Selling tools on ebay??

[Quint]

First of all, it's been quite some time since I've posted, so if something similar has been posted, please post a link!

So I've decided I've got some surplus vintage tools I'd like to sell, and what better place than ebay!

My question is, is there a big market for used vintage tools on there? I usually get my tools from auctions or craigslist, so I'm not familiar with the ebay market.


Going to be listing a WW2 Craftsman 3/8" ratchet and a set of Mustang 1/2" sockets and ratchet.

Thanks GJ!!

 

[Duct Tape Man]

I haven't had any luck selling used hand tools on eBay - but then again, I'm not listing anything fantastic in terms of rarity, desirability, well-known maker, etc.

Most of the spare tools I do get I sell in lots, either on eBay or on Craigslist, and I usually don't care too much about what they bring. i.e. high bidder gets them. Most tools I get stay forever with me, if I decide to sell them, they really are not that desirable to me so whatever the auction brings is fine by me.

 

[kiatech]

Search the completed listings.

 

[Quint]

Ya, no idea what these are worth. Just figured they're not doing me any good....and prob no son to pass them down to.

 

[zkling]

What is ebay?

 

[Mohawk Dave]

You probably don't have a son to pass them down to? Just check.

They'd sell on eBay, but someone here would probably want them too. Put them in the classifies section and give a good deal. No headache or eBay fees.

 

[astrotrain99]

Agree with the above, with older tools I'd stick to the classifieds. If it doesn't sell in the classifieds and you really want to sell.. Just list it as a 0.99 start auction on Ebay. Just be sure you do not burn yourself on undercharging shipping fees. That is why I just use the priority mail packaging/flat rate boxes. They work well for tools and other smaller but heavier items. Ebay drills you on fees but it is a sure way to unload things. If you have newer Snap On or similar you can get retail prices for used items, which is crazy, but it happens. Vintage tools are a lot more hit or miss Hope this helps.

 

[Quint]

You probably don't have a son to pass them down to? Just check.

They'd sell on eBay, but someone here would probably want them too. Put them in the classifies section and give a good deal. No headache or eBay fees.

I've already got a daughter, and most likely will have another. It will be my luck lol.

I wouldn't mind putting them up in here, but I have NO idea their value. Wonder if the classifieds lets people make offers?
With ebay, you reach the most amount of people, and you let the market dictate what your item sells for.

Thanks for the help so far, folks!

 

[Flatintoone]

The Craftsman looks like a sealed-head Indestro. I've never seen one like that before. A quick look at a couple pages of ebay results turned up one that sold for $30.00.

I had a Mustang 1/2" drive set I sold on ebay about a year and a half ago. I think it had all the sockets, extension, breaker bar, etc, but lacked the ratchet and the other drive sizes. Don't remember the exact selling price, but it went pretty quickly at $35-45. The ratchet adds value, IMHO.


YMMV, etc.
Hope this helps,

 

[Richard Cranium]

Please list them here first, give your brothers here on garage journal first crack at them.. You should get a fair price, Unless you are just going for top dollar, then your best bet would be evil bay, but don't forget their fees.

 

[Renchi]

Ya, no idea what these are worth. Just figured they're not doing me any good....and prob no son to pass them down to.

I collect vintage tools. You can adopt me.

 

[nicksnothereman]

Snap on will go for fmv some of the other stuff won't go or below. Might want to hang onto it or try a fixed price listing. I hate ebay as a seller, starting to hate as a buyer especially with the parts scammers...I mean suppliers...on there. PITA dealing with them.

 

[Pumpman1968]

If you haven't sold on eBay before, keep in mind that the selling fee for items is 10% of the final value as well as 10% of the SHIPPING cost you charge the buyer.

 

[Nephronracing]

Sold some stuff on eBay and even have stuff listed now. The good thing is that the audience for your listing doesn't get much bigger. The downside are the fees and hassle of shipping things out. Like someone else pointed out, make sure you charge enough for shipping. I've been burned once on a motorcycle sub-frame with shipping costs.

 

[Quint]

The Craftsman looks like a sealed-head Indestro. I've never seen one like that before. A quick look at a couple pages of ebay results turned up one that sold for $30.00.

I had a Mustang 1/2" drive set I sold on ebay about a year and a half ago. I think it had all the sockets, extension, breaker bar, etc, but lacked the ratchet and the other drive sizes. Don't remember the exact selling price, but it went pretty quickly at $35-45. The ratchet adds value, IMHO.


YMMV, etc.
Hope this helps,

Thanks for the help, folks.
I don't mind selling here, since it would CLEARLY go to a good home.
I just had no idea what they were worth should I list them here. Don't want to rip anyone off, but don't want to lowball myself either.
That Craftsman price seems very reasonable. I think I'd be comfortable with that!
The Mustang set is going to cost prob $20 to ship (Large flat rate) with that breaker bar. Unless I keep that, then I might fit it in a Medium box.
But if it's not even going to bring 35, maybe I'll keep it.

Appreciate any more values you guys could come up with, and always looking for advice! Thanks again!!!

 

[methomas70]

For whatever it's worth, you may be able to find someone local here or on Craigslist and arrange for pickup. I hate the hassle of shipping big stuff.

 

[Quint]

After checking completed listings on ebay, the 3/8 "Circle U" wrench doesn't yield too much. 1/2" Is worth more, and the 1/4" seems desireable.

I've got room in my drawers for my vintage tools (Room, in a toolbox??!?!?). Just thought they might be worth selling to someone who will appreciate them more.
Perhaps I'll save them a little longer!
I've got a few onesie wrenches as well from various brands, so if these 2 items aren't worth much of anything, I'm betting they aren't either.

 

[Quint]

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=73357

 

[rsanter]

The best I can tell you is to treat eBay as the stock market.
Look at the trends to see what is happening and interpret from there

Look the item up on eBay and see what they are going for.
Lots on eBay for little money or no bids...don't bother.
Just a few, all with several bids and it is going for money you think is good. ....list it

Bob

 

[frugalscotty]

I don't mind selling here, since it would CLEARLY go to a good home. I just had no idea what they were worth should I list them here. Don't want to rip anyone off, but don't want to lowball myself either.

Start a thread in Classifieds and set your price. If buyers think it's fair your item will sell. If you are asking too much it won't and you can withdraw or lower the price. Let the buyer decide a price is fair or not.

 

[alinc100]

If you try to sell on Ebay just be aware of the fees involved.
I listed a dozen or so items in the last month , a couple with a reserve price.
Most sold some didn't. My total sales was $74.54 my invoice for ebay fees during that time period was $27.19..or roughly 36%