Sell Used Musical Instruments Faster through Local Businesses, Not eBay

By Sylvia Cochran, published Nov 23, 2007
Published Content: 271  Total Views: 263,349  Favorited By: 22 CPs
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Used musical instruments are the bane of a parent's and also musician's existence. With the high school behind the teen that is off to college, the band instrument is gathering dust in the closet. The professional or hobbyist artiste who finally scraped together enough money to upgrade that guitar or drum set and is now at a loss about what to do with the old instrument is in the same boat. Thus far, common wisdom has told consumers with used high ticket items that selling their goods on eBay is the way to go.

Yet not so fast! Even as eBay is a dream-come-true for the shopper with eclectic tastes and a pocket book itching to be used, there are some items that simply do not sell as well online as they do in person! Musical instruments are one of the items that falls into this category for a plethora of reasons.

As a seller, you know that listing an item is simple, yet capturing the instrument in its fullness and to its best advantage with a camera can be tricky. Similarly, especially with brass instruments even the slightest variation in light may lead a potential buyer to assume that dents exist where truly there are none. When you finally do have an interested party you are working with, you have the duty of packing and shipping the item. Frequently, there are cases where the instrument is returned for a variety of reasons, and you will now have to once again list it. Add to this the risk of dealing with an unknown party who may live close by and would like to see the instrument up close and in person, and you can easily understand the double edge sword that online used instrument sales present.

Thus the option of selling your used instrument with the help of a reputable local instrument dealer is more attractive than ever! Consider the facts!

The dealer already has established relationships with musicians in the area. Thus, the odds are good that she or he may already know of an interested party.

Takeaways
  • Capturing the instrument in its fullness and to its best advantage with a camera can be tricky.
  • A dealer already has established relationships with musicians in the area.
  • No reputable dealer will permit you to consign an instrument that is basically trashed.
Did You Know?
True musicians will want to see, touch, and hold an instrument prior to committing to the sale.
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