Why did no one bid my gun?

[efeng9622]

I posted an ad to sell a handgun in gunbroker 4 days ago, my starting price is $470.00 , no reserve price, I saw a same handgun already end of bid on 11/1 and the price was $504 .00 the bid history shows there are at lease three people who bided price high than $470.00 . but 4 days already passed , Why did no one to come to bid my gun or asked me question ?

thanks.

 

[P89DCSS]

I've completed several GunBroker purchases. I only buy from sellers with lots of feedback and credit card transaction is a must. I see ok deals from private, low feedback sellers that require money orders. I always pass.

 

[243winxb]

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[dh1633pm]

A lot of variables go into selling online. Shipping charges, credit card availability, and the posting itself. How does your posting match the others? Don't give up. I always start mine at a penny. It’s cost me a few times, but mostly it does give people bidding. The more expensive the item, the greater the risk.

 

[Telekinesis]

A couple of things I can think of…
Used guns are difficult to compare against one another, especially if we don’t know what the two guns are or have pictures. Was the other seller a business? It’s generally safer to buy from a business than from a private party.

The other gun could have been in better condition, or honestly even if it wasn’t it could have had better pictures accurately showing the condition. I would much rather buy a gun with more wear that I could see and judge versus a gun that has one blurry photo and a seller who promises it is in perfect condition.

Again, depending on the gun, it could have included accessories. Nobody is spending extra money because a gun comes with a holster, but mags can help sometimes. For example if you’re selling a Glock where new mags are $25, people won’t get too excited about an extra mag or two. But if you’re selling a P7 where mags can be $100 or more, 3-4 extra mags included with the gun can help.

Finally, if you wrote the for sale ad like you wrote the OP, I’m not surprised you didn’t get bids. No it’s not fair to non-native speakers, but there are enough scammers who write in broken English that it turns into a red flag for a lot of people when they’re buying second hand. For a final price difference of $35 I would absolutely be bidding on a gun with a description that was well written.

 

[243winxb]

If this gun- Ruger 5456 LCRx 9mm Revolver? I would guess not a huge market for them?

https://truegunvalue.com/pistol/RUGER--LCRX-9MM-REVOLVER/price-historical-value

I remember selling 1 S&W 9mm revolver in 18 years. Special ordered, back then.

​

 

[CapnMac]

The best diagnosis is to consider what you, yourself, would prefer to see when buying a similar firearm.

As a general rule, more photos are better. Using balanced light (indirect sunlight) is a good idea, too.

Spell checking and diction matter, too. This is a cruel reality of modern times. Our texting & emailing generations generally have left grammar and diction at the Old Folks Home, but, they matter. Getting a third party to read your ad copy is a very smart thing to do, as it can be the difference between a sale and no sale.

Having you payment and shipping options spelled out clearly is also a good thing. Also, if you are not offering things other sellers offer, having a good explanation can matter, too. Simple things, "My bank is a long drive, and only accepts [payment type}." can make the difference. You want the ad to read like one you'd buy from.

 

[efeng9622]

If this gun- Ruger 5456 LCRx 9mm Revolver? I would guess not a huge market for them?

A couple of things I can think of…
Used guns are difficult to compare against one another, especially if we don’t know what the two guns are or have pictures. Was the other seller a business? It’s generally safer to buy from a business than from a private party.

The other gun could have been in better condition, or honestly even if it wasn’t it could have had better pictures accurately showing the condition. I would much rather buy a gun with more wear that I could see and judge versus a gun that has one blurry photo and a seller who promises it is in perfect condition.

Again, depending on the gun, it could have included accessories. Nobody is spending extra money because a gun comes with a holster, but mags can help sometimes. For example if you’re selling a Glock where new mags are $25, people won’t get too excited about an extra mag or two. But if you’re selling a P7 where mags can be $100 or more, 3-4 extra mags included with the gun can help.

Finally, if you wrote the for sale ad like you wrote the OP, I’m not surprised you didn’t get bids. No it’s not fair to non-native speakers, but there are enough scammers who write in broken English that it turns into a red flag for a lot of people when they’re buying second hand. For a final price difference of $35 I would absolutely be bidding on a gun with a description that was well written.

Yes, Telekinesis

A couple of things I can think of…
Used guns are difficult to compare against one another, especially if we don’t know what the two guns are or have pictures. Was the other seller a business? It’s generally safer to buy from a business than from a private party.

The other gun could have been in better condition, or honestly even if it wasn’t it could have had better pictures accurately showing the condition. I would much rather buy a gun with more wear that I could see and judge versus a gun that has one blurry photo and a seller who promises it is in perfect condition.

Again, depending on the gun, it could have included accessories. Nobody is spending extra money because a gun comes with a holster, but mags can help sometimes. For example if you’re selling a Glock where new mags are $25, people won’t get too excited about an extra mag or two. But if you’re selling a P7 where mags can be $100 or more, 3-4 extra mags included with the gun can help.

Finally, if you wrote the for sale ad like you wrote the OP, I’m not surprised you didn’t get bids. No it’s not fair to non-native speakers, but there are enough scammers who write in broken English that it turns into a red flag for a lot of people when they’re buying second hand. For a final price difference of $35 I would absolutely be bidding on a gun with a description that was well written.

Telekiness,

I am sorry for I am not a native speaker,
I put my sale ad as following,

title: Ruger 5456 LCRx 9mm Luger 5 round
item condition: used
Item description : item includes original the finger grip ,
Starting price, $470.00, buy now price $510, no reserve price.
Payment method : : USPS Money Order, Money Order ,Certified Check
Shipping: Ground $50 , seller pays insurance
Return policy : As is- no refund or exchange
Please look at if you find anywhere has English problem, Thanks,

 

[Ohen Cepel]

Found the ad on GB. Is there finish wear on the left side of the gun forward of the cylinder? Or, is that a lighting issue in the pic? Looks like the finished was removed somehow. More/better pics likely would help. If that is finish wear it is odd and I would pass on it without seeing it first hand.

Says you take USPS MO, and MO's. I would not accept any MO but one from the USPS, but that is me.

Not sure what they are running now, but the buyer is into at for $520 after shipping, then they have the fees on their end for the transfer. May be more than the market will bear on it.

One feedback score keeps some people away also.

 

[Riomouse911]

Found the ad on GB. Is there finish wear on the left side of the gun forward of the cylinder? Or, is that a lighting issue in the pic? Looks like the finished was removed somehow. More/better pics likely would help. If that is finish wear it is odd and I would pass on it without seeing it first hand.

Says you take USPS MO, and MO's. I would not accept any MO but one from the USPS, but that is me.

Not sure what they are running now, but the buyer is into at for $520 after shipping, then they have the fees on their end for the transfer. May be more than the market will bear on it.

One feedback score keeps some people away also.

Ya, with taxes, transfer fees, etc. that gun is touching $700 in many places.

Penny start and lots of good pictures will probably help get closer to what the OP wants for it.

Stay safe.

 

[P89DCSS]

When I see one feedback, MO only and $50 shipping charge I move on immediately. That a possible fraud or hijacked account.

 

[efeng9622]

let me answer all of your questions,
1) I knew the finish wear, but I can do nothing about that . maybe I try more pictures.
2) Why did I put starting for $470? because the total shipping charge is $60 , insurance is $32 for insure $400 , this is an estamited address I give to my FFL, actually maybe more than this .
I only asked buyer to pay $50.00 shipping, I have to pay $10 shiping, $32+ $25.3 (Gunbroker will charge me final Value fee) =$67.3 , in other words , if I sold this gun in $470.00 , I actually only can get $402.70.
3) I don't want to do penny start right now , I don't want to take risk if the final bid price is pretty low, then I must sell my gun , if penny start , I have to set reserve price, that maybe cost me $10.

 

[efeng9622]

When I see one feedback, MO only and $50 shipping charge I move on immediately. That a possible fraud or hijacked account.

Do you mean I put $ 50.00 was too low ? actually the total charge is at least $60.00 shipping and handling plus $32. insurance I only asked buyer to pay $50, then I pay rest , I already wrote "seller pays insurance"

 

[efeng9622]

Ya, with taxes, transfer fees, etc. that gun is touching $700 in many places.

Penny start and lots of good pictures will probably help get closer to what the OP wants for it.

Stay safe.

If the gun sold for $510, the buyer only pay $50 + tax + transfer, it is impossible to touching $ 700. please see that case, https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1015600513, the price is $504. the seller only ask shipping $25.00.

 

[SKILCZ]

A lot of variables go into selling online. Shipping charges, credit card availability, and the posting itself. How does your posting match the others? Don't give up. I always start mine at a penny. It’s cost me a few times, but mostly it does give people bidding. The more expensive the item, the greater the risk.

Agreed. I've watched a ton of auctions over the years, and those with no reserve and low starting price (especially the penny starts) often fetch higher prices than a lot of the high starting bid, high reserve price items. Basically, it puts blood in the water and the sharks start to frenzy. Granted, you could get burned, and I've gotten a deal here and there this way, but I believe things sell better with a lower starting price, generally speaking. The same goes for homes, IMO. A low starting price sometimes ends up in a bidding war, whereas too high an asking price might prevent people from even taking a look at it.

Lack of prior feedback is another potential issue. Knowing you're not sending a money order off to a guy with no feedback gives you piece of mind that you're less likely to get scammed. Feedback also tells you if the person accurately represents their items in the photos and descriptions. It also can make some legal issues less likely.

Shipping charges, whether or not you take credit cards (and whether or not you charge a fee for them if you do), etc. are other issues that can make two seemingly equally priced guns on the surface suddenly not be so equally priced when it's all added up.

 

[LiveLife]

saw a same handgun already end of bid on 11/1 and the price was $504 .00

there are at lease three people who bided price high than $470.00 . but 4 days already passed , Why did no one to come to bid my gun or asked me question ?

Value of anything used is what someone is willing to pay at that moment ... Period. And it doesn't matter what sold the previous day as the buyer willing to pay may not exist anymore.

It could be three people who were willing to pay bought something else or got interested in something else and no one bidding may have nothing to do with your gun price. Keep in mind that many stores started pre Black Friday sales (I just came back home from doing pre Black Friday shopping at Home Depot, Tractor Supply and Harbor Freight).

Next week, you could have 10 buyers bidding up the price or not as they all could be shopping Black Friday sales. You just can't tell what the auction market will do on any given day.

FYI IMHO, around Black Friday when most shooters/reloaders do quite a lot of shopping (Some stock up for the upcoming year if prices are good enough), it would be hard competition to be selling anything gun related.

 

[P89DCSS]

Do you mean I put $ 50.00 was too low ? actually the total charge is at least $60.00 shipping and handling plus $32. insurance I only asked buyer to pay $50, then I pay rest , I already wrote "seller pays insurance"

Look at your GunBroker competition. $15 shipping and no credit card fees is the gold standard. You're overpriced and a red flag for fraud. No one will seriously consider buying your gun. Armslist face to face is your best option.

 

[Chief TC]

I typically don't buy guns on GB. I buy on GI. GI can be severely overpriced but plenty of folks sell things for what it is worth based on current market conditions. I have sold and bought several on GI with great success and no issues. I like the idea of selling and buying something for what it is worth (yes, I know that is subjective). I've never paid too much on GI but you can definitely wait awhile waiting for the thing you want to come around. I prefer the straightforward process. Just my 2 cents.

 

[I6turbo]

I posted an ad to sell a handgun in gunbroker 4 days ago, my starting price is $470.00 , no reserve price, I saw a same handgun already end of bid on 11/1 and the price was $504 .00 the bid history shows there are at lease three people who bided price high than $470.00 . but 4 days already passed , Why did no one to come to bid my gun or asked me question ?

thanks.

I need to see your ad to tell you what's up. I've bought and also sold quite a few guns on GB, and have watched hundreds of auctions. There is definitely a right and wrong way(s) to sell if you want to get the most bucks for yours.

 

[efeng9622]

I need to see your ad to tell you what's up. I've bought and also sold quite a few guns on GB, and have watched hundreds of auctions. There is definitely a right and wrong way(s) to sell if you want to get the most bucks for yours.

Sure , the item # is 1017070257. thanks.

 

[cslinger]

Hard truth.
-there is nothing special about what you are selling
-you only have 1 feedback
-Your shipping is expensive or at least it’s IN YOUR FACE instead of just figuring it into your asking price
-Your payments are limited in nature (not a huge deal in and of itself but when I have other options I will look elsewhere unless it’s for something special or for an exceedingly good deal)
-More pictures are always better especially if you willingly point out any flaws. Goes a long way for credibility when you are willing to show any bad with the good.
-You’re trying to sell an anachronistic revolver in the age of large capacity itty bitty 9mm semi autos so your market is going to be far smaller. (I love revolvers not saying they nor yours suck or anything just calling out the market)

So basically at minimum I am paying 470+50+transfer/taxes for a used gun, that is not in any way unique or difficult to source from an unknown entity with limited payment options. For myself personally I’d rather pony up a little extra cash for a new gun, that I can pay with a credit, from an established retailer who is able to eat the shipping.

That’s just my PERSONAL opinion of your add if I was looking to buy. None of that is meant with any disrespect just as to detail why I wouldn’t give your add a second thought.

 

[efeng9622]

Hard truth.
-there is nothing special about what you are selling
-you only have 1 feedback
-Your shipping is expensive or at least it’s IN YOUR FACE instead of just figuring it into your asking price
-Your payments are limited in nature (not a huge deal in and of itself but when I have other options I will look elsewhere unless it’s for something special or for an exceedingly good deal)
-More pictures are always better especially if you willingly point out any flaws. Goes a long way for credibility when you are willing to show any bad with the good.
-You’re trying to sell an anachronistic revolver in the age of large capacity itty bitty 9mm semi autos so your market is going to be far smaller. (I love revolvers not saying they nor yours suck or anything just calling out the market)

So basically at minimum I am paying 470+50+transfer/taxes for a used gun, that is not in any way unique or difficult to source from an unknown entity with limited payment options. For myself personally I’d rather pony up a little extra cash for a new gun, that I can pay with a credit, from an established retailer who is able to eat the shipping.

That’s just my PERSONAL opinion of your add if I was looking to buy. None of that is meant with any disrespect just as to detail why I wouldn’t give your add a second thought.

cslinger: I am an individual, I am not able to accept credit card payment , but if I add " personal check" can it help me ? accepting personal check means I have to wait several days to cash the check, buyer also will know my bank account when I cashed the check. where did you find I have " 1 feedback" because i can
t see it ?

 

[efeng9622]

I am going to try penny start and set a reserve price, but if end of bids , the price did not touch reserve price, and I like to change mind to sell the gun to last buyer,
how can I contact the buyer? because right now only buyer can contact seller by email , should I ask gunbroker.com?

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

Why not sell it here?

 

[cslinger]

After your user name it says A+(1). So you have 1, albeit good, feedback.

There is nothing inherently wrong with what or how you are selling and yes we as individuals are limited in how we can accept payment and frankly I always ask for postal money orders in the rare occasions I might sell something. The problem is when dealing on a site like GB you have a ton of “strangers” looking at your add and unless it’s cheap, rare, or exceedingly convenient then most folks will move on.

The few times I’ve sold in the past I have done so on forums where I am already a known quantity with a history there and I am able to converse with folks and provide additional info etc. not the worst idea to offer up a phone number if asked in case somebody wants to talk to you to feel you out.(NOT IN THE AD OF COURSE . Just something to the effect of happy to take or make calls to discuss or some such)

You are just in a tough selling spot.
-unknown seller
-limited ability to accept payment
-No cheap way to ship
-limited product market
-too expensive for it to be a “what the hell on a whim” purchase
Etc.

Most of that you really cannot fix or control unfortunately. If it were me I’d try selling on a Ruger forum or something to that effect after you’d spent some time there and contributed as a member.