How to Sell a Guitar in the Emporium

[GAD]

1) List a fair price - include shipping and paypal
2) Give an honest report of the condition and history of the guitar
3) Include lots of quality pics that are in focus - show any and all flaws
4) Communicate well - answer all PMs

It's really that simple. I just sold a guitar, and it sold in less than a minute by following those simple rules. I've bought and sold dozens of guitars here and on Ebay. In my experience, a guitar doesn't sell if the price is too high. If the price is right and the pictures suck, unless it's a rare or desirable item, you'll need better pics.

What makes a good pic, and how do you take them? Let's look. This is a pretty useful pic. I'd prefer it to have more depth of field (it's not all in focus), but that can get difficult with long lenses at close range.



Here's one showing a flaw with a pick for scale:



The pics don't have to be stock photography quality, but the have to be in focus, and they have to show detail. Most every camera out there today will take a fabulous picture. If you take one and it's out of focus, just take another - it's not like you have to pay to get them developed.

Here's a terrible pic of mine that doesn't show anything other than the fact that it's a Guild. This is a useless pic for selling, and Craigslist is filled with pics just like it:



Here's a more useful pic of the same headstock that raises a good point - wipe off the fingerprints before you take pictures.



So how do you take great pics?

Most of my pics are taken on a white foam board - they're a couple of bucks from staples. I then bounce my flash off of the ceiling go get more even lighting. If you can't bounce your flash, don't worry about it - it won't make the details any better - it just diffuses the shadows.

Don't want to get a foam board? Just shoot the guitar while it's in the case:



BTW - yes, I polished those frets after the pic.

If that all sounds like too much work, then take the guitar outside:



Nothing shows wood grain like sunlight. If you want nice soft even light, wait for the sun to go behind a cloud, or shoot on an overcast day.

Here's one from a sunny day. No fancy lighting, no fancy equipment, just a guitar in the grass. Tip - walk around the guitar so the sun isn't reflecting in the chrome. The grain will likely change too as you walk around. Don't be afraid to turn the guitar around to make the grain pop.



Here's the same guitar indoors on a foam board with a bounced flash:



Here's another example of how light can change things. These two pics are the exact same guitar. First, using ambient light from a window:



Here's the exact same guitar using a bounced flash:



Artsy pics have marketing appeal, but IMO, unless accompanied by detailed pics, shouldn't be used in ads. Here's a pic of my Koa Taylor:



Looks beautiful right? Any pic like this should be accompanied by another pic that shows the entire back to show that there are no flaws. This pic could be wowing a buyer without disclosing a crack out of frame. There isn't one, but my point is don't go crazy trying to be artsy.

Now if the guitar is mint, and you've got a good reputation, then a simple front and back pic will probably do, but be prepared to take more if someone asks for them.

[demillso]

Nice GAD. Please forward this to everyone who has ever used craigslist.

[Blanket Jackson]

you are an artist, GAD

[sears]

Great post

Originally Posted by GAD

wipe off the fingerprints before you take pictures

It always amazes me how many people don't clean it before they photograph it. Then they often make some comment like, "I'm sure you can clean that stuff off." It makes me wonder.. what are you trying to hide with that gunk?

[9fingers]

Right on! I won't give an ad a 2nd look if it is fuzzy cell phone pix and says "plus shipping and PayPal fees". Especially from someone with very few posts on TGP.

[mrbungel]

Originally Posted by sears

Great post



It always amazes me how many people don't clean it before they photograph it. Then they often make some comment like, "I'm sure you can clean that stuff off." It makes me wonder.. what are you trying to hide with that gunk?

Yep, great OP.
Also agree with the clean it suggestion.
Same goes for amps, at least dust it off.

[Melodyman]

You could apply the same principles to the amp emporium as well, some of the ads in there are just pure facepalm.

[Glowing Tubes]

Great post GAD! Should be titled Selling 101.

[James]

Excellent post. My sentiments exactly.

[Totally Bored]

Good info

"1) List a fair price - include shipping and paypal"


I see so many guitars that are overpriced. Honestly, why would I buy your R8 when I can get a new one cheaper. Seriously, are R8's worth more used ? I know the 2003 Brazillion boards are but ...

[Bobby D]

easiest way to sell a guitar fast on TGP?


list a DANOCASTER for sale

[Travst]

This should be cross-posted to every craigslist.

[Guitar Josh]

Less than a minute? That guy sounds crazy!

[Gasp100]

Originally Posted by Totally Bored

Good info

"1) List a fair price - include shipping and paypal"


I see so many guitars that are overpriced. Honestly, why would I buy your R8 when I can get a new one cheaper. Seriously, are R8's worth more used ? I know the 2003 Brazillion boards are but ...

I'm amazed how many people are not willing to bargain within a range of $25-50 bucks here and there. If I own something and I'm ready to move on, I realize that I am going to have to take some type of hit. I love the ads "just want EXACTLY what I paid for it..."
Whatev.

[GAD]

Originally Posted by Guitar Josh

Less than a minute? That guy sounds crazy!

Stone cold nuts he was!