Best way to sell locally?

[Don_Chancho]

I’m looking to offload some gear but I’m a little intimidated by the idea of shipping something so I’m curious what would be the best way to sell gear locally. I live in NYC so I’m theory my odds should be good.

Would you guys recommend FB market place, eBay, talkbass, or reverb?

 

[KohanMike]

I've been very successful with Craig's List for local pickup only in Los Angeles, being very careful about scammers, which all the services are prone to. A few months ago I off loaded 27 of my bass ukes/mini bass guitars, the first few with shipping. Boy did I regret that; between the packing and shipping, it cost way too much, and it took a couple of weeks for the pack-ship place to get them out. On Craig's List it took less than a week to move all of them.

 

[Don_Chancho]

I've been very successful with Craig's List for local pickup only in Los Angeles, being very careful about scammers, which all the services are prone to. A few months ago I off loaded 27 of my bass ukes/mini bass guitars, the first few with shipping. Boy did I regret that; between the packing and shipping, it cost way too much, and it took a couple of weeks for the pack-ship place to get them out. On Craig's List it took less than a week to move all of them.

Nice! What advice do you have on avoiding scammers/getting robbed? I don't have a car so taking my basses anywhere would be a huge hassle and draw a lot of attention, unless I uber to a police station.

 

[gln1955]

I would say use them all to get the broadest reach.

Nice! What advice do you have on avoiding scammers/getting robbed? I don't have a car so taking my basses anywhere would be a huge hassle and draw a lot of attention, unless I uber to a police station.

If you don't want anyone to come to your home, you just need to meet up at the nearest public spot, parking lot, whatever. It does limit trying our a bass fully and is inconvenient for you. Personally, I've had folks come to my house after I talk with them and establish that they are in fact bass players and have some knowledge of what I'm selling.

 

[KohanMike]

Nice! What advice do you have on avoiding scammers/getting robbed? I don't have a car so taking my basses anywhere would be a huge hassle and draw a lot of attention, unless I uber to a police station.

That's actually not a bad idea. Watch the email replies, if they want to use a third party to do the pickup or they want you to hold it until they have the money, or any hesitation on their part, don't answer the email. The first person who is agreeable and will meet you, reply to any other offers that you have someone, but if it falls through, you'll let them know.

 

[winston]

I've had good luck with Craigslist over the years. Most important is understanding that there's pricing to sell, then there's everything else. Do your research on pricing, check Reverb, TB, eBay and other Craigslist locales. I set a firm price below the lowest actual selling prices I've seen in the last 3-6 months.

The key is to make your ad an intelligence test and vigorously ignore all people who fail it. Aside from good pix and a comprehensive description, something like "Local cash only sale, will not ship. Price is firm, please don't contact me if you don't understand what that means, thanks. No emails or texts, please call and leave a message with your location and 2 or 3 times that work for you to meet up this week. I have researched similar pieces on (Reverb, TB, eBay) and this is x dollars below actual sale prices in the last y months." Has worked on many occasions for me in the last 20+ years for both inexpensive garden variety and pricey booteek gear. Almost inevitably people show up excited that this piece is still available for literally the lowest price they will find.

I hear some people say "only meet people for CL transactions in a public place like a police station parking lot." That's up to you, but it's a red flag to me that seller may be hiding something. On several occasions when I've bought gear in such environs it's had undisclosed issues that would have been evident in a more conducive location.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Use every format.

I like to meet at a Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks. Public, comfortable, and available coffee.

 

[Don_Chancho]

I never thought about having people come to my place. It makes sense but it also sounds super risky.

 

[Don_Chancho]

I would say use them all to get the broadest reach.



If you don't want anyone to come to your home, you just need to meet up at the nearest public spot, parking lot, whatever. It does limit trying our a bass fully and is inconvenient for you. Personally, I've had folks come to my house after I talk with them and establish that they are in fact bass players and have some knowledge of what I'm selling.

This may sound silly but how to you establish that exactly?

 

[sleddogn]

Generally these days, meeting in public place is the safest way to meet as mentioned above. Selling items and shipping takes the robbery risk out of the equation. Shipping isn't all that hard, usually sourcing boxes is the biggest hurdle if you don't have one already...

 

[DWBass]

Craigslist. Meet in a public space.

 

[Gluvhand]

You can do a search of local safe transaction spots in your area. By me, it's the Sheriff's station parking lot near town hall. There are cameras and the reserved spots are near the door. I think the local library may offer the same.

 

[CletusMarley]

I've always used Craigslist or FB Marketplace and just met up with the seller/buyer at a public location.

 

[ebo]

I’ve sold/given away plenty of stuff on Craigslist and had very few negative experiences. Gotta pre-qualify people a bit. I set the price prior to meet up, no haggling on the spot, it’s a waste of time if a deal isn’t made. FB marketplace has been unsuccessful for me but spread a wide net and sift through the doo doo.

 

[Wesley R]

I have shipped many amps (guitar and bass), basses,guitars. Almost never an issue.

I do hear and read that shipping cost can be brutal.

 

[Zooberwerx]

CL. I have no problems with somebody coming to the house but the item and test rig are right inside the front door. If the buyer is wary, I'll be glad to meet in a public place. Either way, I'm gonna talk to you first to field relevant questions. I would also expect the banter to reveal whether the other party has more than a passing knowledge of the item in question. If seemingly clueless, that sets-off red flags.

Riis

 

[Gorilla Monsoon]

CL should be able to recommend local meeting places. I bought a Bergantino cabinet, and chose a place midway that was accessible and relatively busy. I was not overly concerned- it was a $800 sale, i knew what the seller was driving, and i arrived early. I am very comfortable with any one on one encounters. I had already spoken to the seller, had his cell#, and looked the guy up for free. Everything matched up- address, phone number, etc. He showed up alone and looked presentable. Had he shown up accompanied, I would have balked. Just be smart.

 

[ddezz]

I have sold on Craigslist and FB Marketplace. I set a firm price to discourage lowballers who spend a half hour trying the item then offering half. I also bring the bass that I am selling into my living room with a small good amp and cab and show it there instead of in my music room with tons of other gear that I don't want people to see or be distracted. I also specify cash only no trades. If they text or email me and they are interested, I ask for their name and phone number telling them I will call them back soon to set up an appointment. I do a search of their name on line to find out information about them and when I call them back I ask what band they play with, what do you use for a bass amp or do you know a person or band and where have you seen them just to feel them out and to establish a rapport. Good luck selling. I have sold many basses and gear and it is good to have gotten rid of clutter although they were nice. Now I have just one Stingray at my home in Connecticut and another Stingray at my home in Florida.

 

[CJAZ]

I use Craigslist regularly for sales and purchases. Meeting in a public place is generally a good idea and Starbucks or someplace similar works really well. I never make a sale without talking to the person on the phone and also pay attention to their knowledge of the product. If I am comfortable with the buyer coming to my house, I will generally set up in the garage but sometimes do it in the house, by the front door. Bottom line is set up a transaction that is safe, trust your instincts re people and err on the side of caution.

 

[dougfr67]

OMG