I might have a chance to sell some stuff at a friend's table at the bike swap this weekend. I have always had a hard time parting with bike stuff, I always think I might need it. I haven't taken the time necessary to get organized and sell stuff in the past. And bikes are just hard to part with, period!! If I go to the swap it's a chance to start getting rid of stuff I thought I would use but haven't.
I have never sold anything at a swap or on ebay, and I am wondering which way would bring a better price? Most of the stuff I would sell is in brand new condition, but older, except for a few used things like suspension forks and saddles. I have used parts, too, but I really don't have time between now and Saturday to dig them out and get them cleaned up and ready to sell.
An example would be top of the line road racing clinchers that are older, but brand new in the box. If they retailed for $60ish, what can I get for them? Would I do better on Ebay or at the Swap? Craigslist? What about a set of older, but never used, shimano road racing wheels? I'm not sure if I should just keep them if I can't get a decent price, and have extra wheels. But that's the logic I have always used, leading to a crowded basement ... and mavic is working really well for me right now.
How does clothing do at a swap? Mostly new stuff that didn't fit and couldn't be returned. Are people only interested in parts or is it worth it to bring a few pieces of clothing?
At a swap, do most people have only a price on the sign, or do they add an "or best offer" on their sign?
For a whole bike, is a swap better or ebay? If it's a nice bike that might have some fans, I would think more people would see it on ebay.
There is so much stuff I dont know any more. I miss hanging out at a shop and learning from everyone there.
It boils down to, what is the best way to sell bike stuff? is it worth it to make the effort to go through everything and take some of it to the swap? The timing is not the best for me, I have other things I should be doing.
if anyone has experience with this, any comments or suggestions would be helpful!
Maybe if I do sell some stuff I can get one of those cordless inflators Julie saw in her mechanic's class. Oh, wait, that would be getting more stuff!
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4 comments:
I have had mixed results with both the swaps and ebay. People at swaps are generally looking for a deal and nothing else, so selling stuff at a reasonable price doesnt get you very far. Ebay is great if someone wants what you got, otherwise it sits and doesn't sell. There are going to be so many of those cordless inflators around, such a cool tool
the bottom line is, at a swap you have to look someone in the face and ask for the $, and on ebay you get high bid. generally in my case, since niceness/guilt comes to play in the swap situation, that means I get more on ebay. but i make more friends at swaps.
The important thing is not to expect to get anything for stuff, especially used. Everyone gets all disappointed when their MTB sells for 1/3 what the new price is, but that's what the market's willing to pay. Just have low expectations.
Ebay is worth more but you have to just realize you won't get what you paid for stuff if you paid retail. Somethings do go surprisingly well though and other things you just have to set a minimum price you are willing to take for it and then hope it bids higher. It's 50/50. I sell for a lot of people (take a small commission of course) and they realize it's better to get a bit of cash for an item now instead of letting it sit for a few more years and watching the value keep going down.
If you want more ideas on getting into selling on Ebay or want me to sell stuff email me. mountaingoat at sbc global dot net
Thanks, Ben, Julie and Goat!
Mountaingoat, I tried to email you but it bounced back for some reason. I will try to get your email from someone, I must have gotten it wrong. I might be interested in having you sell some stuff. Thanks!
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