How to price a bass guitar?

[TJ1]

Hi

 

I won’t mention the specific model because I  am aware that it could be  seen as a sly for for sale ad.
 

But suffice to say I’ve got quite a rare and sought after bass which I probably need to sell for reasons of financial degeneracy/stupidity.

 

The problem the model does not come for sale very often and second hand prices seem to be all over the place on Reverb, EBay as well as here.

 

I’ve got an pretty firm idea of the minimum I would accept, but let’s say I were to put up for sale on this forum - is it best to ask for a considerably higher price and invite nearest offers( ie Ono).
 

Or alternatively ask for the minimum I need with the proviso of ‘no offers’.

Any advice appreciated

 

It’s difficult to judge myself  as a buyer I find the challenge of getting money off an enjoyable part of the process.

 

Otoh I tend to get put off by sellers who are too flexible about the price- it looks like they were originally trying to scalp buyers or they are desperate to get rid of it. As said - any opinions appreciated however off the wall.

 

Many Thanks

 

 

[uk_lefty]

I would try asking some of the big bass shops what they would pay you for it in cash and what they would want to price it for on a commission sale. Then you might get pleasantly surprised and you can decide whether you sell through them or privately. 

[TJ1]

1 minute ago, uk_lefty said:

I would try asking some of the big bass shops what they would pay you for it in cash and what they would want to price it for on a commission sale. Then you might get pleasantly surprised and you can decide whether you sell through them or privately. 

Thanks - do you have an idea of what % commission these shops usually charge? 

( I am aware of one in Camden Town)

[jezzaboy]

Most charge 20%, I think the bass gallery is 15%?

 

The advantage is they can give you an idea where to price it but the downside is the 20%. But it saves you the hassle of selling it yourself. I had a bass for sale on here that had sod all interest, gave it to Will at Bass Bros and it was gone in a week.

[spacecowboy]

If it’s a bass in the circa 4-8k market shops will lower their commission, I sold a bass for 6.5k and got the commission moved from 20% to 12%.
 

As others have said contact a shop Bass Direct / Bass Bros and they will give you a realistic figure.

[pete.young]

Try asking in here: https://www.basschat.co.uk/forum/121-wotzit-werth/

[jezzaboy]

Just now, pete.young said:

Try asking in here: https://www.basschat.co.uk/forum/121-wotzit-werth/

I think you need to be a supporting member?

[SpondonBassed]

1 minute ago, pete.young said:

Try asking in here: https://www.basschat.co.uk/forum/121-wotzit-werth/

 

Supporting Members only Pete.  It was changed recently to help manage scammers.

[pete.young]

I'm aware that he needs to join the site. That forum has always been members-only. It's the 'Wanted' forum which has recently gone subscription only.

[Reggaebass]

As mentioned above I’d ask will at Bassbros, he’ll give you a good estimate and possibly even sell it for you 

[TJ1]

Thanks again for the replies. I talked to a couple of shops about selling it through them on commission.

 

Although their commission rates seemed reasonable, a possible disadvantage is that they have to take physical po

[TJ1]

Sorry to continue - the shop has to take physical possession of the bass for the entire period starting from when they act as an agent- this might make it difficult for me to market elsewhere like Reverb or here. Although I guess I could point potential buyers to the retailer.

 

The other thing is the bass is in virtual ‘as new’ condition with all the paperwork, so perhaps does’nt actually need the additional stamp of approval/ assurance that a shop could provide.

[Mykesbass]

4 hours ago, TJ1 said:

Sorry to continue - the shop has to take physical possession of the bass for the entire period starting from when they act as an agent- this might make it difficult for me to market elsewhere like Reverb or here. Although I guess I could point potential buyers to the retailer.

 

The other thing is the bass is in virtual ‘as new’ condition with all the paperwork, so perhaps does’nt actually need the additional stamp of approval/ assurance that a shop could provide.

Using a specialist shop gives you:

Their customer base

Their reputation and credibility 

Their market knowledge 

Somewhere easy to view and try your bass

 

These shops are not going to want your bass hanging around for ages, so talk with them, and if they come up with a good price let them have a short period of exclusivity. 

 

If you do advertise it yourself, I read recently that second hand values for 'as new' basses are around 70-80% of the new price (street price not RRP). 

 

Good luck whichever way you choose, and if it is the shop route and you are in London, give Wunjo a try.