Reverb vs Ebay as a seller

[Radbloke McShreddington]

It’s a fine line to split.
Feel free to further quiz @Gibsonrocknroll about the particulars in this instance, but I tend to side with him on this one.

If the ad was complete, with the full disclosure that it was new in the box, even from a private seller, I think that’s good enough.

If the buyer is that OCD about the seller’s “papers” or credentials, or status of their franchise agreement with a manufacturer or a distributor, then I would say it was on him to make damn sure who he was buying from.

In my experience over the past 20 years, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to answer questions that were already answered in a clear and concise description of the item listing.
People don’t read.

Of course, the description of my “shop” on Reverb makes it very clear that I am not a store or a dealer.
I’m just an old guy that likes to buy cool stuff.

I understand that full disclosure is always a good idea, and it is easy enough to be disappointed, but the few times that I ever had an issue with a sale or purchase on Reverb or eBay I communicated directly with the seller.
I wouldn’t dream of pulling the rug out from under somebody over a transaction and jeopardize their feedback rating without an attempt to communicate directly first.

THAT is a dick move.

Sure, that's all fine. But regardless of how you feel about it, the customer is still correct in this instance. As you're aware, when selling items online a level of trust needs to be established between buyer and seller. The way this is achieved is through the accepted language and descriptions used to facilitate the transaction. With the Reverb platform, as well as many other selling platforms, if you are not a licensed distributor of a product you are selling used goods. Therefore, you cannot use the condition description of 'brand new,' regardless of the condition.

The reason behind this is the manufacturer may refuse to support or warrant a defective product if it's been sold on by a third party. Probably not a big deal for a pedal worth a few hundred bucks. A 10 grand custom shop LP, potentially a big deal.

 

[ranchonmars]

I've been selling on eBay over 20 years and on Reverb for almost 3 years. Here's my general takeaway, if it's worth anything.

Due to my great seller rating and long history on eBay, I pay way less in fees on eBay than Reverb, especially on instruments. I also get slightly better pricing on my shipping using USPS and UPS on eBay as well. I have also found that I will get a higher price on my guitars on eBay, especially if I list them as a 7-10 day auction and have them end on either a Saturday or Sunday night. I'm not sure if it's the competition during the last couple minutes, but I will almost always get a higher than expected price on my used guitars when done this way as opposed to a fixed listing on Reverb.

That being said Reverb will get your gear exposed quicker, even before you get into the "bump" or promoted eBay listings. The new listing feed on Reverb is pretty clever and way easier to navigate than eBay. I know a lot of dudes who just constantly cruise their feed looking for the next purchase. I've sold plenty of guitars on Reverb and with zero issues so far, knock on wood.

The most important to remember, no matter what platform you choose, is lots of well lit pictures and lots of details. The easiest way to lose money is to get lazy with your details and pictures. Clean your guitar, show it from every angle, and really emphasize its looks. Make sure you list as many details about the guitar as you can. Even if that means copying and pasting the specs from the vendor's website, as long as those details are still accurate. One wrong detail can cause a customer to demand a return or a partial refund and guess who eBay and Reverb is going to side with? Make it easy for the buyer and be honest about whatever features or issues are present with the guitar and you'll find that 99% of the time you'll be okay.

P.S. Take pictures during the packing process as well. Take a picture of the label, write FRAGILE on the box, etc.

 

[Leee]

Clean your guitar, show it from every angle, and really emphasize it's looks. Make sure your list as many details about the guitar as you can.

ESPECIALLY if it has playing wear or damage of any kind.

 

[moreles]

As many have noted, both EBay and Reverb are far less attractive than they used to be. The fees and income tax exposure on both really erode the seller's revenues. The sales tax collected is an additional loss. I moved this year and sold a bunch of stuff, some of it pricey, mostly on EBay, and watching money disappear to both Ebay and the gov't was very unpleasant. I've had happy buyers but I increasingly obsess over my writeups lest someone accuse me of a "not as listed" crime. Both platforms are focused on buyers, not sellers and disagreements are resolved largely in favor of the buyer. I migrated to CL when I was living outside LA and that worked way better. Direct, face to face, done and done for good. Now I live in a rural area, and I miss the opportunity to use CL this way, because I hate Reverb, hate EBay, and hate the shipping and postal services, which collectively skim a ton of $$$ off every transaction. The sad truth is that no platform is anything close to as favorable as the older options, now that the powers that be have figured out how to skim off every single transaction.

 

[dro]

When I sell, I tend to consign locally.
I decide what I want, store can charge whatever they want above that.

 

[jaqueh]

When I sell, I tend to consign locally.
I decide what I want, store can charge whatever they want above that.

What’s the advantage over selling it yourself and not having to charge more to the end customer than necessary?

 

[dro]

The difference is not having to deal with the customer. And not having people see what else is in my house.

 

[jaqueh]

The difference is not having to deal with the customer. And not having people see what else is in my house.

true, which is why I prefer to sell online, and still give the new owner of my guitars the best possible price

 

[gibsonofabitch]

The difference is not having to deal with the customer. And not having people see what else is in my house.

i would definitely prefer to meet buyers at a music store, coffee store, police station, literally anywhere but my house

as for consignment at a local shop, are you all worried about any optential damage that may happen to the guitar to devalue it? say youve got a les paul custom in great condition, give to the shop on consignment, it hangs, develops a hanger rash, or someone puts a ding in it? im assuming the stores insurance covers that

 

[Leee]

I’ve never, ever had a buyer for a guitar or a firearm in my home.

Now, I have sold many to friends and acquaintances who already had a pretty good idea of what I owned.
Completely different situation.

I guess that’s one of the advantages to living were many people couldn’t find my house to start with…

 

[jtees4]

I used to sell a ton back in the day. Started on EBay, little by little switched to Reverb. I still sell occasionally. Reverb is better IMHO, they still offer some protection to smaller sellers where EBay has gotten bad in that area. I also used to use PayPal, but now if I sell, Reverb uses their own system and the money goes quickly right into my bank account....I was skeptical but it works well.