By: David Baker
From RC Driver Issue: 135
Whatever your reasons for selling your RC equipment, be it to fund the next RC or to liquidate altogether, there are many different ways you can find buyers. I have been in this hobby for more than 30 years and I have used pretty much every source for selling off my personal RC stuff. My reasons for doing so always varied but it was never to leave the hobby. I was usually trying to save up for the next big thing.
Whatever your reasons for selling your RC equipment, be it to fund the next RC or to liquidate altogether, there are many different ways you can find buyers. I have been in this hobby for more than 30 years and I have used pretty much every source for selling off my personal RC stuff. My reasons for doing so always varied but it was never to leave the hobby. I was usually trying to save up for the next big thing.
As the years progressed from my first hobby-grade RC, a Tamiya Monster Beetle, I was able to add to my RC garage without subtracting every time. I am sure you can imagine, after 30+ years one can collect quite a few RC vehicles, parts and accessories, which can take up quite a bit of valuable space in the home.
WHERE TO SELL
If your intent is to sell your items there are several options available. Online auctions, such as eBay are a popular way to find buyers. Social media is huge these days and you can likely find a local Facebook page to connect with and buy, sell or trade with local hobbyists. This also serves as a way to make new friends who will share your passion for RC. You can also try to reach potential buyers by advertising in local free papers in the classified sections. If you happen to be someone like me who has acquired a lot of RC items and want to liquidate a large part of it as quickly as possible you can hold your own RC Garage Sale. Keep in mind, however, that buyers, especially those you may not know personally, will expect to pay yard sale prices.
SOME THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND FOR ANY OF THESE OPTIONS:
HONESTY – If you want to get a fair price for any of your items you need to be as honest as possible about the condition they are in. Look at each product as if you are the one looking to buy it. What do you see? Selling something “as is” is okay just don’t be so emphatic that it sounds like there could be something you know but are not disclosing. I have seen comments like “every- thing is in perfect condition as far as I know but it is being SOLD AS IS so you cannot return it if you find a problem”. That is a red flag to me and I move on. Simply stating “sold as is” covers the fact that it cannot be returned.
PHOTOS – if you are listing the item someplace where photos can be used it is critical that you provide good images. Fuzzy, distant images do nothing to help sell a product. If it is a vehicle, take close-up photos of any upgrades that may be included. Do the same for any known damage or issues it may have. I have more faith in sellers that tell me everything than those that come across as vague in their description. EXPECTATIONS – This is probably the most important thing to get control of. You may have just spent hundreds of dollars on upgrades for your truck but you should not expect to recoup all of it….even if you never ran it. It is not impossible to find that person who wants exactly what you have and is willing to pay what you paid but it is rare. You need to have a fair price in mind that you are willing to accept. It is common for people to offer you less that what you ask even if you state “firm” in a description. Again, always think about how you would proceed if you were the one wanting to buy.
ONLINE AUCTIONS
I thinned out my personal fleet a couple of years ago and put the funds toward a new motorcyle. I sold things on ebay, a site I have been using for many years and always learned something new every time I sold something.
PROS
• Access to a huge audience. You can hit the en- tire USA from the comfort of your couch. You can go international if you want to reach further.
• Very little legwork. Most is taken care of right on your computer.
• Money comes in securely through PayPal
• eBay has a resource for selling disputes.
CONS
• A PayPal account is required (but it is secure – see PRO above)
• eBay and PayPal fees can take a chunk of your profits
• You need to have packing materials on hand or take the costs for packing at a shipping facility into consideration when listing fees.
TIPS
• “No Reserve” auctions have done better for me when I am able to start at a much lower price than what I hope to get. I notice
less bidding activity when there is a
reserve price set. I usually avoid bidding early if the reserve has not been met. When I do bid early I am more likely to be committed if it is an item I am very interested in.
• Photos are extremely important for online auctions. get help from a friend if necessary.
SOCIAL MEDIA BST (BUY, SELL, TRADE)
Facebook has been a lucrative source for me as both a buyer and seller. I keep an eye on the page and whenever someone is looking for something I have I would contact them. Sometimes they would buy and sometimes not.
PROS
• A way to meet other hobbyists within driving distance. It is always good to have others who get what the hobby is about.
• You can meet up face to face so you know the buyer is perfectly aware of what you have to sell.
• Immediate payment, usually in cash
CONS
• Buyers are not accountable when they agree to buy or meet you but choose not to show up. Not too frequent but it happens.
• Often these buyers want to pay less than a reasonable price.
TIPS
• Watch the activity on the page. you will start to see who is always wanting to buy everything but rarely does. You will also see who the good buyers are. The site I go to often has feedback posts.
• Be honest with your description and provide the best photos possible.
• If offered a lower price try to then include another item that you can let go of to sweeten the deal at your original price.
GOOD LUCK
Successfully selling off your RC stuff is like learning to drive a standard shift car. I can tell you how to use the clutch and shift the transmission but you will likely grind a few gears before you get it right. I have funded many projects over the years by selling off my personal RC vehicles and I am certain some of those projects will eventually be sold off to make room for other projects.
