How do you determine sell price?

[Stackabones]

I know the old adage that the worth of anything is determined by what someone is willing to pay for it.  That being said, how do you know where to begin?

For example, is it fair to say that a Martin can retain its value better than a Larrivee? If so, is that only with certain models of Martins?

I've recently added a D-60 SBT to my collection, and I've gotten over my Martin-itus (the need to have a Martin in one's collection). So I'm interested in selling a four year-old Martin D-15S.

It's in great shape and has had a K&K Pure Western M professionally installed. How close to my purchase price should I sell this thing for? Where would you start?

List price is $1629. This guitar can be purchased new through Musician's Friend for $1249. I bought it for considerably less through Elderly Instruments.

By the way, I'm not interested in shipping this out. I want to sell locally.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[guitom]

I think a rule of thumb for Martins would be 50% off list.  You can usually get 40% off on new Martins so no one wants to pay more than 50% for a used one.  A pickup is great for some, but means nothing to others, and is even a deal killer for others, so I generally don't usually try to add to the price when selling a guitar with a pickup.  I also take the shipping and paypal fees out of that price too.  That's because by going the forum route as opposed to consignment or ebay, you are saving quite a bit on fees.   

If I had a really popular model Martin or Larrivee, like the 00s or 00s, I might try for a little over 50% but not much. 

[stubby]

I personally would take a look at the buy/sell page at UMGF, as well as completed e-bay sales to get some idea of market value for that particular model, and take it from there. If it's mahogany as opposed to sapele, there should be more of a demand. If I were looking to buy a used D-15S, I'd be thinking somewhere in the 700 to 800 dollar range, based on what a new one goes for. I could be off, but that seems about fair to me. Good luck.

[NewStrings]

A good place to start is with Ebay, check completed sales and that might give an idea what the market will bear.  Other than doing a Google search or checking other retail stores used inventory, I don't have any more suggestions, sorry.  Good luck with your sale.

NewStrings

[dadeedo]

I agree with what guitom said about Martin prices.

In addition, I'd only add that you might want to check completed auctions at ebay.  It's a genuine marketplace, after all.  If an identical model in the same condition has sold recently, I'd price my guitar in that ballpark.  Also keep in mind that ebay and paypal each take 3%.  So it is more advantageous to sell on the forum, where you and the buyer may recognize each other as knowledgeable guitar afficianados, and where you may be more willing to take a money order or personal check.  In this way, you can match ebay pricing and come out ahead, while your buyer has the added assurance of a return privilege and confidence that you know guitars well enough to accurately present what you are selling.  It's win-win, as all free exchanges are meant to be.


DDD