pawprint
Halfnote
Posts: 77
Formerly Known As: pawprint
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Post by pawprint on Jun 23, 2020 15:39:15 GMT -5
Hi folks,
Many years ago, I bought and sold high-end guitars. It was fun, and there was some money to be made. It's not like I ever MADE money - I tended to put it back into the corporation. I didn't get into the vintage market (although I should have), instead concentrating on a some smaller luthiers who I thought were producing gorgeous things. Eventually, the market for these guitars (actually, most guitars) collapsed, and my choice was to sell at a loss, or hold on to things.
Over the years, I've sold most of them (you know how it is - needed the cash), but I have a few left and it has been awhile since I sold anything of value.
Naturally, I'd like to maximize my profits. My question to you is how would you recommend I sell these 2 or 3 guitars? Reverb, eBay, Craigslist (please don't recommend that), etc. Is anyone still using Harmony Central or GBase? Consignment? Are there other platforms you would recommend?
Thanks in advance, as always...
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TBird
Wholenote
Posts: 298
Formerly Known As: greg1948
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Post by TBird on Jun 23, 2020 17:05:10 GMT -5
Former eBay user, now selling/buying Reverb!
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Post by Blacksunshine on Jun 23, 2020 17:29:19 GMT -5
Reverb seems to be the new standard for music gear.
I've had really good luck. I've sold a Tele and a Strat, a vintage neck plate, and an amp.
I've bought a couple pedals too.
All in all, recommended.
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Post by jazzguy on Jun 23, 2020 17:50:25 GMT -5
I list on both sites simultaneously but it seems ebay still gets the most traffic as that's usually where my stuff sells.
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Post by Blacksunshine on Jun 23, 2020 18:03:05 GMT -5
I list on both sites simultaneously but it seems ebay still gets the most traffic as that's usually where my stuff sells. That's interesting, yeah I've seen the same items listed at both places. I always wondered which platform was more successful. I always assumed Reverb because they have a more focused audience, but it makes sense Ebay still has more traffic. |
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Post by Auf Kiltre on Jun 24, 2020 11:32:29 GMT -5
I've become irritated with Reverb lately. I had to personally contact them after moving to make corrections to my credit card/billing address. This function should be available to me. Just recently saw they botched the address change (left line 2 of address from previous), no ability to edit. I have dozens of on line accounts, this is the only one that doesn't allow me to make edits.
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Post by Leftee on Jun 24, 2020 14:00:32 GMT -5
We just moved and I was able to update my Reverb account just fine. 🤔
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herb
Wholenote
Posts: 159
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Post by herb on Jun 24, 2020 14:59:45 GMT -5
Craigslist is fine with me. I live in a metro area with around 3-4 million people within a half-days driving distance. I think that's a huge factor. I have never had the flakes seriously respond that some people complain about. I do get the occasional guy that wants to do a trade, even though it says "No Trades" on the ad. I meet in a public place like a coffee shop. But most importantly there are no fees and no shipping on Craigslist
Next is Reverb. Their fees continue to rise, though. You have to make a stand on your price to make up for the fees and some buyers don't get or want to do deal with that. I flat out tell them that they should buy new. If you have a great piece of gear it will sell. You just have to be patient.
I pretty much gave up on eBay when Reverb came in. I haven't checked their fees recently. Maybe I should.
Anyone here remember the classified ads in the local newspaper? I swear the same guy called anytime I bought an ad. I think he was just lonely and wanted to talk to someone.
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Post by Leftee on Jun 24, 2020 16:48:45 GMT -5
Reverb collects state sales tax from the buyer. I’ve had to explain to several buyers that I had nothing to do with that and that Reverb pays that directly to their state.
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herb
Wholenote
Posts: 159
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Post by herb on Jun 25, 2020 12:36:48 GMT -5
Reverb collects state sales tax from the buyer. I’ve had to explain to several buyers that I had nothing to do with that and that Reverb pays that directly to their state. Does ebay collect sales tax too now? I haven't sold there in quite some time. |
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Post by Leftee on Jun 25, 2020 13:52:02 GMT -5
Reverb collects state sales tax from the buyer. I’ve had to explain to several buyers that I had nothing to do with that and that Reverb pays that directly to their state. Does ebay collect sales tax too now? I haven't sold there in quite some time. I don’t know, but I assume so. |
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Post by Blacksunshine on Jun 25, 2020 13:54:36 GMT -5
Does ebay collect sales tax too now? I haven't sold there in quite some time. They do. |
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Post by archiestone on Jun 26, 2020 13:19:17 GMT -5
Tax, shipping, vendor & $ transaction % take a big bite out of any sale.
I try *really hard* to sell locally since I live in a well-populated area. If that doesn't work - reverb.
I figure reverb + pp fees take about 7%, ebay + pp fees take more like 14%.
I used to ship coast to coast (in the early 2000s) for, like, $40. It's more like $100+ now. Ouch.
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Post by Mfitz804 on Jun 27, 2020 10:18:24 GMT -5
It’s kind of irritating as a seller when a buyer complains about having to pay taxes. Like, I’m a guy selling a used guitar (or whatever) online, I didn’t enact the tax laws in your State.
Whether or not you believe online sales should be taxed, they now are in a lot of (most?) places. Not my problem.
In reality, as a seller, eBay or Reverb is doing you a favor by collecting it and remitting it. Imagine if you had to do it all yourself and risk a tax bill at the end of the year?
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Post by Leftee on Jun 27, 2020 12:21:17 GMT -5
It’s kind of irritating as a seller when a buyer complains about having to pay taxes. Like, I’m a guy selling a used guitar (or whatever) online, I didn’t enact the tax laws in your State. Whether or not you believe online sales should be taxed, they now are in a lot of (most?) places. Not my problem. In reality, as a seller, eBay or Reverb is doing you a favor by collecting it and remitting it. Imagine if you had to do it all yourself and risk a tax bill at the end of the year? Ditto I saw a guy (frequent seller) railing against Reverb because they’re collecting tax, now. Way misplaced indignation. |
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Post by Leftee on Jun 27, 2020 12:29:07 GMT -5
Tax, shipping, vendor & $ transaction % take a big bite out of any sale. I try *really hard* to sell locally since I live in a well-populated area. If that doesn't work - reverb. I figure reverb + pp fees take about 7%, ebay + pp fees take more like 14%. I used to ship coast to coast (in the early 2000s) for, like, $40. It's more like $100+ now. Ouch. Earlier this year I shipped an electric guitar packed properly in a guitar box from VA to CA for @$40. Using Reverb’s UPS account is awesome. |
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Post by archiestone on Jun 27, 2020 13:05:41 GMT -5
Good pt Leftee -- when using reverb's own shipping svc you get a fairly drastic discount. I'd forgotten about that.
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Post by Leftee on Jun 27, 2020 13:13:35 GMT -5
Good pt Leftee -- when using reverb's own shipping svc you get a fairly drastic discount. I'd forgotten about that. It’s like 20 years ago all over again. 😂 |
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Post by LM on Jun 27, 2020 13:23:12 GMT -5
I posted a guitar in four different places and haven't had one inquiry. I had more interest when I had it out for my wife's garage sale.
I've tried to sell it locally first so I guess it's time to list it on Reverb.
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Post by Seldom Seen on Jun 30, 2020 18:36:59 GMT -5
I use both and usually choose one or the other based on the item. I’ve successfully sold many guitars on eBay but I prefer Reverb because the fees are lower. Both sites tack on a sales tax now.
I will sometimes list in the local classifieds but it’s tough to get fair compensation. There are lots of hagglers and few real buyers.
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