posted on September 12, 2000 04:20:59 PM
I need help from someone with experience on auctioning musical instruments, pleeeeeeaaasssee.
A friend of mine would like to list a very nice saxophone -- appraised at over $1,000. We've already agreed that we need several shots of the sax. What else? A scan of the appraisal might be useful, but would take forever to load.
Should we offer escrow? Would buyers expect this? And what is the likelihood that it will sell at a price near its actual value? Is eBay the best site for this type of auction?
posted on September 12, 2000 04:36:10 PM
I would look at closed sales at eBay and see if there's anything close to your sax. I play guitar and have kinda priced the ones on eBay- seems like they usually go close to retail. I would be sure to disclose any flaws or wear, give model number and style (I think there are several different sizes of sax's), etc. Generally the same info you would usually give. I sold a vintage Slingerland snare drum- my hubby's a drummer- and gave a very comprehensive description, and still got tons of email asking very specific questions, so be prepared! As far as escrow- I've never used it as a buyer or seller... Hope that helps!
posted on September 12, 2000 05:11:04 PM
Make sure you show closeups of the mouthpiece and the piece it connects to. There is a BIG difference (sound and $) in the various mouthpieces.
Detail EVERY scratch and dent you see, and check the keys for bent or missing wires (moderately difficult repair) and missing pads under them (these are easy to replace). To check for missing wires, check to make sure the keys all move back up after you push them down -
posted on September 12, 2000 05:11:24 PM
I just sold a Woodwind last week and it did unbelievably well. I do not think you could get a better price anywhere else than ebay for an instrument. You need direct scans, or really good close-ups of the manufacturer's mark and serial number. Also, you might make a clickable link in your auction, something like click here to see the appraisal, this way it does not slow down the auction page. Heather
And do what the other poster suggested, list every single flaw that you can find.
[ edited by hcross on Sep 12, 2000 05:26 PM ]
posted on September 12, 2000 07:42:44 PM
Thanks for the vote of confidence krs.
Wordgirl
I doubt that most will be very interested in the appraisal. I could be wrong, but most of the buyers for higher dollar instruments know what they're looking at and what it's worth to them. An appraisal might just work against you as well. What if they had in mind to go higher? That appraisal might make them think better of it. Appraisals are just one person's opinion and he could've been wrong!
Yes, take several shots from all sides and include at least a few closeups. If the case is in great shape emphasize that. Cases are expensive in their own right and a nice one is a big plus. Give the brand name and condition of the mouthpiece.
Saxophones and woodwinds as a whole are high maintenance instruments. They need frequent checking over and adjustments to stay in good playing condition. Has it been looked at by a repairman recently? The repairman can tell in just a minute if it needs any work and he likely won't charge a dime just to look at the instrument. Adjustments and minor repairs aren't very costly until you get into pad replacement and then it is expensive. Of course you'll get more money if you can advertise that it's ready to be played. The reason I ask is if it's been sitting in storage for several years it may need some work.
Just describe what you see as far as dings, dents, scratches, plating wear on the keys, lacquer wear on the body (or silver plating wear if it's silver plated) and rely on a repairman's advice about the playing condition.
I wish you would have told what model it is. Sounds interesting. Good luck!
Edited to add: I wouldn't offer escrow. I've sold a bunch or over 1000.00 instruments and have never been asked to use it. Do offer a 48 hour inspection/return policy. This is fairly standard for selling musical instuments by mail. Let them return it if it absolutely won't suit their needs (there can be a large variance in tone and playability, even between two of the same make and model).
Edited again just because.
[ edited by loosecannon on Sep 12, 2000 07:57 PM ]
[ edited by loosecannon on Sep 12, 2000 08:06 PM ]
posted on September 12, 2000 07:51:57 PM
All this advice is good. One thing to have someone check is intonation--ie does it play in tune. This is more of a concern with a stringed instrument, but it takes just a minute to check. Nothing worse to a player than an instrument that sounds out of tune-- especially with someone else.
