You're probably one of the most popular people among people like myself who repair and sometimes occasionally sell audio equipment. Your straight forward conversation with those who watch is palpable. This was an excellent primer on understanding the choices and pitfalls of trying to interact in good faith with the public. I've been doing this off and on for 50+ years, and I still learn from people like yourself.
I’m from a rural area and most of my sales have been through eBay. Mostly it has been successful, keeping in mind that everything Kevin mentioned is accurate about the eBay platform. Lately I have partnered with a local barber shop that lets me set up a receiver, turntable, and speakers and sell them as a set. I get the benefit of selling locally. No one comes to my home. No eBay fees and best of all no shipping worries. I have even generated some repair business from local folks. The barber gets to use the radio and turntable in the shop until it sells. So think outside the box, try your local antique mall or record store and see if they can help you sell your gear.
Instead of selling my Marantz receiver, I bought a used Emotiva power amp from Facebook and use the vintage unit as a pre-amp and I notice it sounds better than before.
I really am enjoying my Emotiva system it really out does all my systems from the past at 63 years old I have had a few different brands that in today’s money would be a lot more than I have invested in Emotiva just blows me away.
Great video. I fell for a scam 12 years ago on Craigslist and learned a $300 lesson. I had seen a Sansui 9090db for $300 and sent money for it to be shipped. As the saying goes it was too good to be true and unfortunately it was a known scammer I didnt research prior- Dave Culver.
Another good video! I've been doing quite a bit of buying and selling of vintage stereo gear on eBay and FB Marketplace lately, and I have some advice and lessons-learned (especially for sellers). 1. Clean the gear that you are trying to sell! A few minutes with a slightly damp microfiber cloth (warm water and Dawn) gently wiping down your gear can make a huge difference. So many photos show gear that is just filthy. 2. For higher dollar items, spend more time deep cleaning, inside and out. 3. Test the gear that you are trying to sell. That means actually connecting speakers, sources, an FM antenna, etc. Try to exercise all of the buttons, switches and knobs rather than just saying "It powers on". 4. Take good, in-focus, well-lit photos of your gear, inside and out. eBay lets you have 24 photos of an item, so you should have 24 photos, not one or two. 5. If you have the time and ability, do some minor servicing work, such as spraying contact cleaner on pots and switches, setting the idle current for the amplifier, etc. 6. If you have any extras, like the owner's manual, service manual, original box, include them in the listing! As a buyer, I love it when lazy sellers just list a piece of gear that is filthy (but easily cleaned) which they have not done any testing on (besides powering it on). I've gotten some great deals that way.
My personal trick is that I buy broken equipment who is good cosmetic condition. I'm a certified electronic technician, and despite the fact that I work in a different domain, I have the equipment and knowledge to fix these. So it's great.
Came here to mention Reverb as well! Audio Karma has been a great resource for knowledge on old gear, I've never bought or sold there though. I'll have to check that out.
Great insight into eBay that applies equally to other products as well. I would add two suggestions. First, as a seller, record a video of the product working and details of everything (including the scars). In a single take (don’t stop recording), pack it up and seal it. Don’t think art, think evidence for an insurance claim (just the facts, ma’am). This advice works in reverse for buyers. Second, I have used banks to meet sellers/buyers. Some banks/cc companies have lounges or resemble coffee shops that make it really comfortable and secure. Keep up the great work!
Being retired and restoring audio equipment, I sell on FB marketplace for local pickup. I make very little profit - it's a hobby that keeps me busy. However when some jerk lowballs me, they get blocked. No reason to deal with a cheapskate who things they are the king of American Pickers. I used to sell on eBay - never again. Craigslist has become a joke in my area as well.
Just wanted to let you know I have bought several vintage stereo equipment on Facebook! My experience has always been positive. I tried to do my research and know the value of the equipment being sold. If I know the equipment's work I will offer to buy at the asking price. Just an example I bought a Ampex ax300 reel to reel for 125. He said it was in working condition. I thought it was worth the investment and when I took it home and played some reel to reel I was amazed at the sound quality. I also bought a Bic 980 turntable. The guy said he had it in storage for about 20 years and was working the last time he tested it. I asked some simple questions and he said that he kept it in very good shape so I said I was interested in buying it for $75. I got it home and I realized it needed to be regreased. I had to do some cleanup on it and once it was working it sounded great! Now I use it as a second turntable! Thanks for being a good Steward of your equipment that you saw on Facebook who knows someday I might see something I like and buy it from you!
great video. There is always the talking price and the walking price. Sometimes these are too far apart. I also learned my lesson buying from a newbee. Amp showed up in a box filled with foam peanuts and all sorts of parts rattling around inside. Did not even bother to plug it in. Just hit the return button.
Decades ago a relative worked at UPS packing trucks. His instructions were to build a wall of boxes about 8 feet away from the back and a few feet short of the roof. Then he was told to throw boxes over that wall as fast as possible until it filled the void. Then it was repeated until the whole truck was filled. This pretty much explains the condition of about 1/3 of the turntables I've gotten that were shipped.
This is 100% true. I worked at UPS and they put me on the unload one night. When I opened the the trailer boxes were stacked to the roof and the only way to get them was to balance yourself while standing on other boxes and knock over a Jenga puzzle of boxes.
Been selling on Ebay forever and so far with pretty good results. Pictures of your product and explaining everything about it is a must. But I never ship out of the country, it's way too expensive. I had a guy in Puerto Rico wanting me to ship him a reciever and shipping was almost as much as the reciever lol
I've only recently discovered your channel. But, I must say, what you've said on every video has been very solid, well-founded and makes a lot of sense and clearly comes from experience. Well done.
Hi Kevin, New subscriber here, I found your channel a couple of months ago ,and Ibeen watching your videos religiously . You provide so much good information I always wanted a stereo system. I recently bought a Thorens TD 165 turntable, a Marantz 2215B, and a pair of KHL speakers Your knowledge and experience guide me to find what I always wanted Thank you!!
Hi Kevin, it's always a pleasure to see a new vídeo from you, calm and easily understandable (ok, I'm not American so that really matters). You have gone to the point Nowadays it is the digital market platforms that champion the trade, vintage stuff included. In Brazil (well, you have some Brazilians watching you) eBay is not the same as in US, for obvious reasons (fine to trade but prohibitive on delivery costs). We here have a similar platform, Mercado Livre (Free Market if you translate), an Argentinian company which got bigger and bigger in Brazil. Pros and cons are exactly the same compared to eBay there. There is a lot goin' on in the vintage audio market, specially in the last years, a 'comeback' from the 70/80s local scene (me included - I was a teen back then). Vintage audio is mostly restricted to local brands which strived that time, some 10 to 15 very 0:14 well known and beloved companies. US or Japanese (very few Europeans) equipment was only for the very rich here. I have assembled my set over the last 2 years after listening to hours of RU-vid vintage channels (yep, there are ones in Portuguese) and bought my equipment mostly in that platform, no regrets. Sure you need to research a lot and wait for the best chance. Other than this similar eBay platform I've traded one time in FB and it was fine (from a vintage audio group advertisement) and twice in an "cheaper tax clone" platform, one time fine and the other a complete disaster. You really need to be patient and know what to buy. As for trading I plan to do it with some extras (it went from a 4 piece set to an 11 piece in 2 years...) which I'm sure I must trade. Let the dealing nightmare begins.
Aloha Kevin , I am on the Big Island of Hawaii in Kona & Craigslist & Marketplace are our friends out here , it is way too expensive to ship to the mainland . This is one reason I have been able to buy a lot of good equipment here on Island . I also sell via Craigslist & Marketplace with zero problems . Thanks for a great , informative & fun video .
Experience. "It is from experiences such as mine that we get our education of life. We string them into jewels or into tinware, as we may choose." - Mark Twain Excellent video, as usual, thanks !!!
Thanks for saying what needed to be said about selling and hopefully folks paid attention to this post who are looking to buy. I sold hundreds of items on ebay years ago when it was a little easier and less costly than now. I still reference sold items to see where the market is for various items. I'm sure there are complaints about shipping costs, but remember what you're shipping is mostly steel and aluminum with maybe a nice dense heavy wood box. The cost of shipping has skyrocketed in the past 5 years as well so don't complain when shipping costs are $100 or more. Just factor it into what you're willing to spend on the equipment. That is all.
Great video. Been selling on ebay for 14 years. The only thing i would add is there is a box you can check that buyer pays for return shipping. Great content as always!!
Great video, I was able to visit your store just 15 minutes before you closed after flying into Des Moines last Sat. It was everything I could have wished for you have a beautiful store and great people working for you. I just wish I could have spent more time there.
Biggest advice I have not seen comments on is for turntables. Most people do not know how to properly pack and ship a turntable. Many require the platter to be packed separate, the main guts to be locked down via locking screws etc.. When using Ebay you're best bet it to set it to look within whatever radius you are willing to drive and pick it up in-person. If you find one you like and they do not say Local Pickup, send them a message. Many people just forget to check it or may generally prefer not to, but may be willing understanding that it is difficult to pack and ship properly. Also for all that is holy Please Stop Pricing Your As Parts Or Repair Items based on sold prices for working items! Also (rant) if your item is covered in yellow tobacco film, you better be willing to take a price cut as this is very difficult to clean and can also have done some damage internally. (/rant)
This is must watch video! Soo many valid comments. I especially found useful the eBay one where the buyer steals the part they need, what BS! Thanks Kevin, exceptional video this morning.
Good timing on this one. I decided to thin the herd a bit (just a bit) and sold an SX-1080 yesterday. I listed it on CL and FB and it sold via CL for a price I was happy with. I didn't want to deal with Ebay and shipping. That said, your complaints about people not showing up, haggling, etc is spot on. Luckily I have a garage and I use as a place to demo the piece.
I just paid $300 plus Auction fee for a total cost of $428.03 for 2 speakers. Surprise, they sent me an email wanting over $500 to ship 2 McIntosh 32 X 18 X 13 1/2 inch speakers from Denver to Baton Rouge. I said I had ask for a shipping quote & received no reply. I can’t afford it and they said another shipping co. would charge the same. Lady said she would resell in 2 months and I receive 50% of what they sell for. I am finished with Auction Sites.
I have been lucky to love all of my equipment. Other than adding a few tables and receiver, my equipment as been operating since the 70's. All very reliable.
I've been selling various tech goods in my eBay store for 15 years and you're dead nuts on sir. Yes, it can often be a pita, but you can't beat the worldwide exposure and, from my experience, it remains the preferred venue for selling this equipment.
Got lucky with two new sellers. Retired Panasonic dealer sold me his Technics SL-V5, rare vertical turntable. From watching RU-vid I knew this old unit would need service with new tone arm belt & old grease cleaned out. Shipped well packed. I jumped on his eBay listing. Got a very good condition TT. Next a sellernewbie listed on EBay a rare Technics MA1 in mint with a few marks on dust cover from deceased grandpa. It was not double boxed but shipped in original box. Lucky it arrived safely. Weighed a lot & plays great after new LP Gear P cartridge
Great video Kevin! I remember when eBay first launched and it was huge a virtual garage sale. I bought and sold a lot of gear back then. I learned very quickly that regular folk just don't know how to properly pack a turntable, but the good outcomes for other types of gear outweighed the few destroyed TTs. Sadly, those days seem to be gone now. The scammers have figured out it's a great platform to prey on people.
Yes, I'm at that point to start selling some stuff that's otherwise just sitting there collecting dust. I have "recycled" everything I could by setting up systems in just about every room in 2 homes but I still have amps, receivers and speakers that should go. Not crazy to have strangers come to my house even though I live in a very nice place but you never know where potential buyers come from, no local place/dealer to sell to and so eBay is the only solution, and good luck to me because I've never sold anything to date. Well, you have to start somehow and so here I am. Thanks for another great and down to hearth video.
The thing that has intimidated me most about selling some of my vintage equipment on ebay is figuring out what the shipping cost should be. Because I'm lazy, I'd probably take the gear to a UPS store and have them professionally pack it, but since the actual shipping cost depends on the zone or zip code of the eventual buyer/recipient, the box weight, measurements and contents (plus insurance!), I've psyched myself out well in advance of actually doing anything.
One thing that I've noticed on Ebay is that people will price their item, and use previous sales titles to 'Sell one like this'. Consequently, lots of listings have the same header. Also, buyers use the same search criteria for price. If someone sells an item cheap, there tends to be a lowering in expectation and realization in terms of price and that trend continues. You will definitely see different clusters of prices for similar sold items.
Nice store! So warm and inviting with all powered and lit up! Thanks for pointing out the quality differences between brands. When me and my friends went stereo shopping in the 70s it was pretty much Hit and Miss. A lot of retailers were way worse than the most notorious auto sales man you could imagine. I finally bought a McIntosh amp a few years ago and thought it was expensive at the time but it was a bargain because it doesn't break. It's been powered up pretty much continuously since if got it.
Thx Kevin; like eBay but the commission is a killer. Recently sold for solid $$ my near mint ATI 200 watt class D amp on US AudioMart and my near mint B&K 2 channel amp for 220 watts per channel on FB Marketplace. One sold within $50 of ask and other at ask price with zero selling fees
With e Bay, you can't absorb those commission costs as a seller and you have to pass them on to the buyer . E Bay sux never bought anything on ebay and probably never will.
I’ve been selling on eBay for 15+ years and I find it wonderful and easy to sell. I like Facebook marketplace to sell very large and or extremely heavy items. I also like to browse Facebook marketplace to buy items too. Great video as always thank you.
Craig'sList is a great way to go if you're in a good sized metro area (Twin Cities for me). I just sold some good non-vintage equipment when I downsized into a co-op, and got what I was asking for 3/4 of it (I have a dumb tendency to underprice a bit). I also met some audiophile collectors and traders that were good resources for my current set-up and future treasure hunts. The seller also sees the equipment before he leaves with it so there are no "damaged in shipment" hassles or scams, just cash and carry.
You can ( if some are willing) trade for repair or other pieces. I have had a really good tech accept a unit I was not really using (but a killer nonetheless) restore one of my prize amps for it. It was tough for me to part but considering the trade off & the cost of a tedious restoration it was worth it in value.
Thanks for the solid advice. I’ve been able to sell some equipment on Marketplace without any issues. Recently posted a pair of speakers and was shocked they sold the same day! As you mentioned, living in an area with a big population, like the DFW area makes a difference.
All quite true.. sometimes a lack of consideration or lowballing really sucks. I always offer a little less.. but a little not a lowball. I recently bought on FB marketplace a turntable, told the seller i'd give her price if the dustcover was as nice as she said.. got there and a few DEEP scratches on the top so I offered 50 bucks less just in case I couldn't buff it out. She understood and took the offer. You gotta accurately state the condition and be willing to accept a bit less if it's in poor shape.
Yep , Another Great Video. Nobody understands the amount of work required to PROPERLY Service vintage 60 or 70 year old stereo equipment. THEN they wanna pay nothing for it.
Show the item in your garage and put up lots of cameras. They're cheap. Tell the buyer they're being recorded and point out the cameras. Good advice on video:, ALWAYS meet at the PD or Sheriffs department for anything of value, I've found that law enforcement actually seems to like it when you do. Just a thought and THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE: most states allow you to carry a concealed weapon on your own property even if you don't have a permit, but you can't even be one inch off your property. Put in your add that the price is firm and you won't respond to offers. Price it competitively. It's not worth the hassle to get every last buck. Don't accept payment far something other than cash unless you understand how the payment method works, it's EASY to make fake cashiers checks and money orders these days.
I appreciate this video! I’ve bought a few things on eBay. When buying, what I like to do is tell people my name and the town I’m from and I can be there quickly or it’ll take some time to get there. However, as a buyer, I’ve reached out to sellers and they never get back to me or I reach out a couple times and they may get back to me once but then I’m ghosted. As a buyer, that drives me nuts. Just tell me quickly you don’t want to hear from me for whatever reason. With your scammer comments, perhaps they are trying to scam me but maybe I’m too knowledgeable to get scammed so they ghost me. Anyway, I just bought a Yamaha CR-840 from a seller on FB Marketplace who was top notch! Could not have been happier with the transaction.
Good video and spot on advice! I have had good luck buying gear on Ebay for 9 years, until last month. New Sellar with 20 items of mish mash stuff..but had a beautifull Sansui listed. We haggled back and forth for a week on price and he won..I paid top dollar. This guy knew nothing about safe packaging..UPS delivered it..and it was damaged on the exterier..and most likely inside too. He tried to fight me on return...but Ebay shut him down....thankfully. experienced sellers is the only way to go!!!!
You didn't mention audio dedicated sale/auction sites like Audiogon. A generally much better class of music-heads than the F-book or C-list crowds. Thanks as always.
There is a lot vintage stereo equipment being sold on Reverb which started out for just Pro Audio Gear but now they ae also selling consumer stuff too.
I purchased a pair of Infinity IL30s from eBay to complete my surround system. The speakers were listed as minor scratches and no grills. The pictures looked good. UPS apparently dropped one of them because there was substantial damage to the box. I took pictures and unloaded the speaker, and the left rear corner was damaged. I tested the speaker, and it worked, so I kept it. I just colored it in with a black marker, and you can't see it right off. 4 years later, all is well. I did inform the seller and UPS. I have had good luck with eBay. I purchased 2 more Infinity IL30s and an Infinity Center speaker, so everything would match up. Prior to that, my center and rear channels were different brands. I do wish I kept some of my older equipment. Keep in mind there was little to no internet at the time, so I donated the equipment to Jefferson College for disposal. 😢
New to your channel, and loving it. Reminds me of the gear my uncles held back then.. And your calm, modest approach is great. Question: Do you have or think you can get stuff (amps, recievers) in 220v? That's the voltage in my country..
I stopped selling on Ebay many years ago because of shipping costs and one particular incident. I was selling a beautiful Fisher receiver for someone and it supposedly got damaged in shipping. The pictures were not discernable. Fortunately it was insured and I got paid but it left such a bad taste I quit shipping electronics. I agree that a stellar track record is the key to success. I was extremely protective of my rating.
I had a very similar exp. Shipping and ebay fees killed me on a mac1700. Sold a working pioneer elite receiver for $40 only to have the guy hound and threaten me over cosmetic issues that I pictured.
I just bought a Pioneer SX-3700 in mint condition. It looks like it is old new stock! I had one when I was a teen and couldn't resist getting it for nostalgia. I hope and think I did well at$300.
Got stacks of vintage Marantz with the focus on early flagship USA models from the 60/70's then a few Carver,B&K,,Nikko,NAD,Adcom type gear stacks but it wasn't until I got into big power class A mated to cascade tube preamps did the game completely level up for me and all it took was a house full of gear to figure out what really flips my switch..pretty sure my son will have to deal with all this audio gear after I pass because it's a real big hassle to deal with the public ..
I have bought many things through eBay, and I never had a problem. I suppose there would be more risk with high-value items. A long time ago I bought a stereo system through eBay that was an all-in-one system with stereo receiver, turntable, 8-track player, two cassette decks, and two speakers. It was not some super high-quality system, but it all worked as advertised, and I enjoyed using it. Some good items can be found on eBay.
Excellent informative video! I just bought a set of 70's era speakers to complete my vintage system, so selling is not an option. 100% of my gear was purchased face to face locally (FB marketplace and CL) with me inspecting & testing the equipment BEFORE completing the transaction.
Thank you for sharing your experience , actually I have to mention something is very important , there are two types of sellers and two types of buyers , if you are willing to post your device on social media there will be the 2nd hand electronic stores from the moment your post is approved you will feel like you hit a hornet nest with a stick!!!! I have no idea about your region but its so familiar here in Maddie east and their agents actually they work like groups online having one goal is to make you feel that you are selling garbage!! and they are so kind to pay few dozens of us dollars in your stuff in time if you check its price on eBay you will be shocked ! The other type of only e buyers is the musical enthusiasts actually they are fewer and pay much better easier to deal with ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ keep it up , I followed your channel since it was few hundreds and happy see you growing , greets to your dad he is good man
Hey guys, I've got a Sansui AU-505 for sale! I've recapped it and replaced a few transistors. It's in great shape and I stand by my work. I've used it as my main system for the last 6 months. Local pickup only 54667. I'd even drive it to all the way to Skylabs, mostly because I really want to see the shop and shoot the shit with the crew there.
If you have a large collection and are getting on in years please make a plan to sell your collection before you pass on and do not leave the burden to your heirs. I spent 25 years as a fine art appraiser and saw time and time again heirs being burdened with large collections that they know nothing of. It rarely ends well.
TIP from an online buyer: The **MONEY SHOT** for a receiver, etc., is a photo of the unit powered on showing condition of the lighting, and that it does power on, and that is the first photo. Dark faceplate = parts only, low price or I keep scrolling. I'm not wasting any more time than that. You may not think so, but when you say "all functions tested", the lighting is a function. If you can't show that then I don't trust your statement. Scrolling.
Unfortunately, the biggest reason I will no longer sell on eBay anymore just happened to me this weekend. I hadn't sold on eBay in probably 5 years, which was before the pandemic. I decided to put a rare video game I have up for sale this weekend, only to find out that you now have to attach your checking account to your eBay account. That may be fine for the eBay sellers that sell a significant amount of items, but that did not jive with me. And to add insult to injury, you also have to file your eBay earnings with the government now for your taxes. That's a huge HELL NO for me. They get way too much of my money already, I'm not about to give them anymore. At the rate the government is going, they're gonna start showing up at yard sales and demanding their cut. So I'm stuck with Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for the foreseeable future.
Right now, only sales in excess of $20,000 per year are reported. Under that, it's up to the individual to report. Some years I am over that mark, some years I am below, either way I report. Like anything else, eBay income is not tax free.
@@wwz1011 thanks for that info, I haven’t seen the cutoff amount for filing. My wife and I just aren’t too keen on putting the checking account on there. That’s a big difference from just putting a debit card on there and using PayPal. Especially given that I would probably only be selling 500-1000 worth of items in a given year.
@@wwz1011 I look at this from a completely different angle... If I buy a receiver at a pawn shop and pay 500$ + 15% sales tax using after tax (net) income to make the purchase, and then later sell said item for 500 $, the government can go to hell.
I've been selling a piece one at a time making sure they are working condition. You must state this is vintage equipment and can make no guarantee's on arrival, as is! eBay
All my good gear - acquired - from Ebay. You have to study. Talk to seller. And use your instincts. My old Onkyo's have actual glass fronts....waiting for that to arrive in one piece...scary. Edit : Bought an instrument amp on Craigs once. CLEAN your stuff; thoroughly. I did. Except the bottom. It molded thru the carpeting in my studio and made a rectangular mold spot on the concrete ! Still have it.(the amp; not the mold spot) The mold didn't get thru the vinyl wrap. The bottom must have been in a flood. The guy said it was only used on Sundays at church. Man, am I an idiot on that one.
I just brought 4 Pioneer receivers 2 SX-650's, 1 SX-1050 & 1 Pioneer SX-750 which arrived totally busted. Tuning knob was bashed in and bent. Broken glass and lots of other stuff wrong. The receiver was lovely on Ebay but due to incompetent shipping the receiver arrived busted. Seller had over 8,900 sales including a few vintage receivers. I thought I'd have no problem getting an intact receiver. NOPE! Receiver arrived bashed up in a soft torn up box. The receiver was floating around in the box and the box had partly ripped open during shipping. No padding to speak of. People don't receivers vintage gear is heavy and if it floats around during shipping it will bash itself apart just by shifting around inside the box alone.
GREAT detailed pics including SERIAL #'s of vintage audio equipent in any online ad is ABSOLUTE REQUIREMENT. I PREFER BUYING from a seller that can show proof they are the ORGINAL OWNER and proof of any service records, The COSMETIC condition tells you alot about how it was used & the environment the equipment was in. If you are SHIPPING your item ,,,,,,,,,,, YOU LOSE if there's an issue & you have to cover the shipping or have to prove the equipment was damaged by the buyer or shipping carrier.
