Selling Advice Needed

[TZ250]

Guys,
I'm going to sell a knee mill soon. I'm even thinking of listing in on eBay. What should I watch for? What does F.O.B. mean? I can't ship it, so the buyer will have to pick it up.

Please advise. I've never sold a mill.

Thanks in advance.

[One of Many]

Originally Posted by TZ250 Guys, I'm going to sell a knee mill soon. I'm even thinking of listing in on eBay. What should I watch for? What does F.O.B. mean? I can't ship it, so the buyer will have to pick it up. Please advise. I've never sold a mill. Thanks in advance.

Technical term is "Free On Board" and means that the seller gets it to their location(although their cost is wrapped in the price), but you as the buyer pay for shipping it to your location. I consider it freight on buyer......but often they will load it for you free of charge. If there is lifting or moving involved make sure that is a condition as part of the sale.

A few months back, I sold my Bridgeport 2 axis EZ-Trak via a used machine tool seller on consignment. It was in sweet condition and sold fast. I got what I wanted out of it and the seller made a fast buck. Between pickup of the BP and delivery of my Milltronics VK3, the shipping, and rigging charges were another $1500. No fuss for me, but 2 guys, a truck and a forklift didn't break a sweat in the 4hr transfer and a 40 mile round trip.

I didn't want lookilooz coming round my shop kicking the tires so to speak. Ebay is an outlet, but really hampers the price verses value when it is local pickup only.

DC

[TZ250]

I didn't want lookilooz coming round my shop kicking the tires so to speak. Ebay is an outlet, but really hampers the price verses value when it is local pickup only.

DC, thanks for the advice. You're right about eBay being an outlet that is not always desirable. However, I don't have many options. The machinery sellers around here deal in HUGE deals. My one mill isn't interesting to them.

I don't know anything else to do.

[One of Many]

I'd try the local Craig's list, College BB's, Classified's of whatever before eBay. Depends on the area, condition of the machine and incentives that make it desirable by minimizing the total expense for a potential buyer to own it. If you can load it, all the better. All the buyer needs to do is show up with a trailer or a flat bed that will handle the load. Unloading it is their problem. I wouldn't discount your local used dealer. If they have a show room with used equipment, you can always leave a name and number if someone comes looking for what you have.

If you are expecting $2000 for it, then try and list it for $3000 with free delivery......you may have a line at your door. Just hire a machine mover to do the job and cover your expenses for XX delivery radius. The buyer gets a mill with little fuss and doesn't think about the 33% padding. He sees it as full value compared to a $2000 machine and no means of moving it and an "Extra cost" with sticker shock.

Nothing wrong with being creative to make it attractive provided there is a market and it is valued accordingly.

DC

[billystein]

hi tz,
I spend a fair amount on ebay and craigslist. If I were you I would hold off for a little while. I have seen items very cheap the last few weeks. I would watch ebay for a week or 2 and see what similar products are going for. I think you will see that people are not getting much for machine shop items now.

craigslist is really cheap. I go there more than ebay now.

just wait a couple weeks and you should some change in the trend either up of down.
right now seems to be time to buy and not sell.
at least use the buy it now price or the starting bid. it might cost you a little more but you wont sell it for less than your minimum bid.

[TZ250]

Thanks guys. I think that you're both correct. I'll contact some used machinery dealers and try to work out a consignment deal, or call the riggers and get a price for a 'no hassle' and 'full value' sale as mentioned by One of Many.


Thanks again.

[ImanCarrot]

Insurance! if your shipping it at your cost make sure you get it insured. I've had valuable items damaged beyond repair by certain delivery companies. It doesn't cost much extra and is well worth the cost for the peace of mind.