Selling on GunBroker?

wisconsinteacher · Jan 1, 2015

I would like to sell a Browning BPS shotgun and so far I have had no bites here or on another site so I am thinking about posting it on Gunbroker. I believe I can set a reserve price and a buy now price. Are there any hidden fees or other catches to selling there so I don't loose money on the deal?

Thebear_78 · Jan 1, 2015

I've sold lots of guns on gunbroker. No problems and they usually sell faster than selling locally

Dr. Vette · Jan 1, 2015

Some things I notice about Gunbroker -

You can set a starting price, and the cost of the auction is less expensive than if you set a reserve. So, if $400 is the lowest you'll take you can just start it there.

Spend the few cents and put a photo next to your item in the listing title.

Watch other auctions for a couple of weeks for the same item. See what prices are doing, and set yours accordingly.

It is very common for No Reserve items that start at $0.01 or $1 sell for MORE than if you started at your base price of, say, $400. I think more people watch the No Reserve/low start items, and think they can get a deal. As a result a normally $400 item sells for $525.

Auction sales for common firearms are flat this time of year due to Christmas funds running low. You may do better getting closer to tax return money time. I have several to sell but will wait at least a couple of weeks to post on Forums, late Spring for GB.

Good luck with your sale.

wisconsinteacher · Jan 1, 2015

Dr. Vette, do you risk having a lower selling price if you don't set a reserve and then start it at .01?

Thebear_78 · Jan 1, 2015

You can always have a buddy bid it up for you at the end if it's going for less than you want. You risk not selling it then

Dr. Vette · Jan 1, 2015

wisconsinteacher":38397oxa said:
Dr. Vette, do you risk having a lower selling price if you don't set a reserve and then start it at .01?

Yes. Of course, you find out what an item is really worth if you do this, rather than what you think it's worth. :?
However, I am always surprised to see items go for more money than when listed for $X.

Watch a few no reserve items the next couple of weeks and see what you think. I would note, though, that you have a rather generic firearm. I suspect that demand for that exact item is low, so you'll have to determine whether you want to do this or not.
What I've been tempted to do is run at a starting price - say the same $400 - for a few cycles of a week each. Then for 1-2 weeks note in the ad that if it does not sell by day X you'll be selling it with a $1 starting price and no reserve. It can't hurt, and can only draw attention to it.