Got a pedal you no longer use? A little preparation can make a real difference to what you get for it. Whether you are selling a boutique overdrive or a well-worn multi-effects unit, here is how we would go about it.
1. Know exactly what you have
Check the model name, version and year, usually printed on the front or the back plate. Many pedals come in several versions, and the version can change the price a lot. A “reissue”, “mini” or “V2” is not worth the same as the original, so get this right before you look at prices.
2. Clean it and test it
Wipe it down with a slightly damp cloth, and clean the jacks and knobs. Then test every control, footswitch and jack with a power supply and a guitar. Check that it works on battery too, if it takes one. Buyers pay more for gear they can trust, and knowing exactly what works (and what does not) lets you describe it honestly.
3. Take honest photos
Photograph the front, back, the sides, inside the battery compartment, and any marks or scratches. Use natural light and a plain background. Clear photos make a quote faster and fairer, and they cut down the back-and-forth with buyers.
4. Check what similar pedals really sold for on eBay
Search eBay for your exact pedal, then tick the Sold items filter to see completed sales instead of asking prices. Look at the last 10 to 15 sales, ignore the highest and lowest, and use the middle as your guide. Asking prices are wishes, sold prices are facts. Our post on why eBay prices look higher than what used gear is worth explains the difference, and our pricing guide walks through the method step by step.
5. Include the extras
- Original box, manual and paperwork can add real value.
- The original power supply matters, as some pedals use unusual ones.
- Velcro or tape residue on the bottom is fine, but mention it.
- Any modifications or repairs should be disclosed up front.
6. Where to sell it
Where you sell matters as much as how you prepare the item. Here is how we see the main options.
eBay. eBay has by far the biggest audience for used music gear in the UK, and it has buyer protection, which gives buyers the confidence to spend real money. But seller ratings are key. Buyers trust sellers with a long history of positive feedback, and it takes years to build that reputation. Without it, you will find it hard to sell higher-value items on eBay at all. We have spent over five years building ours, and it is one of the main reasons our own sales go smoothly.
Facebook Marketplace. Marketplace is basically a car boot sale for items. There is no buyer protection, so buyers are cautious, and unless something is very cheap or broken, it rarely sells for a fair price. People do not tend to sell good gear there. They use resellers or specialist sites such as Reverb.
Reverb and resellers. Reverb is a dedicated marketplace for musical instruments and gear, with an audience that knows what things are worth. Selling through a reseller or buyer is the quickest option. You get a fair price without the listing, the waiting or the risk.
7. Why our experience matters
We have spent years honing our skills as sellers to maximise the return on every item, from testing and photography to titles, pricing and timing. That is exactly why we can pay a fair price for your gear and still sell it on. Our full advice is in our top 10 tips for selling your music gear on eBay.
8. Choose how to sell to us
If you would rather skip the listing and the waiting, we buy pedals in any condition. We pay cash on collection locally, or by bank transfer within 24 hours of receiving and checking posted items. Send us the pedal name and a few photos through our sell your gear page for a quote. We collect in Brighton and Hove and Worthing, Lancing and Shoreham, or you can post it to us anywhere in the UK.
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