Selling a high value saddle via ebay

Casey76

Casey76

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Would you?

I need to sell my dressage saddle, as it just doesn't fit me and it isn't something that could be altered easily or without significant cost - would be cheaper and less hassle to get it custom made basically - darn that miniscule thigh length that I have!

Anyway, I (think) I have more of a chance of selling it for a decent price on ebay than I do via my tack shop (who mainly do px anyway, and I'm really trying to reduce the number of saddles I have ;) )

I've never done much selling via ebay, and it seems to be like a complete minefield now.

If I did go ahead and list it, do you have any advice on how to make it an "attractive and informative" listing?

TIA :)
 
Ebay is a bit of a roulette, but you can get decent money it all depends if people are looking at that moment. If you aren't desperate for the money they I would probably try and sell via adverts. I don't know about france, but I looked on preloveed when I was looking for a saddle. Then if it doesn't sell you could go for ebay.
As for the advert - get good pictures, in good light! As much info as you have about the saddle in the advert so any different sizing/flap length etc
 
Mainly the photos - good clear photos in a good light, from all angles. Make sure it is sitting attractively - level, and a nice clean numnah underneath won't harm. And of course give it a clean so its nice and shiny!

Do include the measurements (D to D and cantle to stud) - even though they still vary, people do use them.

Also, as it's a known brand at a high price, you should know all the details - the year it was made, the exact size. I am still amazed that so may people advertise saddles with no width (or even say the wrong one when it's clearly marked on the photos).

Describe any marks and try to get them in the photos.

Describe the horse it fits as that can help anyone that might be buying speculatively - e.g. high-withered 15.2 TB, or broad 17hh warmblood...

I find these days that I use a start price of the least I will take - it's cheaper on the listing fee than a reserve, and then the buyer knows what they are up against. Seems easier and more honest all round.

Good luck!
 
Include the serial number, so prospective buyers can double-check it is what you say.

And be prepared for people to take the proverbial - I listed a saddle for £300, and got an offer of £50.
 
To be honest it's nothing but a worry. EBay take some whacking great fees and then Paypal take another great whack for buyer and seller protection that are supposed to be given by ebay anyway.

I've got two WOW dressage saddles to sell in July and I've decided not to use eBay again except to buy. They will be going on Preloved instead, where I can afford to sell them cheaper and still come out with the same money in my pocket.
 
If its a good make I would try Preloved or a FB group that covers your speciality and put on several pages. I have bought and sold saddle on e-bay but there seem to be more problems with buyers now. Just make sure you put it on sites people are likely to want that sort of saddle. I bought my lovely Ideal Ramsey off Preloved, I paid cash so it only cost the seller a bit of time and the £5 it cost to join.
 
I agree, use Facebook/Preloved. Mainly because ebay take quite a large proportion of the sale! FB/Preloved are free :D I ended up selling mine on facebook, and have sold a few expensive bits on preloved :)
 
Put it on eBay but say you have it advertised elsewhere and to contact you before bidding. I've done this with high value things you can then arrange a bank transfer for payment and do the sale outside of eBay to save the fees.
 
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