Question about Selling an Expensive Instrument

[smsny1]

Hello. I have an alto flute to sell.  It's like new, and cost a few thousands dollars when purchased. The ones sold here in the past year went for around $1200+. I've never sold anything worth this much before. I'm kind of nervous about packing and shipping such an expensive item, but I know people do it all the time. It's been suggested that a pawn shop that specializes in instruments would be a better choice. But I'm not so sure. Considering the fees that eBay and Paypal will charge plus the shipping, is selling this item on eBay a good idea? Thanks.

[dbmm-media]

local pickup only

[fashunu4eeuh]

People sell in that price point everyday on eBay, but there is no way to completely mitigate the risk. I would try to sell locally for cash before selling online.

[coconutmedia]

Yes, selling here is better.

A pawn shop charges you way more than eBay+PayPal+shipping. A pawn gives you a portion of the value. I have friends tried both and here is better.  

[emerald40]

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@coconutmedia wrote:

Yes, selling here is better.

A pawn shop charges you way more than eBay+PayPal+shipping. A pawn gives you a portion of the value. I have friends tried both and here is better.  

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Yes, but with the latter once he hands you the money, it is yours.  No one can take it away from you up to 6 months after the purchase.

[smsny1]

Thanks for the input. I'll try selling it locally first. If that fails then I'll try eBay.

[ten_o_nine]

Try ebay with local pickup only.

[dblkj-0]

1. Don't sell items worth more than your feedback.

2. If you can't afford to lose it, don't sell it here.