Selling a guitar poll -

[zoopeda]

The Martin forum is awesome because their rules are so clear, and the community is generally respectable and transparent. Never had a problem there. Same with Mandolin Cafe.

I like AGF but it doesn’t seem like there’s a published set of forum rules on buying and selling (although I’d be happy if someone could prove me wrong there).

I used to use reverb more until they raised rates and started charging tax. Starting this month, they’re now also reporting individual sales to the irs, so taxes become more of a headache come 2023.

I hear good things about Facebook marketplace, but I’m not on Facebook.

[KevinH]

I usually start with CL or FB marketplace, but only local sales to avoid the shipping hassle. If that doesn't work, then AGF. I have yet to consign a guitar, but would be open to the idea depending on commission.

[Cypress Knee]

I no longer buy and sell guitars for kicks. If I want to move any of my current herd for whatever reason I would consign the instrument through a reputable dealer and let them deal with the pricing, product description, and shipping.

I have a letter of instruction with my will for my wife or son that details my recommendations for liquidating musical instruments and firearms in the event of my unexpected passing.

[121]

I've had really good luck selling local, cash sales only and no shipping, just using craigslist.

[Scolaguitar]

Been able to unload mine on Craigslist. Local cash sale, no fees. No hassle with shipping and buyer can look it over real good in case I miss anything.

It helps that I'm in a big enough city with lots of musicians. I think if I lived in a more rural area, I'd have to rethink things.

[Kerbie]

Originally Posted by zoopeda

I like AGF but it doesn’t seem like there’s a published set of forum rules on buying and selling (although I’d be happy if someone could prove me wrong there).

Hey Zoo... what are these?

[ifret]

I've consigned at Elderly Instruments and have traded-in quite a few times with them too.

I've sold through another guitar forum and locally through Facebook Marketplace.

I've been lucky, all good experiences.

[buddyhu]

Originally Posted by brencat

I’ve sold over 20 guitars right here on AGF, the only place I’ve ever used.

This is a great forum filled with quality people and serious enthusiasts, but let’s be clear about one thing. Your guitar will NOT be “widely seen.” Most people have no idea about AGF. If you want widely seen, you go to Facebook or EBay.

Me personally I’ll stick with AGF.

This ^.

Selling on AGF is usually my first choice, but I have found reasons to sometimes consign and sometimes sell on Reverb.

And unless I think I might need a trial period, I much prefer to buy using AGF classifieds.

[jseth]

To me, the best way to part with a guitar would be to have a friend or acquaintance buy them from me...

In 2020, I decided to trim all my guitars down to just three: one great 6 string acoustic, one great 12 string acoustic and one great electric. I was able to sell two of those to friends, and I was able to give them very good prices on the guitars. One of those guitars was my Mark Angus #35 acoustic, a guitar I had played, gigged with and recorded with for 40 years... I'm still proud that I was able to sell it to a good friend for what I paid for it in 1979!

I did sell one here on our Classifieds, and I bought my current (and only) 6 string acoustic there, as well. Both transactions went remarkably smooth and timely...

[Dotneck]

I’ve used them all except Reverb.

[Lwilliams]

Beware of Ebay and Reverb now. Starting Jan. 1, you will receive a 1099 and have to report the sale as income on the following years tax return.

[SalFromChatham]

In the last three years I have sold acoustics:

1) via AGF
2) via UMGF
3) via Craigslist
4) via Facebook marketplace… to a local guy
5) to my buddy.
6) via Reverb

Craigslist was the worst.
Reverb easiest… but costly!

About five years ago, my favorite NJ music store charged 15% to consign and sell a guitar there. I did it once and it was easy of course. They have since gone to 25%, but if it were 15% again I believe that’s the only way I’d ever sell a guitar again. I get too much anxiety about shipping…

I’m actually at a loss as to why more music stores are not dropping their consignment percentages. They need inventory, and supply is constrained. It would seem to be a no brainer way to get more folks in the stores to buy other things.

[birdsong]

I've consigned 3 locally in the past few years. I love the process and supporting this small local shop.

I do plan to also use AGF at some. Lord knows I've bought plenty here, it's time to "give back".......

[Rad]

In the last two years I’ve sold 10 or so guitars on Craigslist and a couple on the Gretsch forum. I’ve been selling cars, motorcycles, kayaks, bicycles, guitars etc on Craigslist for years. Ya get pretty good at weeding out the nuts and scammers.

The best crowd has been local guitar folks. I have spent a lot of time with some of them just talking guitars after the deal was completed. Very enjoyable, some really nice folks.

[tbaum]

I glanced through the posts and was surprised no one has mentioned the Mandolin Cafe. They have a guitar section where both individual persons and music shops can list a guitar for sale. Since I returned to playing the guitar via learning the mandolin I check in on that site often--great people, well administered, and tons of good info. And an easy-to-use Buy/Sell forum.