1980 4001 FG

[REALDEAL]

The other thing is that we would be first-time sellers on ebay, so our "positive feedback" rating would be zero!

[wings012345]

True, but you're selling a Rickenbacker. People won't care. Be prepared for people around the globe asking if you will ship it to them. Watch out for scammers on Craigslist who say they will send you money orders. They usually have funny names. They will actually send you what looks to be legit money orders for more than what you were asking but there fake. They try and get you to ship your item to them. Tried that with me once. Say cash only and local pickup in your ad

[REALDEAL]

Just wanted to post an update. We took the bass to another store yesterday (in Brooklyn, NY), and the guys almost lost their minds when they saw it. They offered $1300, which my BF declined. Is it wrong to think we could get around $2K for it if the store offered $1300, given that they supposedly offer 60% of market value?

[cjj]

Depends how long you want to wait...

[REALDEAL]

Depends how long you want to wait...

He's not in a major hurry.

[cjj]

Well then, do what the dealer would do, advertise it, get lots of people coming to look at it and hope someone comes along who just has to have it at whatever price you set.

Of course, I'm sure the dealer would be willing to deal on the price as long as he makes a profit. So, he's probably less concerned about getting $2k out of it than you would be. After all, if he buys it for $1300 and sells it in a week for $1500, he's made money...

[wilmingtonian]

Well, I guess I'm just cranky.

The OP keeps coming back for more advice after getting good (free) advice, everything from pricing to eBaying.

Seems set on getting maximum return with minimum effort.

Here's the deal: You got an offer of $1300. Take the cash and walk away.

OR sell it yourself, deal with some hassle, showing the thing to prospective buyers, handling a potentially sketchy cash transaction, or eBay it and deal with shipping (please don't skimp on the packaging) and potential issues with a distant buyer.

Put in on CL for $2k if you want, see what people will offer.

We can't dial in the exact number for you, only you can.

GLWTS (Good luck with your sale).

And sorry again for the crankiness, but if you want the max $, you got to do some work for it.

[jps]

Well, I guess I'm just cranky.

The OP keeps coming back for more advice after getting good (free) advice, everything from pricing to eBaying.

Seems set on getting maximum return with minimum effort.

Here's the deal: You got an offer of $1300. Take the cash and walk away.

OR sell it yourself, deal with some hassle, showing the thing to prospective buyers, handling a potentially sketchy cash transaction, or eBay it and deal with shipping (please don't skimp on the packaging) and potential issues with a distant buyer.

Put in on CL for $2k if you want, see what people will offer.

We can't dial in the exact number for you, only you can.

GLWTS (Good luck with your sale).

And sorry again for the crankiness, but if you want the max $, you got to do some work for it.

+1.

The guy bought the bass new so whatever offer his girlfriend (um, why can't the guy talk to us, himself?) has gotten already is way more than he paid for it? If she thinks someone here will buy it, probably not. IMHO and IME.

[iiipopes]

I like the "list it here" option. If I were in better financial circumstances, I'd consider it for myself to go with my 1981 4002.

[cjj]

I like the "list it here" option. If I were in better financial circumstances, I'd consider it for myself to go with my 1981 4002.

It already has been listed here, last Thrusday...
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=411591

[wings012345]

Put it on Ebay. Take some really nice detailed pics. Start the bidding at 1300 for 7 days. I think you will get well over 1500 for this Bass. Shipping is not bad. But make sure you put in the ad buyer pays for shipping. Shipping costs will be determined at the end of auction depending on where you live. When I sell a guitar I take it to a mail room around me that packs and ships items. Makes it easy. they only charge 35 to pack it.

[REALDEAL]

I took all the advice & appreciate it. I'm just trying to help out my BF, as forums & such are NOT his thing. I really just came back to post an update & see if anyone had any additional thoughts. Bottom line is he's not desperate enough to sell it for 1300. Also, some of you thought it was worth about 1500, but based on offers from stores for 1100 & 1300, I/we believe it's worth more. It is listed on Craig's List & in the "for sale" area of this Rickenbacker forum. We may consider EBay, but never having done it before, we're holding off for now.

Again, I appreciate all the input since this is all new territory for us. Neither of us really knows squat about guitars, let alone selling one.

Thanks again.

[cjj]

Well, you can always use the price list here on this site:

http://www.rickresource.com/register/pr ... ?type=bass

This is compiled mostly from ebay sales and lists selling prices of the 4003 up to 1983 as Minimum: $810, Avg: $1516 Median: $1500 and Maximum: $2743.

Obviously, these cover total beaters to pretty much untouched collectors pieces with highly figured wood. Yours being mostly unplayed and in great shape should land fairly high, but with a non-original case, that's gonna take away some value.

Not being in a hurry to sell is good 'cause in the present economy, people just aren't dropping loads of cash on unnecessary things like guitars.

Good luck with the sale...

[jps]

Neither of us really knows squat about guitars

No offense, but I always find this a very interesting comment when someone owns a nice instrument. How did you and/or your BF come into possession of this bass if neither of you know anything about it? Just curious about how this works.

[Lefty4003S8]

Inquiring minds want to know...........