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Is this acceptable or in poor taste? (pedal trade content)


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Do you guys think it is OK or not to offer a builder trades for their pedals...for instance they had a pedal for sale at $150 and you inquired about trading them a pedal you have that is worth the same or a little more for it. I have traded stuff with a few prominent dealers before (some don't advertise they accept trades so I won't list names). Thoughts? Any builders care to weigh in on it?

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I have done one or two trades like this (very successful) and one turn down...on things which I probably couldn't have afforded (or justified) or wouldn't have tried in normal circumstances.

 

It's good if you have had some contact before the request (ie. have some idea of their tastes and/or interests - perhaps not even guitar related). And make sure the trade is more than reasonable value wise for the vendor. It's pretty insulting to ask to trade something that the vendor might even like, but is worth a lot less than their gear.

 

 

This brings up an interesting Q...

 

...what do you guys think is a reasonable trading margin or % value difference for what you're trading for?

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Percentage varies - some kit seems to hold value better. At a guess it's probably typically between 50% and 75%?

 

What I usually do is have a quick look on Ebay, see what completed lots have gone for and pick a figure in the middle, so ignoring any bidding wars or incredible bargains. If the trade on offer is tatty then I'd value it a bit lower, if it's in as-new condition I'd value it a bit higher.

 

One chap was convinced that he could sell a pedal for more than I was willing to discount by, so he bunged it on Ebay and got a great price for it. I'm sure I've offered some people more than they would have gotten from Ebaying the pedal - there's an element of guesswork on both sides, and it's down to whether I and they think it's worth it. Usually it is, because I don't low-bal people on kit I'm actually interested in, and they don't have the hassle of having to sell it.

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The majority of smaller builders are players and collecters just like us, so its always worthwhile to ask and see. and for many it is as much a hobbie than business. Just keep your pricecs fair and don't expect silly deals from someone, exactly the same as trading here I guess, but their item will be brand new so a bit more expensive to begin with.

 

David

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A little while ago I was thinking about asking for a trade deal with a local shop (small guitar maker-owned shop). Anyway, I have a mint in box $600 pedal (that's no longer made - NOS) I'd like to swap with a $300 pedal he has. What would be a reasonable deal? His pedal and $150 on top for mine?

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I don't know. If I saw the builder posting in the spam thread or otherwise verbalizing that they were interested in a particular item, r just something in general, then I don't think it would be in bad taste to ask. I'd feel kind of awkward just e-mailing a builder out of the blue to ask for a trade and talking to them first kind of seems like you have an alterior motive. The only problem I'd really have with it is that I don't like to take a loss on something just because. This is usally the case with dealers, so it might just be more beneficial to sell it outright.

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Originally posted by 4Kenoath

A little while ago I was thinking about asking for a trade deal with a local shop (small guitar maker-owned shop). Anyway, I have a mint in box $600 pedal (that's no longer made - NOS) I'd like to swap with a $300 pedal he has. What would be a reasonable deal? His pedal and $150 on top for mine?

 

If you think the pedal is worth about $450 then yes. Can't hurt to ask (politely). :)

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As a builder I don't mind trades. I am always looking to increase my pedal collection, so if it's something I don't have, I will usually give a little more in trade than if it's something that's a dime a dozen.

 

The biggest issue is when somebody expects retail value in trade for a new pedal. If it's something I want, I will sometimes, but I have connections with quite a few dealers, so I can get just about anything at dealer cost anyway.

 

I say, it doesn't hurt to ask, the worst that could happen is they say no.

 

Jon Cusack

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I've never done a trade for a mod, but that's purely because I've never been offered anything I want. Dunno why, but I always get offered Tube Screamers and seeing as I already have three I'm not likely to say yes. That and the fact that I am relatively GAS free and have been for several months.

 

Besides, the prices I charge all I'm likely to get offered (aside from the Tube Screamers!) IS a broken Dano Mini. Probably one that dot has already rejected too. :rolleyes::D

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