When you're selling gear today, it's important to set realistic expectations. Yes, if you price your gear well, it'll eventually sell—but patience is key. The market isn't moving as quickly as it used to, and even genuinely good deals can take weeks to attract a buyer. You might need to be prepared for deeper discounts if you're looking to move something faster. The days of instant sales are, at least temporarily, behind us.
On the buying side, although prices for new gear might seem sky-high, don't let those list prices scare you. There's actually never been a better time to snag deals. If you add something to your "watch" list on Reverb, you'll often get immediate offers at significant discounts. And if you're willing to pick up the phone and contact stores directly, you can usually negotiate an even better price. So, despite those high sticker prices, it's actually an amazing time to be in the market for new gear.
But here's where things get tricky: Many sellers haven't caught on to the new reality. They’re pricing gently used gear at close-to-new prices like they did in 2021. Sure, that worked a couple of years ago, but not anymore. Buyers are getting steep discounts on brand-new items, making used gear at inflated prices a tough sell. If you're trying to recoup your initial investment, you're likely going to face frustration. Adjusting your pricing to the current market is essential if you actually want your gear to sell, and some people just aren't ready to accept this.
Ultimately, most of today's frustration comes from sellers who refuse to accept the market has shifted. The market has simply seen a correction. Keep your prices fair, adapt to current (or past, lol) conditions, and you'll have a much smoother experience buying and selling gear.
