selling via ebay

[keith]

as many readers have seen over the weeks, i have been trying to sell a couple of ramirez estudios to raise funds to buy a big bad conde (the one g.s.i. has with pegs has caught my attention). i have posted the guitars on a couple of sites, but unfortunately, it seems viewers to those sites are far and few between which leads me to this question: ebay? is selling guitars via ebay the way to go? and if so, what do i need to do to avoid auctioning off my ramirez's for far less than what i would like to get? also, what other little helpful hints should i know?

any help would be appreciated. thanks. 8)

[NGiorgio]

I have no experience with ebay. Can't help you with that.

Have you considered trading in the two Ramirez guitars with a Conde dealer?

[keith]

i would if i could--the only dealers i know of are g.s.i. and luthier. luthier does not do trades and it appears g.s.i. does not. hey g.s.i.......

[Scott]

I haven't transacted via ebay, but was looking at some old Mustangs (yet another $$$ hobby) and it appears that you can set a "reserve" amount that most be covered - in essence the least amount you would accept. If it doesn't get covered then no deal. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[NGiorgio]

Luthier in NYC is close enough for you to drive and he is open on Saturdays. Have you only talked by phone with them?

Two years ago I traded up at Luthier. Maybe I could have received more money if I had sold privately, but when you think of the time wasted etc. and you dispose of the instruments which no longer do it for you. Tony almost always has a lot of Condes, as well as many other very nice flamenco's. It's hard to go to a shop like that and not be able to find something that you like.

I try to stay away from places such as Luthier Music, because I can get into a lot of trouble there. Luthier is only a few hours away, but I purposely avoid it. The kid in a candy store thing. In a way, I am glad that GSI is on the west coast.

[RDS]

Its tough to sell an expensive item on Ebay with no feedback. I've sold a few guitars but then again I have good feedback, I take Paypal (costs me 2%), I have I nice digital camera, and an account with Ebay.
It takes a while to set everything up. You can't just say "I'm going to sell my expensive guitars on Ebay today." I don't want to discourage you but it takes time. Maybe a friend or relative is set up. Rick

[keith]

thanks all for the help. i guess it is powerball tickets and shameless plugs for a while.

[edwardcav]

kieth,

doesn't gsi do trade ins?

Also, i EBAY it up quite a bit, but you'll find that for high(er) end instruments [$1000+] that bidders will want to try the guitar out first - wouldn't you?

keep trying.

[keith]

i have not seen an suggestion that g.s.i. takes trade ins. but i should ask.
HEY G.S.I. DO YOU TAKE TRADE IN'S?

so how do i get their attention? let me try this

GUITARS FOR SALE, DOT COM, ANOTHER SHAMELESS PLUG, :wink: :wink:

so do you take trade in's? hey i bought the ramirez 2e at guitar center last feb. does that count since you folks supply them.

[tmkid]

Sorry to be late in getting to you on this one. Please call David at our office at 310 399-2181 ext 111. He can give you all the details on trade-ins.

Tim

[tomtom976]

I wouldn't recommend going the eBay way.


Here is a good break down of what all can happen:

http://www.edromanguitars.com/rant/ebay.htm

[M. Stephenson]

Wow, those are some real E-bay horror stories, tomtom976 - thanks for posting the link.

I have bought and sold much stuff, including several guitars, on E-bay with out incident - the most expensive item I bought bieng a $250 car part and the most expensive guitar sold went for $150.

On the other hand, I do not look for the high profile stuff that would be worth the time or effort of a con artist.

RDS is right on about selling on E-bay. I typically spend two to three hours setting up my auction, which when divided into the profit works out to just a few dollars an hour (or less) for my efforts. I guess it as much for the enjoyment of the process as the actual money.

[keith]

yikes, so much for the e-bay route :twisted: but i will definitely call david. :D

thanks everyone for your input. i appreciate your time and effort. :D

thanks g.s.i. for being good sports :D . i was being a little comical :wink: in my reply using such standards as: shameless plug, dot com, for sale to grab your attention.

hey david, will call today.