Potential Profit

[Tony Flow]

I have the chance to buy a 1979 Fender P-bass, sunburst with the original pearloid pickguard, original pickups, original all maple neck and original hardcase - for cheap. I see the opportunity to turn a sizable profit by selling it here on TB. Is this a good idea? Am I a sleazy ne'er-do-well? What price should I sell if for?

 

[purfektstranger]

Not sure about the sizable profit. The bottom has pretty well fallen out of the used bass market right now. No law against making a buck. I have seen them sell for between 1200 and 1400 on eBay.

 

[Stumbo]

It's called "business". Sure, why not.

 

[Tony Flow]

I was thinking of $1500. With haggle room, I believe that price will work in the woeful bass market. Yes? No?

 

[1SHOT1HIT]

See how many 79 Fender P's come through the Classifieds in the same condition for that price.

I'd guess, none. So why should you feel bad about doing exactly what all of these same guys are doing themselves?

Sell for fair market value, there's a reason it's called "fair" market value.
What you paid is nobodies business, and making profit on something YOU scored cheap is not wrong. You scoring it cheap is YOUR benefit not everyone else's, unless you have reason to share the good fortune with someone.

Enjoy your find, make some money, buy new gear and repeat the process and most important feel great about the entire thing.

 

[pocketgroove]

As everyone has said, that's just business. Still, letting everyone know about it seems kind of questionable...

 

[SolarMan]

Well, this is awfully strange for TalkBass!

Where are the price police?


I agree with you, 1Shot1Hit, but you know what I'm talking about!


Let me guess - we'll be talking about Karma pretty soon.

 

[Airskank]

I would say absolutely you are a huge scumbag... you should pass this opportunity on to someone else. I happen to know someone who'll take this deal off your hands. Just PM me the seller's information.

 

[purfektstranger]

Tb ers are a pretty educated bunch when it comes to buying basses. Be as accurate as possible in your description and be prepared to negotiate. Like I said I have seen them go for between 1200 and 1400 in great condition. If someone wants it bad enough maybe you make a deal. Sounds like you have reservations about making profit....not sure why but if that's the case sell it for less.....

 

[SolarMan]

I would say absolutely you are a huge scumbag... you should pass this opportunity on to someone else. I happen to know someone who'll take this deal off your hands. Just PM me the seller's information.

No! You have it all wrong!

What you are supposed to do is tell the seller what it is really worth and ruin it for everybody else!

C'Mon! Man!

 

[Tony Flow]

Thanks for the estimates and the help... and humor. I am surely no ruthless business man, but I know opportunity when I see it. I believe I was trying to justify my situation with the "moral code" aspect of the TB brotherhood.

 

[purfektstranger]

I have seen tons of ads for basses on tb where the seller was asking top buck and the bass ended up on epray. You don't need approval to make a buck, just don't screw over anyone in the process......

 

[A-Step-Towards]

I've turned some great profits from TB, I also sleep great at night. Buy it for a good deal , sell it at a fair deal-dont get greedy.

 

[Tony Flow]

The only reason I even bring this up is because I've never been in a profitable situation as such. Most of my dealings are straight value trades.

 

[Immigrant]

Not sure about the sizable profit. The bottom has pretty well fallen out of the used bass market right now. No law against making a buck. I have seen them sell for between 1200 and 1400 on eBay.

If you're patient enough, you'll turn a profit. Not any time soon though.

 

[Munjibunga]

Go for it. Capitalism rules. RULES!

 

[lowfreq33]

I don't see a problem with it. No different from the people who paid $250 for a Deep Impact and are selling them now for $800.

 

[1SHOT1HIT]

Well, this is awfully strange for TalkBass!

Where are the price police?

I agree with you, 1Shot1Hit, but you know what I'm talking about!

Let me guess - we'll be talking about Karma pretty soon.

Lmfao, yes we're absolutely on the same page, and I'm just as surprised to be honest.

I can smell the karma comments brewing as we type.

 

[1SHOT1HIT]

I've turned some great profits from TB, I also sleep great at night. Buy it for a good deal , sell it at a fair deal-dont get greedy.

Well said

 

[Balog]

Unless you're swindling a widow to get that price (or something equivalent) then go for it.

Now, if it is, say, a friend who died and his widow asked what the bass was worth and you told her a scandalously low price so you could resell it for a tidy profit then yeah you're a horrible person.