Selling Used Gear Survey

FigNewton

FigNewton

Active member
Hey Guys!

I am an intern at SidelineSwap.com and wanted to know your opinions on buying/selling used gear on sites other than NS. We are trying to make used gear sales safer and more jerry friendly. I know it sound corny, but I mean, I would rather sell stuff to a jerry than not at all. Let me know your thoughts, both positive and negative. Why wouldn't you use it? Why would you? Etc.

Also if any one does want to list gear, DM me your username and I can hook you up with no commission fees on your listings.
 
good idea, because it's just too bad that many people have gear just sitting around and many other people need used gear

i checked and it says 9% site fee plus 3% payment processing fee, so obviously it begs the question "does the site offer something that's worth a 12% fee?" very possible it does...let's hear it!
 
13908901:SofaKingSick said:
good idea, because it's just too bad that many people have gear just sitting around and many other people need used gear

i checked and it says 9% site fee plus 3% payment processing fee, so obviously it begs the question "does the site offer something that's worth a 12% fee?" very possible it does...let's hear it!
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So the main idea is to offer a platform that allows people to see their gear to a wider market. For the most part your only online options to sell used gear is through NS, eBay or sell it locally. Ebay can be a hassle and charges fee even if your item does not sell. NS is a small niche community and local can be small as well. The big benefit is that people may pay more than on NS or locally. A guy in Ohio who needs touring gear for a trip probably cant find gear locally and might not know about NS. Does this mean he has to buy new? Sellers can probably sell gear for a higher premium than they can elsewhere to a market beyond 15 year old park rats. I know the fee seems steep, but it is less than most consignment shops and most eBay sales.
 
I use ebay a lot and NS but have only ever browsed sideline swap. Its much nicer to sell on here and have paypal gift w/ no fees or venmo. I usually already lose 8-14 dollars just to ship the item i may have only gotten $30 for to begin with.
 
13908951:FigNewton said:
So the main idea is to offer a platform that allows people to see their gear to a wider market. For the most part your only online options to sell used gear is through NS, eBay or sell it locally. Ebay can be a hassle and charges fee even if your item does not sell. NS is a small niche community and local can be small as well. The big benefit is that people may pay more than on NS or locally. A guy in Ohio who needs touring gear for a trip probably cant find gear locally and might not know about NS. Does this mean he has to buy new? Sellers can probably sell gear for a higher premium than they can elsewhere to a market beyond 15 year old park rats. I know the fee seems steep, but it is less than most consignment shops and most eBay sales.
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i think i agree with everything you said. ill def keep your site in mind next time i or someone else is trying to buy or sell. i wish you luck as well!
 
Allow payment through Paypal cuz I just tried to buy a golf wedge at school and I dont have mommy's credit card info and paypal would be a lot faster and easier
 
13908951:FigNewton said:
So the main idea is to offer a platform that allows people to see their gear to a wider market. For the most part your only online options to sell used gear is through NS, eBay or sell it locally. Ebay can be a hassle and charges fee even if your item does not sell. NS is a small niche community and local can be small as well. The big benefit is that people may pay more than on NS or locally. A guy in Ohio who needs touring gear for a trip probably cant find gear locally and might not know about NS. Does this mean he has to buy new? Sellers can probably sell gear for a higher premium than they can elsewhere to a market beyond 15 year old park rats. I know the fee seems steep, but it is less than most consignment shops and most eBay sales.
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Craigslist = no fee. And before you say CL is local only, it's not. I search CL nationally and have made several gear purchases from across the country. Never had a problem and no fee.
 
13908971:cannonballer said:
Craigslist = no fee. And before you say CL is local only, it's not. I search CL nationally and have made several gear purchases from across the country. Never had a problem and no fee.
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Anytime I've had someone reach out to me that wasn't a local to the area it was a scam. I've never made a craigslist deal that wasn't local. I'm not saying people don't, I'm just saying its rare and annoying to try and do.
 
13908971:cannonballer said:
Craigslist = no fee. And before you say CL is local only, it's not. I search CL nationally and have made several gear purchases from across the country. Never had a problem and no fee.
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Do you even worry about being scammed? Do you just pay with Paypal?
 
13909646:FigNewton said:
Do you even worry about being scammed? Do you just pay with Paypal?
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Yes, I worry about being scammed. Yes, usually pay with Paypal.

Usually I make an arrangement that doesn't commit 100% upfront in either direction. I've bought and sold gear nationally through CL. Usually start with a phone call so you can at least get a sense if the person is someone who actually owns and has used the gear. Most scammers or thieves don't know how to answers questions about waist widths, DINs, camber profiles, etc. Legit skiers are usually stoked to have a friendly convo about what they liked or not about the gear and why they are selling it. Then ask for a specific photo. Something like "shoot me a pic of both ski centers with today's date on a sticky". That proves that they have the gear in-hand. Then set up a partial payment, or cover shipping, so that neither party is all-in. Then complete the payment when gear is in-hand. This might sound like a lot of steps, but anyone who has sold used gear knows that there is no way around lots of inquiries and possible weirdos.

I'm not saying that there aren't risks. But in my history of online used sales I've had zero problems with the CL system described above, and a couple of problems with Ebay.

I have no issue with the OP's service. There is a lot to be said for a secure system, and it has a value worth paying for. My only point is that it's not the only way to find gear.

**This post was edited on Mar 28th 2018 at 8:31:00pm
 
My problem with it is there are a million places to buy gear, but I'm comfortable with Craigslist, NS and TGR. I don't think to check any other sites for used gear. I feel like the jerrys you're describing will likely use eBay or check the local play it again sports. I have no problem with you're site, but you probably have a lot of marketing to do to actually get the people using it. For right now, I'm happy enough with the systems I've been using for years and don't see a gnarly enough flaw to push me elsewhere. I just don't see the unique angle SidelineSwap brings to the well established used gear market.
 
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