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Post subject: Ebay and the vintage guitar
Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2014 8:19 am
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Maybe someone can explain to me what is going on with ebay and selling vintage instruments?

I've been trying to auction a '77 Strat for the past three weeks with no luck. The guitar is worth about $1,900+ through a dealler. I started my auction at around $1,700. Since I had no bids, I've lowered it by a couple hundred dollars. Infact, I have the lowest auctioned '77 Strat on ebay (most auctions are starting at dealer prices).

I'm not trying to get dealer prices, but I'm not about to give the guitar away. What price should I begin the auction at? Any thoughts on this?


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Post subject: Re: Ebay and the vintage guitar
Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2014 8:32 am
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I think many people are hesitant to buy higher priced items on eBay, and sometimes with good reason too. There are too many bad stories. If they see an item, and no-one else has bid on it either, they may think that it's for good reason. I know I have found myself thinking just that.

Personally, I would not use neither eBay nor CL for selling vintage instruments, but a smaller and more dedicated service, like Reverb. It seems like less of a gamble for both seller and buyer, and your item has a greater chance to stand out.


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Post subject: Re: Ebay and the vintage guitar
Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2014 8:39 am
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arth1 wrote:
I think many people are hesitant to buy higher priced items on eBay, and sometimes with good reason too. There are too many bad stories. If they see an item, and no-one else has bid on it either, they may think that it's for good reason. I know I have found myself thinking just that.

Personally, I would not use neither eBay nor CL for selling vintage instruments, but a smaller and more dedicated service, like Reverb. It seems like less of a gamble for both seller and buyer, and your item has a greater chance to stand out.


Thanks for the information. Does Reverb use PayPal?


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Post subject: Re: Ebay and the vintage guitar
Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2014 9:41 am
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Just guessing here ... You may not have enough of a good feedback rating, or maybe someone gave you some bad feedback previously. That could be hurting your potential buyers' trust.

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Post subject: Re: Ebay and the vintage guitar
Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2014 10:19 am
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01GT eibach wrote:
Just guessing here ... You may not have enough of a good feedback rating, or maybe someone gave you some bad feedback previously. That could be hurting your potential buyers' trust.


This, and the funny thing about eBay is that often, a "no reserve" auction will bring more money than having a set price. I have seen many products that sell on auction for more than the same product at a fixed price. Strange but true. Of course, there is no guarantee of the price when using the auction format. Check the "completed listings" on eBay, and ignore anyone's "asking" price, for a better indicator of the price that the guitar will bring. It doesn't matter one bit what the "asking" price is, it only matters what price they actually bring.

In any event, you will likely not get the same price as retail for any guitar when you sell it. If a retailer is selling for $1700, you can't expect to get that for yourself. :wink:

BTW, the more pictures that you have in your ad the better. And they must be clear and detailed pictures.

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Post subject: Re: Ebay and the vintage guitar
Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2014 10:27 am
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I find in general that many people (especially retailers) list prices on ebay way too high on Vintage instruments giving a kind of "artificial inflation" and these guitars are probably not selling for these prices unless they get that one buyer that likes something about the guitar enough to pay..could even be the finish/color etc. Also I find the 77 style (where it does not have the "squared off" pup routes) and also where they switched the serial number from the plate to the headstock do not seem to bring the kind of prices the earlier 70's Strats do....just do not be quite as desirable yet.

But either way you will notice more and more getting parted out...there must be a reason for that. And when you see what they are asking for bodies and neck and pups and bridges etc it becomes clear that some of these era Strats are worth more in parts then in whole.

As well it could be the way it is described or other factors. Generally someone looking for this type of vintage knows what they are doing and can spot a fake or anything suspicious a mile away. Anyone who does not know enough about these guitars but is looking is probably waiting to get a steal and won't pay anywhere near $1,700 for a 77..but will probably end up buying a questionable one if anything or attempt to piece one together looking for deals on parts...and again if they do not know what they are doing will buy questionable parts or end up paying more to piece one together then if they just bought a correct whole one.

Craigslist can sometimes be a better way to sell a vintage granted you do not get the worldwide exposure, some people feel better to be able to see, touch, play etc before buying. Of course they will always try to low ball and it also depends on if someone near you is seriously looking but it has worked for me a few times both buying, and selling.

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Post subject: Re: Ebay and the vintage guitar
Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2014 10:28 am
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paris wrote:
Thanks for the information. Does Reverb use PayPal?


From their FAQ:

Quote:
The buyer will pay you directly via whatever means you specify, including PayPal, check, money order, credit card, and etc. Most sellers choose PayPal because it offers buyers a one click checkout. By choosing PayPal, you will allow the buyer to pay with his bank account, eCheck, or credit card seamlessly. Additionally, both parties will be protected by the PayPal fraud department in case of any problems.


Reverb charges 3.5% of the sales price, and will need the seller's credit card for collecting those fees.


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Post subject: Re: Ebay and the vintage guitar
Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2014 10:52 am
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01GT eibach wrote:
Just guessing here ... You may not have enough of a good feedback rating, or maybe someone gave you some bad feedback previously. That could be hurting your potential buyers' trust.


Actually, all of my reviews are really good. I'm fair, honest, and care about my customers. I spend a great deal of time and energy to ensure that the guitars I ship are well packed.


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Post subject: Re: Ebay and the vintage guitar
Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2014 11:01 am
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shimmilou wrote:
01GT eibach wrote:
Just guessing here ... You may not have enough of a good feedback rating, or maybe someone gave you some bad feedback previously. That could be hurting your potential buyers' trust.


This, and the funny thing about eBay is that often, a "no reserve" auction will bring more money than having a set price. I have seen many products that sell on auction for more than the same product at a fixed price. Strange but true. Of course, there is no guarantee of the price when using the auction format. Check the "completed listings" on eBay, and ignore anyone's "asking" price, for a better indicator of the price that the guitar will bring. It doesn't matter one bit what the "asking" price is, it only matters what price they actually bring.

In any event, you will likely not get the same price as retail for any guitar when you sell it. If a retailer is selling for $1700, you can't expect to get that for yourself. :wink:

BTW, the more pictures that you have in your ad the better. And they must be clear and detailed pictures.[/quote]


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Post subject: Re: Ebay and the vintage guitar
Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2014 11:03 am
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shimmilou wrote:
01GT eibach wrote:
Just guessing here ... You may not have enough of a good feedback rating, or maybe someone gave you some bad feedback previously. That could be hurting your potential buyers' trust.


This, and the funny thing about eBay is that often, a "no reserve" auction will bring more money than having a set price. I have seen many products that sell on auction for more than the same product at a fixed price. Strange but true. Of course, there is no guarantee of the price when using the auction format. Check the "completed listings" on eBay, and ignore anyone's "asking" price, for a better indicator of the price that the guitar will bring. It doesn't matter one bit what the "asking" price is, it only matters what price they actually bring.

In any event, you will likely not get the same price as retail for any guitar when you sell it. If a retailer is selling for $1700, you can't expect to get that for yourself. :wink:

BTW, the more pictures that you have in your ad the better. And they must be clear and detailed pictures.


I've been following other guitars and seems like no one is buying right now. Talking with my dealer friends in the vintage market, the Japanese are buying up everything.

I never have a "Buy it now" price. The dealers are selling for more than $1,700, and I post lots of detailed photos - inside the guitar, heal of the neck and so forth. When I create my listings, I write them as if I a buyer. What would I want to know?


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Post subject: Re: Ebay and the vintage guitar
Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2014 11:24 am
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ebaysux wrote:
I find in general that many people (especially retailers) list prices on ebay way too high on Vintage instruments giving a kind of "artificial inflation" and these guitars are probably not selling for these prices unless they get that one buyer that likes something about the guitar enough to pay..could even be the finish/color etc. Also I find the 77 style (where it does not have the "squared off" pup routes) and also where they switched the serial number from the plate to the headstock do not seem to bring the kind of prices the earlier 70's Strats do....just do not be quite as desirable yet.

But either way you will notice more and more getting parted out...there must be a reason for that. And when you see what they are asking for bodies and neck and pups and bridges etc it becomes clear that some of these era Strats are worth more in parts then in whole.

As well it could be the way it is described or other factors. Generally someone looking for this type of vintage knows what they are doing and can spot a fake or anything suspicious a mile away. Anyone who does not know enough about these guitars but is looking is probably waiting to get a steal and won't pay anywhere near $1,700 for a 77..but will probably end up buying a questionable one if anything or attempt to piece one together looking for deals on parts...and again if they do not know what they are doing will buy questionable parts or end up paying more to piece one together then if they just bought a correct whole one.

Craigslist can sometimes be a better way to sell a vintage granted you do not get the worldwide exposure, some people feel better to be able to see, touch, play etc before buying. Of course they will always try to low ball and it also depends on if someone near you is seriously looking but it has worked for me a few times both buying, and selling.


I agree with you about the inflated price. Using my Vintage Guitar price guide, Natural finish ('75 - '79) Strats in very good or excellent condition are worth $1,700 to $2,200. Dealers are selling for more than that now. Private ebay sellers see those infacted dealer prices and figure they can do as well.


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Post subject: Re: Ebay and the vintage guitar
Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2014 1:45 pm
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paris wrote:
shimmilou wrote:
01GT eibach wrote:
Just guessing here ... You may not have enough of a good feedback rating, or maybe someone gave you some bad feedback previously. That could be hurting your potential buyers' trust.


This, and the funny thing about eBay is that often, a "no reserve" auction will bring more money than having a set price. I have seen many products that sell on auction for more than the same product at a fixed price. Strange but true. Of course, there is no guarantee of the price when using the auction format. Check the "completed listings" on eBay, and ignore anyone's "asking" price, for a better indicator of the price that the guitar will bring. It doesn't matter one bit what the "asking" price is, it only matters what price they actually bring.

In any event, you will likely not get the same price as retail for any guitar when you sell it. If a retailer is selling for $1700, you can't expect to get that for yourself. :wink:

BTW, the more pictures that you have in your ad the better. And they must be clear and detailed pictures.
[/quote]

The reason that happens (at least my hypothesis) is people get into a "bidding war" and it becomes an ego issue. However that is not always the case. I always prefer to sell no reserve and hope a bidding war commences, however I start the bid at a price I can live with if it only gets one bidder. Now when I am buying I always jump on a BIN if the price is right..but other times I watch an item that is auction and at the last 10 seconds put in the highest amount I am willing to go. Around 70% of the time I win the item.

As far as retailers of vintage instruments to survive they are not much different then a high end pawn shop. That will offer as little as possible (to the level of an outright insult) and ask way overpriced numbers when they sell. They have bills and overhead that a home based seller does not have to contend with. If you go into high end vintage shops (and there are plenty in Los Angeles) they ask about double what you will find on eBay and you need to wheel and deal, but will almost always over pay. The advantage of course is you can try it out first and inspect it, and have a place to bring it back to if you discover a problem later. With ebay you are pretty much screwed after 30 days I believe.

I also notice with some of these shops they will appraise your instrument pretty high if it is legit...but will never pay you what they appraise it for. They just tell you to sell it private, or they will by it on the spot for like 50% of appraised value.

Another possible option is to consign it to a high end shop where if it sells they get a cut but of course after their cut you might end up with less then if you just waited it out on eBay or CL.

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Post subject: Re: Ebay and the vintage guitar
Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 4:39 pm
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Reverb.com is the way to go. The ad runs until you sell or forever, which ever comes first plus they charge 3.5% to Ebays 9% and yes they use paypal.


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Post subject: Re: Ebay and the vintage guitar
Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 7:36 pm
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Minnesotastrats wrote:
Reverb.com is the way to go. The ad runs until you sell or forever, which ever comes first plus they charge 3.5% to Ebays 9% and yes they use paypal.


Thanks! I just placed it on Reverb about a day ago.


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Post subject: Re: Ebay and the vintage guitar
Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 2:17 pm
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Speaking of ebay and vintage guitars have a look at this....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fender-Telecast ... 233c0567c0

The seller is asking quite a bit and I notice over half a dozen things wrong about it right off the bat.

To start with...wrong tuners for a 70's. No string thru body which I believe all 70s had and hence totally wrong bridge and body. One string tree when it should have 2. The hole in the neck pocket for routing was not used in the 70s as far as I know. The controls, wiring and switch are totally wrong (and seller claims "original"). No stampings on the neck heel and the fret board seems wrong. The serial number is in the wrong location on the headstock (should be further back starting below the "e" in the "Fender").. and looks verklempt. Even the paint seems off for an almost 40 y/o ax.. And that is just at a quick glance.

And this is a seller who says he is a store and has a 100% positive feedback.

Am I crazy or is that tele way off?

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