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Post by Omicron9 on Jun 15, 2021 7:47:27 GMT -6
Greetings.
It's time to cull the heard/racks a bit. I usually do this on Ebay. Have bought from Reverb, but never sold on it. For those of you who sell on both, which do you prefer and why?
TIA, -09
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Post by mhbunch on Jun 15, 2021 7:51:11 GMT -6
Craigslist
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Post by indiehouse on Jun 15, 2021 7:55:45 GMT -6
I pretty much quit selling on eBay in favor of Reverb, ebays selling fees are 10%. Reverb jacked up their fees too, but still lower than eBay.
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Post by indiehouse on Jun 15, 2021 7:57:11 GMT -6
I try to list on forums/FB pages like Pensadian, but 9 times out of 10, the sale comes from Reverb.
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Post by ragan on Jun 15, 2021 9:08:54 GMT -6
Reverb for me. I just like the whole experience better.
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Post by howie on Jun 15, 2021 9:39:38 GMT -6
I sold 9 music items on Reverb in the last year - no complaints about the process. Sold a few camera equipment items on Ebay last year - that was OK too. Both seened similiar in fees
I'll stick with Reverb for music sales (if they come up) most likely - though I've also sold a few instruments consignment in local music stores here in Santa Cruz - a bit higher fee. That worked out.
Craigslist - I sold one thing. a large color printer - guy came with a truck. I did not want to deal with shipping it somewhere
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Post by nudwig on Jun 15, 2021 10:14:54 GMT -6
If you're selling via Reverb take a bit of time to make videos of running audio through the gear and document the packing (always overpack). Or use the FedEx option where they pack it and insure for damage for even more peace of mind. Reverb's policies lean towards the purchaser and from my experience and other stories I've read it seems that with more people getting into home recording some are getting in over their heads/overspending, having second thoughts, then trying to use any excuse to return, including breaking the gear (sadly I'm not joking). Having audio files, video proving those audio files, and photos extensively documenting the condition and the packing job saved me a good deal of grief. I lucked out really in that I had just happened to make some demos for a buddy that was interested in hearing a piece of gear before I listed it so later when the Reverb sell went strangely sideways I remembered I had the files, I always took photos of the packing anyway. I don't sell a lot on Reverb and luckily this was the only horror story but as I take pride in caring for gear and solid, honest dealing with others I made it a personal policy to document everything.
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Post by howie on Jun 15, 2021 13:45:41 GMT -6
When I've sold things on Reverb - I made sure to have clear, accurate communication with the buyer - no hype - good photos - and shipped without delay. This has worked out - so far. Also I've made it a point to enjoy the process - trust the buyer unless proved wrong - or if I've picked up a strange vibe.
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Post by mike on Jun 15, 2021 15:03:28 GMT -6
I prefer Reverb over ebay on music items, and have had a number of good experiences... but I did learn that Reverb tends to side with the buyer in any possible disputes real or made up issues for the first 7 days after the buyer received the item, unless you as the seller have substantial proof, so I agree with comments above to take lots of photos, pack super well etc to document condition etc and possibly performance before it leaves and wait until the buyer either gives positive feedback before you also do, or do it after 7 days.
I share this story for what it's worth and only had this happen to me once on Reverb, but I had a buyer receive an item I sold him and then a day or two later after he had it , he messaged me saying the rack ears were bent (on a perfect mint item I had double boxed and sent to him) and he asked for a partial refund. . Seeing this for what it was, a guy hoping I would take a little money scam hit to keep the overall sale using his made up issue,..I first contacted Reverb and learned in general they are basically on the buyers side for the first 7 days without proof on any potential disputes. So I contacted the buyer of the item that was trying to scam a little money on this angle of his and I asked him to send me photos of what he was describing and I sent him my photo's from all angles including double boxed of mine showing perfect mint condition was sent to him,.... and he then dropped his made up issue hoping to get more money out of me and kept the item.
But it is one of the things I think about selling high dollar items combined with Reverb's policy to side with the buyer for first 7 days unless Seller can prove it, because what's to stop someone from essentially renting for free by technically buying a high dollar item, using it for 6 days and then contact reverb and claim the item sometimes makes an occasional noise that comes and goes, requesting a return/refund costing the Seller shipping dollars, time and headaches while the scammer rented it for basically free for 6-7 days. It hasn't happened to me, but it probably has to someone.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2021 15:43:43 GMT -6
For me the less expensive items (extra DI boxes etc..), have sold very quickly for me on ebay. The higher ticket items have sold faster on Reverb, there seemed to be more interested people and gear resellers on ebay trying knock prices down by over 20 percent.
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Post by deaconblues on Jun 15, 2021 19:14:35 GMT -6
I spent the last two days dealing with a reverb guy who didn’t pack some expensive gear well at all. Some of it was destroyed on arrival. When re-examining the pics, they are cropped at the point of damage. I think he dropped it and went for a quick sale scam. After taking responsibility and offering to pay for the damaged gear he changed his mind and offered less for my inconvenience. The parts that do still work took a little cosmetic damage despite being brand new otherwise. I didn’t want to take the risk of shipping them back and having this guy claim I had broken them. Got sketchy vibes and bailed.
So yeah: something something about a bird and a bush and a hand and I may not buy used for a little while. That said: the last two things I bought new from reputable online stores required some pretty annoying return rigamarole. Maybe I’ll just Amazon Prime a soldering iron and diy from now on... but they’ll probably send me a toothbrush and a shake weight. smdh
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Post by jmoose on Jun 15, 2021 19:52:08 GMT -6
I'll probably never sell anything on reverb again. Got boned hard a few times & since etsy bought them... the sales tax & restructuring fees thing it got worse for sellers.
Ome time a piece arrived with obvious shipping damage. Buyer decided to keep it... at first... then it got winged back at me with zero notice several weeks later. Noticed my bank balance was light and had a box on my door day or 2 later. Lost money.
Another time sold NOS tape stock. 2" reels never been touched. Buyer decided he didn't want them, didn't know what he was looking at? Remorse? Ok I'll take a return. Got smashed on the way back. He had repacked them poorly but that was my fault? More lost moose bucks.
With guitar gear it's been better to trade at the local music store. No I don't get as much but factor in my time? Hassle? Fees? Shit scammy buyers that they don't weed out? Easy decision.
Have a few audio things that need to move right now. Local store won't really touch studio gear, hoping it'll move on this forum and or local word of mouth when I get around to it.
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Post by Bat Lanyard on Jun 15, 2021 20:12:09 GMT -6
No I don't get as much but factor in my time? Hassle? Fees? Shit scammy buyers that they don't weed out? Easy decision. Have a few audio things that need to move right now. Local store won't really touch studio gear, hoping it'll move on this forum and or local word of mouth when I get around to it. Pretty much nails it. Bought on Reverb for the past 5 years or so, but would say in the last two or three transactions spread over several months, it's evolved into an eBay thing. Higher fees and the shady factor, plus fake ratings (like a great buyer buying ten XLR ends from ten different sellers or the same in reverse).
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Post by soundintheround on Jun 15, 2021 20:27:07 GMT -6
I'll probably never sell anything on reverb again. Got boned hard a few times & since etsy bought them... the sales tax & restructuring fees thing it got worse for sellers. Ome time a piece arrived with obvious shipping damage. Buyer decided to keep it... at first... then it got winged back at me with zero notice several weeks later. Noticed my bank balance was light and had a box on my door day or 2 later. Lost money. Another time sold NOS tape stock. 2" reels never been touched. Buyer decided he didn't want them, didn't know what he was looking at? Remorse? Ok I'll take a return. Got smashed on the way back. He had repacked them poorly but that was my fault? More lost moose bucks. With guitar gear it's been better to trade at the local music store. No I don't get as much but factor in my time? Hassle? Fees? Shit scammy buyers that they don't weed out? Easy decision. Have a few audio things that need to move right now. Local store won't really touch studio gear, hoping it'll move on this forum and or local word of mouth when I get around to it. When did Etsy buy them? I have noticed the gamut of pain has gotten alot worse in last couple of years. 2 weeks minimum before they even consider refunding anybody on both sides. They were originally a common-sense company by musicians looking for an alternative to ebay....but I guess another one bites the dust. Capitalism, expand or fail. I honestly still use Reverb, but prefer Criagslist/Facebook. Doesn't make any sense to me why I am paying taxes on a tube preamp originally sold in the 1960's probably taxed 5 times over. I'm not some crazy anti-tax person, but dont f-with my gear habit!
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Post by soundintheround on Jun 15, 2021 20:28:19 GMT -6
I will add that once you become a power-user with Reverb (250+ with no zero feedback), they do give you preferential treatment, but takes a while. I cant complain too much there. Ebay also.
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Post by jmoose on Jun 15, 2021 20:40:42 GMT -6
When did Etsy buy them? I have noticed the gamut of pain has gotten alot worse in last couple of years. 2 weeks minimum before they even consider refunding anybody on both sides. They were originally a common-sense company by musicians looking for an alternative to ebay....but I guess another one bites the dust. Capitalism, expand or fail. Etsy takeover was 2019. venturebeat.com/2019/07/22/etsy-acquires-musical-instrument-marketplace-reverb-for-275-million/Reverb was started by Chicago Music Exchange who yes, were musicians and pretty much knew what they were dealing with... Like that's a 1973 HiWatt you can't just go buy another one. EDIT - Not sure I've sold 250+ pieces of gear in my entire lifetime. On the flip, local music store has a guy who's fulltime 9-5 gig... 5 days a week is solely to deal with reverb listings. Ponder that for a minute.
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Post by Martin John Butler on Jun 15, 2021 20:52:12 GMT -6
I've had ads on Craigslist, Real Gear, Reverb, but by far the best results have been on facebook. Their Marketplace works. I think people feel safer buying because they can search your profile and get a pretty good idea of who you are.
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Post by soundintheround on Jun 15, 2021 21:11:03 GMT -6
I've had ads on Craigslist, Real Gear, Reverb, but by far the best results have been on facebook. Their Marketplace works. I think people feel safer buying because they can search your profile and get a pretty good idea of who you are. Yeh but when you do cash (which many prefer) on something over $500, and there is no protections in place...gets a bit risky. Not every seller is gonna invite you into their studio and let you have a listen to the piece of gear on nice monitors/converters and make sure everything is 💯
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Post by rowmat on Jun 15, 2021 23:45:23 GMT -6
I've had ads on Craigslist, Real Gear, Reverb, but by far the best results have been on facebook. Their Marketplace works. I think people feel safer buying because they can search your profile and get a pretty good idea of who you are. Yeh but when you do cash (which many prefer) on something over $500, and there is no protections in place...gets a bit risky. Not every seller is gonna invite you into their studio and let you have a listen to the piece of gear on nice monitors/converters and make sure everything is 💯 And of course inviting strangers into your studio also comes with its own set of risks.
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Post by gouge on Jun 16, 2021 4:14:25 GMT -6
Ebay works for me.
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Post by kcatthedog on Jun 16, 2021 6:08:10 GMT -6
Have sold on eBay, reverb and Gearspace. Reverb’s fees are nuts especially if selling internationally, so sellers have just cranked asking prices. EBay too is relatively expensive . Gearspace has no fees but then you have to figure out transaction vehicle. PayPal has been changing its policies too, not certain there is as much protection. Bottom line, every service wants your money, as much as possible , so confirm your selling costs and price accordingly. I also find selling internationally, many buyers basically want you to pay their shipping by discounting your price. That’s how it works retail right, you aren’t actually paying embedded shipping costs ?
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Post by Martin John Butler on Jun 16, 2021 8:23:05 GMT -6
Every kind of sale has risks, not just facebook's Marketplace. As I said before, you can check out someone much more thoroughly than any other selling site, so your odds of having issues are greatly diminished.
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Post by Omicron9 on Jun 16, 2021 10:24:49 GMT -6
I've had ads on Craigslist, Real Gear, Reverb, but by far the best results have been on facebook. Their Marketplace works. I think people feel safer buying because they can search your profile and get a pretty good idea of who you are. Thanks for that, Martin. I know nothing about FB marketplace; are there fees, etc.? I suppose I could also list here in the classifieds. Thanks, everyone. This thread is super helpful. I've been selling on eBay for probably 15 years with no issues, but the fees are getting steeper. I'll avoid selling on Reverb. Again, many thanks. -09
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Post by ericn on Jun 16, 2021 12:34:11 GMT -6
The problem here is this; fees underwrite protection and return policies. It never seams like this stuff costs much but it adds up. Plus you have those pesky 3% credit card fees. As much as I hate it as both a buyer and a seller it’s always the transaction that moves outside of either of these that goes wrong. The biggest thing you notice as either increases fees is how guys who simply flip gear disappear. If fees go up my margin on a flip goes down, my asking goes up because you know everybody is going to lowball. Frankly the fees going up has kept me from actively hunting for stuff to flip.
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Post by jmoose on Jun 16, 2021 13:29:10 GMT -6
Yeh but when you do cash (which many prefer) on something over $500, and there is no protections in place...gets a bit risky. Not every seller is gonna invite you into their studio and let you have a listen to the piece of gear on nice monitors/converters and make sure everything is 💯 I remember buying & selling in the wild west days of the interknot. Way before paypal, maybe even before Ebay? Rarely had a problem. Bought a Voodoo Labs proctavia pedal from a guy in San Francisco... he listed it somewhere maybe even rec.audio.pro ? Called him on the phone, we talked for a few minutes I sent him a check, he got my check and mailed out the pedal. Easy. Sold a rare collectible Danelectro guitar like that too. Guy had a few specific questions, he called me on the phone while I had it in hand... we talked, he sent money and once it cleared I sent the guitar. Seems that while sites like Reverb are supposed to make things easier they've actually made it way more complicated. There's less trust now? And sometimes (most?) it can be hard to tell an actual dealer from a guy who's just trying to punt his old shit and make room for new shit. Too many times I've had people wig out because I didn't ship the same day they paid me... or that I didn't respond to their email within 9 minutes at any time of day. Dude, I'm not Amazon! Cash deals? In person? I prefer it on most things. Like I've got a Soundcraft Ghost listed on the forum right now (wink!) and that's in the $2-3k range... I expect cash. Its not getting shipped. Pickup or delivery only... and in that price range if someone wanted to use Paypal or whatever? I'd be highly skeptical that it wasn't a scam. I'll take dead presidents over plastic data EVERY single time.
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