Selling Adice?

[alibi480]

Hello all. I've been away for a long time and am coming back not under the best conditions. The current economy and having been unemployed for 3 years is forcing me to sell some of my collection. I have looked at the "Want to Sell" tab but I'm wondering if there are any suggestions as to a better place. I have a few CMP M1's, '03's and several target and civilian guns to sell. Times are tough and it pains me greatly to do this so any suggestions would be appreciated. I hope to get top dollar.

Thanks,
Alibi480 (Phoenix)

Information

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[Mike in Wis.]

I feel your pain brother... One thought I had, things posted here and on similar sites, have a better chance of going to a collector and/or someone that recognizes their value and would appreciate them. I hate selling things to people who I suspect are only buying them for resale...

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

On the other hand, collectors know the value and usually are looking for a bargain. I would think an auction setting might bring more dollars. If you get more then one guy interested, they might go back and forth bidding.
But I would try here, post your asking price with pictures and see what responses you get. If you can get what you want, with it being a reasonable asking price for the item, then you should do alright. We tend to value our items higher then actual sales value.
If you are asked to lower the price below what you feel it is worth, then just say no.
Hard times uaually do not care where the item goes, just the funds you can receive to get you through. It's sad to be in that position, but it happens.
Good luck.

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Sorry to hear about your situation, alibi480. I've been there too, and may have a little advice that might be of help -

First, I'd check Gunbroker.com for completed auctions of guns that have sold that are as close to what you have as possible. Often, auction sites have many people asking much more than market value on the active auctions, but if you check items that have sold it will often quickly narrows things down to see how much people have actually paid.

You'll need to register on Gunbroker to be able to check their completed auctions, but it's free to register, and you can configure the search for a wider range if needed. I'm only suggesting Gunbroker because I have used it to do this before. You can probably do the same on Auctionarms.com and other gun auction sites.

Once you have a realistic price you're comfortable with, you can do as Jim said on the WTS forum here. GB and the other auction sites charge a percentage fee based on your sale if you make a sale through them. There are well over 10,000 registered members here, so you might receive more responses than you think if you ask a fair price. Many people check gun sites like ours when looking for guns because there are so many people on auction sites who are asking unrealistic prices or raise their asking price to cover all their selling fees.

I also feel you have a better chance of finding a more serious buyer from members here for the most part. There are always 'tire kickers' when putting an ad up anywhere, but advertising to more serious collectors may attract fewer 'internet goofs' for a better word. If you want to reduce the number of people who try to get you to come down from your asking price, state in your ad that the price is firm, and you are not interested in trades. I wouldn't say anything at all about needing to sell - Most buyers aren't concerned with that, and it would be more apt to have people trying to get you to take less if they know you're in a financial bind. If you don't receive any responses and you really do get in trouble financially you can add 'OBO' (Or Best Offer) but expect to get some low-balling. Please be courteous and answer them regardless - it could even lead to a counteroffer you can live with.

As always, make sure to follow all applicable gun laws, but that should go without saying.