wickenspoet
New member
When it's time to downsize your guitar/amp inventory, what's the best way to sell it off? Ebay, Craigslist, Used Music Store, Garage Sale, etc...?
How do you guys prefer to sell your gear?
- Thread starter wickenspoet
- Start date
Chris of Arabia
Desert RATT
Re: How do you guys prefer to sell your gear?
Over my dead body...
Over my dead body...
Nacho8807
New member
Re: How do you guys prefer to sell your gear?
I've only ever sold through craigslist or to people I know personally. Same for trades. I feel like it's a waste to do trade ins or sales to any store, when they have to offer you less than fair value. I'd rather cut out the middle man and sell to the next owner directly and pocket more cash, but that's just me being greedy.
I've only ever sold through craigslist or to people I know personally. Same for trades. I feel like it's a waste to do trade ins or sales to any store, when they have to offer you less than fair value. I'd rather cut out the middle man and sell to the next owner directly and pocket more cash, but that's just me being greedy.
Mr. B
New member
Re: How do you guys prefer to sell your gear?
I sell lots of used gear on eBay and *almost* never run into problems. If you allow eBay to use the global shipping program, you will sell used pickups and smaller stuff much easier. It is really no more trouble for you. You simply ship it to Kentucky, and eBay forwards it from there. No extra hassle on your part.
Don't try to get a fair price for it at a pawn shop. It won't happen. They will either rob you blind or won't buy at all. Craigslist can work ok, but I ran into a lot of people who would show up with no money and just want to "try" it, and people wanting to trade a rooster or a goat for my stuff.
I sell lots of used gear on eBay and *almost* never run into problems. If you allow eBay to use the global shipping program, you will sell used pickups and smaller stuff much easier. It is really no more trouble for you. You simply ship it to Kentucky, and eBay forwards it from there. No extra hassle on your part.
Don't try to get a fair price for it at a pawn shop. It won't happen. They will either rob you blind or won't buy at all. Craigslist can work ok, but I ran into a lot of people who would show up with no money and just want to "try" it, and people wanting to trade a rooster or a goat for my stuff.
Re: How do you guys prefer to sell your gear?
I think I've tried it all over the past 25 years, and so far ebay has worked best for me. Part of that is I live in a small town just far enough away from any major metropolitan area that CL just doesn't work, and I have a fairly small pool of potential local buyers.
However...MY experience with Guitar Center's trade in, trade up program has been pretty good, too. Trade in a pedal, get 10% off an amp, etc...
One thing a lot of people seem to forget when they trade in or sell equipment to a music store/pawn shop is that the stores have to make a profit on what they are buying from you. I've experienced this from both sides of the counter. As a retailer, I've had customer walk out in disgust or get a look of disbelief when I've offered to buy their equipment at less than the full resale value. As a seller, I get sales people apologetically explaining why they are valuing my gear at such and such a price. 9 times out of 10, what they are offering is a fair price. If it's not, I walk away from the deal.
How much profit a buyer wants/needs is up to them, but typically a store will offer you half of what the current resale value is.
In my experience, that resale value is often based on what the item's average selling price is on ebay. So, it's a good idea to have an ebay account, even if it's just so you can use the advanced search function to find out what the average selling price is for the gear you want to get rid of.
tl;dr: ebay
I think I've tried it all over the past 25 years, and so far ebay has worked best for me. Part of that is I live in a small town just far enough away from any major metropolitan area that CL just doesn't work, and I have a fairly small pool of potential local buyers.
However...MY experience with Guitar Center's trade in, trade up program has been pretty good, too. Trade in a pedal, get 10% off an amp, etc...
One thing a lot of people seem to forget when they trade in or sell equipment to a music store/pawn shop is that the stores have to make a profit on what they are buying from you. I've experienced this from both sides of the counter. As a retailer, I've had customer walk out in disgust or get a look of disbelief when I've offered to buy their equipment at less than the full resale value. As a seller, I get sales people apologetically explaining why they are valuing my gear at such and such a price. 9 times out of 10, what they are offering is a fair price. If it's not, I walk away from the deal.
How much profit a buyer wants/needs is up to them, but typically a store will offer you half of what the current resale value is.
In my experience, that resale value is often based on what the item's average selling price is on ebay. So, it's a good idea to have an ebay account, even if it's just so you can use the advanced search function to find out what the average selling price is for the gear you want to get rid of.
tl;dr: ebay
Re: How do you guys prefer to sell your gear?
I normally use ebay. Have most always had good luck, except for the fact that their fees have gotten so high. so between ebay fees and paypal fees (which ebay owns incidentally), I loose a chunk of change off the deal. I hate that, but it has proven to be the best way. Guitar stores and pawn shops give you nothing and craigslist has proven to be the same as mentioned above. alot of "joyriders" show up, many have no intention of buying. they just play the guitar or whatever and say, "I dont have the money, I just always wanted to play one of these." I dont like people knowing where I live and have my kids and also fear they will come back to swipe the gear also. So fee bay is my only option, unless I have an aquaintance that wants to buy it by chance. Plus as mentioned, ebay has a good international program and alot of buyers are international. Ive got a bunch of stuff going on the bay in the next few days
I normally use ebay. Have most always had good luck, except for the fact that their fees have gotten so high. so between ebay fees and paypal fees (which ebay owns incidentally), I loose a chunk of change off the deal. I hate that, but it has proven to be the best way. Guitar stores and pawn shops give you nothing and craigslist has proven to be the same as mentioned above. alot of "joyriders" show up, many have no intention of buying. they just play the guitar or whatever and say, "I dont have the money, I just always wanted to play one of these." I dont like people knowing where I live and have my kids and also fear they will come back to swipe the gear also. So fee bay is my only option, unless I have an aquaintance that wants to buy it by chance. Plus as mentioned, ebay has a good international program and alot of buyers are international. Ive got a bunch of stuff going on the bay in the next few days
ItsaBass
New member
Re: How do you guys prefer to sell your gear?
If I want a definite sale within a certain time frame, then E-Bay. You know your thing is gonna sell for sure, that you will probably get about what it is worth (+/- a bit), and it'll be within a week, or whatever length of time you set for the auction. Hassles are: 1) You have to take the time to take good pix, write a proper description, and generally manage the auction. 2) You have to deal with idiots/jerks/scammers, and E-Bay doesn't do anything to stop them. E-Bay is rife with scammers now; I have had an E-Bay account since 1998, so I know that they never used to be. I don't know what happened. 3) E-Bay is a horrible company to deal with - terrible customer service and policies. 4) It's easy to get shafted as a seller, and E-Bay is pretty much always on the buyer's side now. You can't even leave negative feedback for a buyer now if they do screw with you! 5) You have to pack the **** up (major annoyance to me, personally). 6) You get dinged for about 12-13 percent in fees to E-Bay and Pay Pal. 7) You MUST use Pay Pal now. No checks or money orders. 8) Gas to drop off package and pick up packing supplies, etc. But like I said, you know you're gonna sell your **** within a certain time frame, and you get to advertise it to a potentially huge audience.
If I want to sell something for the top dollar I can get for it, and there is no time frame, I go for Craig's List. The bad points are that you reach a much smaller audience, and 90% of your inquiries are either from flakes or scammers. The scammers are obvious, but the flakes can really waste your time. You also get tire kickers and idiots who want to haggle via e-mail without having even seen the item, even if you post something specific like: "Absolutely no offers via e-mail. I will listen to offers in person with cash in hand only."
I use the SDUGF sometimes as well, kind of like Craig's List, but not with locals. And better for smaller parts and stuff (since most of use are tinkerers and modders).
If I want a definite sale within a certain time frame, then E-Bay. You know your thing is gonna sell for sure, that you will probably get about what it is worth (+/- a bit), and it'll be within a week, or whatever length of time you set for the auction. Hassles are: 1) You have to take the time to take good pix, write a proper description, and generally manage the auction. 2) You have to deal with idiots/jerks/scammers, and E-Bay doesn't do anything to stop them. E-Bay is rife with scammers now; I have had an E-Bay account since 1998, so I know that they never used to be. I don't know what happened. 3) E-Bay is a horrible company to deal with - terrible customer service and policies. 4) It's easy to get shafted as a seller, and E-Bay is pretty much always on the buyer's side now. You can't even leave negative feedback for a buyer now if they do screw with you! 5) You have to pack the **** up (major annoyance to me, personally). 6) You get dinged for about 12-13 percent in fees to E-Bay and Pay Pal. 7) You MUST use Pay Pal now. No checks or money orders. 8) Gas to drop off package and pick up packing supplies, etc. But like I said, you know you're gonna sell your **** within a certain time frame, and you get to advertise it to a potentially huge audience.
If I want to sell something for the top dollar I can get for it, and there is no time frame, I go for Craig's List. The bad points are that you reach a much smaller audience, and 90% of your inquiries are either from flakes or scammers. The scammers are obvious, but the flakes can really waste your time. You also get tire kickers and idiots who want to haggle via e-mail without having even seen the item, even if you post something specific like: "Absolutely no offers via e-mail. I will listen to offers in person with cash in hand only."
I use the SDUGF sometimes as well, kind of like Craig's List, but not with locals. And better for smaller parts and stuff (since most of use are tinkerers and modders).
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Kais
New member
Re: How do you guys prefer to sell your gear?
Ebay is okay, but the fees and the biasing towards buyers is more than annoying. Plus they pretty much force you to accept returns.
Amazon takes astronomically fees. About $25 for something that sells for $180. Plus they set the shipping rates.
Craigslist doesn't really work to well imo. A lot of people wanting to trade crap items, and lowballers. I've posted everything I sold for sale on craigslist first and have rarely pulled thru with a sale. Lots of interest sometimes tho.
Reverb.com is the new and upcoming. Specifically for music, nothing else is for sale. They don't take too many fees, but at this point no site has the exposure ebay has.
Ebay is okay, but the fees and the biasing towards buyers is more than annoying. Plus they pretty much force you to accept returns.
Amazon takes astronomically fees. About $25 for something that sells for $180. Plus they set the shipping rates.
Craigslist doesn't really work to well imo. A lot of people wanting to trade crap items, and lowballers. I've posted everything I sold for sale on craigslist first and have rarely pulled thru with a sale. Lots of interest sometimes tho.
Reverb.com is the new and upcoming. Specifically for music, nothing else is for sale. They don't take too many fees, but at this point no site has the exposure ebay has.
jtees4
New member
Re: How do you guys prefer to sell your gear?
I simply go in order of cost to sell. Craigslist first. Reverb.com second and finally EBay. I have had good luck with all three. The key to Craigslist is to know what your stuff is worth and then discount the hassle of shipping that you avoid and also the costs involved with the other two. I have sold over 100 guitars and many other things over the last few years without many problems at all.
I simply go in order of cost to sell. Craigslist first. Reverb.com second and finally EBay. I have had good luck with all three. The key to Craigslist is to know what your stuff is worth and then discount the hassle of shipping that you avoid and also the costs involved with the other two. I have sold over 100 guitars and many other things over the last few years without many problems at all.
Gardener
New member
Re: How do you guys prefer to sell your gear?
I prefer Craigslist myself as it is local... although sometimes you have to sift through inquiries and be waiting for people that never show.
I may try and sell some items on EBAY for the first time in a little bit here and see how that goes.
I prefer Craigslist myself as it is local... although sometimes you have to sift through inquiries and be waiting for people that never show.
I may try and sell some items on EBAY for the first time in a little bit here and see how that goes.
daan
New member
Re: How do you guys prefer to sell your gear?
No joke, the last time (and I mean, it was the LAST TIME I'll use c-list) I tried to sell gear on there, I'd get jokers asking me to drive my $100 Squier an hour + to their place "to see if I like it", people trying to trade useless crap even though my ads said NO TRADES (a guy actually offered me his leftover sod from building his house...) the one guy who didn't sound like a total crack smoker, arranged to meet me halfway and then "forgot his wallet at home, can I just have the guitar and mail you a check when I get home?" I mean, I don't even want to try to sell stuff anymore because of stuff like that. The classifieds on here (and TDPRI) are SO much more useful to sell music stuff than anywhere else online.
No joke, the last time (and I mean, it was the LAST TIME I'll use c-list) I tried to sell gear on there, I'd get jokers asking me to drive my $100 Squier an hour + to their place "to see if I like it", people trying to trade useless crap even though my ads said NO TRADES (a guy actually offered me his leftover sod from building his house...) the one guy who didn't sound like a total crack smoker, arranged to meet me halfway and then "forgot his wallet at home, can I just have the guitar and mail you a check when I get home?" I mean, I don't even want to try to sell stuff anymore because of stuff like that. The classifieds on here (and TDPRI) are SO much more useful to sell music stuff than anywhere else online.
chadd
New member
Re: How do you guys prefer to sell your gear?
I've gone through Guitar Center a couple times because of the additional % off on the retail items. If you add that value to what you are getting for your trade in, it's usually a pretty reasonable total.
superpete
Active member
Re: How do you guys prefer to sell your gear?
i've resigned myself to using ebay for things like pedals and pickups. i adjust my prices for their fees and shipping and hope someone bites. craigslist is brutal for me. i tried to sell a guitar for $700 and all i got were emails asking if id take $400. for bigger stuff like that I ask around on facebook and try to sell it privately. guitar center actually isn't bad if you want to buy something new. like, ok, ill sell you this boss blues driver for $25...but then you take $120 off an $800 piece.
i've resigned myself to using ebay for things like pedals and pickups. i adjust my prices for their fees and shipping and hope someone bites. craigslist is brutal for me. i tried to sell a guitar for $700 and all i got were emails asking if id take $400. for bigger stuff like that I ask around on facebook and try to sell it privately. guitar center actually isn't bad if you want to buy something new. like, ok, ill sell you this boss blues driver for $25...but then you take $120 off an $800 piece.
Luke Duke
PRSlustologist
Re: How do you guys prefer to sell your gear?
I tried to trade with GC ONCE back in '02.
I had a LPC and I was looking to trade in for a tweed bassman RI and a pedal or two. The way I figured it was they would give me about $1200 of gear and put the LPC on the wall for for $1800-$2000 and sell it for $1600. I had gotten the LPC at a good price so I wasn't getting killed so I figured I'd get rid of it since we never bonded. By my calculations they had about $800 bucks in the amp and pedals, so they'd effectively double their money.
They wanted my LPC and 100 bucks for just the amp......
I tried to trade with GC ONCE back in '02.
I had a LPC and I was looking to trade in for a tweed bassman RI and a pedal or two. The way I figured it was they would give me about $1200 of gear and put the LPC on the wall for for $1800-$2000 and sell it for $1600. I had gotten the LPC at a good price so I wasn't getting killed so I figured I'd get rid of it since we never bonded. By my calculations they had about $800 bucks in the amp and pedals, so they'd effectively double their money.
They wanted my LPC and 100 bucks for just the amp......
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: How do you guys prefer to sell your gear?
You can get the music stores down on price without trade ins. They'll take 15% off retail (not list) if it'll make the sale.
You can get the music stores down on price without trade ins. They'll take 15% off retail (not list) if it'll make the sale.
Securb
One of Jerry's Kids
Re: How do you guys prefer to sell your gear?
If it is something large like an amp I prefer to sell it to a friend. I am too paranoid to have some random Craigslister see all of my gear. If it is pedals or rack gear I go Ebay. I remember in the golden pre-internet days when we would buy and sell gear in those little classified magazines you would pick up in the corner store for a dollar.
If it is something large like an amp I prefer to sell it to a friend. I am too paranoid to have some random Craigslister see all of my gear. If it is pedals or rack gear I go Ebay. I remember in the golden pre-internet days when we would buy and sell gear in those little classified magazines you would pick up in the corner store for a dollar.
