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I’ve always been amazed at what Steve finds, and how much of it he has. I’ve struck out on a few vintage electronics items, done OK on a couple others. So, I’d like to ask advice as an example.
Here’s a local CL Ad:
They’re asking $35, and working ones seem to sell online for $120-180. BUT, I see already it’s missing a knob. I don’t see any knobs on ebay in my quick search that would definitely fit.
How would some of you handle this? Buy it for $20 (Since it’s been up for nearly a month) and wait to find/start hunting for a knob? Or pass it up? (Assuming it works as they describe) Steve, or anyone else, any input? Just trying to learn, so I don’t REALLY care if this item is already sold, etc
Thanks!
-Nate R
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That would be a very good buy but make sure it’s working. I always have a small speaker with me for these vintage amps.
Don’t worry about the knob, it’s actually the outer metal sleeve that’s missing, it will still sell for $250+ if the rest of the case is in good shape.
Scratchy and intermittent controls are a common problem that is easily fixed with a deoxit spray cleaner. You will need to remove the outer case or sometimes the bottom panel to access the pots.
Selling electronics like this is all about giving the buyer confidence in you as a seller as well as the condition of the item, a video of its functionality will put you above anyone else selling the same or similar model. Be brief in the description, just the visual condition and what doesn’t work if anything, no need to go on about features because just like most things selling on eBay, the buyer knows more about it than you do.
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There are many variables with electronics. You could sell it for parts/repair, but remember, you have to account for the time you spend acquiring it, testing it, researching, photographing, listing, and packing it, so you’ll want to see a good ROI. For example, if it was working and you could flip it (and it may take a long time even on ebay) for $80 (w/o shipping), by the time it’s shipped out you might have at least a couple of hours tied up in it. So, subtract the fees and the cost of the amp. You’re at about $48, give or take. Divide that by at least two hours and a fair amount of work (reminder: you have to double box when shipping, so you’re packing twice). To me, it’s not quite worth it. If it just needed a knob and everything else was pretty cherry (which you can only really know by seeing it in person and then testing), it might be worth it even at $35 if you could get at least $125. Again, the amount of profit you will see is not guaranteed and the amount of work you’re willing to do for that profit is a personal choice.
Those are just a few of the variables when dealing with electronics. Another big one is that electronics can break or stop working at any point in the game. Also, they can have intermittent problems, so you you could do a quick test when buying it, get it home, test longer, and the problem could show up. Or worse, the buyer discovers the problem and returns it.
My general feeling with vintage electronics is that you have to be interested in them and have, or want to acquire, knowledge about them. The more you know, the more profit you will see. For example, very knowledgeable people could part out that amp for maybe $400 (again, because of the time involved, even that may not be worth it).
In the end, it’s a numbers game, and the numbers have to work for you. I believe Steven has everything one needs to be successful, but he also happens to be in a sourcing paradise (which I think is directly related to the fact that most people don’t see his particular part of the country as a paradise [no offense intended Steven, there is obviously a lot of beauty there]). He is also willing to “pay up” for the nice stuff. That works particularly well in his area because he can pay $100 and get $300-$500 back, and sometimes more it seems. That is rare in most parts of the country. In a lot of the country it’s probably more realistic to have to pay at least half of the item’s worth to get the full amount back.
Those are just a few things to consider. Hope this helps.
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Thanks Steve and Dylan!
Yeah, I was totally on the same page as Dylan on vintage electronics, too many variables, intermittent issues occasionally, and I’m not skilled enough to fix actual circuitry.
But, knowing now that it seems like Steven doesn’t really go any deeper than I would be willing to with this stuff, that gives me some confidence. I’m quite comfortable with doing simpler things like turntable belts, DeOxit spray, etc. (I bought a semi-vintage Sony radio with scratchy volume for a few $, and fixed it a couple weeks ago with that spray. Up for sale now: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-SONY-Shelf-Radio-ICF-9740W-Wood-Grain-Tested-/142179750006 ) I had just assumed before reading more that Steven did more than that.
Good idea on the functionality videos, etc! I’ll probably start watching CL closer and such for vintage stuff like this and see what happens. I did call and leave a message about this amp, we’ll see if it’s actually still available.
Thanks again!
-Nate R
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No problem. Just to clarify, I didn’t say there were too many variables to get into it. I buy and sell vintage electronics exactly like Steven does with the same skill set, I just wanted to flesh out some of the pitfalls and realities and mention most people don’t have access to the same deals he is getting. The amount of cherry stuff he is finding for next to nothing is mind-boggling.
I was also trying to emphasize that it’s a numbers game that may have a little more consequence when you’re laying down a bit more dough to make more. In the example you mentioned, I’m not willing to say you’ll get $250+ because the solds don’t bear that out (though I often make sales above the ebay sold prices). I went with $80 as a safe minimum b/c there happened to be a sold for repair at that price. The one that sold for a max of $250 was free shipping and probably near mint. Steven may have more experience selling that model though, so I will definitely defer to him on that. It’s all about the numbers in the end. Good luck and happy hunting!
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