Here is what I have noticed about tools on eBay.
Most namebrand “new with factory warranty” items go for the same or more than you would pay by getting them from Tool Crib or Coastal or some other seller, when you factor in the freight.
Example: Porter Cable twinstack CS23400 compressor, closed at $214 plus $35 freight, available everyday from Tool Crib (Amazon) for $239, freight included. What was that bidder thinking?
Many of the Chinese knockoffs priced at about half of “street” for namebrand, don’t get bid on at all.
Hand tools older than 35 years go for well over replacement cost today, especially if you still have the box they came in.
There is a lot of fairly new stuff with the story, “only used for one or two jobs,” that can be had at attractive prices if you are willing to take the risk. It might not even be that risky if you just turn it around and flip it on eBay.
Anyone had experience buying or selling? Tell us your stories.
Replies
I've sold stuff on ebay for over 5 years now. My DW and I have been amazed over and over to see people bid up stuff to prices far over what we consider it's value. We just shake our heads and say "God bless buyers."
Boughta used Delta Sawbuck at a Garage sale for $50. then turned around and sold it for 380. on ebay
Bought a ladder rack for a minivan for 100.00 which was probably worth 160.
So my experince has been pretty good.
I used to buy quite a few tools on Ebay. The last year or so I think I have come to the conclusion that Ebay has run it's course. Should you manage to avoid all the thieves, cheats, and knock-offs, you still have to try to find a descent deal.
Ebay is so floaded with buyers and so many of them having "the fever" that the prices really aren't bargains anymore.
Too much of a good thing has spoiled it all once again.
So, what you are saying is that it is great for the sellers, but as a buyer, you had better beware.
I agree. I want to get a larger compressor, and would like to unload my little PC pancake. I think I will clean it up, wax the tank, get it onto a clean setting for some photos, take pics, set up PayPal for handling incoming money, and unload it.
As I said in my initial post, the name brand stuff seems to go a street prices and above, due to the buyer frenzy "I don't want to lose this" syndrome.
I'll advertise the PC pancake as little-used, almost-new condition, and see what happens. From what I have seen, the better the photos, and the better the presentation of info and specifications, the higher the price goes.
As far as a new one goes, I will see what Depot and Lowe's are offering, then go online to see what Amazon and Tool Crib are doing, then buy one.
my problem with ebay is shipping recently won at auction a pair of vintage pioneer stereo speakers they weigh 45 lb each had to be sent via freight truck from missasipi to calif it took almost thee months on the other hand finding small stuff works out well i like to wear suncloud sunglasses that are not made anymore but i am able to get them on ebay
>> ... 45 lb each had to be sent via freight truck ...
You got jobbed. The seller could have packed them in separate boxes and sent them UPS.
Unless it was the size, not the weight, that was over UPS limits.
Here is a just-closed example of what I am seeing. Porter Cable finish nailer, number FN250B (from my memory . . . may be wrong), labeled as "used for one job," closed at about $115, the $18 shipping got it up to $133, available right now from any of the recognized on-line-big-tool houses for about $145, freight included.
I was convinced there was a Home Depot 5 min. from anyone, obviously not. E-bay is getting $300-400 for used Graco XR7 airless sprayers. When I say used, I mean never cleaned, left out in the weather used-up. HD sells them for $497 new in the box.
I needed some parts to fix mine, figured I could get a used one and take what I needed. WRONG. Ended up getting the parts online from Vegas for $100.........now, should I put it on e-bay for someone else?????
By all means....sell till your heart's content on Ebay. The market definitely favors the seller. Most off the safeguards will favor you as well as a seller. Ebay was a fantastic idea (so simple it's almost genius). But like most good things, it has been soured by dishonest people trying to get over on others. Great place to dump your unwanted/un-needed stuff though.
In the past year I got $275 for a beat up Hitachi 8 1/2 " slider. $200 for a worked over 3/4 ton Bostich framer. And $300 for a first generation Paslode Impulse 16ga with a few issues. The key for me was clear photographs, accurate and honest descriptions and not trying to make $ on the shipping. People see ridiculous shipping costs and think, "scammer". I've sold some other smaller stuff, but those were the big three. I've always gotten more for my stuff than I figured it was worth. Spending a little time cleaning up your stuff before snapping photos is time well spent.
Bob, the times they are a changin' -- you don't need to go through all that trouble to sell that compressor.
Just to to PC.com or wherever and grab a pic of an already clean one.
View Image
Why waste your time polishing yours, it'll never look as good as this one. Lot easier to sell this way.
Just tell whoever buys it you have a good camera, takes better than plumb pictures!
Joe H
Interesting observation. I agree. I look over the items in about a 300 mile radius from Dallas that cost over 100 bucks. Things like compressors, nailers, spray equip, anything made by dewalt, PC, Makita, Bosch goes for close to retail. However wierd things can go real cheap!! Like 3 phase machinery, I've seen over and over where 3 phase 8 inch joiners sell for half what a Delta 6" will go for. I especially look for really heavy stuff in remote areas, like a Power matic 50" saw with outfeed table in Kansas. Because shipping is too high it wont sell, but I can drive there get it and be back in 24 hours, paying way below the going market value.
Basicly you can take advantage of the market price in various areas around the country. A Chevy Express cargo van will sell for a couple thousand less in Wyoming than in Dallas.
I've only bought a few things and I actually bought them after the auction ended with no bidders by emailing the seller my phone number. They were usually ready to give it away after that. And a REALLY good deal is when a company is selling a whole lot of tools. You can get $15,000 worth of tools for 8,000.
Mike
I'm waiting for Jeff Buck to come share his views on tools from ebay...
Jon Blakemore