Question Why can't I sell this bass?

[jlepre]

Is it because it's an unlined fretless? Is it because of it's unique looks? I have it priced over $600 below retail and it's only 6 months old, and in better condition than any bass at GC. Not a mark on her.

I apologize if this sounds like spam, but I really need to know what to do to sell this bass. I have a little girl on the way, and need the funds for our unexpected nursery.


Thanks all for your comments.

 

[rizzo9247]

Good question. I would of picked it up prior to my purchase, but as I am finding out after playing mine for a week, I love the Bongo, but the fretless is not really my thing. That could be one of the reason as well, the fretless city might be a lot less populated in comparison to the fretted one.

 

[shakinbacon]

don't forget the economy

"luxury" items like high-end basses or wines or cars etc all go down in sales generally speaking when the economy is in the dumps.

I like the bass myself

 

[bovinehost]

John,

First, the market sucks. You may have noticed that the economy is not what it was. It was in the news and all. So there's that.

Everything else here is opinion. It is worth exactly what you're paying me for it.

A used Bongo is going to sell for 800-1000 bucks, depending on condition. (Rare and odd birds might go for more, but they might not. Depends on if you can find a buyer who knows what he's getting.)

The piezo option is wonderful on a fretless bass but adds little to used resale value. By and large, people don't understand it. Them piezos ain't cheap, either....until you try to sell the bass. Add fifty bucks, maybe.

The unlined fretless board is also pretty specific. Those things scare many of us.

In the end, I see this:

a. market generally sucks like a black hole
b. priced too high (I know, I know, but it is what it is)
c. unlined fretless not everyone's cup of tea
d. don't figure the piezos too heavily into your selling price.

Others might have different opinions and I'd pay attention to them, too, unless they disagree with me, in which case they are insane.

Good luck.

Jack

 

[Jornan]

Much harder to sell a fretless. And even though you have lowered the price more than 600 $, they're still for sale on eBay for less than 1200 - fretted ...

Hope you will find a buyer soon

 

[BluesBassPlayer]

John,

First, the market sucks. You may have noticed that the economy is not what it was. It was in the news and all. So there's that.


Jack

How is it as a buyer, the market sucks in reverse. Sellers today and holding their price and not letting items go.

Jimi

 

[Mogee]

+1 Bovine

 

[jlepre]

I can agree that the Bongo has it's fans, and is an aquired taste, but I have to disagree that they aren't selling in the used market. Just last month I sold a Stealth Bongo 4 for $900. Granted it IS in the price range that you mentioned, but THIS Bongo is a 5 string with ALOT more options (Piezo Bridge, Unlined Board). It is also in a discontinued color, but I guess that doesn't matter to everyone. I guess I bought a very specific instrument, and need to find a very specific buyer...

Thanks for all of your responses...I am leaning some things this morning.

 

[Mogee]

You may consider trading it for a more higher selling bass. If you could find someone willing to trade a Fretted Sterling or Ray, I am sure you would sell one of those quicker.
Also try ebay, but try to market to overseas buyers. The shipping is a little more of a hastle, but you oopen yourself up to a lot more buyers.

 

[Zippydog]

Beautiful bass!

Fretless (especially without lines) scare the crap out of me...and I suspect many others.

Good luck - hope you sell it soon - your buyer is out there!

You could always go the ebay route.

 

[five7]

Bovinehost and Mogee are correct. When I have a tough time selling something I go the metaphysical route. Pm me and I will explain if you are interested. Otherwise best of luck!

 

[silverburst]

I think you have severely handicapped your sales chances by not accepting PayPal There are a few reasons for this:

A. People like the secure feeling that they get by paying with PayPal, and their buyer protections. I am not saying that PayPal is great in this regard, but there is that perception. People are more comfortable paying instantly over the internet than they are mailing a check or money order to a stranger.

B. Nobody has money, but there are still people out there, even in this scary financial time, that are willing to buy stuff they cannot afford, and PayPal will let them do that with their credit cards.

I am pretty sure that accepting PayPal will result in a higher sales price, which will offset some or all of their unreasonable fees.

 

[phatduckk]

I can agree that the Bongo has it's fans, and is an aquired taste, but I have to disagree that they aren't selling in the used market. Just last month I sold a Stealth Bongo 4 for $900. Granted it IS in the price range that you mentioned, but THIS Bongo is a 5 string with ALOT more options (Piezo Bridge, Unlined Board). It is also in a discontinued color, but I guess that doesn't matter to everyone. I guess I bought a very specific instrument, and need to find a very specific buyer...

Thanks for all of your responses...I am leaning some things this morning.

it sucks but it is what it is.

I'm going to chime in and suggest that what you're listing as "options" aren't necessarily a globally good thing. Most people don't care about the piezo, most people don't want a fretless, most people play 4 strings and unfortunately most people don't want that color... that's why it's discontinued.

All those options are pretty specific and add a lot to the cost of the bass. But those options aren't like power windows on a car where just about everybody wants that 'em. Make sense?

I'm not trying to be a jerk or bash your bass, personally I like it. But remember... black Stingray 4's are MM's best seller. Most people aren't like us.

Also as Rex said - the paypal thing is a big deal. personally i wont buy anything from a private party online unless it's thru paypal. Why? because i'm lazy and paypal is easy; i login, type some stuff & you've got your money.

 

[five7]

Paypal=security!

 

[jlepre]

I'm in the process of working out my problem with PAYPAL. If all goes well I should be able to now accept PAYPAL. I hope this helps...

 

[bassmonkeee]

I'm in the process of working out my problem with PAYPAL. If all goes well I should be able to now accept PAYPAL. I hope this helps...

The e-check option with Paypal is the best option, IMNSHO. It's much better to wait a couple of days for the cash to show up and only pay $5 in fees as opposed to the usual 3.9% plus.

 

[jlepre]

I BROKE DOWN!

PAYPAL is now ACCEPTED for this purchase.

 

[Mogee]

Are you selling internationally? It will help out a ton if you are.

 

[Grand Wazoo]

I BROKE DOWN!

PAYPAL is now ACCEPTED for this purchase.

Well done and good luck

Now if you want to raise your chances, make the sale available worldwide you never know there might be a bongoloid wannabee in Estonia (for example) that can't get one for love nor money... and he is willing to pay international postage charges.

 

[jlepre]

Are you selling internationally? It will help out a ton if you are.

I'm very apprehensive to offer this as I have no idea how. If someone is willing to work with me, and I have a good feeling about it, I may consider.