Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I wonder if the person selling this really believes someone will buy this, or if they just don't know any better?

http://cgi.ebay.com/2007-Rickenbacker-4 ... 53e653c030

This seller is not new to ebay and the auction prices have always been high. Look at what they are asking for other Ricks.

They occasionally do make a sale, however. I believe many of their sales are overseas.

Love the color!

The annoying thing is, this seller advertised many basses as new in the past, when no eBay sale of a Ric can be considered the sale of a "new" item. They also ask high prices even on standard models and for a time when this seller had loads of "inventory" it was making it seem like Rics actually fetched those prices! Which in turn led to lots of "Rics are overpriced" banter. Ugh.

I don't get it - you can buy a brand new 4003 for typically $1,600-1,700 and in some cases for less, yet I see people paying crazy prices for newish Rics without warranty on eBay.

Some recent eBay deals:

This 2010 FG has sold for $3,004.

This new JG has sold for $3,020.

This new JG has sold for $2,500.

This fretlss BBR has sold for $2,400.

So this eBay seller ("pithespy") sees the current trend and figures he can get even more because it's a discontinued color. I think he's wasting my eBay time, but it's his bass and his listing fees.

Oh, and someone has bought this NOS 4004LK for $11,358. Maybe the economy is good.

Unfortunately, eBay gives everyone the right to overprice their stuff. Of course, overpriced stuff most likely will not sell.

ilan wrote:I don't get it - you can buy a brand new 4003 for typically $1,600-1,700 and in some cases for less, yet I see people paying crazy prices for newish Rics without warranty on eBay.

Some recent eBay deals:

This 2010 FG has sold for $3,004.

This new JG has sold for $3,020.

This new JG has sold for $2,500.

This fretlss BBR has sold for $2,400.

It's possible that US sellers see the prices obtained in the UK and Europe and list them in the US at similar prices, hoping to "catch out" international buyers. Guitars direct from the US to the UK are subject to Freight, 3.7% Customs Duty and 20% VAT and the purchaser may not be aware of this. (Perhaps US retailers/ebayers aren't)

When you take landed charges into account the normal Rick List price of $2,159 dollars quickly escalates to $2,698 + Freight, say approx $2,750 (£1,677) landed price. Most UK shops and retailers sell new 4003 Ricks around £1,699 to £1750. It doesn't surprise me that people are prepared to shell out another £100 or so on top of that to obtain a slightly unusual colour or option instead of having to wait 4-6 months for it if they ordered it from a retailer. In short, while $3000+ may seem extortionate to some, it's not out of the realms of normal possibility for a keen UK purchaser.

To the OP, my opinion, it's way over the top. However if i was i retailer turning over a fair amount of guitars. I'd say it''s worth taking a punt at the odd usual or perceived more desirable guitar. You only need one buyer.

ilan wrote:
Oh, and someone has bought this NOS 4004LK for $11,358. Maybe the economy is good.

Nice!

I've seen that bass listed on ebay many times. You'd think they'd figure it out by now.