We have sold guitar and music gear on eBay for over five years, with 100% positive feedback and around 900 items sold. Along the way we have learned what makes items sell faster and for more money. These are our ten best tips for getting the most out of an eBay sale.
1. Research sold prices first
Search your exact item on eBay and tick the Sold items filter. Price yours in line with what similar items really sold for, not what people are asking. Our pricing guide shows the method.
2. Write a title buyers actually search for
Put the brand, exact model, type and key detail in the title, for example “Boss DS-1 Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal”. Use the space eBay gives you, and skip vague words like “amazing” or “L@@K”.
3. Take clear, honest photos
Use natural light, a plain background and several angles: front, back, sides, the inside of any battery compartment, and any wear or marks. Buyers pay more when they can see exactly what they are getting, and honest photos mean fewer disputes.
4. Describe the item accurately and completely
Include the model, condition, what is included (power supply, box, manual) and anything that is not perfect. An accurate description protects you as much as the buyer, because it leaves nothing to argue about later.
5. Test everything and say what you tested
Buyers of music gear want to know it works. Test every knob, switch, jack and footswitch and say so in the listing. Tested and working items sell faster and for more.
6. Protect your seller reputation
Your feedback score and seller rating are your most valuable asset on eBay. Buyers trust sellers with a long history of positive feedback, and eBay ranks and promotes them accordingly. New accounts find it harder to sell higher-value items. Reputation takes years to build and only a few bad sales to damage.
7. Post quickly and pack it properly
Dispatch fast, use tracked postage, and pack the item so it cannot move. For pedals and small gear, wrap the item, use plenty of padding, and use a sturdy box. Damage in the post is the quickest way to a refund and a bad review.
8. Reply to questions quickly and politely
Most buyers ask a question before they buy. A fast, friendly answer often makes the sale. Keep all communication on eBay, as the platform requires.
9. Time your listing and set a sensible price
Price it fairly to start with rather than expecting to be talked up. Many sellers find that listings that end on a Sunday evening do well, as more buyers are browsing. Consider allowing offers only if you are happy to accept a fair one.
10. Weigh up what selling really costs
After eBay fees, postage, packaging and the time you spend answering questions and dealing with returns, the sale price is not what you take home. If you would rather skip all that, selling to a buyer for a fair price can be worth it. See our sell your gear page for a quote.
Sell it to us instead
If you would rather not deal with listings, fees, questions and postage, we buy music gear in any condition. Send us the model and a few photos through our sell your gear page for a fair, no-obligation offer. We collect locally in Brighton and Hove and Worthing, Lancing and Shoreham, or you can post it to us anywhere in the UK.
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