selling stuff online?

[swarfrat]

Just wondering if my opinion is on track but... I'm in the process of selling off misfit toys (stuff I don't really use anymore). I've always been of the opinion that shipping is just a killer on a guitar or bass unless we're talking $500 instruments. What's it actually cost to ship a guitar, and is it worth the hassle? Of my toys on the block right now it breaks down like:

bass  - local $250
guitar - local $300
412 cabinet - local  $150

stuff that might actually get some respect and isn't bulky or heavy goes online. Particularly if it has a smaller target audience.
My Yamaha PB1 bass preamp is in this category. I'll take a beating on craigslist, but there is a hard core cadre of fans and the prices are creeping up. Pickups go here too.

I'm pretty sure the 412 is right. It's a Marshall MG and its beat up. The guitars I'm not sure. Yamaha's are a lot like Carvin on the used market. Someone will appreciate what you're getting, but man does it hurt to sell stuff that's not top name.  I'm not selling my Yamaha G-50 MIDI converter, but were I to do so on Craiglist I might as well just toss it in the trash can. "It's a WHAT? I thought you said it was MIDI. Is it guitar or is it MIDI?"

What's your rule of thumb for selling online?

 

[Cagey]

Craig's list ads are free, so you can keep re-listing if it doesn't move quickly. Also, there are usually no shipping issues. Although, you have to keep in mind that the worth of a thing is the price it will bring. If it's not selling, chances are pretty good you're asking too much. But, you also have to consider you have a much smaller market. It may take a while for the right buyer to show up.

Ebay gives you a huge market, and for a desirable item the price will rise to its highest possible point. But, shipping can be a pain in the ass. On the plus side, you're more likely to find a buyer more quickly. Since the buyer typically pays the shipping, you really only have to worry that it's packed properly so it doesn't get damaged in shipping.

For larger/heavier items like 412 bottoms and some amps, you really don't want to ship them. The cost can be as much as the sale price as they have to go common carrier. That's a physically rough way to go and demands more robust packaging, which can also be a problem.

 

[swarfrat]

Yeah, I figured selling an MG 412 cab online was a no go, even with the Marshall name. That might actually cost more than the value of the cabinet, it's certainly a Rodney Dangerfield.  I put my Yamaha PB1 up on reverb.com - it's not as big as ebay, but it's focused on musicians and only takes a 3% cut. My nephew tells me it's the hot ticket right now for music gear.

The guitars are what I wasn't sure of - they're sorta in betweenish. Still somewhat bulky, moderate value.

 

[mrpinter]

I just shipped a guitar from Los Angeles to Kentucky, and it cost almost $60 via Fedex ground, if I remember correctly. Hope that helps.

 

[Cagey]

I ship a fair number of guitars out of here, and the price ranges from $25 to $85 depending on how far they're going, how fast and how much they're insured for. Overseas is always more, of course.