Featured” listings (now called “Premium”) now allow 30 photos
- There are way more filters for your build to be found by that perfect buyer
- You can now mark your van as SOLD instead of deleting it (please do!)
- If you bought/buy a “Basic” listing you can add á la cart social media posts
For BUILDERS
Here are the specific things you’ll need to take a look at …
- We now do full social media posts for featured builders!
- The “Premium” subscription comes with 20 photos and 1 free listing per month! ($600 value)
- Change your logo size to fit the page layout
- You can now list custom builds without the van!
- To protect our shoppers and legitimize this insanely fast growing industry, we’re now requiring an EIN
- Your listings can now be found attached to your profile
