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Why can't I sell this bass?

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#81
I'm in the camp that thinks your Bongo is not priced right.


Hopefully, when you've figured out what is going wrong with your sale, you can close this poorly-disguised feeler thread. We can start a new thread in Misc or OT to discuss used bass pricing models in the current economy. If we want to talk about your bass FS, I think we need to be doing so in the Classifieds.
 
#83
I want to thank ALL who have participated in this thread.

I agree that the economy is bad, but I have sold 3 basses in the last 3 months all around $1000 each. I think it's a combination of the TYPE and STYLE of this bass, and the fact that I wasn't accepting PAYPAL. I have since fixed the PAYPAL situation, and am considering loweing the price. Any other thoughts before this goes to EBAY?
 
#84
jlepre said:
I want to thank ALL who have participated in this thread.

I agree that the economy is bad, but I have sold 3 basses in the last 3 months all around $1000 each. I think it's a combination of the TYPE and STYLE of this bass, and the fact that I wasn't accepting PAYPAL. I have since fixed the PAYPAL situation, and am considering loweing the price. Any other thoughts before this goes to EBAY?
Click to expand...

Yep. Go overboard on your pictures on ebay. Even though this is stock, better and more pictures and full details will earn you more trust for your auction and also mean more interest.
 
#87
Hold onto it for now. All of the major factors people have mentioned are true (the color/six-string/unlined fretless/Bongo/piezo not an upcharge on the used market), but the market is well and truly fraked right now if you do manage to sell it's going to be at such a low price you wish you didn't. If at all financially possible stow it in a closet so you're not tempted to play/ding her and wait until the economy starts to recover where you'll likely get a much better price.
 
#88
Bongos are a niche product in my opinion. They didn't sell well at Guitar Center. I think they're primarily for "bass conosiuers" like many on TalkBass. At the company who made your bass's forum, they have cult following but that is a very small market segment, like 30-40 guys tops. I would recommend listing on their classifieds if you haven't already. There are some downright Bongo freaks who would probably express interest.

I also think, big ticket gear like amps, cabs and basses just in general aren't moving very well right now. I think people will still spend some money on an effects pedal or a pack of strings but anything more than that, people take pause. The economy plays into it too. People that haven't lost their jobs yet are afraid they will so they are tightening up.

I don't want to promote eBay necessarily. But I have had things listed here on the classifieds that didn't move at all or even get a budge and I put it on eBay and ended up getting more than i was trying to get here. Talkbass, as big as it might be, is still a tiny market compared to a venue like eBay.
 
#89
I'm in agreement with those who say your asking price is too high for the market. Unfortunately, right now it's the buyers who determine what your gear is worth. Forget it's a Bongo for a minute....how much of a market is there for even an unlined fretless 5 string Jazz. Now cut that in half.

Either you have to deal with taking a loss, or you keep the bass until times get a little better.

And re: the ebay thing -- I think you'll reach a bigger market through there. Contrary to popular belief not ALL bassists are on TB :p
 
#91
smcd said:
The problems are:

1. Highly unconventional styling.
2. Fretless
3. Unlined fretless
4. It's a 5-string

You're going after a very small segment of the market.
Click to expand...

+1 plus the economy. Personally I have four unlined fretless basses and one of them, the Warwick Corvette Std is a fiver. I am always in the market for unlined fretless basses but (see no. 1 above) I do not like the style or the color. I am a black or natural wood tone kinda guy. Like the man said, you are going after a narrow segment of the market.
 
#92
etoncrow said:
I do not like the style or the color. I am a black or natural wood tone kinda guy. Like the man said, you are going after a narrow segment of the market.
Click to expand...

I was worried that the color would be a little OUT THERE for most, but I really thought it complimented the lines of this bass.

Also, I have posted on the EB forum, but once again, it's the economy and maybe my price is STILL too high. I actually have knocked off $100 since I reposted it yesterday.

I'm seriously thinking about trying something crazy. Dropping the price $25 per day until it's sold. I can always stop the sale if I feel the price has hit my rock bottom price. What do you people think of THIS idea?
 
#93
jlepre said:
I was worried that the color would be a little OUT THERE for most, but I really thought it complimented the lines of this bass.

Also, I have posted on the EB forum, but once again, it's the economy and maybe my price is STILL too high. I actually have knocked off $100 since I reposted it yesterday.

I'm seriously thinking about trying something crazy. Dropping the price $25 per day until it's sold. I can always stop the sale if I feel the price has hit my rock bottom price. What do you people think of THIS idea?
Click to expand...


I suspect if you drop to half MSRP or a hair below it'll vaporize. Just my .02
 
#96
For me, since I have a bunch of basses, I went with a 4 and six fretless in addition to my 4, 5 and 6 fretted bases. I love my fretless sixer without lines. The 5 fretless didn't make much sense to me when I made the choice between getting a 5 or 6 fretless so I went with six which I adore!!
 
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