• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Inherited Audio Equipment

A

Audio-Newbie

New Member
Hello all,

A friend of mine and user of this forum recently passed away. I inherited a good number of working items, including functioning amps. On top of that, there are also numerous homemade speakers, some wall mounted and others standing. I have a few questions that hopefully some of you can help me answer:

-Although I see numerous Ebay advertisements for audio equipment, is that the best website to use to sell? Are the prices on Ebay considered accurate?

-Is shipping often an issue? There are some original boxes for some of these amps, should I ship them in that? Is shipping speakers even possible, particularly ones of significant weight? Any special considerations or tips when shipping audio equipment?
 
Register to hide this ad
When considering ebay prices you have to consider the fees they will take off the top, the risk of unscrupulous buyers and that it may have taken 6 months for them to get their asking price.

As for shipping. If its the original box with original foam support then please put it in another box so the shipping gorillas cant damage it as that is part of the value. I have received more than my fair share of vintage gear through the mail and the ones that always arrive damaged are the ones that are flopping around in the box. I have actually received 2 items without any type padding that arrived fine but there was no room for it to slam around inside. Use foam wrap or bubble wrap, wrap it tightly and be sure it fits tightly into the box. If its an expensive or heavy item use double walled boxes.
 
Agree with fb marketplace recommendation. When my bud passed several years and left truckloads of gear behind it was the local craigslist that was my savior. Nowadays that's changed and I've had decent luck with marketplace moving audio gear. Local sale at your place where the buyer can see and hear the piece he's buying works very well.

Selling here on bartertown is tough as most people here already have a glut of gear. Ebay would be my last choice for selling pretty much anything. Between the fees, the glut of dishonest people and shipping issues it's easy to say no to ebay.
 
When researching pricing on eBay look at completed sales. Prices can be all over the map. Also try HiFi shark for pricing. Depending where you live there might be a shop willing to buy the gear. Might not get top dollar, but it will be sold. Be sure to set aside a good setup for yourself.
 
I'll echo what everyone else said. I stopped selling on ebay, too expensive, have to deal with shipping damage, and the buyer is always right, so they'll want partial refunds, refunds on shipping, etc. Ebay puts the seller in a tough spot. Facebook marketplace is the way to go. You can see the completed sales on ebay to get an idea of worth. I didn't have FB, but made a profile that I just use for marketplace.
 
Not knowing your local market which in most instances is the best place to sell. Being one of a cash transaction nature and once done is over 99% of the time.

Any sales with shipping involved has disadvantages that can become quickly costly.

One avenue that seems to be getting insane prices at the moment is your local online auction houses. They do have fee's associated with the service but handle all the listing selling shipping and payments. One stop selling for a novice seller/shipper. I have zero experiences with one and hope others who do will answer with comments.

I would try first a advertised estates sale on places like FBMP and Craigs List with plenty of pictures.
 
For sure auction houses can also be good. The big name receivers always sell for stupid money. It’s crazy what people are willing to pay for “powers on untested”

Same goes for speakers. If they are JBL or Klipsch they’ll sell for more than what they are worth.

Everything else is a crap shoot though buying from the local online auctions. I consistently get great deals on anything not named Sansui, Pioneer, Marantz. Turntables rarely sell for close to their market value. Tube stuff can always be had for less, which is why I have way too many tube amps.
 
Audio-Newbie said:
-Although I see numerous Ebay advertisements for audio equipment, is that the best website to use to sell? Are the prices on Ebay considered accurate?

-Is shipping often an issue? There are some original boxes for some of these amps, should I ship them in that? Is shipping speakers even possible, particularly ones of significant weight? Any special considerations or tips when shipping audio equipment?
Click to expand...

YES!!! if you don't know what you're doing, the ramifications of this especially on ebay will break your will. Reread post #2 & 9
 
Welcome the site AK.

Sorry to hear of the
"passing" of your friend.

If you can, follow
the suggestion of
"Mea2112".

"Shipping & "payment"
can be a PIA. Check
out "paypal".
Try for local
pick up sales.
Orig boxes is good!
An estate sale?

Take your time
in order to evaluate
what you have.


Q
 
Audio-Newbie said:
Hello all,

A friend of mine and user of this forum recently passed away. I inherited a good number of working items, including functioning amps. On top of that, there are also numerous homemade speakers, some wall mounted and others standing. I have a few questions that hopefully some of you can help me answer:

-Although I see numerous Ebay advertisements for audio equipment, is that the best website to use to sell? Are the prices on Ebay considered accurate?

-Is shipping often an issue? There are some original boxes for some of these amps, should I ship them in that? Is shipping speakers even possible, particularly ones of significant weight? Any special considerations or tips when shipping audio equipment?
Click to expand...
No. Put everything on Facebook Marketplace. Prices on eBay are 20-40% more than local.

Yes. I spend a fortune on bubble wrap and boxes to make sure I don't get returns. It is, but I wouldn't. Not worth it.

The custom speakers are probably more or less worthless. Some drivers might go for more money online.
 
Audio-Newbie said:
Hello all,

A friend of mine and user of this forum recently passed away. I inherited a good number of working items, including functioning amps. On top of that, there are also numerous homemade speakers, some wall mounted and others standing. I have a few questions that hopefully some of you can help me answer:

-Although I see numerous Ebay advertisements for audio equipment, is that the best website to use to sell? Are the prices on Ebay considered accurate?

-Is shipping often an issue? There are some original boxes for some of these amps, should I ship them in that? Is shipping speakers even possible, particularly ones of significant weight? Any special considerations or tips when shipping audio equipment?
Click to expand...
Welcome to AK!!
Where are you located? FB local sales are usually best done in mid to large cities.
 
Last edited:
I'd find an audio friend and get an idea of what you have, the stories of unknown stuff being tossed, and being worth a small fortune, is all over the internet.

Homemade speaker cabinets might have some value, the drivers (the "speaker") might be worth a lot more and easier to ship. Some older cabinets might look homemade but are production models, my Klipsch Heresys have exposed plywood edges, they're production but don't look like it.

Selling locally can be very difficult, no shows and low-ballers and a limited market but online can be just as difficult. I'd check for a local consignment shop, those are starting to pop up. Good luck!
 
Maybe it depends on your area. I just listed a pair of large speakers on Craigslist and sold them for asking price in 2 days.

I would try FB and CL.

Rob
 
tarior said:
I hate Facebook with an unbridled passion.
Click to expand...
Just like any online forum It is what you make of it. You don't have to participate in the mindless discussions; just scroll on by them.

In my case just this week I brought home an $1800 Nordictrack treadmill from 5 miles away for the price of free.
Sold my motorcycle in December for my asking price and I got far more than I thought I'd get for my vintage dumbbell set. Don't shoot yourself in the foot because of nonsense that's so easily ignored.
 
Audio-Newbie said:
Hello all,



-Although I see numerous Ebay advertisements for audio equipment, is that the best website to use to sell? Are the prices on Ebay considered accurate?
Click to expand...
Only actual SOLD prices. Use the appropriate filter to view them.

Don't rely on "Buy-It-Now" fixed prices in active listings which are often unrealistic.


Audio-Newbie said:
-Is shipping often an issue? There are some original boxes for some of these amps, should I ship them in that? Is shipping speakers even possible, particularly ones of significant weight? Any special considerations or tips when shipping audio equipment?
Click to expand...
-You could say that to put it mildly. Shipping large floor standing speakers is extremely difficult due to size, weight and cost. You really need to be a pro in order to package speakers safely and securely. Unless you really know what you're doing, I'd advise against it.

Shipping electronics can be difficult too, again depending on size, weight etc. Would not recommend selling through eBay except through a "Classified Ad" listing with DIRECT in-person payment and local pick up. Payment through eBay I would strongly advise against because you will be at the mercy of them and the buyer who eBay will always side with.

Best advice is to become an AK Subscriber which will unlock the Bartertown subforum for listing equipment for sale. There is also the option of FB Marketplace which has worked for me.
 
ivandezande said:
Oh trust me, I do too. My block list is a mile long.

But - I've met some great friends and clients through Marketplace, and have made a lot of money.
Click to expand...

I have to start using the FBM platform. CL is slow, and dead. It takes waay to long to sell anything on there.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom