Best Method For Selling Parts

[Steamdragon]

Due to space considerations I have decided to mount my 510 units on my old Mark VII/7 bases (they aren't as wide as the 510 base unit and will fit in the spot I have for them better). I would ask the hive mind what they have found to be the best way to sell parts? Also what is the approximate cost for shipping a headstock? I am thinking Ebay but I wanted to check.

[kschwarz20]

eBay gives the broadest audience for parts, but they take a bite out of your earnings and since you will likely sell non-local, shipping increases the cost (and increases your eBay fees too). You might want to start with Craigslist and give your listing a week or 2 to see if you have anyone in your area who is interested. Craigslist will generally reach a smaller base of buyers, but it only takes one to sell your stuff, and you avoid fees and shipping charges.

[oldiron]

Same here. I wouldn't go the ebay way! They have become too greedy with all the fees.

I've sold a fair amount on ebay and I like ebay for purchasing however, As for sellers, They hammer you any way possible!!!!!

Last but not least, If you mis-calculate the shipping, You could end up loosing your tail with the transaction...

Give your local folks(through craigslist)first chance.

Mike

[db5]

I parted out a Mark VII and sold almost everything on Craigslist. Here's what I learned:

· Clean every part thoroughly. SS owners don’t want to buy dirty parts because that implies abused or non-maintained machines.
· Get one of each size USPS Priority Mail shipping boxes. See which part will fit in each box. This way you know the exact shipping cost to anywhere in the US including Alaska and Hawaii.
· Take more than one picture of each part to post on Craigslist.
· Create a file folder on your computer for each part. In this folder you will have pictures and a description of each part. Put all these in a master file folder. This way you can repost it if it expires without recreating it.
· Specify what models the parts will fit; e.g., the Mark VII table will fit any of the Mark V units but not the 505 and upward. Good buy for someone who wants a bigger table. You get the idea.
· If there is a defect with a part disclose it.
· Don’t just post it locally. If you live in Anaheim, CA you would post it in Orange County, LA, Ventura County, Inland Empire, San Diego and Imperial County.
· Include the price and shipping costs, your phone number and approximate location to where you are.
· If it is too large to ship in a prepaid USPS box weigh the part and know the approximate size so when someone calls you can get his/her zip code and easily calculate an approximate shipping cost through UPS, FedEx or USPS.

You can let people know here that you have a posting on Craigslist and provide a link. You could do this under bargains available.