Saxophones Best way to sell a saxophone

[Pete Thomas]

1. Clean and prepare the saxophone: Before selling your saxophone, make sure it is clean and in good condition. Remove any dust, dirt, or residue, and polish it to make it look presentable.

2. Take high-quality photos: Take clear and high-quality photos of the saxophone from different angles to showcase its features and condition. This will attract potential buyers and help them make an informed decision.

3. Set a fair price: Research the market value of similar saxophones to determine a fair price for your instrument. Consider factors such as brand, condition, age, and any additional accessories included.

4. List your saxophone for sale on online marketplaces. Right here on Cafesaxone, eBay, Reverb, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace. Provide detailed information about the saxophone, including its make, model, any accessories included, condition especially any defects as this will give buyers confidence in your honesty.

5. Promote the saxophone: Share your listing on social media platforms and online forums to reach a larger audience. You can also consider reaching out to local music stores or schools to see if they can help you promote the saxophone.

6. Consider consignment or trade-in options: If you are having trouble selling the saxophone on your own, consider consigning it with a reputable music store or trading it in for store credit towards a new instrument.

7. Be responsive and accommodating: Respond promptly to any inquiries or offers you receive and be willing to negotiate with potential buyers. Be transparent about the saxophone's condition and provide any additional information or photos as requested.

8. Meet in a safe and public location: When meeting potential buyers in person, choose a safe and public location to conduct the transaction. I’d recommend having a friend or family member accompany you for added security.

 

[Digger2054]

Some music shops may sell it on their behalf for a fee. They will advertise it, handle the payment, and shipping. Some may even give it a once over, and offer a guarantee to the buyer.

 

[Hankenstine]

Facebook marketplace or some of the UK saxophone specific Facebook pages.

 

[DavidUK]

Facebook marketplace selling is a nightmare. So many "last price" and "what is postcode" approaches.
The last time I advertised there I turned down an offer from Daitbijgftyh Sybcgjjgfghj from Romania of £800 on a £1250 62 and was then inundated with Romanians hounding me. I must have blocked a couple of dozen. Then it sold to a lovely lady from Edinburgh via Gumtree.
Gumtree would be my No.2, after the Yardsale here.

 

[Colin the Bear]

I had an email from eBay recently, detailing sellers fees as £1.
I wouldn't buy anything off fb.
Bought loads on eBay.

 

[EdJ]

You can also sell through a localish shop, typically they take a 20% commission. Minimal hassle for the seller, good for the local business and usually bought by someone keen.

 

[greenstripe]

Does the time machine come with a one way destination setting for 'the good old days'?

 

[saxophobe]

Hi All, I'm new here and am having a great time. I have two lovely saxes that were donated to the school where I teach - a Selmer Mark VI and a Conn Naked Lady (I believer from '39). There not the kind of horns I gift to my beginner students. Rather I want to find a place to sell them at a fair price to help raise money for my band program. Any suggestions are much appreciated!

 

[Direct Current]

I had an email from eBay recently, detailing sellers fees as £1.
I wouldn't buy anything off fb.
Bought loads on eBay.

Given the global reach and buyer protections, I've never minded the eBay fees at all. I've never met a seller that thought ill of eBay fees.

 

[greenstripe]

Aside from special promotions, In the UK at least eBay charges work out to 18.25% of total including shipping. This doesn't include any enhancements to the listing that are all extra,for example setting a reserve price (that's another 4%)

To me personally that's unreasonable. eBay do very little for you as a private seller. I can't comment about business selling. For that percentage it would be easier to sell on a commission sale in a shop where nearly all of the risk from scammers etc is taken on by the shop.

So if I were to sell a saxophone for without reserve for £700 and add £40 shipping at cost - you'll get charged £95.02 by eBay

 

[Targa]

Given the global reach and buyer protections, I've never minded the eBay fees at all. I've never met a seller that thought ill of eBay fees.

That they charge fees on the postage is outrageous.

 

[greenstripe]

That they charge fees on the postage is outrageous.

Previously some people would avoid fees by selling an item for £3 but changing £10 shipping when the postage costs to them were only £1

 

[greenstripe]

I just sold a saxophone myself on Facebook via a closed saxophone group -not Facebook Marketplace in less than 12 hours.

I actually sold it to a local musician who paid my full asking price and collected it so no worries about shipping

 

[sax panther]

I've sold something here on behalf of a friend before. It probably took a little longer to sell than it would have done on eBay, but he was happy to get a good price for it, and was delighted that the commission went to a good cause.

 

[Targa]

Previously some people would avoid fees by selling an item for £3 but changing £10 shipping when the postage costs to them were only £1

I know that was their reason but that doesn't excuse them charging the fees to those who ask a 'genuine postage'. All I do, and I'm sure everyone else, is increase the postage cost to cover the fees plus an extra bit to make sure I'm not out of pocket so the buyers have to pay more because of ebay's greed.