Selling your gear?

[skybytch 273]

Got some gear to sell but don't know how to go about selling it? Read on...

A few things you need to know about which component parts go with which gear items -

1) Containers should be sold with the following component parts: reserve pilot chute, bridle and freebag; reserve toggles; main pilot chute, bridle and d-bag; main risers and toggles; cutaway handle; and reserve handle.

2) Canopies should be sold with the following component parts: slider; connector links.

3) Reserve canopies should be sold with packing data cards that cover the canopy's entire history.

4) All major gear items should be sold with their owner's manuals.

Where to list it -

1) The Internet. The free classifieds here on dz.com get a lot of traffic. I've also had good luck with the free classifieds on Enclave.com. Ebay is also an option.

2) Skydiving related publications. Pretty much every skydiving related magazine I've seen has a classified section.

3) Bulletin boards at your local dz. You can also fax or email a request to post your flier at other dz's.

4) Many gear stores take in used gear on consignment. You'll end up with less money in your pocket when it sells but you won't have to deal with any of the hassles of selling it yourself. Consignment fees vary; from what I've seen they range from 10% - 30% of the selling price, depending on the item and the gear store.

What to include in your ad/flier -

1) Number of jumps, date of manufacture, options on containers, container and canopy colors and sizing info for each item. Javelin, Raven, Spectre, Cypres doesn't quite cut it. Javelin J3/C19, black with royal poptop and white piping, 300 jumps, 5/00, hip and chest rings; Raven 181-M, yellow, 0 jumps, 4/00; Spectre 170, black and royal blue, 300 jumps, 4/00, 10 jumps on new line set; Cypres one pin expert, 4/00, needs batteries would be much better. Listing this information will cut down on the number of question you'll have to answer when talking/emailing with potential buyers. I don't feel it's necessary to list serial numbers, but do have them available to give to any potential buyer who asks.

2) Your sizing info - height, weight, and inseam.

3) Your contact info - name, phone, email - and which you prefer to be contacted at. Provide an email address that you check daily.

4) If possible include a pic of each item - or at least have digital pics available to email to potential buyers.

5) How much you want for it, if that price is firm or negotiable and if you're willing to separate the pieces (if you're selling a complete rig).

6) Specify who pays for shipping.

Dealing with inquiries -

1) Reply to all inquiries, whether by phone or email, as quickly as you can - preferably the same day you receive them.

2) Answer all potential buyers questions to the best of your ability. If someone asks a question you can't answer, seek out someone who knows gear (ie rigger or gear dealer) to get the correct answer.

3) Be sure any potential buyers have the experience needed to safely fly and land what you're selling. If you have questions about someone's experience/skill level contact the dzo at their home dz and ask. Don't sell small and/or aggressive canopies to novices!

4) Be willing to ship the gear to a "trusted" person/business if a potential buyer has someone willing to act as a middleman in the transaction. Feel free to call or email said person to discuss the transaction at any point.

5) Be honest and upfront about the condition of the gear. If a canopy has a few patches on it, tell a potential buyer how many and where they are. If the container fabric is faded, be sure to mention that. It's not a bad idea to have your rigger do a complete inspection on the gear; ask them to give you a written inspection report that you can refer to when talking with potential buyers.

A few other tips -

1) Don't sell your old gear until after you are jumping your new gear. Being rigless sucks!

2) Provide personal references upon request.

3) Don't ask too much for what you're selling. If you don't know current market value of what you've got, ask someone who does.

4) A lower-than-market-value price will generally equal a faster sale.

[NightJumper 0]

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Got some gear to sell but don't know how to go about selling it?

Yeah I know how to sell it.......Just give it to the Bytch and let her worry about it.

[fudd 0]

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1) Don't sell your old gear until after you are jumping your new gear. Being rigless sucks!

That is nice if you got the cashflow for it.
(un)Fortunately here in Norway we don't get to jump so much during the winter. That's why it's a good idea to use the winter months to sell and buy gear.
Prices tend to be lower in the winter too.
Good for buying, not so good for selling.

There are only 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

[betzilla 56]

Great info Lisa!

I would add that, in the case where repairs/alterations have been made to the harness/container, a packing data card, or photocopy of one, should go with the container (if sold separate of the reserve).

Lisa makes a great point about fair market value (fmv). FMV has nothing to do with your love for the rig, or the dent it made in your pocket. If it's 10-15 years old, you may be surprised at how little it's worth, even if you paid top dollar, and only put 100 jumps on it !

Happy selling!

[ypelchat 0]

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1) Don't sell your old gear until after you are jumping your new gear. Being rigless sucks!

Yeah...

Last summer, I made the mistake of selling my entire rig, before my new one had arrived. So, it was supposed to take 8 - 10 weeks. It took 15 weeks.... 1: The buyer wanted the rig right away, 2: the price was right, and 3: I said to myself "8 weeks, I can live with that"

Needless to say, I did not jump my ass off last summer.



Yves.