Observation of the for sale forum

[maccrazy2]

I have been reading alot of the for sale posts lately and have noticed something that has me scratching my head. With the exception of certain items that go up in value, I don't understand all the posts that say "I just want what I paied for it" If I buy something and use it or even dont use it but I open it up I don't expect to get full retail value for it if I resell it. Now don't get me wrong, I understand it may be a starting place for negotation but it just strikes me odd.
I have been seeing it alot lately for some reason. What made me laugh tonight is a aics stock for sale where the guy says he just got it from another member and wants to sell it for whatever reason. The price is higher than what he just paied which is fine previous price has no effect on current value but, he links to the original sale thread with the lower price still on it.
I guess I just dont understand why people feel the need to put that in their ads.

 

[JCH]

Re: Observation of the for sale forum

it is more of a reasoning for where they price it at....and a lot of times things are purchased here quickly when there are other buyers that would have loved to snag it. So posting "i just want to sell it for what I have in it" is a fair way of saying I changed my mind and shouldn't have purchased it and I am not going to jack the price up.

 

[ballistic1]

Re: Observation of the for sale forum

I also saw the post, and if it is the same post I believe the stock now also includes a magazine, which is probably why the price difference.

 

[dmuldrew]

Re: Observation of the for sale forum

Yeah, I don't think that used things I sell should go for what I paid for em. Like a new car, drive it off the lot and the value goes down. The other thing I see that causes me to chuckle is rifles, or hand guns that are "customized" by the owner, who then expects their $400 pink and chartruse zebra stripe cammoed AI stock should be worth at least that much more than a stock one. If I want to rattle can my rifle or pistol, I'll do it to my taste, not pay you for what you think is cool, but every day I see this or some other great idea add to the price of firearm.

 

[maccrazy2]

Re: Observation of the for sale forum

Did not see the mag was added. I can see the point of an impulse buy and need to resell soon. I personally just would not put that in my ad. The items current value is all that matters, not what I paied for it.

 

[xarmor]

Re: Observation of the for sale forum

Just my opinion but I believe people should put whatever price they want to on item. The market will quickly let them know if their price is to high because it will not sell. People that need to sell will adjust their price to the market value, others may hold out for the right buyer. If I feel something is out of line price wise I just move on.
Sometimes people buy used stuff at a great price and they are able to resell it for more than what they originally paid, I am ok with this as long as the price I am paying is still fair. I have bought stuff cheap before and resold it for a profit, but I have also lost money trying to do this exact same thing.
Bottom line, if you do not like the price then don't buy it. Eventually the seller will lower his price or he will end up keeping it so he can tell all his friends how much it's worth.

 

[dmuldrew]

Re: Observation of the for sale forum

I totally agree, ask what you want, and pay what you feel the item is worth. If the buyer and seller can come to an agreement, consider it sold. Juat saying that the customization you did because you thought it was cool, probably isn't going to make it worth more to me. I'm not reimbursing you for the $500 worth of Tapco parts you thought were tactical on your 6920.

 

[Biscuit]

Re: Observation of the for sale forum

I have had the unfortunate task of selling most all my gear this year; Huuuuge medical bills, unemployed, new baby. I have learned quite a bit about selling stuff. Some things, if I am unsure of actual value, can't find comperable item listed or sold elsewhere, I will list it high, with the caption: OBO, if you think my price is crazy feel free to PM me and let me know.

My favorite ads : If this don't sell this week it goes back in the safe

 

[maccrazy2]

Re: Observation of the for sale forum

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Joel.B</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have had the unfortunate task of selling most all my gear this year; Huuuuge medical bills, unemployed, new baby. I have learned quite a bit about selling stuff. Some things, if I am unsure of actual value, can't find comperable item listed or sold elsewhere, I will list it high, with the caption: OBO, if you think my price is crazy feel free to PM me and let me know.

My favorite ads : If this don't sell this week it goes back in the safe </div></div>
I know all about the medical bills. They suck! As for pricing, starting high makes sense especially if you are unsure of current value.
The other thing I find funny is how many rifles I see with 20 - 99 rounds fired. I am not saying they are all lying but I think those numbers get shrunk down a little bit. As a collector I have some guns I bought that I never fired or only fired a few times but they generally are older stuff. I personally do not know many shooters who spend money on a nice rig and then shoot it one time and throw it in the safe and never shoot it again unless it shoots terrible or something. I was looking at a .308 about 3 years ago with only 60 rounds fired. It came with something like 260 fireformed cases. I asked hin what they were fired in and he said "in this gun of course" I pointed out his ad and got a response of something like everone lies about round counts. Needless to say I did not send my money to him.

 

[lexluther]

Re: Observation of the for sale forum

The only one who wins when guys snap it up quick and then change their mind is the post office. I agree with the "get what I paid" question. Why would I buy "yours" for the same price that I could go out and get a new one?

 

[ArcticLight]

Re: Observation of the for sale forum

This is still one of the best sites for buying stuff or selling stuff - water floats to it's own level and if it's overpriced it just doesn't sell!

Now go over to vwvortex.com and look at people asking INSANE prices for used car parts.....3 times what I can get stuff on e-bay.

Low ball them and they whine and complain....and most of their parts are off of rusted hulks on the east coast.


SH is doing fine, it maintains itself nicely...

 

[Mo_Zam_Beek]

Re: Observation of the for sale forum

I have sold a few things in the past few weeks and I have watched the FS section constantly for years.

This site has the best LR rifle and LR Glass related FS section on the net.

If you want to sell HGs, SGs, Carbines, AKs, NV, BA, Tac Gear - there other sites out there that are substantially better.

That all said, circa 2006 / 2007 if you put a weapon up at 70% of cost NIB - that would have moved most anything that was in good shape. Not so today. Sales are taking much longer and the discounts are greater than ever. Also - if it is an expensive item - it is likely to sit for a while no matter what.

As far as what guys price things for - so what. Its a two way street. If an item comes on high, you as a buyer would be so much smarter to just watch it and hope that the price stays high, wait a few weeks and make an offer. Regardless of what someone says they want - what they will take may be different. Secondly - here's a general buyer's tip - stop bumping the guy's ad and giving him hope or extra air time with stupid posts like 'PM Sent' or asking questions about the item in public. If you want to pick it up cheap - make that guy think no one in the world cares about his crap.


Good luck

 

[35WLN]

Re: Observation of the for sale forum

MO Zam Beek has it right. If you are not in a hurry for something the way he suggests is the way to go.

 

[gunlove]

Re: Observation of the for sale forum

I agree with Mo Zam Beek. Lately (last 6 months), there has been an awful lot of really nice stuff for sale and it's sold lower and took longer comparatively than the last 5 years. I think it is a clear indicator of the economy.

Joel. B thanks for the tips. I am sorry you are having to experience rough times right now.

 

[Lowlight]

Re: Observation of the for sale forum

I will give you a quick FYI regarding this area...

In the last month there have been more issues in the for sale section than in the last 6 months. People potentially double selling, not shipping, keeping the money and running. I feel the economy is a big factor I am sure, but people need to protect themselves as even members with more than 200 posts are causing problems.

I recommend getting as many details as possible before sending anything in either direction. If it continues does this path, It may require something else to protect the members.

 

[ArcticLight]

Re: Observation of the for sale forum

I see the comments about round counts etc and it makes me sad.
What ever happened to honor. I'm not against someone making a buck if the price is fair.

I've seen guys here lowballing, I've seen guys here asking "New" prices and I've gone out and bought NEW because they were asking too much..

In the end, if the person needs the money they will sell it.

And we should have a public bashing if it ever comes out someone double sells something and one of our members gets screwed..

There's one of us in almost every city in America, time to put that to use.


Another rant "Paypal +4%" - how many tiems I've passed something over because someone is so cheap as to itemize it out instead of just figuring the difference. When you make $200 and squabble over $1.30 I don't want to do business with that person.

 

[Veer_G]

Re: Observation of the for sale forum

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dennis Muldrew</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The other thing I see that causes me to chuckle is rifles, or hand guns that are "customized" by the owner, who then expects their $400 pink and chartruse zebra stripe cammoed AI stock should be worth at least that much more than a stock one.</div></div>

Paint is highly personal and subjective. Real improvements beyond aesthetic ones have value, but the more highly customized something is, the more likely that it's going to sit, especially on gas guns, unless it's way, way discounted. Nonetheless, once you go and have custom work done, stuff involving machine work, you really can't expect to get the money back out of it.

 

[EddieNFL]

Re: Observation of the for sale forum

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Another rant "Paypal +4%" - how many tiems I've passed something over because someone is so cheap as to itemize it out instead of just figuring the difference. When you make $200 and squabble over $1.30 I don't want to do business with that person.
</div></div>

Gunbroker and ebay sellers are no different. Why would I risk a sour deal buying from an unknown when, at best, I'll save one or two percent over a reputable business with a liberal return policy? I've even seen items priced above retail.

On the other end of the spectrum are buyers who want to lowball, get it shipped for free and use paypal.

If an item is priced higher than I'm willing to pay, I move on...I don't waste my time...or the sellers.

Gunbroker and ebay sellers are no different. Why would I risk a sour deal buying from an unknown when, at best, I'll save one or two percent over a reputable business with a liberal return policy? I've even seen items priced above retail.

 

[gunlove]

Re: Observation of the for sale forum

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ArcticLight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Another rant "Paypal +4%" - .... When you make $200 and squabble over $1.30</div></div>

4% of 200 is $8.00 not $1.30

 

[-Nick-]

Re: Observation of the for sale forum

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gunlove</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ArcticLight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Another rant "Paypal +4%" - .... When you make $200 and squabble over $1.30</div></div>

4% of 200 is $8.00 not $1.30 </div></div>

He forgot to convert from MIL to MOA...

 

[Just Jim]

Re: Observation of the for sale forum

Another take-

As someone who has been hanging around here for a few years, and just this week listed a few things for sale, I'm glad the opportunity exists to do so.

It's wonderful to have a method of selling an accumulation of gear and "trade up" to better quality equipment. That's all I'm trying to do.

Yes, you must be careful, but if there were a good way to measure, I'll bet that 98% of all transactions (if not more) have been positive for both seller and buyer.

Frank, thanks for keeping the sales area available to all of us!

Cheers... Jim

 

[Downzero]

Re: Observation of the for sale forum

I've bought and sold a lot of stuff around here over the years and never had a bad experience. Maybe I should count my blessings.

 

[HOGGHEAD]

Re: Observation of the for sale forum

I have bought and sold several items on this forum. I just recently bought a used NightForce scope. And was very satisfied. Product was exactly as described!!

All my dealings have been 100% + honorable.

I also like the fact of the 100 post rule for classifieds. I think that is a great thing.

Only problem I see with classifieds is people making comments on ads with no intention of buying the product. I can see chimimng in with a "this guy is good to go". Or something Like that. But comments in general are pretty well low class IMO.

If a guy has his product priced inappropriately then send him a PM if you feel you need to. But to publicly respond on their ad is wrong IMO.

Overall this is a great classified. I know the items go up and down the list real fast. Tom.

 

[6.5mmman]

Re: Observation of the for sale forum

It sucks than now us newer members will be looked at with more suspicion when selling because pond scum sellers cant be honest and hold up a deal they made.