NBR- I need quick advice!

Ktbug613

Im a musician (not cool rock star, think band geek haha) One of my most prized possessions is my Bassoon. I bought it on my own when I went to college to study music ed. New it cost about 6k. Unfortunately we are in a bind and I am selling it so we can get a second vehicle so we can both work. (something cheap and used)  I am so not good at haggling. Like I said it retails new at around 6k. Used models in similar condition to mine are listed on ebay around 4900-5100. I listed mine for 4500 and I have an interested buyer but he wants it for 3000. Im not dropping that low but I would be willing to accept like 3500 for it. Am I being to nice though? Like I said it is my most prized possessions Im selling it because we have zero other options right now but I don't want to let myself get cheated. If I have to part with it I want a fair price. But bassoon players are few and far between some of you reading this probably haven't even ever heard of the instrument. there were only 6-7 of us in my entire high school district and I was one of only two in my university. I don't want to entirely lose the sale either because who knows how long before someone else wants it. 

 

Thoughts? 

nawlinsgrl

If it's listed on ebay, can you tell him either that you'll sell it for $4000 (you both "win," since it's worth roughly $1000 more), and/or that you'd be willing to negotiate if it hasn't sold at the end of the auction?

I personally think $4000 is a fair middleground though.  Try not get taken to the cleaners, just because you are in bind.  Good luck! 

Also, be careful about making deals outside the ebay system, in case it's some sort of scan.  You can always relist with a buy-it-now price to CYA! 

Emeraldeyed315

Ktbug613:

Im a musician (not cool rock star, think band geek haha) One of my most prized possessions is my Bassoon. I bought it on my own when I went to college to study music ed. New it cost about 6k. Unfortunately we are in a bind and I am selling it so we can get a second vehicle so we can both work. (something cheap and used)  I am so not good at haggling. Like I said it retails new at around 6k. Used models in similar condition to mine are listed on ebay around 4900-5100. I listed mine for 4500 and I have an interested buyer but he wants it for 3000. Im not dropping that low but I would be willing to accept like 3500 for it. Am I being to nice though? Like I said it is my most prized possessions Im selling it because we have zero other options right now but I don't want to let myself get cheated. If I have to part with it I want a fair price. But bassoon players are few and far between some of you reading this probably haven't even ever heard of the instrument. there were only 6-7 of us in my entire high school district and I was one of only two in my university. I don't want to entirely lose the sale either because who knows how long before someone else wants it. 

 

Thoughts? 

I'm a music teacher of the band geek variety- DO NOT SELL IT FOR 3500! You will be kicking yourself.

You did your homework, you checked the comps online. There will be more buyers. Email schools, colleges, etc. Put an add in the paper, etc. A good bassoon is hard to come by (which you know.) I know you need money, but don't short change yourself. I know its a tough decision to sell it! I sold one of my trumpet awhile back. Get what it is worth.  

Soleil3

Depends on how desperate you are for the money really. If you have time to wait it out for a higher bid, then do so, if you don't, counter with what you are comfortable with and see if he counters back. 

WheeLinTheSky3

I would keep in mind that a lot of people make it their job to low ball things on ebay and craigslist and then turn around and resell at a profit. Unless you need the money today and anything will do, I would sell it at market value and not take something so low.

ktbear9512

You certainly can make a counter-offer. Maybe see if he will meet you in the middle at 3750? Worst he can say is that $3000 is the best he can do, and then you decide from there. 

Ktbug613

Emeraldeyed315:

Ktbug613:

Im a musician (not cool rock star, think band geek haha) One of my most prized possessions is my Bassoon. I bought it on my own when I went to college to study music ed. New it cost about 6k. Unfortunately we are in a bind and I am selling it so we can get a second vehicle so we can both work. (something cheap and used)  I am so not good at haggling. Like I said it retails new at around 6k. Used models in similar condition to mine are listed on ebay around 4900-5100. I listed mine for 4500 and I have an interested buyer but he wants it for 3000. Im not dropping that low but I would be willing to accept like 3500 for it. Am I being to nice though? Like I said it is my most prized possessions Im selling it because we have zero other options right now but I don't want to let myself get cheated. If I have to part with it I want a fair price. But bassoon players are few and far between some of you reading this probably haven't even ever heard of the instrument. there were only 6-7 of us in my entire high school district and I was one of only two in my university. I don't want to entirely lose the sale either because who knows how long before someone else wants it. 

 

Thoughts? 

I'm a music teacher of the band geek variety- DO NOT SELL IT FOR 3500! You will be kicking yourself.

You did your homework, you checked the comps online. There will be more buyers. Email schools, colleges, etc. Put an add in the paper, etc. A good bassoon is hard to come by (which you know.) I know you need money, but don't short change yourself. I know its a tough decision to sell it! I sold one of my trumpet awhile back. Get what it is worth.  

 

so glad to hear from a music teach thanks! 

Ktbug613

ktbear9512:

You certainly can make a counter-offer. Maybe see if he will meet you in the middle at 3750? Worst he can say is that $3000 is the best he can do, and then you decide from there. 

 

for sure going to counter offer, just wasn't sure how far to go. I am NOT regardless of the outcome letting it go for 3000. 

amarissa85

Kristin030:

I would keep in mind that a lot of people make it their job to low ball things on ebay and craigslist and then turn around and resell at a profit. Unless you need the money today and anything will do, I would sell it at market value and not take something so low.

Yep this! I sold my television last year after we upgraded to a 55 inch and I was pretty specific about price. This guy tried to give me a hard time about it and I stood my ground. I ended up getting what I was asking through another buyer.

ktbear9512

Ktbug613:

ktbear9512:

You certainly can make a counter-offer. Maybe see if he will meet you in the middle at 3750? Worst he can say is that $3000 is the best he can do, and then you decide from there. 

 

for sure going to counter offer, just wasn't sure how far to go. I am NOT regardless of the outcome letting it go for 3000. 

oh gotcha! Sorry, can't help with the valuation, I know nothing about bassoons Best of luck though! 

Ktbug613

Kristin030:

I would keep in mind that a lot of people make it their job to low ball things on ebay and craigslist and then turn around and resell at a profit. Unless you need the money today and anything will do, I would sell it at market value and not take something so low.

 

For sure not selling it for 3000 just wasn't sure how far to push I guess? even though it retails new for 6k, I had connections with the music shop and only paid 4500 (not that I would admit that to any buyers) and it is of course no longer new. because its made primarily of soft wood its impossible for it not to show signs of use. It plays perfectly and is in great condition, but there are teeny scratched and instrument keys tend to discolor a bit from oils on the fingers, which is slightly visible on a few keys

betsyin2010

Have you tried selling to a music store? Or looked into offering lessons? Don't sell if it doesn't feel right.

Ktbug613

thanks ladies for all the advice i countered for 3700 he won't budge above 3000 i just can't let it go for that even in a bind

sfeebs13

I'm absolutely terrible with negotiating. Especially when it comes to something so important. I tend to have a hard time letting go of things myself..

I hate you're having to sell it. 

Obviously, I wouldn't sell if for anything you're not comfortable with. Be happy with your decision, as it is a big one.

carrotcake06

Ktbug613:

thanks ladies for all the advice i countered for 3700 he won't budge above 3000 i just can't let it go for that even in a bind

Good for you. As pp have said, you did your homework and know what your anchor price is. If he won't budge above 3K, then either he's nt being realistic or he wants to turn it fr a profit. Either way, you'll find someone else.

Ktbug613

betsyin2010:

Have you tried selling to a music store? Or looked into offering lessons? Don't sell if it doesn't feel right.

 

yep even the chain I bought it from doesn't do sell backs. I couldn't even pawn it! lol. I do want to offer lesson. I fully intend to eventually start my own thing on the side for music lessons. Its just not feasible at the moment. I wouldn't make enough doing that to warrant the cost of daycare I need something full time for the time being until we get back on our feet and in order to do that I need a vehicle. It sucks, but its life I guess.

Ktbug613

betsyin2010:

Have you tried selling to a music store? Or looked into offering lessons? Don't sell if it doesn't feel right.

 

yep even the chain I bought it from doesn't do sell backs. I couldn't even pawn it! lol. I do want to offer lesson. I fully intend to eventually start my own thing on the side for music lessons. Its just not feasible at the moment. I wouldn't make enough doing that to warrant the cost of daycare I need something full time for the time being until we get back on our feet and in order to do that I need a vehicle. It sucks, but its life I guess.

Snowbird7

I've sold some things online before, and like other posters have said, many shoppers will try to talk you down. But you should realize that you are in a powerful position too, because you have the item that they want.

Let's say you decide that $4,000 is your lowest selling point and they offer $3,000, you simply say, "I'm sorry, I'm unable to take less than $4,000 for it." If they walk away, fine; there will be other buyers. But you might be surprised that they cave and agree to the $4,000. Stay FIRM!

Ktbug613

She'sGotAWay:

Oboe player here, so I kind of know how you feel... I wouldn't let it go for less than $4000, personally, despite the fact that it's a harder instrument to sell (darn double reeds!). It's a prized possession AND it's worth that much, if not more. Like some other posters said, maybe see if local music shops or band programs will advertise for you. School's about to start up and there might be some students interested.

 

ETA: OR we could start up a super awesome band and make lots of money touring around with our double reed instruments. ;-) 

 

definite yes to the awesome double reed band!!