Best way to sell high end guitars?

[Fern]

That forum looks like the best idea. But this site/store might be helpful: http://cowtownguitars.com/page7/index.html

Fern

 

[bradley]

I had several Kramer Stagemaster carved top neck-in-body guitars and sold them on eBay without a problem. Ebay's also a good way of determining fair market price. For instance, I purchased these guitars for $300 each and resold each one for over 1K.

I have also always found.... the more knowledgeable the buyer, the less future problems there will be.

 

[JMapleton]

Definitely no Ebay.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/paypal-makes-ebay-customer-destroy-2500-violin-seller-left-empty-handed/

Are there no music stores that will sell on consignment?

Because one example is a great way to judge an entire website.

I've sold over $40,000 worth of high end stuff on eBay in the last 12 months with zero problems.

 

[edro]

Because one example is a great way to judge an entire website.

I've sold over $40,000 worth of high end stuff on eBay in the last 12 months with zero problems.

You're lucky.
eBay/Paypal always side with the buyer.
They give refunds too easily, usually based solely on a tracking number.

Buyer can return "an item" that is really a box of rocks and the seller is screwed.

 

[Fritzo]

Because one example is a great way to judge an entire website.

I've sold over $40,000 worth of high end stuff on eBay in the last 12 months with zero problems.

I'm in the same boat. Been selling on eBay for 10 years and had two problems- both of which were fixed quickly.

 

[Rinaun]

I'm in the same boat. Been selling on eBay for 10 years and had two problems- both of which were fixed quickly.

Ditto. As a seller, just be clear on what you are selling. As a buyer, just make sure you read the description. Ebay is great at solving issues, too.

 

[JMapleton]

You're lucky.
eBay/Paypal always side with the buyer.
They give refunds too easily, usually based solely on a tracking number.

Buyer can return "an item" that is really a box of rocks and the seller is screwed.

It depends on what you sell. Some types of items more likely to attract sketchy buyers, others not.

 

[Fritzo]

It depends on what you sell. Some types of items more likely to attract sketchy buyers, others not.

PC parts and auto parts are two things that always cause problems and give selling on eBay a bad name. Both of these require some skill from the buyer to install, and some risk as the parts are often fragile. Problems come in when a buyer buys the wrong part or installs it incorrectly and claims it's defective.

Collectible and antique items (like instruments, books, records, jewelry, etc) are a lot easier to sell without problems, provided the seller is very honest, upfront, and thorough about the item. Take lots of pictures and point out any possible areas of concern and you will never have a problem.

 

[ReggieDunlap]

You should also check out acousticguitarforum dot com. While it's mainly an acoustic forum, they do have electrics listed and have a "Marketplace" section as well. I've never bought from a member there, but most of the feedback I see from other posters is pretty positive.

Most sales work off a basic 3-5 day trial period included as a provision of sale, but buyer pays the return shipping. Check it out.

 

[B-Mo]

PM me if you have any interesting acoustics (vintage Martin, Taylor, or Gibson for example).

I have a 38' Martin 000-21 restored to perfection. How the hell do I go about selling this thing ? I'm in Phoenix.

 

[disappoint]

I have a 38' Martin 000-21 restored to perfection. How the hell do I go about selling this thing ? I'm in Phoenix.

Reverb.com? BTW you replied to a 3 year old thread. No big deal just be aware of that when you post again.

 

[Thebobo]

They look nice. If they are difficult to sell that might mean the price is too high?

Always wanted a Telecaster.

 

[Fritzo]

Reverb.com? BTW you replied to a 3 year old thread. No big deal just be aware of that when you post again.

BTW- Reverb.com is the new eBay for instruments (that doesn't actually suck). Highly recommended.

 

[NesuD]

BTW- Reverb.com is the new eBay for instruments (that doesn't actually suck). Highly recommended.

Was just going to post this. my son has bought and sold there a few times and loves the site.

 

[stormkroe]

I literally just pulled the trigger on a high end acoustic (Yairi) from Reverb.
Great site.

 

[stormkroe]

Thanks I'll look Into that. Also I'd let you play it if I could buddy I'm not an ass when it comes to things like that!

What year is that 3 color strat with the black pick guard?

 

[Craig234]

The best way to sell a high end guitar I know is to become a rock star, play it in a famous concert, and then auction it at Sotheby's.

Bonus: you can even sell it damaged if you put the damage in the act like Hendrix or Townsend.

More seriously, I suspect it might not be easy - go to a pawn shop and it's filled with guitars.

I wouldn't rule out ebay. It's easy for you to see the going prices.

 

[dr150]

Reverb.com has become the default site to sell guitar/guitar equipment these days. Fees are lower than eBay and the customers and sellers are much higher quality. There's also a better protection mechanism in place.

Aside of Reverb, I'd list on Craigslist (i.e. face to face cash transaction in public space) and the Seller's Forums on Gear Page, Acoustic Forum and the various Gibson/Fender forums you can find with a simple Google search. The forum member are more stand-up guys so I wouldn't fear. The more places you post, the greater your sales rate will be.

And as you said, stay away from stores like Guitar Center as they'll lowball you HARD! Always sell thru other channels for better results. Keep in mind that it is a buyer's market and you will get MANY lowball offers as well. Stay patient and keep faithful and you WILL eventually get a fair offer price. If you're short on time, you'll have to take hits. It is what it is!

 

[Big Easy E]

Hey I was wondering if anyone could help me i just signed on hear and I`m not sure how to start a post question? so i apologize if I`m stepping on any ones toes,I having a hard time finding out the value of a guitar I`m thinking of selling,And before you say google it or check ebay or online I have tried them all so hear is what I have,A 1977 Ibanez Challenger 6 string electric guitar law suit silver series i want to know how much there worth today or how much people are paying for this guitar.I know theres not many out there and there very collectable,

 

[Craig234]

Big, I'd try a forum more about guitars - I doubt many here if anyone can answer.

 

[nakedfrog]

Hey I was wondering if anyone could help me i just signed on hear and I`m not sure how to start a post question? so i apologize if I`m stepping on any ones toes,I having a hard time finding out the value of a guitar I`m thinking of selling,And before you say google it or check ebay or online I have tried them all so hear is what I have,A 1977 Ibanez Challenger 6 string electric guitar law suit silver series i want to know how much there worth today or how much people are paying for this guitar.I know theres not many out there and there very collectable,

Well, that's the answer. It's worth what people are willing to pay, which you can check on ebay/reverb.com.
But you could also follow Craig's advice, and create an account on ultimate-guitar.com and ask there.

 

[Fritzo]

Hey I was wondering if anyone could help me i just signed on hear and I`m not sure how to start a post question? so i apologize if I`m stepping on any ones toes,I having a hard time finding out the value of a guitar I`m thinking of selling,And before you say google it or check ebay or online I have tried them all so hear is what I have,A 1977 Ibanez Challenger 6 string electric guitar law suit silver series i want to know how much there worth today or how much people are paying for this guitar.I know theres not many out there and there very collectable,

Reverb.com is pretty much the go-to place for this kind of thing. You can reference other models to see what they're realistically selling for to get a value. Law-suit Ibanez guitars are funny, because they only attract very specific buyers.

For instance, here's one that was going for $500 and looked to be in decent condition, but didn't sell:

https://reverb.com/item/1110905-vin...ibanez-challenger-lawsuit-era-electric-guitar