Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

How do you guys do it? I decided to use simple statistics to determine a fair price.

I started by going on eBay and gathering the price of similar guitars. I gathered information on 25 guitars, all of the same model and took 11 that stuck out as being more than just slightly similar.

Using the entire collection of 25 guitars, I calculated the average and the standard deviation.

I ended up with an average of $670 and a standard deviation of $156.92.

Knowing that the condition of my guitar falls somewhere between so-so and average, I immediately rejected prices above $670, but that's up to you.

The end result is as follows. I can sell my guitar and expect to get a price anywhere between $513 and $670 based on the most recent sales of this particular guitar on eBay.

This is where judgment comes into play. I know what condition my guitar is in, which means I can take the value calculated and used my best judgment to determine a fair price. In this case, I chose a value of around $550.

As for the 11 very similar models, I did the same thing and found an average of $651 with a standard deviation of 91.49. Strangely, this came to the conclusion that the lowest price found within the margin is $560.

That said... Getting less of getting more is still very well in the cards.

Do you guys have a less scientific, less waste of time approach?
the guitar in question

I've only sold a couple, and your technique is more scientific than mine. I used available information (from online discussion groups, eBay, etc. for the most recent one, a guess for the one 10 years ago), took a simple average, and asked that price.

I did okay both times. I don't miss my PRS guitar (I don't play guitar well enough to justify that nice of a 6-string), but I do regret selling my '96 Fireglo 4003 (for a decent price, but that Fireglo would be nice looking by now, and I don't have any other Fireglos and might not ever, given current Ric selling prices and the fact that I'm not single and on my own budget any more).

Good luck. I hope you sell it well and get a 330 or something....

What's worked well for me as of late is to list the guitar in a fixed price listing with a best offer option. I would set the price at $50-$100 higher then the the highest sold price and wait for the offers...

Nick: Your approach has the strength of being market sensitive and with that in mind most buyers are likely to see your selling price as acceptable.

I like you approach as it is also based on a fairness principle rather that trying to get the best possible price regardless of the condition.

What you haven't discussed in your method is what this instrument means to you, what your costs have been and the sentimental value for you. Are you happy to let it go for the amount set? What are features that may set this instrument above others?

Remember if you set the bar too high, bidders will soon let you know. I would spend more time on my photo too. In the example you have provided here the buyer's heart may not be singing the way you might want it to be.

Just in passing a 330/12 sold in Moncton yesterday for $950 Canadian.

I did take the human factor out of the equation you are right Peter...


WHERE WAS THIS 330/12?????? How do I keep missing these things!!????

honeslty, reason I want to sell the strat is to try to pick up a 12 string Rick by the end of the summer...

Nick: You would have had to drive all the way to Coverdale to make it happen. I'll try to find one closer next time around.

admin wrote:Nick: You would have had to drive all the way to Coverdale to make it happen. I'll try to find one closer next time around.

COVERDALE IS TWO SECONDS FROM MY HOUSE!

Nick: It is time to get to know the neighbours better.

admin wrote:Nick: It is time to get to know the neighbours better.

I'll think about it! hahahaha! I was in the tech area of the Musicstop last night with one of the salesman and later I mentioned not having seen a 12 string Rick in person ever. he said

"Uh... you were standing right next to one in there... right beside the Les Paul Custom..."

Totally missed it!

admin wrote:Nick: It is time to get to know the neighbours better.

Funny Peter!

That seems a solid theory of approaching a for sale price Nick. As pointed out before, when in an auction setting, two motivated people bidding with heart instead of head, can change all that, and the seller can be pleasantly surprised!