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How to sell gear without taking a massive loss?
- Thread starter mjcarp79
- Start date
This is what I do. I only buy something if I have the sense that I could turn around and more or less break even on it without much effort, plus or minus a bit. It takes patience though, as used things that are actually priced to move don't pop up as much as you'd think.
If you could pick all the right gear that had the best resale value you would probably have skills to make money elsewhere.
I try to look for deals, but am also interested in some stuff that is sought after enough that you could move it if needed. Main way I keep from losing money selling stuff is that I keep most of it. Pedals were the easiest to bring in and out but basses stick forever.
I try to look for deals, but am also interested in some stuff that is sought after enough that you could move it if needed. Main way I keep from losing money selling stuff is that I keep most of it. Pedals were the easiest to bring in and out but basses stick forever.
If you bought new, you will lose a lot of money.
If you bought used, you can sometimes make money.
"I get the impression from many online discussions that it is possible to sell gear without losing a lot of money."
Such hyperbole!
Common sense says that it depends. Sure, if you spend big bucks on a custom bass from a no-name builder you're likely to lose big time. On the other hand I just bought a brand new Rickenbacker 4003 for less than some people are selling used ones for.
It depends on demand and how desperate you are. I sold two high end guitars a couple of years ago. It took me about a year to sell each one, but I got asking price in the end.
Such hyperbole!
Common sense says that it depends. Sure, if you spend big bucks on a custom bass from a no-name builder you're likely to lose big time. On the other hand I just bought a brand new Rickenbacker 4003 for less than some people are selling used ones for.
It depends on demand and how desperate you are. I sold two high end guitars a couple of years ago. It took me about a year to sell each one, but I got asking price in the end.
Half is about right for a lot of gear.
When we would buy used gear at the store I worked at, we would use the "blue book" as a guide, but it was generally 25% of the used price.
Just think about that hit or loss as a rental fee for owning and using the piece.
I guess if you never really used the piece at all, maybe revise your buying habits.
I always buy used, open box, or demo for this reason.
When we would buy used gear at the store I worked at, we would use the "blue book" as a guide, but it was generally 25% of the used price.
Just think about that hit or loss as a rental fee for owning and using the piece.
I guess if you never really used the piece at all, maybe revise your buying habits.
I always buy used, open box, or demo for this reason.
Buying big names that tend to retain its value is the way to go for me, even better when bought used.
I sold 2 basses in the last 3 years and in both cases I actually made a profit from what I originally paid.
My latest sell financed most of my brand new 2024 Ric 4003SW.
That 4003SW I will most likely recoup my money should I think to sell in the future, it already increased in price 10% brand new since then...
I sold 2 basses in the last 3 years and in both cases I actually made a profit from what I originally paid.
My latest sell financed most of my brand new 2024 Ric 4003SW.
That 4003SW I will most likely recoup my money should I think to sell in the future, it already increased in price 10% brand new since then...
- Sep 4, 2010
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- Endorsing: Martin Keith Guitars
I've won some and Ive lost some, and did so through every channel possible - I've lost money (way more than I thought I'd do) selling in TB and I've made money (way more that I thought I'd do) bringing in gear into the local Guitar Center.
That said, I won only on gear I purchased used in the first place, and then only after a considerable amount of time that allowed for market adjustments in my favor (none of which I have any control over). Lost for movng market reasons, and buying new at the expected loss. So at the end of the day, it sort of evened over the years at a relatively minor loss, which I have peace with
C'est la vie.
That said, I won only on gear I purchased used in the first place, and then only after a considerable amount of time that allowed for market adjustments in my favor (none of which I have any control over). Lost for movng market reasons, and buying new at the expected loss. So at the end of the day, it sort of evened over the years at a relatively minor loss, which I have peace with
C'est la vie.
Given the tight market and high shipping costs, losing 40% - 50% on something you bought new is going to be fairly typical unless you are willing to wait a long time for your item to sell. This is why I buy most of my stuff used short of a few killer deals I gotten on (N)ew (O)ld (S)tock, closeout, and floor model bass equipment I've bought over the years.
When selling used gear, there are 2 price points....
Theres the "I gotta get this thing sold right now" price.
And the " I don't care if this thing sells or not" price.
If your using the "I don't care" price, your waiting for that one individual who really wants that one exact thing to come along. Could take a long time, but, you don't care..so.
If you use the "I gotta sell it" price, be prepared to lose some value, for expediency.
Theres the "I gotta get this thing sold right now" price.
And the " I don't care if this thing sells or not" price.
If your using the "I don't care" price, your waiting for that one individual who really wants that one exact thing to come along. Could take a long time, but, you don't care..so.
If you use the "I gotta sell it" price, be prepared to lose some value, for expediency.
EdwardofHuncote
I Still Dream of Jeannie
- Aug 21, 2013
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Unfortunately, it's called "cut your losses".
On one hand, it ain't like you gotta' feed 'em and send 'em to school... it won't cost you a nickel to just put them away until you feel like playing again. On the other... if you're really done playing, just sell them for the best you can get and go do something you enjoy.
Best of luck, however you come down on this one.
On one hand, it ain't like you gotta' feed 'em and send 'em to school... it won't cost you a nickel to just put them away until you feel like playing again. On the other... if you're really done playing, just sell them for the best you can get and go do something you enjoy.
Best of luck, however you come down on this one.
With pedals, it's actually quite easy. There are some brands that usually sell well at retail or even above. Noble, Broughton, 3Leaf and Iron Ether come to mind.
Others are quite stable in their prices, like Origin, but second hand models sell easily and with not too much of a discount.
Then there are the standard ones, where you can expect to sell something in great condition including the original box and everything it came with at -25% to -33%.
The trick is to know the prices before you buy anything and to only buy when you find a good deal.
The listed brands above are great examples of what not to buy used unless you want to burn money. Never pay more than retail on a current product.
If you can wait for the next run, always support small business over price gougers. Price gouging is sorta gross.
Smooth_bass88
vaxx!
- Oct 31, 2006
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OP here: thanks for all the input!
You all have given me some good insight. I think that I gotten the impression of "lossless selling" from those who are thoughtful and careful in their buying and selling.
In contrast, I was thinking about things from my stupid and careless perspective: only buying new items, and with a mindset of buying things to try them.
You all have given me some good insight. I think that I gotten the impression of "lossless selling" from those who are thoughtful and careful in their buying and selling.
In contrast, I was thinking about things from my stupid and careless perspective: only buying new items, and with a mindset of buying things to try them.
supply... demand..
other than that, taking nice pictures can help your items sell better. usually things with crummy photos don't sell unless the price is enticing enough to be worth the gamble. or its something rare...
whats your motivation though? if you just want to move things along and recoup some money, then yea, ask a little less than you wish you could get and magically it sells. if you're trying to operate a business then be prepared to sit on inventory as long as it takes to sell- and take professional photos and have a polished storefront, wherever that might be.
other than that, taking nice pictures can help your items sell better. usually things with crummy photos don't sell unless the price is enticing enough to be worth the gamble. or its something rare...
whats your motivation though? if you just want to move things along and recoup some money, then yea, ask a little less than you wish you could get and magically it sells. if you're trying to operate a business then be prepared to sit on inventory as long as it takes to sell- and take professional photos and have a polished storefront, wherever that might be.
Buying used sounds like where it's at for you. I don't stress on the "investment" part too much, more what I think I will use or really want to try. Putting a "buy used" rule on that keeps me from loosing too much.
