Selling gear to pay bills

[TjMetalhead]

I wasn't too sure were to put this thread since it pertains to a combo amp I'm selling and over all general discussion (fairly certain the mods will move it). I don't have the amp listed here since I'm not sure how selling a combo amp would work out with shipping and all. Anyways, I'm trying to sell a fairly newish condition Ampeg BA 210 v2 so I can pay off some bills I got from a university I was formerly attending. I was hoping to get $350 for it but I haven't had much offers except one guy who was offering $250 for it. A little lower than I was expecting but I might just be desperate enough to take so I can get my bills paid off. My question is how low have some of you been willing to sell your gear in order to make important payments?

 

[superheavyfunk]

God, that's the worst feeling in the world man. I know your pain.

When I've been in that position, I've always tried to approach it from a place of non-desperation. People (in my local market, anyway) always, ALWAYS want to lowball regardless of whether or not the price is already steeply discounted, so I'll never place an ad for less than 10-15% lower than other similar items. Then, when the inevitable "negotiation" happens, I'll try to make them feel like they're getting what they want while *hopefully* not getting took in the deal.

It's tough when you really need the money though. Best of luck to you, friend!

 

[Altitude]

My parents bought me a beautiful 100 year old French cello in high school. In college I had to sell it for $1200 to cover rent. I wish I still had it; it was so much more important than $1200 except at that precise moment.

 

[TjMetalhead]

My parents bought me a beautiful 100 year old French cello in high school. In college I had to sell it for $1200 to cover rent. I wish I still had it; it was so much more important than $1200 except at that precise moment.

Ohhh that's painful. The sentimental value made that priceless. Priorities am I right?

 

[TjMetalhead]

God, that's the worst feeling in the world man. I know your pain.

When I've been in that position, I've always tried to approach it from a place of non-desperation. People (in my local market, anyway) always, ALWAYS want to lowball regardless of whether or not the price is already steeply discounted, so I'll never place an ad for less than 10-15% lower than other similar items. Then, when the inevitable "negotiation" happens, I'll try to make them feel like they're getting what they want while *hopefully* not getting took in the deal.

It's tough when you really need the money though. Best of luck to you, friend!

Exactly! These amps go used on the GC website for the same price I'm asking for BUT! no shipping charges. Hopefully I can find someone willing to negotiate. It's a nice amp and it still even smells brand new!

 

[Garret Graves]

If you are desperate, it’s hard to avoid selling something. Selling something you will need is a no go. Pawning is an option, I’ve done that, I pawned a bass I wanted back to get some money I needed right away.

 

[TjMetalhead]

If you are desperate, it’s hard to avoid selling something. Selling something you will need is a no go. Pawning is an option, I’ve done that, I pawned a bass I wanted back to get some money I needed right away.

Luckily I don't really need the Ampeg I'm selling since I'm taking a long hiatus from playing live. I have 15 watt combo amp that works perfectly for bedroom jamming. I've never pawned anything before, I honestly have no idea how it works.

 

[Rick James]

I've never known anyone to sell gear who didn't later regret it. You can make whatever the gear might bring by playing a few gigs. You can't play a gig without gear.

 

[TjMetalhead]

I've never known anyone to sell gear who didn't later regret it. You can make whatever the gear might bring by playing a few gigs. You can't play a gig without gear.

That's the thing, I'm not playing any gigs and I'm not in any bands (I'm on hiatus for the next couple of years). I don't really need this amp right now and I probably wont regret it. I have more regret selling basses. Wasn't really liking this amp too much anyways lol.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Luckily I don't really need the Ampeg I'm selling since I'm taking a long hiatus from playing live. I have 15 watt combo amp that works perfectly for bedroom jamming. I've never pawned anything before, I honestly have no idea how it works.

Pawning is a loan, with the equipment as collateral.

 

[TjMetalhead]

Pawning is a loan, with the equipment as collateral.

So I pawn the amp, they give me $300, I spend the $300 to pay a portion of my bills...then what?

 

[buldog5151bass]

You owe the pawn shop $300 (or whatever they want to give you for it) plus interest for a set period of time. If you don't pay them back, they keep the amp.

 

[TjMetalhead]

You owe the pawn shop $300 (or whatever they want to give you for it) plus interest for a set period of time. If you don't pay them back, they keep the amp.

Hmmm pawning doesn't seem to be in my best interest right now. Got student loans, medical bills, and other stuff to pay off. I don't need more to add to that.

 

[murphy]

Hmmm pawning doesn't seem to be in my best interest right now. Got student loans, medical bills, and other stuff to pay off. I don't need more to add to that.

You could consign it at a music store...I always do that

Or Craigslist

just expect less than you think it is worth

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

So I pawn the amp, they give me $300, I spend the $300 to pay a portion of my bills...then what?

Well, pawn shops usually give you a cut price of what they think they'll get for it if you don't repay them. If they can get 300 for it, they'll probably cut you 200 or maybe 250. Something like that. They always low ball the hell out of things though. But, they should do it for you.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Oh, yes you have to pay it back. To get your amp back. It's a loan. If you just want the money, gotta sell it. Pawn shops will rip you off cold.

But, that'd be a perfect amp for for my church band. If I had the extra cash, I'd take it from you. Keep fishing. Someone will bite soon.

 

[TjMetalhead]

You could consign it at a music store...I always do that

Or Craigslist

just expect less than you think it is worth

I currently have it on Craigslist. I've had good luck selling amps in the past so here's hoping!

 

[TjMetalhead]

Oh, yes you have to pay it back. To get your amp back. It's a loan. If you just want the money, gotta sell it. Pawn shops will rip you off cold.

But, that'd be a perfect amp for for my church band. If I had the extra cash, I'd take it from you. Keep fishing. Someone will bite soon.

Yeah, I think I'm gonna avoid the pawn shops. All the pawn shops in my town seem sketchy as heck. Aw man! It would've been perfect for a church choir. Thanks, luckily I still have time to pay off these bills.

 

[Spectre Gunner]

I just traded in an Ampeg BA-210v2 to help fund an Epifany Picolo 555 head and Epiphany D.I.S.T. 1x15 cabinet. I love the new rig and it's gorgeous tone but I wish I would have just kept the Ampeg combo. Especially, since they only offered me $200 for it and it was in excellent condition. But that's the going rate for that unit on a trade-in. I'm sure I could have gotten $300 for it on Craigslist, maybe as high as $325 if I was very patient and was willing to put up with all the crank offers. The BA-210v2 is a really good combo unit that is fairly priced. Hope this helps.

 

[Stumbo]

Exactly! These amps go used on the GC website for the same price I'm asking for BUT! no shipping charges. Hopefully I can find someone willing to negotiate. It's a nice amp and it still even smells brand new!

Expect low offers. There's a ton of stuff for sale.

It's how soon your bills are due vs. how low you have to go to get the money timely.

BTW, you'd be lucky to pawn it for $100.

Good luck!