eBay

rosewood85 · ‎12-31-2018

I recently cleared out my closet and would like to sell some electronics (microphones, keyboards, etc.) that I no longer use. As far as I know they still work and function, but I am not able to test them to verify (as I no longer have the complementary components that would be required to use them (e.g. a mixer, music software, etc.)).

I'd appreciate any advice on the best way to list the items. If I list them as "For Parts" then I'm being unfair to myself by unnecessarily slashing the value on items that most likely do work and are in like new condition. If I list them as "Used" well then I can't specify what works and what might not. How do I get around this so that I am fair to both buyers and myself?

I would prefer to sell them as-is and not offer refunds, but my understanding is eBay's Money Back Guarantee woudl eviscerate this listing strategy.

atikovi · ‎12-31-2018

Either list them for parts or don't list them at all on Ebay unless you don't mind paying for return shipping when someone complains it's not working. If you no longer use it, it probably means it's outdated and has little or no value so don't expect to get too much for it if you get any bids at all. Unless it's really high end, there isn't any market for old microphones, keyboards, etc. when brand new from China is so cheap.

emerald40 · ‎12-31-2018

For parts not working.

sam9876 · ‎12-31-2018

Local pickup only.

Do you understand what I am saying?

18704d · ‎12-31-2018

Size and weight for return shipping....

Microphones, yes.

Keyboards? No

See?

Lynn

Lynn

You love me for everything you hate me for

.

adkhighker · ‎12-31-2018

If you can't test them, and if you want to be fair to yourself, then take the other peoples advice in this thread who told you to list them "for parts." Also, take pics from all angles and mention any and every physical flaw you can think of, such as dents, loss to the finish, etc. Buyers appreciate sellers who point out any and every little flaw, and they feel more comfortable dealing with someone they perceive as honest.

Something you can do if you haven't already done it is to research similar items that have already sold on ebay to see how they did. It will give you a good indication of what to expect, and sometimes it will help you decide if it's worth the time and effort to sell it on ebay or not. When you research it, make sure it's on items that have actually sold with the prices in green in the completed listings. Best of luck with it!

a_c_green · ‎12-31-2018

@rosewood85 wrote:
I recently cleared out my closet and would like to sell some electronics (microphones, keyboards, etc.) that I no longer use. As far as I know they still work and function, but I am not able to test them to verify (as I no longer have the complementary components that would be required to use them (e.g. a mixer, music software, etc.)).

You wouldn't want to go shipping a keyboard anyway, so make that a Local Pickup Only, and if the buyer wants to try it out, tell him to bring his own headphones.

You could probably test your microphones on your computer. You've got a microphone input jack in the back (it's the pink one, next to the light blue and light green jacks), so just round up a plug adaptor if needed, and try it out.

mathostx · ‎12-31-2018

At first I thought you may be talking about computer keyboards. But I get the impression you're talking about musical keyboards.

If you're talking about a computer keyboard, then it's not difficult to test if they still work, as long as you still have a computer. If it's a matter of being a PS/2 (small round) plug type keyboard and only having USB ports, you can get adapters for that. And then just test to make sure all keys work. If it's an extremely old style keyboard with the big round plug.... thats a bit more difficult.

Microphones follow the same logic, most computers built in sound cards, have a microphone jack on the rear or front of the computer. Then it just comes down to plug type, as to whether you need an adapter or not.

If you're talking about musical keyboards, you shouldn't need any special software or a mixer to test them. Even Midi keyboards I believe have built in speakers.

To be honest your best bet, if you want to make money on them, is to go out of your way to test and make sure they work. Otherwise you're hobbling the value of the items by listing them as not working/for parts.

castlemagicmemories · ‎12-31-2018

You list them for parts~not working. A used item must be working.

rosewood85 · ‎12-31-2018

It's an XLR microphone...which needs phantom power and the appropriate input. They keyboard is a midi keyboard which also requires software to test.

mathostx · ‎01-01-2019

Ah ok, so it is all musicians equipment then.

I know you can find XLR to 1/4in and XLR to USB cables on the internet, but those run $12-$30 it seems. But I'm not sure if those also provide the phantom power too. If you know anyone that still has an amp, you could use the xlr to 1/4 cable for example to test if I'm correct, since amps generally provide power.

As far as the midi keyboard... Unless you have a pc that has a soundcard with the necessary midi ports, and software, your only real option, would be to take it to a local music shop/guitar center/etc. And then, have them test it.

Might cost some money, but, it would also probably raise the sale value of the equipment by more than enough to cover the cost.

mathostx · ‎01-01-2019

To add to the previous post. If it's higher end or vintage equipment, its well worth finding out if it works good or not. As people would likely be all over that if it's reasonably priced.

robot-hands · ‎01-01-2019

If you have a bunch of old music equipment then you know someone else with music equipment.

Buy them some beer and go over and test your stuff.

remote_controls_and_more · ‎01-01-2019

If they worked when you placed them in your closet, why would they just stop working for no reason after you removed them from your closet? How long have they been in there 1 year, 5 years, 20 years?

If I listed a working electronic item and I stored it in my closet for years because it didnt sell. When it did sell I would pack it up and ship it, most likely not retest it. I dont think electronics will just stop working from being stored.