Re: [TCML] TC parts for sale

[Yurtle Turtle <yurtle_t@xxxxxxxxx>]

I've bought more than one heavy item, where shipping costs were more than the item, so folks like me are out here.



________________________________
 From: Paul Brodie <paulb.brodie@xxxxxxxxx>
To: Tesla Coil Mailing List <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx> 
Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 9:48 AM
Subject: Re: [TCML] TC parts for sale
 
I've been selling on eBay for several years now and you will be pleasantly
surprised to learn what you can sell, regardless of how heavy it is and
what the shipping charge is. I sold a VERY heavy telescope with a near $200
shipping charge and it sold fine. In fact, there is another scope on eBay
right now with a $200 shipping charge and people are bidding away.
So, do not just discount selling heavy items on eBay. As long as the
shipping charges don't push the prices to unreasonable amounts, things will
sell just fine. Keep in mind that as long as your starting price isn't
really high, it doesn't cost much at all to list on eBay. If your item
doesn't sell, all you have lost is is $0.50 or less.
Finally, shipping isn't nearly as expensive as you might think, especially
for items that weigh less than 70 lbs. For instance, a large Priority Mail
flat rate box, about 12" by 12" by 6", only costs about $15 to a maximum of
70 lbs.
Disclaimer, I do not have any relationships with either the USPS or eBay,
other than I sell things on eBay.
I hope this helps out.

On Sat, Jul 7, 2012 at 8:31 PM, Brian Hall <brianh4242@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>
>
> Having bought and sold at the MIT flea market for several years, and
> recently attended another hamfest, yes you likely could sell TC related
> equipment there.
> One thing to remember is that most people might have a backpack, canvas
> bag, or otherwise would lug around whatever they buy as they go from table
> to table in the market.  Selling things that are heavy or awkward does
> happen on occasion, but small and/or lightweight items are what tend to
> sell more often.  A few people have hand carts or dollies with boxes bungee
> corded to them for heavier items, but that's usually a small percentage.
>  Having some hand carts and maybe bungees or rope with which to let buyers
> be able to cart out the heavier items to their cars may give you an
> advantage.  Kind of like the old Christmas tree guy in the parking lot who
> offers to tie it to your car for you.  Have something big and heavy already
> set on a cart ready to roll out might help your odds there.
> Having an upfront price in mind, should someone look at it then ask what
> you want for it, would help - but unless its at or below a fair market
> value for a used 'one of those' I would actually not put a price tag on
> anything over $20 or so.  Large numbers on tagged items tend to have people
> looking, feeling their wallet in their pocket and moving along usually.  Be
> willing to haggle but know your lower limits.  Having one box of 'free
> stuff' or even 25 cents for random stuff from your junk drawer  may get
> people to stay and paw through that box and then notice the other stuff you
> have to offer.
> If possible, get there early, put out just the tables and leave your car
> locked, then walk around to see if anyone else is selling the same type of
> thing you are - how much they want for it - then know that's your
> competition and adjust your price accordingly as you circle back and set up
> your station.
>
>
> If you stay later towards the end of the show, there are usually a few
> stragglers looking for a better deal who still walk around after others
> have packed up and you can still get some more stuff sold.
> I have bought quite a few MMC caps and a variac at such a flea market
> before, copper wire for sale though is a rare find at least where I am
> from.  Might be good to note that the tubes you have are good for VTTCs and
> aren't just for radios or other old tube powered equipment.  Having a flyer
> or business card to give to someone who might want to think about it and
> call you back can maybe help you still sell something big and heavy even
> after the market time ends.
> When selling, try not to  be too eager or over friendly, You don't have to
> say good morning and smile to everyone that walks up to the table, don't
> seem pushy - that can put people off. Especially the introverted types like
> most of us who build Tesla Coils.  Let them pick up and examine what you
> got, observe, and be ready to answer their questions, then whey they want
> to buy have ample change to break 20s etc.
> And try to have a buddy with you to help watch your station when mother
> nature calls, or make early friends with the table next to you to watch
> each others stuff when that happens.  ----------------------------------
>
> Brian Hall
>
>
>
>
> > From: rburk@xxxxxxxxxx
> > To: tesla@xxxxxxxxxx
> > Date: Sat, 7 Jul 2012 15:14:17 -0400
> > Subject: [TCML] TC parts for sale
> >
> > I have quite  a few tesla coil components that I would like to sell -
> > potential transformers, variacs, capacitors, magnet wire,
> >
> > toroids, 833 tubes, etc.  I would like to know the best way to sell.
>  This
> > stuff is extremely heavy so shipping is not an option unless someone
> >
> > picked it up.  I was thinking about going to the Dayton Hamvention next
> May
> > and setup at the flea market.  I also was thinking about
> >
> > possibly attending a Teslathon event where a decent number of people
> would
> > be in attendance that would be interested in the stuff.
> >
> >
> >
> > Any thoughts on the best way to get rid of this equipment?
> >
> >
> >
> > Randy
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Tesla mailing list
> > Tesla@xxxxxxxxxx
> > http://www.pupman.com/mailman/listinfo/tesla
>
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